SPRING TIPS 2006

SPRING HAS SPRUNG - ARE YOU READY?

OUTDOOR SPRING SAFETY

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 With spring and warmer temperatures approaching, our thoughts turn to being outdoors doing a variety of activities, chores, repairs, etc.  However, we must be aware of potential safety hazards while working.  Don't let a pleasurable time turn into tragedy for your family this spring.  Below are a few safety tips on how to play it safe this spring:
  • Spring rituals such as cleaning gutters, painting your house, and fixing damaged shingles all have the same thing in common.  They all involve using a ladder.  Select the right ladder, of the right height for the job.  Set up the ladder on a firm, level surface.  Check the ladder for loose or broken rungs, missing or loose screws or hinges before using.  Don't over-reach; reposition the ladder as necessary to be close to your work.  Move materials with caution; sudden weight shifts can affect balance.  Don't put a ladder near overhead power lines as coming in contact with overhead power lines can result in an electric shock or death.  Don't forget to look up and all around.
  • Spring cleaning is also a time to take out those toolboxes to make repairs.  Never Leave sharp tools or power tools lying around.  Keep them safely locked away and out of reach.  It is extremely important that you check your tools regularly for defects or broken parts including checking for nicks, exposed wiring, and broken and/or damaged plugs.  Also, read the owner's manual for every tool.  Learn the controls well enough that you will be able to instantly stop the machine in case of emergency.  Unplug electrical equipment when it's not in use and never use it when it's wet outdoors.
  • Teach your children not to play in the shed.  Use the shed to lock away dangerous chemicals like weed killers, sharp tools, and electrical equipment when not in use.
  • Children can easily slip through holes in fences, walls, and gates and get onto busy streets. Make sure your garden or yard is secure by keeping exits in good repair.  Keep an eye on children when they are playing with animals.
  • Maintain swings and other play equipment.  Make sure they fit securely in the ground.  Don't set them on hard surfaces such as gravel or paving, or near greenhouses.
  • Check that paths and steps are not broken, uneven, or could trip you, your children, or guests.  Keep them clean and well maintained.
  • Install ground-fault circuit interrupters on all outdoor outlets.  They can reduce the risk of electrocution by cutting the power supply if an electrical tool malfunctions or a cord is cut.
  • Before mowing your lawn, rake your lawn to remove large rocks, branches, and other potential hazards.  Never mow wet grass.  Doing so can cause you to slip and lose control.  Make sure your mower or tractor is in good running condition before using it for the first time after a long period of not being in use.  Never, under any circumstances, leave the mower on while unattended, even for a few minutes.  Eager to help children can get injured if they try to operate it.
  • Getting your yard in tip-top shape for summer is also a large part of spring-cleaning.  A lot of people work for hours in their yards, putting in a new garden, planting flowers and shrubs, digging up old plants, and planting new trees  Please note that underground wire installations are becoming more common on today's electrical systems.  Do not let your guard down just because the lines are not visible.  You may cut or damage the wire while digging.  Striking an underground wire may cause an outage or an electric shock causing injury or death.