Staying safe in your garden or outside spaces

Gardening is a popular activity in the summer months, but it is important to take care when using equipment. 

• Wear the appropriate clothing and safety gear, for example thick gloves, sturdy shoes, thick trousers, or goggles when cutting the hedge with hedge-trimmers.
• Take care with electrical equipment such as lawnmowers. You should not use these in the rain, unplug before replacing the cord in strimmers or unclogging the lawnmower, and use a Residual Current Device (RCD) which cuts the power if the cable is accidentally damaged.

Visit our gardening page for more information and advice.

Slips, trip and falls are a common accident in the garden. 

• Store tools safely. When using them in the garden put them down away from where you are working so that you do not step back and fall over them.
• Do not leave hosepipes lying around as you may trip over them.
• Try and make hard surfaces non-slip. For example, put chicken wire over wooden steps. Keep concrete and brick paths and patios free of algae.
• Make sure paving slabs are level.
• If using a ladder or step ladder, make sure it is secure. Have someone hold the base of the ladder or ensure it has rubber, non-slip feet and place it on a level, solid surface. Make sure the rungs are kept clear of any debris. Ensure the ladder is long enough for you to work comfortably, not at full stretch.

Barbecues are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the warmer weather in the summer. 

When having a barbecue, you can stay safe by: 

• Not leaving a lit barbecue unattended. 
• Making sure children and pets are supervised. 
• Not having the barbecue near materials which will catch alight, such as wooden fencing. 
• Ensure you know what to do if a fire starts. 

Read our full advice on barbecue safety. 

You should keep an eye on children at all times, especially if you have paddling pools, ponds or anything else containing water. 

You should also make sure children do are not able to access tools or chemicals which could be dangerous for them. 

Read our full safety advice for children. 

You may have equipment for your garden which could be dangerous, for example chemicals like weedkillers which are dangerous for children or pets, or flammable materials. 

You should ensure anything which could put someone at risk is stored appropriately. This could include being stored out of reach of children.