Garden safety

Common garden hazards

Slips, trips and falls  

• Keep paths, steps, patios and decking clear, level and in good repair
• Remove leaves, moss or garden debris that may cause slips
• Ensure good lighting for areas used in the evening
• Consider installing handrails for steps and slopes. 

Hazardous substances 

• Keep garden chemicals in their original labelled containers
• Follow manufacturers' instructions when using chemicals
• Store garden chemicals out of sight and reach of children, ideally up high in a locked cupboard
• Use less toxic ‘child-safe’ fertilisers and pesticides
• Learn which plants may be harmful and consider removing them from the garden. Some plants that are attractive to young children, such as yew berries, laburnum pods, and foxgloves, are highly toxic. 

Drowning 

• Young children can drown in very small amounts of water
• Cover or fence-off ponds, hot tubs and water butts
• Always supervise children near water
• Empty paddling pools and small water containers straight after use
• Be aware that rainfall can refill paddling pools and other containers, so put them away after use. 

Sheds, garages and other storage areas 

• Keep sheds tidy and free from clutter to reduce trip and fire hazards
• Store hazardous items securely and out of reach of children
• Raise containers off the floor to avoid damp
• Protect electrical items from potential rodent damage. 

Barbecues and fires 

• Keep barbecues, patio heaters and bonfires away from fences, sheds and plants
• Supervise barbecues and fires at all times and keep water close by
• Never pour petrol, paraffin or meths onto the fire, use firelighters 
• Take extra care with bioethanol burners as bioethanol is highly flammable - 
  only use bioethanol burners with bioethanol, never refill while the burner is lit or warm, and store fuel safely away from heat
• Allow coals and embers to cool completely before disposal  
• Be aware that the ground under fires and disposable barbecues can stay hot for some time after the fire has gone out  
• Never use barbecues or patio heaters inside, and do not bring them indoors while they're cooling, as this can cause a fire or carbon monoxide exposure.