Here are some helpful tips:

Check cables and leads for wear and tear before use, if necessary replace with bright orange flexible cable, check appliance documents for the correct cable size.   Make sure that all electrically powered equipment is fitted with a residual current device (RCD), which cuts off the supply when a fault occurs.   Store electrical equipment in a dry place and safely out of reach of children.

  Avoid trailing leads and extension leads that can be a trip hazard.

  Buy good quality electrical equipment from a reputable manufacturer – look for the BEAB label or kitemark safety symbol.

  Never use electric tools in wet or damp conditions.

  Before servicing electrically powered equipment make sure you have disconnected or unplugged the appliance from the supply.

  Take care when digging – electrical, gas and water services may be buried there.

  When connecting two extension leads together use Industrial Range IP44 Couplers and plugs,

  Use low voltage lights and pumps where necessary.

  If in any doubt about your situation consult a qualified electrician. - Find an Electrician

Electric lawn mowers can cut through electric cables causing a real risk of electric shock. There is also a risk of injury from contact with rotating parts.

For safety follow these guidelines:

  Buy a good quality lawn mower from a reputable retailer.

  Follow manufacturers’ instructions closely.

  Keep the lawn mower, cables, connections and plug, free from damage.

  Check that the socket-outlet has RCD protection.

  Do not cut grass in wet conditions.

  Check that the RCD has been tested by means of the integral test buttons within the last 3 months.

  Wear shoes that give foot protection (not sandals).

  Keep children well away from the lawn mower and cables.

  Do not pull a lawn mower close to your feet or the flexible cable.

  Unplug the lawn mower and wait until the blades have stopped rotating, before carrying out any activities such as cleaning grass blockages.

Following manufacturers’ instructions, checking the lawn mower is in good order, and being careful when cutting the grass, will reduce the risk of an accident.

For safety follow these guidelines:

  Wear protective clothing - gloves, ear defenders and eye protection.

  Always use an RCD

  Buy a good quality hedge trimmer from a reputable retailer.

  Look out for nesting birds. Do not disturb a nest if its in use.

  Always keep the trimmer away from the body.

  Always cut upwards as downward strokes move the branches down which in turn leaves unsightly holes.

  If cutting above head height use a stable platform.

  Keep your blades oiled.

  Do not try to cut through stems thicker than the gaps in the blades.

  Do not trim conifer hedges back to far as some are unable to regenerate from the brown areas.

  Always cut your hedge to look like the letter 'A' as this enables light to reach the bottom. Never cut hedges to look like the letter 'V'.

• Beech - once a year in July or August
• Holly - August
• Box - May & September
• Conifer - once a year in July to august
• Laurel - once a year in August
• Flowering Hedges - After flowers fade.
• Privet - three times each year in May, July and September
• Mixed species - once a year in February to avoid nesting birds
• The frequency will change where hedges encroach footpaths or block access points or highways.