May 28, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 31 Recognize safety hazards during yard work (MS) Attention, all green thumbs -- and the bodies attached to them: It’s time to get down and dirty in the garden. The CSA Group, a leading certifica- tion and testing organization, recommends the following safety tips to everyone from those who are transforming their backyard into an award-winning landscape to those who are just trimming the lawn. Always ensure that products such as electric lawnmowers, barbecues, power tools, ladders, decorative lights, extension cords, and safety apparel carry the mark of a recognized certification organization, such as CSA Group. Read the manufacturer’s operating instructions and use products only as intended. Wear protective eyewear and footwear. Wear hearing protection when operating loud machinery, vehicles, or tools. Know your mower and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Look for these safety features: a rear guard to protect hands and feet from rotat- ing blades; a “deadman” control that stops the mower when you release the handle; and an “up-stop” feature to prevent the handle from kicking up when the mower hits an obstacle. Clear the lawn of sticks, stones, wire, toys, and other objects as they could get caught in the machine or flung by the blades. Wear clothing that provides some pro- tection, including long pants, a shirt with sleeves, and firmly-tied shoes with non-slip soles and hard toes. Never cut the grass when it is damp or wet, or when there is rain or lightning. Wet conditions greatly increase the risk that you will slip, suffer electric shock, or clog the mower. Always mow in daylight, never at twi- light or in the dark. Keep your eyes on the lawn and look ahead at least three feet for debris. Shut off, unplug, and engage your mow- er’s safety devices before removing clogged grass clippings. Shut off the mower immediately if you hit an object. Check for damage and do not restart the machine unless you are sure it is safe to do so. As suggested by its name, always push rather than pull a push mower. All extension cords should be untangled, in good repair, have a three-prong plug rated for outdoor use and be of the recommended gauge for the load. For more information about CSA Group, visit www.csagroup.org.