Spring cleaning time brings whole new range of hazards

Spring is in the air, we are having warmer days, the snow is melting and the trees are budding. Everyone is getting the spring itch and this means it’s time for spring cleaning, yard work and home repairs; all of which can present a variety of health and safety hazards.

Our Fire and EMS is often called upon to respond when problems occur so it’s time to brush up on spring safety items. With the retreating snow comes the yard mess we all regret to see.

When the spring rains start and the grass greens up we get worried that we won’t have time to get all the projects done. That is when we hurry; take shortcuts; and taking shortcuts lead to doing things unsafe which leads to having to call 911.

Make sure to plan your day giving plenty of time to finish your projects and clean up your mess. The days are still short and everyone has a “honey do” list as long as their arm.

With the shorter days we try to accomplish more than we have time for and many times we get going on multiple projects. Slow down and prioritize what needs to get done, make a list and follow it. Let’s start with clean up items.

Nature is undergoing a fresh start and so are homeowners who are ready to clean up the debris that has been accumulating in basements, storage sheds and garages over the winter. Household and pool chemicals, paints and poisons should be properly marked and stored under lock and key, away from children’s reach.

Dispose of any that are leaking, expired or that look bad. When cleaning up hazardous chemicals wear rubber gloves and follow the safety directions on the packaging.

Never mix chemicals in the same container. If you don’t’ know how to dispose of them, seek outside advice. Check with Rock County to see when they will be having a “Clean Sweep” day.

Never put them into the trash or pour them down the drain. Make sure gasoline and cleaning fluids are well marked and stored in a cool, dry place away from the house and out of the reach of children and pets.

Use only approved containers for gasoline storage. Never use gasoline to clean skin, clothes, auto parts or floors. Clean up work areas. Put dangerous tools, adhesives, matches or other work items away from children’s reach.

Check your barbecue grill for leaks and cracks and be sure to store any propane tanks away from your house and garage. Remove all fire hazards, including stacks of rags, newspapers and magazines.

Pay special attention to the spaces around your furnace, hot water tank, fireplace, space heaters and dryer, as well as under the stairs. Everyone is itching to get the yard into shape for the summer?

Here are ways to help ensure your spring spruce-up is disaster-free. Limber up. Yard chores may seem easy, but they involve muscles you probably haven’t used in a while. Always wear protective clothing when you handle pesticides and fertilizers. More than 75,000 people are injured in lawn mowing accidents each year, 10,000 of them are children. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

Pick up or rake stones and loose debris before mowing to help prevent them from being launched into the air. Wear sturdy shoes while mowing. Do not wear sandals. Wear eye and hearing protection.

Always start and refuel mowers outdoors. When refueling your mower, make sure the engine is off and cool. Don’t spill gasoline on a hot engine and don’t smoke while pouring gasoline.

Lawn trimmers, edgers, pruners and power saws also contribute to injuries and death each year. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation. Inspect the tool for damage. Do NOT use it if there are problems.

Use proper eye protection. Make sure blade guards are in place on all cutting equipment. Unplug all tools when not in use. Make sure the tool is in the “off” position before you plug it in. Store gasoline-powered equipment away from potential ignition sources (i.e. pilot light).

Make sure you use the right tool for the task at hand. When pruning trees, be careful not to let metal ladders or trimmers contact overhead wires. Before you do any hands on weed removal: Make sure you know how to identify poison ivy, sumac, oak and similar toxic plants.

Find out ahead of time how to treat the rashes they cause to reduce the irritation. With the spring clean-up brings the chore of gutter cleaning and that takes us up on the roof. More than 90,000 people visit the emergency room each year, because of ladder mishaps.

Here are a few safety tips: Read the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your ladder. They contain guidelines for weight and height limits as well as for the proper use of their product.

Inspect the ladder before using it to make sure there are no loose or broken rungs. Make sure the ladder is the right height for the job. Many accidents happen when people overextend their reach because their ladders are too short.

Never stand on a ladder’s bucket shelf. Make sure the ladder is completely open and that all of its feet are planted on a firm, level surface. Extension ladders should not be placed at an angle that is too extreme.

Avoid using a metal ladder near electrical sources. Face the ladder when climbing and descending. Keep weight centered between the two rails. Maintain three points of contact with the ladder while climbing.

Half of all ladder-related accidents were due to individuals carrying items as they climbed. These are just a few of the safety precaution to consider during the spring. It’s also a great time to replace your smoke detector batteries.

Make sure your fire extinguishers are placed in proper locations around your home and ensure you have a working flashlight and battery-powered radio for spring storms. By taking the right precautions when warmer weather beckons, you and those around you can enjoy a safer, healthier spring.”

Until next week, stay safe

Chief Rindfleisch