Root Out Lawn and Garden Tool Hazards
Experts offer tips to prevent accidents with power equipment
 NORTHBROOK, Ill.; Spring 2005 - For many Americans, working outdoors on the lawn and in the garden is a great way to exercise and to relax. But safety experts warn that if you're not careful with lawn and garden tools, you could be spending more time indoors, starting with a trip to your hospital's emergency room.
"The most frequent injuries are from lawn mowers, which are unforgiving machines," notes John Drengenberg, manager of Consumer Affairs for Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the not-for-profit product safety testing organization. "Statistics tell us that each year lawn mower accidents send 84,000 people to emergency rooms. But that's not all. Nearly 15,000 others need medical treatment for injuries from trimmers and other power garden tools."
As lawn and garden work begins this spring, Drengenberg and other UL safety professionals recommend taking these precautions when working with power equipment.
Lawn mowers
- Read your lawn mower's owner's manual and know how to stop the machine instantly in an emergency.
- If you have a gasoline-powered mower, store the gas in a UL-Listed safety can.
- Always start the mower outdoors. Never operate the mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed or basement.
- Do not operate an electrically powered lawn mower on wet grass.
- Use an extension cord designed for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your mower.
- Keep your hands and feet away from the mower's blades. Never reach under the mower while the mower is running. Make all adjustments with the motor off.
- Ensure all safety guards are in place. If you hit a foreign object or have a mower malfunction, turn off the mower (and disconnect the power cord from electric models) before inspecting for damage.
- Never leave a lawn mower 'ON' while unattended.
- Keep other adults, children and pets clear. Mowers can fling rocks at up to 200 miles per hour.
- Do not allow children to operate lawn mowers.
- Make sure your shoes provide good traction and have sturdy soles to resist punctures and protect toes. Never work barefoot or in sandals, canvas shoes, etc.
Lawn and garden tools
- Use lawn and garden power tools bearing the UL Mark, which means that representative samples of that product have been tested to stringent safety standards with regard to fire, electric shock and related safety hazards.
- Read and follow the manufacturer's use and care instructions.
- Before use, inspect tools for frayed power cords and cracked or broken casings. If the product is damaged, have it repaired by a qualified technician, or replace it.
- Always wear safety glasses.
- Always wear proper attire. Keep your clothing, hands and feet away from cutting blades at all times. Never wear loose jewelry when you are working with tools.
- Never alter a product or remove safety features such as blade guards or electric plug grounding pins.
- Use only properly rated outdoor extension cords with outdoor electrical tools.
- Check the switch on a power tool or garden appliance to make sure it's 'OFF' before you plug it in.
- Unplug all portable electrically operated power tools when not in use. These tools contain electricity even when turned 'OFF' but still plugged in.
- Pay attention to warning markings. Don't allow tools to get wet unless they are labeled "Immersible." When using tools outside, make sure they are appropriate for outdoor use.
- Use and store power tools and garden appliances away from water sources to avoid electric shock. Never use power tools and appliances in the rain.
- Never carry an appliance by the cord, and never yank the cord when removing it from a receptacle. When disconnecting the cord, always grasp the plug - not the wire. Keep the cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
For more tips on the safe use of lawn mowers, ladders, power saws and home wiring, visit UL's Web site at www.ul.com/consumers.
About Underwriters Laboratories
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety certification organization that has been testing products for more than 110 years. UL tests more than 18,850 types of products annually, and more than 19 billion UL Marks appear on products each year. Worldwide, UL's family of companies and its network of service providers include 58 laboratories, and testing and certification facilities.
|
