Spring is in full swing in Ohio but getting outside to mow the grass has been difficult with all the rain we have had this year. In addition to checking that the lawn mower is tuned up and ready for a summer of work, make sure you remember a few safety tips to keep the work safe:

-Use a push mower with a control that stops the mower when the handle is released. Slips and trips can be more dangerous if the mower keeps running.

-If it is necessary to dislodge debris around the blade, make sure the spark plug is removed or disconnected. Turning the blade can start the mower.

-Wear good shoes while mowing. Sneakers and sandals provide too little protection against objects thrown from under the mower.

-Wear hearing protection while mowing. Many lawn mowers are loud enough to cause hearing loss over time.

-Let the mower cool off before refueling. Spilled gasoline or gas vapors near a hot muffler can easily lead to a fire.

-Protect yourself and others from flying objects by checking the yard for debris and toys before mowing, especially along roadways where litter and rocks accumulate. Keep children and pets away from areas that are being mowed. Projectiles from mowers can inflict serious injuries.

-Look for ground-nesting wasps to avoid mowing over the hives. Colonies will show increased activity as spring progresses. A soap and water solution may work to kill the colony, but if stronger measures are needed pesticides like Sevin or Dursban are effective.

-Children younger than 12 should not be allowed to operate push mowers and then only if they are supervised to make sure they are using the mower safely.