Spring Safety

Ladder safety

On average 145,000 people visit the emergency room each year because of ladder mishaps.

Choose the Right Ladder

A stepladder is the most common type of ladder used in the home.

There are three basic ladder types:

• Type III – Household: light-duty with a load capacity of 200 pounds.
• Type II – Commercial: medium-duty with a load capacity not more than 225 pounds. (Suited for painting and similar tasks.)
• Type I – Industrial: heavy-duty with a load capacity not more than 250 pounds.

These are Five Basic Steps to Follow

• Select the correct ladder for the job.
• Inspect the ladder before you use it.
• Set up the ladder with care.
• Climb and descend ladders cautiously.
• Use common sense when working on a ladder.

When Using a Ladder

• Make sure the ladder is the correct type and length for the type of job you plan to do (see the types above).
• Never leave ladders unattended.
• Keep children away from ladders.
• Before using a ladder, inspect it for cracks or broken joints. Especially a ladder that has been stored for a while.
• Always place your ladder on even, stable, or flat surfaces. Never place a ladder on top of another object.
• Use the one to four ratios to ensure a stable working platform. Place the base of the ladder 1 foot away of whatever it leans against for every 4 feet of height to the point where the ladder contacts at the top.
• Always face the ladder when climbing or descending.
• When using an A-frame stepladder, make sure the braces is locked in place.
• If climbing onto another surface, make sure the ladder extends at least three feet past the platform you will be climbing onto.
• Secure tall ladders by lashing or fastening the ladder to prevent movement.
• Keep both feet on the ladder - never put one foot on a rung and the other foot on a different surface.
• Do not climb higher than the second rung on stepladders or the third rung on straight or extension ladders.
• Never stand on the top or the paint shelf of a stepladder.
• When working with or near electricity, use a ladder made of wood or fiberglass.

Maintaining Ladders

Inspect ladders regularly. Stepladders and extension ladders should be inspected for loose, broken rungs, rails and frozen joints or latches.

Aluminum ladders should be inspected for cracks and broken welds. Aluminum ladders should also be inspected for rough spots and burrs before use.

Wood ladders should be inspected for cracked wood, rot, and splinters. Look for any broken or loose hardware. Protect wood ladders with clear sealant or linseed oil. Never paint a wooden ladder - the paint may hide imperfections such as rot or cracks.

Fiberglass ladders are protected with a clear sealant. If the fiberglass is damaged through the sealant, sand lightly before applying another coat of lacquer.

General Ladder Safety

Read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your ladder. They contain guidelines for weight and height limits as well as for the proper use of their product.

Make sure the ladder is the right height for the job. Many accidents happen when people over extend their reach because their ladders are too short.

Never stand on a ladder’s bucket shelf.

Avoid using a metal ladder near electrical sources.

Inspect the ladder before using it to make sure there are no loose or broken rungs.

Face the ladder when climbing down and make sure your weight is centered between the two sides.

Make sure the ladder is completely open and making sure all locks are engaged. its feet are planted on a firm, level surface. Extension ladders should not be placed at an angle that is too extreme.

Use the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact, move the base of the ladder out 1 foot.

Always use a sturdy ladder.

Make sure rungs are dry before using the ladder.

Before using a ladder outdoors, choose a location that is well away from all power lines.

Coming in contact with live wires can be fatal.

Use the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders: for each 4 feet of distance between the ground and the upper point of contact (such as the wall or roof), move the base of the ladder out 1 foot.

Always face the ladder when climbing and wear slip-resistant shoes, such as those with rubber soles.

Keep your body centered on the ladder and gauge your safety by your belt buckle. If your buckle passes beyond the ladder rail, you are overreaching and at risk for falling.

Stand at or below the highest safe standing level on a ladder. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it's the fourth rung from the top.

Each spring and summer, we all follow the annual ritual of lawn and garden care. Please use caution and common sense when using your lawns and gardens. Statistics show each year approximately 400,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from lawn and garden tools. You need to always use lawn and garden tools responsibly and follow manufacturer's instructions." Take the following precautions to prevent injuries from lawn and garden equipment:

Power Tool Safety

Here are some helpful tips to prevent accidents with power tools:

Before using a power tool, read the instructions carefully. Some tools come with several different blades; pick the right one for the task at hand, and check that it is properly attached.

Never refuel gas-powered equipment while the engine is hot. If the engine has been running, let it cool for at least 10 minutes before refueling.

Wear the proper clothing and protective gear -- sturdy shoes, gloves, long pants and safety goggles when using power garden tools. Do not wear loose clothing that can get caught in spinning parts. Also use earplugs when working with noisy equipment.

Don't use electric gardening tools after a rainfall or heavy dew. The wetness increases the chances of electrocution. For extra protection, plug your tools into an outdoor outlet equipped with a built-in circuit breaker; use a three-pronged extension cord designed for outdoor use.

Always use two hands when operating a hedge trimmer. Don't trim where you can't see if you hit metal or another object, a fragment could come flying back at you. If you are on a ladder, make sure it is steady and secure before turning on the trimmer.

When using a brush cutter or string trimmer, wear heavy boots or shoes to protect your feet. Don't operate the machine close to fences or other objects.

Proper Storage of Tools

Any tools left lying around can easily cause an accident. Proper storage of tools not only makes them last longer, but can also prevent injuries. If there are children around, store hazardous tools such as, garden knives and other and materials in a locked cabinet.

Otherwise, hang tools up whenever possible. For small tools, use a pegboard and hooks or a row of nails hammered into the wall. Use sturdy hooks to store rakes and other large tools. When hanging large objects, make sure the nail is fastened securely into a stud, not just dry wall. Turn any pointed or sharp objects, toward the wall. Make sure anything hanging on the wall is out of the way of normal walk ways.

Lawn Mower Safety

Here are some tips you should follow when you take out that lawn mower:

Before you mow the lawn, clear it of toys, rocks, garden hoses, sticks and debris.

Keep children and pets away from the mower while it is still in use.

When using a walk-behind mower, mow across slopes and keep all four wheels on the ground at all times.

When using a rider mower, mow up and down slopes. Avoid starting, stopping, or turning your riding mower while you are on a slope.

The blades are not the only dangerous part of a mower; the muffler gets extremely hot. Stand directly behind the mower to avoid the line of fire from the discharge chute.

Try not to leave power mowers, tillers and other such equipment outdoors. Rain and heat can damage motors, making them less safe to use. If you don't have a tool shed or garage, cover the equipment with a waterproof tarpaulin or sturdy plastic.

Dress properly. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts (to avoid injuries from thrown objects like rocks or sticks), close-fitting clothes and no jewelry (to avoid getting anything caught in moving parts), sturdy shoes with slip-resistant rubber soles, eye protection, heavy gloves (protects hands when changing, sharpening, or cleaning blades), and hearing protection, such as ear plugs when using motor-driven equipment.

Before starting up machinery, remove objects from area that could cause injury or damage equipment, such as, sticks, metal, wire, and glass.

Make sure safety devices on the equipment are in place properly before starting work.

NEVER let a child ride or operate a garden tractor or riding mower, even if the child is supervised. Teenagers should exercise caution and should only be allowed to operate such equipment if they possess adequate strength and maturity. A responsible adult should supervise them.

Keep children indoors and supervised at all times when any outdoor power equipment is being used. Young children move quickly and are attracted to mowers, especially if they have been given rides on mowers before.

Be alert and turn off the mower if children enter the mowing area. Use extra care when backing up or when approaching comers, shrubs, and trees.

Unplug electrical tools and disconnect spark plug wires on gasoline-powered tools before making adjustments or clearing jams near moving parts.

Be sure power tools are turned off and made inoperable if they must be left unattended to prevent use by children.

Handle gas carefully. Never fill gasoline tanks while machinery is on or when equipment is still hot. Wipe up spills. Store fuels in an approved container and away from the house. Finally, never smoke or use any type of flame around gasoline or gasoline-powered equipment.

Never work with electrical power tools in wet or damp conditions. For protection against electrocution, use a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

Be sure that extension cords are in good condition, are rated for outdoor use, and are the proper gauge for the electrical current capacity of the tool.

Inspect the mower periodically for potential hazards, such as, loose belts, missing or damaged guards, and accumulation of grass, leaves or excessive grease to reduce fire hazards.

Garden equipment can be dangerous even when it is not in use. Sharp blades can cut if they are mishandled. Remember use safety when operating and handling any type of outdoor power equipment.

Swimming Pool Tips

An estimated 260 children under five years of age drown each year in residential swimming pools and spas. Another 3,000 children under age five are treated in emergency rooms following submersion accidents every year. Follow these tips to help ensure your family's safety.

Never leave a child unsupervised near a pool. Provide constant adult supervision for anyone under the age of 12, and for anyone who is a poor or non-swimmer.

Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim - this includes children as well as adults.

Completely fence the pool. Install self-closing and self-latching "child-proof" gates that enclose the pool entirely. Position latches and gate keys out of the reach of children. Have all safety features checked regularly, and be sure to use them at all times.

The area adjacent to the outside of the fence must be free of objects that may aid children in climbing over the fence. These include such items as chairs, tables, and tree branches.

Do not rely on one safety devices alone. Safeguard your pool in layers, with a pool cover; a fence around the pool (fences should be 5 feet high); rescue aids, such as rings, buoys and poles; proper doors and an alarm. Effective barriers are necessary preventive measures, but there is no substitute for supervision.

Learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Emergency first aid could save a life.

Post CPR instructions and 9-1-1 emergency number in the pool area.

Never rely on flotation devices or swimming lessons to protect a child. Twenty-five percent of all drowning victims have had swimming lessons.

Mount basic lifesaving devices near the pool. Pole, rope and personal floatation devices are recommended. Many float-type toys are thought to be lifesavers - they are only toys and should be treated as such.

If a child is missing check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

Install a telephone by the pool or keep a cordless phone nearby so that you can call9-1-1 in an emergency.

Clearly mark the deep end of the pool (more than 5 feet) by a painted line contrasting with the pool bottom. Also, the pool floor should be light in color to identify objects in the pool.

Keep electrical devices away from pools or nearby wet surfaces.

Keep children away from pool filters, as the suction force may injure them or prevent them from surfacing.

Do not swim if you're tired or just finished eating.

Treat diving boards with respect. Never dive into an aboveground pool and check the water depth before plunging into an in-ground pool. Also, keep clear of the area near a diving board.

Chlorinate your pool. A chlorine residual of 0.5 part per million or higher will kill bacteria and keep algae in check. Excessively murky pool water can prevent you seeing someone unconscious on the pool floor.

Don't allow anyone who has been drinking alcohol to use the pool.

Stay out of the pool during rainstorms or during thunder or lightning.

Gardening Safety Tips

Chores vary but include: raking leaves, transplanting trees and shrubs, planting spring-flowering bulbs and perennials, removing dead branches from trees, controlling troublesome weeds, and lawn mowing. Whether you're a master gardener or budding amateur, keep these safety tips in mind.

Avoid overexposure to sun.

Limit the time you spend working in direct sunlight by gardening during early-morning or late afternoon hours. This way, you'll avoid the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. time period when the sun's rays are strongest. Protect your skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, pants instead of shorts, and a wide-brimmed hat. When skin is exposed, apply sunscreen. Heat stress can also occur; so keep water by your side to remain hydrated. Remember to take frequent breaks by resting under shade or going indoors and relaxing in front of a fan.

Warm up.

Cumulative injuries occur, when people overextend themselves on a job they tackle only once or twice a year. Stretch your upper-body muscles before heading outside. For overwhelming tasks, enlist help from family members, take frequent breaks, spread the job across several days or hire professional help. To help prevent strains and sprains, consider the following:

Keep your back erect when working at ground level and when using long-handled tools, such as spades and rakes.

Bend your knees and keep your back straight with your feet shoulder width apart and lift with your legs when picking up objects.

Alternate or use both arms whenever possible.

Keep your elbows bent.

Don't rest your body weight on your elbows.

Grip hand tools lightly.

Work below shoulder level whenever possible. If you must work above shoulder level, perform the task for five minutes or less.

To prevent a mishap, read equipment-operating instructions and be aware of your surroundings. Consider the following when operating power tools:

Know how to operate equipment. Read the manual and follow all instructions.

Wear long pants, close-fitting clothes, sturdy shoes and safety glasses. Don't wear anything that could get caught in moving parts, such as loose jewelry. Tie back long hair.

Handle gas carefully. Fill up before you start - when the engine is cold.

Clear the area of rocks, twigs, toys and anything that could be thrown by mowing equipment.

Keep children and pets away from the area until you're finished. Never carry a child as a passenger on a riding mower.

Keep you hands and feet away from moving parts. Never work on equipment when it's running.

Wear earplugs when using noisy equipment.