The warmer weather brings the urge to get started on lawn and gardening care. Unfortunately, thousands of people a year are injured by improper use of gardening tools. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) has some safety reminders before taking on Mother Nature.
Carefully read the instructions on your lawn and garden products before using them. Lawnmowers and other lawn and garden equipment with sharp blades and rapidly moving parts can cause serious injury by cutting off a finger or a toe. Never remove the guards.
If you are digging near the home, have the local power company come out and mark the underground electrical lines on your property. That way you can safety plant your foliage without the risk of electrocution.
When working on a ladder by the house, be aware of any overhead power lines. If you have a metal ladder, stay well away from the lines; it will conduct electricity.
Electrical outdoors tools should not be operated in the rain or in wet conditions.
Make sure your extension cords are rated for outdoor use and in good condition. Inspect the power tools and mower for frayed power cords, broken plugs and cracked or broken housing. If the product is damaged, stop use immediately and repair it or replace it.
Keep children well away from lawnmowers and other products, which can throw objects such as rocks and sticks. Never leave the mower unattended while running and don't allow young children or inexperienced people operate the mower.
Products like power shovels or diggers, lawnmowers, mulchers, tillers, thatchers and leaf or snow blowers move and have moving parts that can cut, burn, even blind when directions are not followed. When they become blocked, unplug the appliance (or turn off the engine of a gasoline powered product) before trying to remove the obstruction. Try to use a long stick to remove the blockage, before using your hand. Even when the engine is off, blades can remain spring-charged, resulting in swift movement when its path is cleared.
Before you mow the lawn be sure the area is clear of stones and twigs that might be thrown by blades. Don't try to cut wet grass or operate an electrical mower in the rain. Never make adjustment to the wheel height or to the blade while the engine is running. Make sure the cord for electrical mowers is out of the cutting area. Be sure to wear hard-toed shoes to protect your feet. When mowing a hill, work your way across it and not up and down the slopes.
Source: ESFI
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