Never mow up and down steep slopes, but move across them. Always remain on the uphill side of mowers so that if you or it slips, there is little risk of you being mown as well as the grass.

Always wear stout footwear (preferably with metal toecaps) when mowing. Never pull a powered rotary mower backwards - it could slide over your feet. Be particularly careful to keep feet well away from hover mowers, which can unexpectedly lose their lift.

Always use the grassbox on a rotary mower unless instructions state it is optional. There is usually a deflector flap fitted to direct debris downwards; without this, grit could fly into your face. Some mowers have to be fitted with a discharge chute (sold separately) if used without the grassbox.

Always disconnect the power or the spark plug before cleaning or working around the cutting blades.