What safety actions should you take before operating a gasoline-powered mower?

• A. Only check fuel level.
• B. Inspect blades and guards, check fuel level, ensure safety switch works, wear PPE, and clear debris.
• C. Ignore safety features and start immediately.
• D. Only wear PPE if uncomfortable.

Answer: (B)

Before starting a gasoline-powered mower, you should run through a safety-and-prep check that covers the machine, the fuel, and your protection for a safe operation. Inspect the blades and guards for damage or looseness; a chipped blade or missing/failed guard can cause serious injuries or throw debris. Check the fuel level and look for leaks or spills, making sure you’re using the right fuel and that connections are secure. Ensure the safety switch or interlock works properly so the blade stops when you operate the control; a functioning safety system is essential to quickly shut things down if something goes wrong. Wear appropriate PPE—eye and hearing protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear—to protect against flying debris and hot surfaces. Clear the area of rocks, sticks, toys, and other debris that could become projectiles or damage the mower. This combination of machine checks, fuel safety, safety device verification, personal protection, and a clean work area is why this approach is the best, rather than focusing on a single task or neglecting safety features.