Wear protective clothes/gear

Gardening is one of the most healthful ways you can have fun outdoors and relax, be physically active, and beautify your surroundings. Your garden can also be a source of fresh fruits and nutritious vegetables.

However, it also poses hazards.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission says nearly 400,000 people go to hospital emergency rooms each year for treatment of injuries related to mowers and various garden tools. Whether you are an accomplished gardener or a budding beginner, safety precautions are important.

Safety Tips:

Wear protective clothes/gear.
* Use protective goggles, safety shoes, and sturdy long pants when operating mowers and machinery.
* Put on ear plugs to protect hearing when operating noisy machinery.
* Wear heavy gloves when handling sharp objects (such as when changing or cleaning mower blades).
* Guard against disease-causing ticks and mosquitoes. Apply insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts.
* Protect your skin against sunburn and UV damage. Apply sunscreen and wear wide-brimmed hats.

Think safety.
* Minimize distractions when operating machinery.
* Stick to instructions on product labels, especially when using chemicals and equipment.
* Be careful when sharpening tools.
* Make sure dangerous chemicals and tools are out of reach to children. Store gasoline and chemicals in approved containers.
* Remove loose objects (sticks, glass, pebbles, wires, etc.) from your working area. These could damage your equipment or cause injuries.
* Only responsible adults should operate a mower or garden tractor. The adult may allow teenagers only if they are strong and mature enough to run the equipment safely. Never let children ride a mower.
* Be alert at all times for children suddenly entering the mowing area. Better still, have children remain indoors, under adult supervision, while mowers and power equipment are being used.
* Unplug electric-powered tools or disconnect wires to spark plugs on gasoline-powered tools before you do any maintenance work on them.
* Be careful about handling gasoline. Fill up gas tank before starting, while the engine is cold.  Top up gas tanks only when equipment has cooled down or when machinery has been turned off, and remember to wipe up any spills. Never smoke or use an open flame or set off any sparks around gasoline or gasoline-powered tools/equipment.

Guard against heat-related illness.
* Drink lots of water regularly while you work. You’re losing fluids as you sweat so don’t wait until you feel thirsty.
* Stay away from beverages containing alcohol or large amounts of sugar, especially on very hot days.
* Take regular breaks. Find some shade to allow your body’s internal temperature to recover. If you feel sore in the muscles or experience breathlessness, it is advisable to stop working.
* Be alert for signs of heat-related illness: headache or dizziness, high pulse rate, feeling extremely hot, nausea or even unconsciousness.
* Consume healthy, energy-filled foods to make sure you don’t run out of energy.
* Keep track of those who are more vulnerable to heat-related illness: infants, children below 4 years of age, seniors over 65 years of age, those who are overweight or are physically ill or are under medication.

Check your vaccinations.
* Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up-to-date. Adults should get vaccinated for tetanus every 10 years. Because tetanus inhabits the soil, gardeners are especially vulnerable to tetanus infections when skin is broken (e.g. by sharp tool or sharp thorns).

Check your limits.
* If you are under medication, avoid operating machinery or doing tasks that may have high risk for injury (e.g. climbing ladders).
* Be alert to your body. Keep track of heart rate and fatigue level.