• Overview
• Safety at Home
  • Overview
  • How to wire a plug correctly
  • Using appliances safely
  • Kitchen safety
  • Bedroom safety
  • Bathroom safety
  • Garage, Workshop and Garden safety
  • The Electrical installation - Fuses and MCBs
  • What to do if there is a Power Cut
• Safety at Work
• Safety on the Farm
• Equipment Protection
• Environment
• Storm Damage
• Safety Publications
• Safety for Young People/Schools

Garden Safety

Garage, Workshop and Garden Safety

Garages and workshops usually have concrete flooring which increases the risk of electric shock. In addition, electric equipment and tools are generally more susceptible to damage here and in the garden than in other locations around the home.

Socket Outlets

If the house wiring is old, the sockets are less likely to be protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD : a device that detects the leakage of current from a circuit). If there is no RCD protecting the socket outlets then one should be installed on the garage circuit. If it can't be installed at the distribution board, a socket outlet incorporating an RCD can be fitted in the garage OR a plug-in type RCD should be used with all tools and outdoor equipment.

Portable handlamps

When you need a portable light to work under the car, for example, or in the attic, use a specially-made handlamp. This has a body of tough rubber or plastic, a guard to protect the lamp and a tough flex. Never use a makeshift home-made lamp with an ordinary lampholder and flex; it can be highly dangerous.

Hiring tools

When you hire in tools from a hire centre check the equipment before you take it home for the following points:

• Is the plug intact and the flex undamaged and firmly secured in the plug?
• Are there any exposed electrical connections?
• Make sure that the electrical loading is not excessive for a domestic installation.
• Select tools operating at 110 volts from a step-down transformer (a device that changes a voltage from a higher to a lower value ) for greater safety.

Working out of doors

Special care is needed when using mains-operated (230Volt) appliances such as a lawnmower or garden tools out of doors. That's because the user is in direct contact with the "earth" and is in greater danger of serious electric shock if a fault develops in the appliance.

Choosing appliances

When buying equipment or tools for use outdoor, choose 'all-insulated' or 'double-insulated' equipment. This will provide a greater degree of protection than equipment which requires 'earthing'. Double insulated appliances are indicated by a special symbol.

Tools designed to operate at 110 Volts or less, through an appropriate transformer, will provide extra protection. Always use a plug-in RCD (Residual Current Device) unit or an RCD plugtop for outdoor equipment if the socket circuits are not protected by an RCD on the distribution board.

General advice when using tools and garden equipment:

• DO Check appliances, flexes and plug-tops before use.
• DO replace a damaged flex or plug-top; don't repair it.
• DO keep trailing flexes well clear of cutting edges of lawnmowers, hedge-trimmers and electric saws.
• DO unplug a lawnmower or hedge-trimmer before removing grass or debris from the blades.
• DO NOT extend a flex by jointing or with home-made plug and socket assemblies; Buy one of adequate length for outdoor use or use approved extension reels.
• DO NOT leave appliances or tools unattended when they are plugged in.
• DO wear stout rubber boots when using appliances in the garden; gloves also give added protection.
• DO follow manufacturer's instructions regarding the use of protective clothing, goggles or footwear.
• DO treat all powered cutting tools with care.

Water pumps

If you are buying a pump for a garden pond or fountain select an extra-low voltage (12 or 24 volt) unit and have it installed by an electrical contractor.

Outdoor Lighting

Permanent outdoor lighting in the garden or along a driveway should be installed strictly in accordance with the National Rules for Wiring Installations. This is particularly important where cables are buried in the ground. All such installations should be carried out by an electrical contractor. Temporary outdoor lighting should be of the low-voltage type for greater safety.