Advice for Gardeners : Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Gardening

Each year many serious accidents occur while mowing the lawn. The two most common lawn mower related injuries are getting cut by a lawn mower blade and being struck by a propelled object. Prior to operating a mower, Try these helpful mower safety tips.

Users Should wear face shields or safety goggles or glasses with side shields, safety shoes, and hearing protection during the operation of all lawn mowers. Gloves may be worn when using walk-behind mowers. Safety helmets should be worn when using a ride-on mower around tall bush and low hanging tree limbs. All mower discharge chutes shall be guarded with shields or approved grass catchers to deflect or stop foreign objects during operation.

Gardening involves the use of various sizes and types of lawnmowers, grass/weed cutting tools, edging tools, hedge clippers and other hand tools. The most significant dangers are being struck by the blade or a foreign object thrown by the high speed blades and noise-inducted hearing loss

Prior to mowing, Users clear the area to be mowed of all people and inspect for foreign objects, raised sprinkler heads, holes, soft ground, and obstructions.
If you are using a push mower, always push the mower in front of you. Do not pull it behind you.
When mowing hills and slopes, operators shall know the special precautions to follow. Slopes, hills, or banks exceeding a 30 degree angle shall be mowed with a push or self-propelled walk-behind mower in a horizontal (across) direction.
If you have a petrol fuelled mower, store the gas in a appropriate safety container. Fill the mower outside, using a funnel to prevent spills. Stay away from possible ignition sources and replace gas cap firmly when done.
Make sure all safety guards are in place and keep the mower's blades sharp. If you hit an object or have a mower malfunction, remember to turn off the mower and disconnect the power cable before inspecting for damage.
Keep your hands and feet away from the mower's blades. Never reach under the mower for any reason while the mower is in operation.
Safe footwear is important, especially with walk behind mowers. Make sure your shoes provide good traction to reduce slipping and shinguards are fitted securely. Never work barefoot or in sandals.
Never leave the mower unattended while running and don't allow young children or inexperienced people operate the mower.

Larger Mowers

Read the operator's manual to familiarize yourself with the machine. Learn the location and use of controls, gauges, and dials with the machine (the farm supervisor should review the mower's operation with you) Check to see that all belts, chains or gears are properly guarded. Check the discharge chute to see that it is present, point downward, and unobstructed. Inspect the work area for debris, holes, ditches, stumps, irrigation valves, etc. Remove all debris and clearly mark any obstacles. Wear ear plugs or ear defenders to protect your hearing. Wear safety glasses to protect you eyes from flying debris. Dress properly! Do not wear shorts or open-toed shoes while cutting the grass. If you are using a push mower,Steel-toed boots and Shinguards are strongly recommended). Do not disable any safety devices. Start the engine properly, do not bypass the starting mechanism by using a screwdriver or other tool. Familiarize yourself with speeds, slope capabilities, braking and steering characteristics, and mower clearances. Do not allow passengers. Do not mow during dark or twilight. Use caution when mowing on a slope. Always look behind you before backing.
Never leave a mower unattended with the engine running. Always disengage the blades, put the mower in neutral or park, turn off the engine, and apply the parking brake.

Hedge Clipping Safety Tips

When using power tools read and follow safety instructions and maintenance recommendations. If using electric tools be sure that the extension cables are of the proper gauge and are in good repair. Always wear recommended safety equipment. Electric hedge clippers shall be inspected, cleaned, oiled, and sharpened as required when in use. A grounded power cable shall be used if the tools is not double insulated. The cable shall be inspected before use and daily for condition. The cable shall be kept away from the cutting surface and out from under the feet of the operator. The cutting teeth of the clipper shall not be pointed toward the body of the operator. The unit shall be shut off and unplugged while moving from job to job. Gloves shall be worn when operating hedge clippers. No electric power tool shall be operated in rain, sprinklers, or any kind of precipitation.

If you have any doubt about your ability to safely prune your trees, consult a qualified professional arborist or tree surgeon. Certified arborists or tree surgeons have specialized training in tree care and tree problem diagnosis. They are qualified to become members of professional organizations. Look for their respective certificate.

Protective clothing -

Gardening gloves and hard-wearing shoes can help protect you, and if using electrical tools goggles and ear protectors will be essential.

Safety Tips for using gardening tools:

Before using any tool or appliance, read and follow the manufacturer's use and care instructions that come with the product. Check the switch on your power tool or garden appliance to make sure it's "OFF" before you plug it in. First, wear safety goggles. There is always the possibility of flying fragments from striking objects in the ground. Safeguard toes and feet by wearing sturdy shoes that will withstand a slip up with your favourite tool.Wear garden gloves - not only as protection from blisters, dirt and scratches, but also to provide a firmer grip on tools. Select the right tool - not only for its function, but also for its length and weight to fit you.Keep your tools in top condition. Make sure handles fit tightly; discard any tool with a chipped or battered head. Check the work area to avoid hitting hard objects that could damage the tool or you! Pay attention to warning markings. When using tools or extension cables outside, make sure they are appropriate for outdoor use. Before each use, inspect your lawn and garden tools for frayed power cables or broken casings. If the product is damaged, don't use it and don't attempt to make repairs yourself. Return the product to the retailer or manufacturer if it is new or under warranty, or have a qualified repair shop examine the product. Never alter a product or remove safety features such as blade guards or plug grounding pins.
Put your tools away clean,they will be safer and will last longer!