Gardening safety this spring

Spring is finally here and with that comes our desire to get out into the garden. Whilst gardening can be a leisure activity it is important to remember to protect yourself from many hazards that can arise in the garden.

Wearing gloves is essential when gardening, avoid nasty kritters that may be lurking under the soil or rocks as well as protecting yourself from sharp bushes and shrubs. The Grabbit glove is a general purpose polycotton glove with a crinkled rubber palm and fully coated rubber thumb for added protection. The textured rubber crinkle finish allows for good grab and excellent grip power. The glove is flexible and comfortable and is resuable and washable.

When using potting mix it is important to wear a P2 respirator to avoid inhaling potential bacteria that can cause legionnaires disease. The NSW Government health department recommended the following precautions are taken out when using potting mix.

• Legionella longbeachae is common in the soil and potting mix. Reduce exposure to potting mix dust by following the manufacturers' warning present on potting mix labels, including:

• Wet down the potting mix to reduce the dust.
• Wear gloves and a P2 mask when using potting mix.
• Wash your hands after handling potting mix or soil, and before eating, drinking or smoking.

Source: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/legionnaires.html