Although spring definitely isn’t here yet, it won’t be long until the days start getting longer and we start to think about tidying up the garden.
There’s no denying that electricity makes gardening much easier and it’s difficult to imagine managing without a lawnmower or electrical hedge trimmer, however the risk of injury (or worse) from electric shock is much greater than when using electrical equipment indoors.
It goes without saying that electricity and water just don’t mix so regardless of whether there’s a torrential downpour or heavy dew, never use electrical equipment outdoors until the ground has dried up.
However, provided you follow a few simple safety rules every time you use electricity in the garden, avoiding a serious accident is straightforward.
The best way to protect you from electrical shock and the risk of electrical fires is to fit a residual current device or RCD. Without an RCD, if you accidentally cut through an electrical lead, something as simple as mowing the lawn could kill you.
If you’re using a lawnmower or hedge trimmer it is very important that you make sure the cables, plugs and connectors are in good condition and free from damage. Always buy the best quality mower or hedge trimmer that you can afford and make sure you choose one that it made by a well-known brand. In addition you should read and follow the instructions carefully and check that the plug socket you use is protected by an RCD.
When you’re mowing the lawn make sure the grass is completely dry and that you wear shoes and not sandals or flip flops. Gloves and goggles are a good idea when using a hedge trimmer and make sure children and pets are kept well away from the appliance.
Come back next week to see our follow-up post which will offer more advice on using electricity safely in the garden.
