Gardening and Lawn Care Safety Checklist

Spending time outdoors doing lawn and gardening work can be a great hobby and means to relaxation. However, if you are not careful, safety experts warn, you could end up spending more time in the hospital or recuperating indoors with an injury than out in the great outdoors.

"Statistics tell us that each year lawn mower accidents send 84,000 people to emergency rooms. But that's not all. Nearly 15,000 others need medical treatment for injuries from trimmers and other power garden tools," said John Drengenberg, manager of Consumer Affairs for Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), the not-for-profit product safety testing organization in a 2005 interview.

To make sure time spent in your yard is enjoyable and safe, use this safety checklist to weed out dangers from your lawn and gardening experience and make positive changes to your outdoor habits.

Lawn Mowers

* Read the owner's manual for your particular lawn mower.

* Use heavy shoes when operating the mower. Never wear sandals or flimsy footwear.

* Pick up trash and debris from the lawn before mowing.

* Always start the mower outdoors. Never operate the mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed or basement.

* Gasoline for gas-powered mowers should be stored in a safety gas can.

* Do not operate an electrically powered lawn mower on wet grass.

* Insist that everyone leave the area of lawn you are mowing to avoid injuries.

* Ensure that all safety guards are in place.

* Wear hearing protection devices to prevent damage to the ears.

* Ensure that a grass catcher is used to help prevent objects from being thrown by the mower.

* Look around frequently to make sure no children, animals, or people have entered the lawn-mowing area.

* Drive a riding mower cautiously and slowly.

* Don't allow children to ride on a mower or to operate one.

* Turn off the mower when not in use and store in a safe area.

Electrical Tools

* Protect the outlets used for operating electric trimmers, mowers and other tools with ground fault circuit interrupters.

* Use an extension cord designed for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tool.

* Before use, inspect tools for frayed power cords and cracked or broken casings. If the product is damaged, have it repaired by a qualified technician, or replace it.

* Make sure the tool's power switch is set to "OFF" before plugging it in.

* Always wear proper attire during operation of tools. Avoid loose clothing and jewelry that can become ensnared.

* Lawn trimmers and edgers could kick up a lot of debris. Safety eyewear can be a smart precaution.

* Make sure the tool is applicable for outdoor use.

* Store tools away from water and in a safe location away from children and pets.

Chemical Products

* Apply agricultural chemicals when the wind is calm.

* Read the label of products and learn the safety precautions before use.

* Eye and nose protection may be needed for some applications.

* Clear the area of application of pets and people. Keep them out of the area for a safe measure of time after a product has been applied.

* Store chemicals in a locked cabinet or building.

* Dispose of chemicals and packaging in a responsible way.

* Keep all chemical products in their original labeled containers.

General Safety

* Check for insect nests periodically. If you prefer, have them professionally removed.

* See if there is poison ivy, oak or sumac growing on the property and kill those plants.

* Inspect trees after storms for broken limbs that may fall.

* Repair cracks in walkways to prevent tripping hazards.

* Wear gloves and safety equipment at all times when working in the yard.