Consumer Press Releases
Wise up in the garden this Spring
16th May 2008
As warm weather lures people into the garden armed with their mowers, strimmers and power tools, the Electrical Safety Council is warning that doing the gardening could be riskier than you think. Research by the consumer safety charity has found that 70% of people in the UK could unwittingly be putting their lives on the line this weekend through failing to take proper precautions when using electrical appliances outside.
Phil Buckle, director of charitable affairs at the Electrical Safety Council explains, “Although electrical equipment makes light work of gardening, wet conditions and physical contact with the ground means that the risk of serious injury or even death from electric shock is much greater when working with electricity out of doors.
“And, while it only takes a momentary lapse in concentration to cut through an electric cable with a lawnmower or hedge trimmer, for example, the consequences can be devastating.”
Worryingly, research by the Electrical Safety Council has found that 32% of people in the UK have used an electrical equipment outside in wet conditions, not realising the dangers. Water and electricity are a lethal combination and the risks resulting from electrical fault or accident in wet or damp conditions are vastly increased.
“While simple precautions like checking plugs and extensions, not using electrical equipment in damp conditions and unplugging tools after use will help prevent your garden from becoming a danger zone, the key to garden safety is to always use an RCD,” says Phil.
An RCD (residual current device) is a life-saving device that automatically cuts off the electricity supply to the appliance if it detects a fault and is particularly important when using mains powered electrical equipment outside. The Electrical Safety Council’s research has found that only 30% of the population use RCDs when working with electrical equipment in the garden.
The Electrical Safety Council recommends that an RCD is always used with corded electrical equipment. RCDs cost under £10 and are available from most DIY and home improvement stores.
So whether you’re trimming the hedge, putting up trellis or mowing the lawn, by following The Electrical Safety Council’s simple tips, you can avoid electrical accidents in your garden.
- Use an RCD for all outdoor electrical equipment
- Check cables and connections for fraying, dirt and damage before use.
- Check equipment has been stored safely and hasn’t been damaged by water.
- Do not work with electrical equipment in wet conditions.
- Protect your feet – wear sensible shoes not sandals or flip-flops.
- Switch off electricity before cleaning, adjusting or checking equipment.
- Do not leave electrical equipment plugged in while unattended.
- Do not try to repair electrical equipment or installations yourself.
- Always buy electrical equipment from a reputable manufacturer – look for the BEAB approved mark or ‘Kitemark’ safety symbol.
- Follow the equipment manufacturers instructions
- Store electrical equipment in a dry place and safely out of reach of children.
More information can be found in the Electrical Safety Council’s guide, Using Electrical Equipment Outdoors. To obtain a free copy call the electrical safety helpline on 0870 040 0561 or download it from website at www.esc.org.uk.
