When selecting a lawnmower, make sure that any model you choose has the following safety features:

• To reduce the possibility of a child accidentally starting the lawnmower, a lock-off switch should be fitted. This requires two operations to turn the engine on.
• The mower should be fitted with a blade brake that stops the blades spinning within 5 seconds of being turned off.
• Blades should be well protected so that there is no danger of them coming into contact with the user's feet.
• Make sure that the mower is fitted with a deadman's handle. This is an automatic cut-off device that ensures that blades stop and mowers cannot move accidentally. The handle is held whilst mowing and then turns the engine off when released.