| When gardening, take the following preparations | | | | required), loose lawn mower belts, missing guards, |
| before embarking on your work. | | | | build ups of grease, and faulty wiring. |
| Right before starting machinery, it's a smart idea to | | | | Common sense would say this, but to be on the |
| remove any external objects from the area that | | | | safe side, never let a child rid or operate a tractor, |
| could whip off and hurt someone or damage | | | | ride on mower even if the child is supervised. |
| property nearby. Check for safety devices on your | | | | Teenage children should employ caution if allowed. |
| equipment and ensure they are turned on and | | | | Whenever children enter the area, it's a good idea to |
| operating properly. Objects to look for are things like | | | | stop the motorized garden work. Motorized garden |
| wire, stones, toy cars, | | | | tools tend to act like magnets to children who |
| When gardening it's important to wear the proper | | | | abound with curiosity. The best solution is to keep |
| clothing. Even if hot, try to wear long pants and | | | | children inside and supervised when work is going on |
| long-sleeved shirts to avoid injuries from objects | | | | with power equipment. |
| thrown from your gardening tools. Jewelry can cause | | | | If your power tool is gas powered, handle the gas |
| many life-long injuries in the form of cut off fingers | | | | carefully. Never fill gas tanks when the power tools |
| and other injuries. Where appropriate anti-slip rubber | | | | are still hot or running. When storing gas for your |
| soled shoes can provide a good balance. Eye | | | | power tools, be sure to keep the gasoline in a |
| protection is essential to avoid eye injuries caused by | | | | certified container, this preserves the fuel and |
| loose debris. Goggles made for gardening and | | | | ensures it does not leak. |
| construction and not swimming goggles should be | | | | Garden equipment can be dangerous even if you |
| used. Hearing protection should also be considered | | | | aren't actively using them. Crowded garages and |
| when operating gardening equipment like mulchers, | | | | sheds with sharp equipment can still inflict cuts and |
| lawn mowers, and hedgers to avoid longer-term ear | | | | grazes. Maintain your equipment by checking oil (if |
| drum damage. | | | | required), loose lawn mower belts, missing guards, |
| Garden equipment can be dangerous even if you | | | | build ups of grease, and faulty wiring. |
| aren't actively using them. Crowded garages and | | | | Mostly common sense will be your friend as you |
| sheds with sharp equipment can still inflict cuts and | | | | garden, however, some of these points may even |
| grazes. Maintain your equipment by checking oil (if | | | | escape the most adamant of safe gardeners. |