Garden

Electrical Safety First

Although electricity makes gardening much easier, wet conditions and contact with the ground means that the risk of injury or death from electric shock is much greater than the risk from using electrical equipment indoors.

Electricity and water don’t mix, so whether it’s pouring from the heavens or there’s still dew on the ground, don’t use electrical equipment outdoors until it is dry.

By following our simple safety rules every time you work in the garden, you can easily avoid a serious accident.

Top tips to help you stay safe

  • Use a Residual Current Device (RCD) with all outdoor electrical equipment. If you don't have one built into your fusebox, you should use a plug-in RCD
  • Switch off and unplug electrical items before cleaning, adjusting or checking them
  • Store equipment in a dry, safe place and check that it hasn't been damaged or affected by water before using it
  • Be aware of where the electrical power cable is at all times
  • Never use electrical equipment in wet conditions!

An RCD is a potentially life-saving device that protects against electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. Without it, if you cut through an electrical lead, a simple job like mowing the lawn could kill you. Any socket that may be used to plug in a lawnmower, hedge trimmer or other power tool should have RCD Protection.

Cut the grass, not the cable

When using a lawnmower or hedge trimmer it is important to keep the cables, connections and plugs free from damage.

To stay safe while using electrical equipment in the garden follow these suggestions: 

  • Buy a good-quality lawn mower/ hedge trimmer from a well known manufacturer.
  • Follow manufacturers' instructions closely.
  • When using hedge trimmers wear gloves and goggles
  • Check that the socket-outlet has RCD protection.
  • Do not cut grass in wet conditions.
  • Test the RCD using its test button unless you are certain that the RCD has been tested within the last 3 months.
  • Wear shoes that protect your feet (not sandals).
  • Keep children well away from the appliance.

Unplug the lawn mower and wait until the blades have stopped turning before doing anything like cleaning grass blockages. Similarly unplug the hedge trimmer before removing jammed hedge trimmings.

Maintain flexible cables and connectors

If you do not check the condition of extension leads, cables and connections and use them correctly, you could get an electric shock. To stay safe make sure they are:

  • Suitable for outdoor use - weather-resistant with moulded connections that prevent moisture seeping in.
  • Rated correctly to suit the equipment you want to connect to them.
  • Uncoiled, to prevent them from overheating.
  • Kept clean and free from damage.
  • Replaced if damage is found.
  • Used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Positioned appropriately to prevent them being damaged.
  • Kept dry.

Bright ideas for safer garden lighting

Garden lighting is commonplace, but can create a safety risk if not properly installed. For mains supplied lighting in the garden follow these simple suggestions: 

  • Buy good quality electrical outdoor lighting equipment from a reputable stockist.
  • Make sure any outdoor lights are weatherproof.
  • Ensure light fittings used in water features are waterproof.
  • Have it installed by a registered electrician in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and BS 7671 – Requirements for Electrical Installations (IET Wiring Regulations).
  • Check regularly for damaged lighting fittings, cables and connections.
  • Keep maintained and free from leaves and dirt.
  • Before changing any lamps, make sure you switch off the power supply

Useful resources

Just Ask is a unique Relationships and Sexuality Education programme working specifically...
Relationship support can be helpful for couples who have concerns or difficulties arising...
The project aims to meet the maternal mental health needs at this perinatal stage and...
Relationship counselling is an effective form of relationship maintenance, particularly...
Seeking Solutions offers children and young people help and support to deal with problems...
The Sustaining Healthy Relationships project is a new and innovative venture for Relate...
Get help finding missing relatives abroad through our international family tracing...
Are you experiencing changes in your relationship because of a brain tumour? If you, your...
We’ve gathered useful advice, information and help for young people aged 8-25 and those...
One At A Time Therapy is a single session of relationship counselling support, which can...
The Engage service provides a family therapy programme available to professionals working...
Relate Kids can help primary school-aged children, usually up to age 11, to deal with...
This is delivered to expectant mothers & parents of babies under 3 years of age. It...
Steps to Cope has been developed specifically for young people who have experienced...
Relationship support can be helpful for Individuals who have concerns or difficulties...
Our Wellness Service uses 1-1 Wellness Recovery Action plans (WRAP) to support new and...
We understand that a diagnosis of a chest or heart condition, or suffering a heart attack...
Speakeasy is a Public Health Agency funded, community based teaching programme for...
55% of Young People in NI are looking to Social Media for the information they need to...
Positive Minds for Premature Parents supports families of premature babies to develop and...
Even the most loving relationships will experience stress from time to time. But by...
The Parenting Apart Programme is aimed at parents who have separated, are separating,...
This 50 minute session is an accessible way for couples to check in with each other, and...
The British Red Cross home care services will provide you with the support and care to...
Relate Teen can help post-primary school-aged children, usually aged 11 and over, to deal...
Fun, fast food for less. This is a practical six-week nutrition programme aimed at...
Mood Matters Young People programme is aimed at 14-18 year olds and gives them knowledge...
The Engage service provides a family therapy programme available to professionals working...
Family relationship support can be helpful for supporting relationships within the family...
In Ctrl is a group work programme for children and young people that aims to help them...

Helplines & Web Chats

NSPCC - Helpline
Family Lives - Forum
ParentLine NI
ParentLine NI
Family Lives Forum