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We
all use electricity in the garden – lawnmowers, hedge
trimmers and water features, but wet conditions and
physical contact with Earth (the ground) mean the risk
of injury or death from electric shock is greatly
increased. |
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Here
are some helpful tips: |
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Store
electrical equipment in a dry place and safely out of
reach of children. |
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Make sure that
all electrically powered equipment is fitted with a
residual current device (RCD), which cuts off the supply
when a fault occurs. |
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Avoid trailing
leads and extension leads that can be a trip hazard. |
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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. |
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Buy good
quality electrical equipment from a reputable manufacturer – look for the BEAB label or kitemark
safety symbol. Click
Here for reputable suppliers. |
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Never use
electric tools in wet or damp conditions. |
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Before
servicing electrically powered equipment make sure you
have disconnected or unplugged the appliance from the
supply. |
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Take care when
digging – electrical, gas and water services may be
buried there. |
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When
connecting two extension leads together use Industrial
Range IP44 Couplers and plugs, see below. |
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Use low
voltage lights and pumps where necessary. |
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If
in any doubt about your situation consult a qualified electrician.
- Find
an Electrician |
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The
following garden electrical safety equipment is available online
from: Screwfix Direct
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| Weatherproof
Switches |
RCD
Socket |
RCD
Socket |
Metal
Clad RCD |
| (sited
outdoors) |
(sited
outdoors) |
(sited
indoors) |
(sited
indoors) |
| Residual
Current Devices (RCD's)
- An RCD is a safety device that switches off the
electricity automatically when it detects an earth
fault. Any socket-outlet that may be used for
plugging in portable electrical equipment that is
to be used outdoors, should have RCD protection. |
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| RCD
Adaptor |
RCD
Plug |
Weatherproof
Sockets |
Twin
RCD Socket |
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(replaces
existing plug) |
(sited
outdoors) |
IP66
- 13A |
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| Industrial
Range IP44 Coupler 240V 16A |
Industrial
Range IP44 Plug 240V 16A |
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| All
available online
from: Screwfix Direct
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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. |
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For
safety follow these guidelines:
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Buy
a good quality lawn mower from a
reputable retailer. Click
Here |
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Follow
manufacturers’ instructions closely. |
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Keep
the lawn mower, cables, connections and
plug, free from damage. |
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Check
that the socket-outlet has RCD
protection. |
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Do
not cut grass in wet conditions. |
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Check
that the RCD has been tested by means of
the integral test buttons within the
last 3 months. |
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Wear
shoes that give foot protection (not
sandals). Click
Here |
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Keep
children well away from the lawn mower
and cables. |
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Do
not pull a lawn mower close to your feet
or the flexible cable. |
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Unplug
the lawn mower and wait until the blades
have stopped rotating, before carrying
out any activities such as cleaning
grass blockages. |
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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. |
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| Related
Links: |
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NIC
EIC - National Inspection Council
(Electrical) |
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IEE
Wiring Regulations - The Institution of
Engineering and Technology Wiring Regulations |
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Find
an Electrician - UpMyStreet's local business
directory, is the fast and easy way to find the nearest
Electricians & electrical contractors in any
location in England, Scotland and Wales. |
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