Weekend yard warriors across the country are scrambling to get their spring cleaning chores underway. Unfortunately, a fair number of them will wind up in the emergency room for their troubles.

In the U. S., about 53,000 people made hospital visits in 2002 because of lawn mower mishaps; another 40,000 were treated for injuries associated with other powered lawn and garden tools.

The safety professionals at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) recommend that spring cleaners follow these safety precautions when using lawn and garden equipment this season.

Lawn mowers

Read and follow your lawn mower’s owner’s manual. Learn the controls well enough to act instantly in an emergency and to stop the machine quickly.

Store gas in a UL Listed safety can. Fill the mower outside, away from possible ignition sources. Before starting the mower, be sure it is on level ground and disengage all clutches.

Always start the mower outdoors. Never operate the mower where carbon monoxide can collect, such as in a closed garage, storage shed or basement.

Do not operate your electrically powered lawn mower on wet grass. Use an extension cord designed for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your mower. To reduce the risk of cutting the cord while you’re mowing, start in the area nearest the electrical outlet, then mow away from the outlet so the power cord will trail behind you.

Make sure all safety guards are in place and keep the mower’s blades sharp. If you hit a foreign object or have a mower malfunction, turn off the mower and disconnect the power cord before inspecting for damage.

Keep your hands and feet away from the mower’s blades. Never reach under the mower while the mower is operating and make all adjustments with the motor off.

Safe footwear is important, especially with walk-behind mowers. Make sure your shoes provide good traction to reduce slipping and have sturdy soles to resist punctures. Never work barefoot or in sandals, canvas shoes, etc.

Never leave a lawn mower on while unattended. Curious children, eager to help, may get seriously injured.

Keep your work area clear of children and pets. Mowers and trimmers can fling rocks out at up to 200 miles per hour.

Do not allow children to operate lawn mowers.

Lawn and garden tools

Always look for the UL Listing Mark before purchasing a power tool, garden appliance or any other electrical product. The UL Listing Mark on a product means that representative samples of that product have been tested to stringent safety standards with regard to fire, electric shock and related safety hazards.

Before using any appliance or tool, read and follow the manufacturer’s use and care instructions.

Before each use, inspect tools for frayed power cords and cracked or broken casings. If the product is damaged, don’t use it or attempt to repair it yourself. Return the product or have a qualified repair shop examine it.

Keep clothes, hands and feet away from cutting blades at all times. Never wear jewelry when working with tools. Always wear safety glasses.

Pay attention to warning markings. Don’t allow tools to get wet unless they are labeled "Immersible." When using tools outside, make sure they are appropriate for outdoor use.

Never alter a product or remove safety features such as blade guards or electric plug grounding pins.

Use only properly rated outdoor extension cords with outdoor electrical tools.

Check the switch on a power tool or garden appliance to make sure it’s "OFF" before you plug it in.

Unplug all portable electrically operated power tools when not in use. These tools contain electricity even when turned "off" but still plugged in.

Use and store power tools and garden appliances away from water sources to avoid electric shock. Never use power tools and appliances in the rain.

Have a qualified technician install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles in all outdoor outlets. After installation, test your GFCIs monthly.

Never carry an appliance by the cord, and never yank the cord when removing it from a receptacle. When disconnecting the cord, always grasp the plug - not the wire. Keep the cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing Standards for Safety for more than 109 years.