Clearing your paths, driveways and lawn of troublesome leaves is much simpler with either a leaf blower to help you gather them all in one place to make them easier to dispose of, or a garden vac that collects them all together for you.
Leaf blower & garden vac safety
These quick tips are designed to help ensure that you stay safe when using your garden vac or leaf blower.
Safety first
- Make sure you buy your garden appliances from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- It’s important to register a new leaf blower or garden vac with the manufacturer so that you can be contacted if a safety notice or recall is required. It also makes it easier for you to return a faulty product or order a repair. To register any of your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our Product Recall checker to find out if any of your electrical items have been recalled.
- Check that your appliance has a UK plug; if it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor. Seek advice from the retailer.
- Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch. If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping then contact a registered electrician to investigate.
- Any socket you plan to use to plug in an electric garden vac or leaf blower should have RCD (residual current device) Protection. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider installing an RCD socket or use an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
Using your leaf blower/garden vac safely
- Make sure the area is totally clear of hazards like toys, large debris and rocks before you get started.
- It’s best not to use either of these tools on a windy day, or when it’s very wet underfoot – both can make the job frustratingly difficult to complete!
- Tie back long hair, and also remove/tuck in any loose clothing or jewellery that could get caught.
- It’s a good idea to wear protective goggles, gloves and long trousers; also consider noise-cancelling headphones if your leaf blower or garden vac is particularly loud.
- Ensure that other people and animals stay at least 50ft (15 metres) back from the area you’re working in.
- Don’t use a leaf blower or garden vac when stood on a roof or ladder.
- If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the leaf blower or vac off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
- Always switch off the appliance and unplug it from the socket when not in use, as well as when changing attachments or cleaning.
- If a fire does start, don't try to fight it yourself. Move away to safety and call 999 immediately.
- Store your leaf blower/garden vac in a cool, dry place.