Outdoor Safety

FACT!!!!
About 50 people are killed and half a million injured in their gardens each year. Heads, hands and feet are most likely to be injured.

Barbeques and Bonfires
Barbecues and bonfires can be a lot of fun when they are safely set up and handled. Set them up away from dangers such as fences, sheds and low trees. Never leave them unattended and ensure bonfires are completely extinguished before you leave them. Never use paraffin or petrol. Instead use special firelighters or starter fluids, which are safe but still require to be treated with respect, as with any inflammable material, and stored safely.

· Always pay attention when using garden equipment, especially if it is electrical.
.Make sure cables trail behind the equipment, never cut towards a flex or use in the rain or wet conditions and always use an RCD with any electrical garden appliance.
· Never clean, lift, adjust or even check electrical garden tools while they are still connected to a power supply.
.Always switch off and unplug first.
.Only clear grass from a power mower once it is switched off and the spark plug cap has been removed.
· Don't clean electrical garden equipment with water - switch off first, unplug and then wipe it with a cloth.· Always protect your feet by wearing strong shoes or boots. Hover mowers and trimmers can easily drift and injure a foot.
· If you have materials such as asbestos and lead in your garden, seek advice about handling it from your local authority or call in a professional.
· Be aware of uneven paving, slippery paths and broken concrete - they can cause accidents.
· Be careful when using chemicals,like weed killers,shed/fence creosote,liquid waterproofers etc.
· Always read instructions carefully,and wear protective clothing.
· Take care when storing Paints and thinners in a shed -remember these are inflammable products.
· Also be careful of charcoal briquettes or barbeque lighters that are soaked in fluid.