Make Your Garden Safe!

General

Plan work ahead so that you don't have to rush or take dangerous shortcuts.
Make time for breaks - tiredness makes your careless.
Leave the garden tidy.
Keep paths safe by repairing uneven slabs and broken concrete and clearing mud and moss.
Keep tools, hosepipes, wheelbarrows, watering cans and cables tidy.
Site barbeques away from wooden fences and sheds.
Never use petrol or paraffin on barbeques.
Keep children away from barbeques.
Always ensure that barbeques are completely extinguished after use.

Equipment

Choose the correct tools for the job - seek advice if necessary.
Keep equipment in good condition.
Where necessary, protect your sight with safety glasses.
Use the correct safety gear if you have to use a chainsaw....Is a chainsaw really necessary for the job that you have to do? would another saw do?
Wear stout shoes and gloves.
Lock sheds and garages to keep children out.
Make sure that the ladder base is on firm, even ground.
Position ladders so that the base is one foot out for every four foot vertically.
Do not over-reach or over-balance on ladders.

Electrical

Keep trailing leads away from moving blades when using electric mowers.
Always use a residual current device (RCD) to help protect you from the risk of an electric shock.
Check all plugs, wiring and controls for damage and wear before you start.
Do not try to repair damaged cables - get them replaced.
Always switch off and unplug electrical tools before making adjustments, cleaning or checking for damage.
Keep electrical tools dry when in use or in storage.

Children

Keep chemicals, e.g. weedkillers and insecticides out of the reach of children.
Do not store chemicals in containers other than those designed to store them.
Ensure that play equipment is firmly fixed.
Keep swings away from glass, trees and bushes.
Before buying new plants check whether they are poisonous or cause allergies.
Check fences and gates regularly to ensure that any damage is repaired and gates are kepts shut.
The recommended height for fencing to prevent children from running out is 1200mm (4ft.) with gaps impenetrable by a 100mm (4ins.) sphere.

For further information please contact:
Environmental Health on 01276 707344 or emailenvironmental.health@sureryheath.gov.uk