How To Safely Use Hedge Trimmers
While hedge trimmers are highly useful and versatile power tools, it is important to make sure that they are safely used to prevent injury to yourself or to others standing nearby.
The most common injuries related to hedge cutting accidents are to hands and fingers, but these sorts of injuries can be easily prevented if the proper safety precautions are taken.
The first thing you should do upon purchasing a hedge trimmer is to read the owner manual that comes with it.
You should do this even if you have owned a similar tool before, as each brand and model is different.
Becoming familiar with the equipment and all its features should be your number one priority.
Before turning the equipment on, you should carefully inspect the area that you are planning on cutting.
Make sure that are no wires, posts or any other rubbish hidden amongst the shrubbery, as these can cause damage to your hedge trimmer as well as serious injury.
When operating a hedge trimmer, you should ensure that you are wearing the correct safety clothing.
Close fitting long pants and long-sleeved shirts should be worn at all times, as should thick gloves, safety glasses or a full face mask, sturdy shoes or work boots, and ear muffs or plugs.
Never wear ties or jewellery and tie long hair back to prevent getting caught on the trimmer blades.
You should always use both hands to operate a hedge trimmer, and you should also never use the equipment above your chest height.
This is because you will have less control over the machine and increase your chances of an accident occurring.
If you must cut higher up, use a stepladder or similar sturdy support to prevent slipping or falling.
Ensure that you are able to watch the blades at all times; in other words, never cut areas that you cannot see.
Beware of power cords and other electrical wires, as cutting through one of these can cause extreme damage and electric shock.
This is especially important for people using electric hedge trimmers, and they should ensure that the power cord is kept behind them at all times.
Other than the above safety precautions, common sense is your most important tool when using a hedge trimmer.
Don't allow children or pets to come too close to the equipment, wear the proper safety gear and steer clear of electrical outlets and using your trimmer will be a safe and rewarding experience.
The most common injuries related to hedge cutting accidents are to hands and fingers, but these sorts of injuries can be easily prevented if the proper safety precautions are taken.
The first thing you should do upon purchasing a hedge trimmer is to read the owner manual that comes with it.
You should do this even if you have owned a similar tool before, as each brand and model is different.
Becoming familiar with the equipment and all its features should be your number one priority.
Before turning the equipment on, you should carefully inspect the area that you are planning on cutting.
Make sure that are no wires, posts or any other rubbish hidden amongst the shrubbery, as these can cause damage to your hedge trimmer as well as serious injury.
When operating a hedge trimmer, you should ensure that you are wearing the correct safety clothing.
Close fitting long pants and long-sleeved shirts should be worn at all times, as should thick gloves, safety glasses or a full face mask, sturdy shoes or work boots, and ear muffs or plugs.
Never wear ties or jewellery and tie long hair back to prevent getting caught on the trimmer blades.
You should always use both hands to operate a hedge trimmer, and you should also never use the equipment above your chest height.
This is because you will have less control over the machine and increase your chances of an accident occurring.
If you must cut higher up, use a stepladder or similar sturdy support to prevent slipping or falling.
Ensure that you are able to watch the blades at all times; in other words, never cut areas that you cannot see.
Beware of power cords and other electrical wires, as cutting through one of these can cause extreme damage and electric shock.
This is especially important for people using electric hedge trimmers, and they should ensure that the power cord is kept behind them at all times.
Other than the above safety precautions, common sense is your most important tool when using a hedge trimmer.
Don't allow children or pets to come too close to the equipment, wear the proper safety gear and steer clear of electrical outlets and using your trimmer will be a safe and rewarding experience.
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