Staying safe while working in the yard Published April 6, 2010 By Rod Krause 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Spring is here and summer is on the horizon. It is time for folks to get that lawn mower and other yard equipment out of storage. Unfortunately, using hand tools and machines improperly can cause injuries which can keep people from enjoying these purposeful outdoor activities. In 2008, more than 140,000 people were treated for injuries as a result of working with lawn and garden equipment, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). With summer rapidly approaching, thousands of homeowners will venture into their yards, unaware of the potential dangers lurking there. Injuries- ranging from bug bites, back injuries, to broken bones and even heat stroke. Stay safe and minimize the chances of injury this summer. If people understand the yard has many different types of hazards, they will see the need to stay safe. Like a machine shop, the yard work-place has safety rules which should be followed including wearing eye, hearing and respiratory protection, and ultimately hand and foot protection. Let's discuss some of the safety rules more in-depth. Always Wear Eye Protection. The first safety rule for staying safe in the yard concerns eye injuries. Yard work eye injuries can occur so quickly that people doesn't stand a chance to protect themselves. A human just cannot react quickly enough to deflect themselves from falling or from blowing, flying or deflected objects. Stay safe by wearing suitable eye protection. Always Wear Hearing Protection when Operating Machinery. From mowers to blowers, gas powered devices make enough noise to damage hearing over extended periods of time. Stay safe by reading the owner's manuals and always wear hearing protection whenever operating these devices. Wear Gloves and Foot Protection. Yard work safety means wearing gloves and protective footwear to stay safe. Protect hands from unnecessary injury by wearing the right kind of gloves. There are many different types of gloves available to help stay safe in the yard, each designed for a different type of task. Likewise, there are different forms of foot protection, each designed to protect the toes, the arch, provide traction, insulation (electrical, chemical, or thermal) or even to provide ankle support. Wear appropriate protection when working with chemicals. Stay safe by wearing gloves and protection for face, eyes and respiratory system. When grooming the yard and garden, we are all guilty of using pesticides, weed killers and fertilizers. If not used with protection, chemicals can enter the body through the skin or respiratory system. Stay safe by mixing chemicals in a location with proper disposal equipment, and away from pets and children. Remember that many chemicals are hazardous to domestic pets, birds, amphibians and even beneficial insects. If a person will be operating any power tools or gardening equipment, make sure safety devices are on prior to use and there are no loose handles or defective parts. Read all manufacturer safety instructions and check consumer product safety sites for any recalls regarding dangerous power tools. Inspect ladders on a regular basis for cracks in the wood and loose rungs that may contribute to falls. Whenever a person is using power tools or ladders, they should never work in a damp or wet area where they run the risk of electrocution. When summer is at its hottest, the grass is at its tallest. Before mowing the lawn, carefully scan the area for any rocks, sticks, or debris that might be blown into the lawn mower and restrict children from the yard. Flying particles and debris can easily be blown into a person's eye and cause severe damage. Wear slip resistant tennis shoes, and dress appropriately for the heat. The warmer weather also brings swarms of insects to the yard. Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus as well as spiders, gnats and other annoying bugs will all be drawn to the sweat the body produces as one toils in the yard. Stay safe and prevent being eaten alive by applying a bug repellant to the skin and clothing. There are several websites developed by manufactures that can assist with a specific question concerning a particular topic. For more information, contact the safety office at 723-2239 or 2259.