Garden safety

Many people enjoy spending time in their gardens.

However, it's important to make sure your garden is safe and free from any potential hazards.

You can do this by:

keeping all tools in good repair
using protective equipment such as goggles, gloves and safety shoes
positioning ladders at a safe angle on solid ground
keeping paths, patios and steps clean and well-maintained to avoid trips and falls
positioning barbecues away from trees, buildings and fences
never pouring petrol on a lit barbecue
remembering that barbecues are still hot long after you have finished cooking.

It's particularly important to make sure your garden is safe for children.

Try using the following tips:

keep weedkiller and fertiliser in their original containers and out of reach of children, preferably in a secure, locked shed or cupboard
erect a fence around garden ponds and swimming pools
always supervise children when they use paddling pools and turn your pool upside down or put it away when it is not being used
mend broken fences
keep front and back gates closed at all times
fix play equipment securely, keep swings away from glass and avoid placing equipment on a hard surface
use a safety net on trampolines and make sure only one child uses the trampoline at a time
take care with plants that could be poisonous or could pose a choking hazard
tidy all tools away when you are finished with them
keep children indoors when you mow the lawn.

Electrical garden equipment can also be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Take care by:

disconnecting all electrical appliances after use
using a residual current device (RCD) for electrical garden tools and lawnmowers
storing electrical equipment securely and out of reach from children
never using electric power tools in wet or damp conditions
checking that switches are set to 'off' before plugging them in.