You are a pro when it comes to yard work, a muscular mowing machine, and the brawniest backyard deck builder in the neighbourhood, but to be honest, when it comes to safety, you could use a little refresher. Don’t let your manly ways and legendary handyman skills interfere with your health and well-being. Instead, take a moment to think about safety this summer – it’s for your own good, Pops.
“Real Menâ€
Myth 1: Real men don’t need instructions. Let the manual guide you. Read the manufacturer’s operating instructions and use products or appliances only as intended. Failure to understand the dangers associated with some tools could lead to serious injury.
Myth 2: Whaaaat!? Hearing protection is for kids. Hearing protection should be worn when operating loud machinery, vehicles or tools as continuous exposure to loud noises can be damaging over time.
Myth 3: Who cares about what’s on it as long as it starts! Always ensure that electric lawn mowers, barbecues, power tools, ladders, decorative lights, extension cords, safety apparel and other products carry the mark of an approved certification organization such as CSA. This mark indicates that they have been tested to the applicable standards. Uncertified electrical and gas products could present serious health risks.
“My Lawn, My Rulesâ€
Myth 1: If it gets run over, your kids shouldn’t have left it lying around. Before mowing, take the time to walk the yard to remove objects that may cause an obstruction or be tossed by the rotating blades causing serious damage or injury.
Myth 2: Nothing bad will happen. Never clear an obstruction on a running mower! If the mower is electric, turn off the power and unplug the machine. If it’s gas, turn off the power, make sure the engine isn’t running, that all safety features have been activated and that the blades and moving parts have stopped completely. Failure to do so could result in injury or amputation, which account for 16 per cent of injuries involving lawn mowers, according to data collected by Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP).
Myth 3: It’s time your kids chipped in with yard work! Kids under 15 years of age should never operate a power lawn mower or operate dangerous lawn tools. The majority of lawnmower related injuries happen to children under the age of 15.[1]
“Trust me, it’ll workâ€
Myth 1: I fixed it myself with duct tape and it works great. Inspect all power tools and cords before each use. Never use a power tool that has a cracked casing, loose parts or frayed cords. Ensure all safety guards are in place and in proper working order.
Myth 2: We’re on a roll; this is not the time to stop. Make sure the power tool is turned off before it is plugged in or unplugged. Always turn off and unplug the tool before changing parts such as drill bits or cutting blades.
Myth 3: I can make it fit! Use only electric power tools that have either a three-prong plug or double insulation with a heavy enough gauge – or wire size – to handle the electricity load. Use an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter to protect against electric shock. Never force a three-prong plug into a two-prong extension cord.
– For more everyday consumer tips and safety advice, please visit www.csasafetytips.com
About CSA International
CSA International is a provider of product testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products. Recognized in the U.S., Canada and around the world, CSA International certification marks appear on billions of products worldwide. CSA International is a division of CSA Group, which also includes CSA Standards, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-international.org
