Safety tips

• Avoid loose or flapping clothing - you don't want to get tangled in the trimmer.
• Protect your ears and eyes.
• Wear stout shoes and gloves.
• Excessive vibrations can cause numbness or tingling in the fingers. Wear rubberised gloves and see a doctor if these symptoms persist.
• The safety guard should cover the cutting line without interfering with the cutting action.
• Make sure there's a fixed blade or post that automatically trims the line to a maximum length.
• Don't smoke when re-fuelling or using a petrol trimmer.
• With electric trimmers use an electric cord that has sufficient rating for the appliance and is suitable for outdoor use.
• Use a residual current device (RCD) at the power-point end of the electric cord.
• A cord restraint clip will stop the plug/socket connections becoming over-stressed.
• Keep the electric cord behind you.

Report by Bill Whitley.