Some safety tips, if you've got the spring cleaning itch
If you can't wait to get outside and so some yard and outdoor housework to prep your abode for spring and summer weather, make sure to take a moment to consider safety before jumping in, Underwriters Laboratories recommends.
UL, an independent product safety organization based in Northbrook, encourages consumers to think about safety issues, whether you're hauling out the lawn mower from the garage, putting a fresh coat of paint on your house or doing garden work.
"When you're finally in the spring cleaning mode the last thing you want to do is take a trip to the emergency room," says John Drengenberg, manager of consumer affairs at Underwriters Laboratories.
More than 350,000 people end up in the ER each year as a result of injuries related to improper use of ladders, lawn mowers and power garden tools.
"So if you're cleaning out the gutters, mowing the grass, or brightening up the exterior of your home with a new paint color, following a few precautions can keep your family safer," he said.
Some tips from UL:
• If you're re-using last season's lawn and garden power tools, be sure to inspect them for frayed power cords and cracked or broken casings. If damaged, get it repaired by a qualified technician, or replace it.
• Keep lawn and garden tools in good shape for next year's spring cleaning season. Never carry them by the cord, and never yank the cord when removing it from a receptacle. When disconnecting the cord, always grasp the plug - not the wire. Keep the cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
• When pulling out the lawn mower for the first time this year, refresh your memory and read the owner's manual and know how to stop the machine in case of an emergency.
• If you have a gasoline-powered mower, store the gas in a UL Classified safety can.
• Always start the mower outdoors. Never operate the mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed or basement.
• Do not operate an electrical or gas-powered lawn mower on wet grass.
• When you're done using your power tools and garden appliances, store them away from water sources. Never use power tools and appliances in the rain.
• If you're using a ladder, remember to read the instructions and warning labels before using. These instructions help you choose the proper ladder for the job and describe ladder weight and height limits.
• Remember the 4-to-1 rule. For every 4 feet of ladder height, the bottom of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall or object it is leaning against.
• Use fiberglass ladders whenever there is a possibility of working near electricity or overhead power lines.