Spring into Safety

Spring is right around the corner and when Old Man Winter calls it quits for the year, people all across the world climb ladders to spruce up the exterior of their homes, examine gutter, paint and perform other tasks associated with spring-cleaning. While working around the house can be very rewarding, hundreds of thousands of injuries occur each year as a result of mishaps related to electric tools, ladders and lawn mowers.

To avoid paying a visit to an emergency room this spring, the safety professionals at Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) would like you to be aware of these basic safety guidelines for proper use of your lawn and garden equipment, tools and ladders. Following these precautions and the manufacturer’s instructions may help you to enjoy longer, safer use of your spring cleaning tools and help keep you and your family safe during spring cleaning season.

Lawn Mower Safety

• Before operating your mower, read the owner’s manual thoroughly, noting all safety and operating instructions. Learn the controls well enough to act instantly in an emergency and to stop the machine quickly.
• If you have a gasoline-fueled mower, store the gas in a UL certified safety can. Fill the mower outside, away from possible ignition sources.
• Always start the mower outdoors. Never operate the mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed or basement.
• Electrically powered lawn mowers should not be started on wet grass. Use an extension cord designed for outdoor use and rated for the power need of your mower.
• Make sure all safety guards are in place and keep the mower’s blades sharp.
• If you run over an object hidden in the grass or have a mower malfunction, remember to turn off the mower and disconnect the power cord before inspecting for damage.
• Safe footwear is important, especially with walk-behind mowers. Make sure your shoes provide good traction to reduce slipping and have sturdy sole to resist punctures. Never work barefoot or in sandals, canvas shoes, etc.
• Never leave a lawnmower operational while unattended – curious children, eager to help out, may get seriously injured.

Lawn & Garden Appliance Safety

• Always look for the UL Listing Mark before purchasing a power tool, garden appliance or electrical product.
• Before each use, inspect power tools and electric garden appliances for frayed power cords and cracked or broken casings. If the product is damaged, have a qualified repair shop examine the product.
• Pay attention to warning markings. Don’t allow tools to get wet unless they are labeled “immersible.”
• When using tools or extension cords outside, make sure they are appropriate for outdoor use.
• Never alter a product or remove safety features such as blade guards or electric plug grounding pins.
• Check the switch on a power tool or garden appliance to make sure it is “OFF” before you plug it in.

Ladder Safety

• Always use a ladder that is long enough for the job at hand. A great number of accidents are the result of using a ladder that is too short.
• Don’t carry equipment while climbing a ladder. Invest in a tool belt or have someone hand the equipment to you.
• Face the ladder when climbing up and down; keep your body centered between both side rails.
• While on the ladder, don’t overextend you reach, and keep your weight evenly distributed.
• Make sure people and equipment are off the ladder before moving or closing it.
• Never stand on the ladder’s bucket shelf.
• Read and follow the warning labels for highest standing levels.

Power saw safety

• A blade guard is a necessity. Buy a saw with the guard you feel most comfortable using and keep it on at all times. Some types, such as sabre saws cannot be designed with guards; be especially careful to avoid contact with the blade.
• Always wait for the saw blade to stop before pulling away from a cut to avoid “kickback.” Kickback can occur when the blade jams or binds in the wood and throws the saw toward the operators (portable power saws) or the wood toward the operator (stationary equipment.)
• While operating the saw, keep the cord away from the cutting area and position it so that I will not be caught on the work piece.
• Make sure you use the right saw for the task. For example, don’t use a circular saw for cutting tree limbs or logs. A chainsaw is the appropriate tool in this case.
• Saw blades that are chipped, bent or in any way damaged should be discarded immediately.
• Use clamps or a vise to hold work in place. It’s safer than using your hands and frees both to operate the tool.
• Wear safety glasses, but avoid jewelry while cutting. Watches, bracelets and long sleeves can get caught in the saw’s moving parts.

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