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Mowers,
Strimmers & Hedge Trimmers
It’s
that time of year again! The grass is growing lush and green, and
everything has that post-winter straggly, depressing appearance. At the
first hint of sunshine we wonder if it is dry enough to mow, and where
did we leave the mower?
Mowers, strimmers
and hedge-trimmers can be petrol-powered, electrically-powered with an
electric flex attached, or ‘cordless’. These machines can be used by
people without any form of safety-training whatsoever! Us, the general
public!! O.K. most of us are capable of using them quite competently,
until distracted, but it is worth having a safety cut-out device of some
kind for that odd occasion!
A ‘dead-man’s
handle’ on a petrol mower shuts off the mower-blades and/or engine if
released. It is all too easy to reach down to unblock the chute to the
mower bag and lose a hand. Similarly, a circuit-breaker will cut off the
electric current if there is an electrical fault or you accidentally cut
through the cable. It is so easily done, and it may not be you using the
machine.
Safety glasses,
gloves, sturdy footwear are common sense in garden work. Sunglasses are
better than no eye protection at all. Ear defenders are advised for long
jobs with very noisy tools. A safety platform is essential for trimming
high hedges. Don’t balance on a ladder or kitchen chair, using the
tool with one hand and clinging on with the other. You only have one
life, don’t waste it!
If garden
machinery needs adjusting, turn it off or disconnect the power supply.
Avoid working in a distracting environment, (pets or children running
wild), and do not allow children to operate garden machinery. Need it be
said, do not smoke while refueling a petrol mower???
Climate? While
most of us think we will suffer rust before sunstroke, just remember
that if you are unfit, or out-of-practice, take regular breaks on long
jobs, and frequent drinks of water if the weather is particularly hot
and sunny, even wear a hat! Gardening can be hard work, but it is also
rewarding to sit back and admire one’s work, rather than collapse into
a deckchair absolutely wrecked! |
