Gardening Safety

Gardening Safety as the First Priority

Gardening tools and equipment, whether powered or not, can cause serious injury. It is wise, therefore, to ensure you are clear on the correct way to use each item and that you examine equipment for potentially dangerous faults before you use it.

• As far as practical, avoid distractions and ensure young children and pets are kept under proper control when they are around gardening equipment.
• Read instructions and warning labels on garden equipment.

• Avoid working with blunt tools such as saws or axes since the additional effort required can introduce its own risks. Know how to sharpen your tools or take them to a professional for sharpening
• Ensure your tetanus injection is up to date. Tetanus lives in soil and because gardeners are constantly working with soil as well as with tools that can cut or puncture the skin, they are particularly susceptible to tetanus infection.
• Take care when handling chemicals of any kind but especially so when they are known to be poisonous. Always keep them in their correct containers, ensure they are clearly labelled and store them out of harms way. If you are using other equipment for chemicals, as when spraying, ensure it is properly cleaned after use and before putting away.