Policy Statement for Lawn mowers

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August 8, 2005

Mechanical and Electrical Hazards Division
Consumer Product Safety Bureau

Policy Statement

Health Canada recommends that lawn mowers that are sold, advertised and imported in Canada conform to the voluntary safety requirements specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B71.1-2003, American National Standard for Consumer Turf Care Equipment-Walk Behind Mowers and Ride-On Machines with Mowers-Safety Specifications.

Background

Previously, Health Canada and the Canadian Outdoor Power Equipment Association (COPEA) recommended that lawn mowers distributed in Canada conform to the requirements specified by COPEA s standard entitled Safety Specifications for Walk Behind Power Lawn Mowers. However, this standard was last published in 1983 and COPEA has since ceased operations.

The ANSI B71.1-2003 standard and COPEA s standard are similar in many respects. However, the former specifies additional product testing methodology that reflects advances in lawn mower design. Furthermore, the ANSI standard includes specifications for a wider range of products such as ride-on machines.

Conclusion

Lawn mowers employ high speed moving and rotating parts, and many potential hazards are associated with their operation. Industry conformity to the ANSI B71.1-2003 voluntary standard is a significant contribution towards maintaining and improving the health and safety of Canadians.

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Shannon Whittle
Project Officer/Agente de projets