Attention, all green thumbs -- and the bodies attached to them: It's nearly time to get down and dirty in the garden.
Whether you're transforming your backyard into an award winner or just trimming the lawn, remember the following safety tips:
Yard Work
- Always ensure that products such as electric lawnmowers, barbecues, power tools, ladders, decorative lights, extension cords and safety apparel carry the mark of a recognized certification organization, such as CSA Group.
- Read the manufacturer's operating instructions and use products only as intended.
- Wear protective eye and footwear (on eyes and feet, respectively).
- What's that you say? Wear hearing protection when operating loud machinery, vehicles or tools.
Power Lawnmowers
- Know your mower and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Look for these safety features: a rear guard to protect your hands and feet from rotating blades; a "deadman" control that stops the mower when you release the handle; and an "up-stop" feature to prevent the handle from kicking up when the mower hits an obstacle.
- Clear the lawn of sticks, stones, wire, toys and other objects (including that screwdriver you lost in the grass last summer), as they could get caught in the machine or flung by the blades.
- Wear clothing that provides some protection, including long pants, a shirt with sleeves and firmly-tied shoes with non-slip soles and hard toes.
- Never cut the grass when it's damp or wet, or when there is rain or lightning. Wet conditions greatly increase the risk that you will slip, suffer electric shock or clog the mower.
- Always mow in daylight, never at twilight or in the dark. Keep your eyes on the lawn and look ahead (at least three feet) for debris.
- Shut off, unplug and engage your mower's safety devices before removing clogged grass clippings.
- Shut off the mower immediately if you hit an object. Check for damage and do not restart it unless you're sure it's safe to do so.
- As suggested by its name, always push rather than pull a push mower.
- All extension cords should be untangled, in good repair, have a three-prong plug rated for outdoor use and be of the recommended gauge for the load.
