Backyard safety

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Spring and summer weather provide the perfect opportunity for Ontario residents to enjoy their backyards. Inviting friends and relatives for a day of swimming in your pool followed by dinner cooked on the barbecue is a great way to spend a day, but keeping your backyard in top shape and ready for the outdoor activities you have planned takes work. There are several tips for backyard safety you should follow to ensure an enjoyable outdoor season.

Barbecue safety

If your barbecue has been sitting unused and waiting for winter to end, now is the time to give it a good cleaning and safety inspection. If you are using a gas grill, check the propane tanks for signs of rust, corrosion and other forms of damage. Old, damaged tanks should be replaced.

While you are inspecting the propane tank, check the gas lines for any signs of leaks. If you find a leak or signs of damage, replace the gas line before using the grill. A solution of water and a couple of trips of dishwashing detergent mixed together in a spray bottle is an easy way to detect leaks in gas lines, valves and tanks. The soapy mixture bubbles at the point of a propane leak.

Never position your gas or charcoal grill near any object that is combustible. The outside wall of your house, fencing, a shed, deck railings, trellises and even shrubs or trees can be ignited by the heat from a barbecue. Always have a garden hose that is connected to a water supply within easy reach when using a grill, and never walk away and leave the grill unattended once it is lit.

Gas and charcoal grills are made to be used in locations where there is plenty of ventilation. Never use a grill intended for outdoor use in your garage or other enclosed place in your home.

Getting your backyard ready

Mowing the lawn, trimming shrubbery and other routine backyard maintenance is the price you pay for the privilege of enjoying a cool drink sitting in a lounge chair by the pool or on your deck or patio. Power equipment, particularly lawnmowers and hedge trimmers, can cause serious injuries unless you read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using them.

Before mowing the lawn, take a few minutes to walk around the yard to pick up any rocks, sticks, children’s toys and other items that could become dangerous projectiles if run over with your lawn mower. Also check to make certain that any electrical cords, such as the power line to the swimming pool filter, are not on the ground where they can be run over and cut by the lawnmower blade.

Never attempt to clear a clogged lawnmower without turning off the engine and waiting for the blade to stop turning. Even if the blade is stuck, do not clear it without turning off the engine. Putting your hands anywhere near the moving blade of a power mower can result in serious and life-threatening injuries. Always wear closed-toe shoes when mowing the lawn to avoid injuries to your feet.

If you are using electric power tools, such as hedge trimmers, check the power cord to make certain it is not frayed or cut. Electric power equipment should never be used in wet conditions due to the danger of injury from an electric shock.

Torches and fire pits

Outdoor torches provide a source of light while also being decorative and, when used with certain fuels, can repel mosquitoes and other insects. Keep in mind that torches and fire pits are open flames that can ignite loose clothing worn by people. Torches can be knocked over and set fire to decks or structures.

Ontario personal injury lawyers

The personal injury lawyers at Diamond and Diamond have years of experience successfully handling claims for compensation for individuals suffering injuries due to the negligence of other parties. If you have been injured in a backyard accident, you could have a claim against the owner of the property or against the manufacturer of the items that caused your injuries. Call Diamond and Diamond’s 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit their website to speak to someone now. They offer free consultationsand case evaluations to injury victims throughout Ontario.