THOUGH the high days of summer are undoubtedly behind us, the following advice from Highland Council’s Consumer Trading Department is useful to have at any time of year…

Look After Yourself!

• Plan work ahead and take your time - tiredness can make you careless.
• Use safety equipment designed for the job. Protect your eyes with safety glasses or a visor when using hedge-trimmers, stone cutters and strimmers. Wear earplugs when using noisy machinery and stout gloves and shoes.

Use Tools with Care

• Treat power tools with respect. Read and follow the instructions carefully.
• Keep trailing leads well away from moving blades. Use an RCD (Residual Current Device) to protect you from an electric shock.
• Check all plugs, wiring and controls for damage and regularly - don't try to repair worn cables, get them replaced.
• ALWAYS switch off petrol-driven equipment and unplug electrical tools before making adjustments, cleaning or checking for damage.
• ALWAYS keep electrical tools dry and well away from children.

Keep Your Garden Tidy

• Clutter and debris don't just look untidy, they can cause accidents such as falling.
• Repair or clear uneven or broken paving, muddy or moss covered paths quickly.

Beware of Fire

• Start bonfires well away from trees, hedges, sheds, fences and your house. Never use petrol to start a fire.
• Keep children well away from bonfires or barbecues - don’t leave them unsupervised.

Remember the Children!

• Keep chemicals like weedkillers, insecticides, wood preservatives and fertilisers locked up, and always in their original containers.
• Children love garden ponds, paddling and swimming pools. Ideally, fill garden ponds and make them into sandpits or fence them in while the children are young. Empty paddling pools immediately after use. Fence off swimming pools or use a childproof fixed cover.
• Fix play equipment securely and check regularly for wear and tear. Keep swings well away from glass, trees and bushes and avoid placing them on hard surfaces such as gravel.
• Be careful with plants which could be poisonous or choke a child or cause irritation.
• Mend broken fences and keep gates closed to stop inquisitive children finding their way outside on to busy streets.
• Keep a First Aid Kit in case of accidents.

Finally…

Remember the Children!

• ALWAYS MAKE SURE AN ADULT IS AROUND WHILE YOUNG CHILDREN ARE IN THE GARDEN.