Power on Safety: Gardening Safety Do’s and Don’ts

Published: 1/4/2025

With the sunshine, comes the growing gardens. Outdoor electrical safety is paramount when tackling those pesty weeds or trimming those overgrowing bushes.

To ensure your safety while working with outdoor electrics, we’ve collected a list of essential do’s and don’ts to follow during these garden projects:

Garden electrics do’s

• Do keep ladders away from power lines
• Do unplug your tools when not in use
• Do check that cables are not frayed and damaged
• Do disconnect any appliances that sparks and have it repaired immediately
• Do trim overgrown trees and bushes to prevent contact with powerlines to reduce accidents

Garden electrics don’ts

• Don’t cut grass in wet conditions
• Don’t use water on an electrical fire
• Don’t clean tools when plugged in
• Don’t store your gardening tools in an unsecure place. Keep away from children and pets, and in a dry area. Consider locking them away.

Following these simple Do’s and Don’ts can prevent serious harm and danger for you and your family, ensuring your gardening remains a positive and safe experience.

What to do in case of an electrical fire?

In the event of an electrical fire, remember our earlier advice: don’t use water! Immediately shut off the power source if it’s safe to do so. For small fires, try to smother them with baking soda or a fire blanket. If the fire is beyond your control, don’t hesitate – call emergency services straight away.