When the weather warms up, a homeowner’s thoughts turn to the yard. You may have trimmed the same trees, weeded the same flowerbeds and mowed the same grass for years. But do you take the same safety precautions every time you perform your outdoor chores?
Each year, about 35,000 people are injured and almost 100 people are killed on or near riding lawn mowers and garden tractors, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. One out of every 5 deaths involves a child. The CPSC estimates that most of the deaths to children occurred when a child was in the path of a moving mower.
Other garden equipment can be dangerous, too, even when it’s not in use. For example, weed- and hedge-trimming equipment have sharp blades that can cut you if the blades are mishandled.
Your electric cooperative encourages you to take the following precautions to prevent injuries from lawn and garden equipment.
Never work with electric power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground-fault circuit interrupter on all outdoor circuits. GFCIs come in several models, including a portable plug-in type.
Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.
Unplug electrical tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts.
Dress appropriately for the task. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts (to avoid injuries from thrown objects like rocks or sticks). Clothes should be close-fitting. Don’t wear jewelry (to avoid getting anything caught in moving parts). Your attire should also include sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, eye protection, heavy gloves (to protect hands when changing, sharpening or cleaning blades) and hearing protection when using motor-driven equipment.
Before starting up machinery, remove objects from the area where you are working that can cause injury or damage equipment, such as sticks, glass, metal, wire and stones.
Make sure safety devices on the equipment are in place and functioning properly before starting work.
Never let a child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower, even if the child is supervised.
Teenagers should be allowed to operate outdoor power equipment only if they possess adequate strength and maturity to do so safely. They also should be supervised by a responsible adult.
Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Young children move quickly and are attracted to mowers and mowing activity, especially if they have been given rides on mowers before.
Never assume children will remain where you last saw them. Be alert and turn off the mower if children enter the mowing area. Use extra care when backing up or approaching corners, shrubs and trees.
Never fill gasoline tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still hot. Store gas in an approved container away from the house. Finally, never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline or gasoline-powered equipment.
