SafetyIssues Personal and Public Safety News Articles: Gardening Safety

Gardening Safety
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Staff writer for safetyissues.com on 07/11/08 02:57:00
 
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.