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How to Protect Yourself while Gardening and Pruning. Working in the garden entails risks
that you can minimize by observing the following guidelines. You will need Safety goggles Gloves
Pruning attire Protection from the sun Insect repellent Tetanus shot Lawn mowing precautions
Earplugs (optional) and water (optional). Step 1. Wear safety goggles whenever there
is a risk of small particles flying through the air -- for example, when pruning or using
a lawn mower. Wear earplugs when operating loud equipment. Step 2. Wear gloves to protect
your hands from skin irritations and cuts. Step 3. Wear pruning gloves, long-sleeved
shirts, and long pants when pruning small trees and shrubs. Wear a safety helmet when
cutting heavier tree limbs. Step 4. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Garden early
in the morning or late in the afternoon on hot days. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a long-sleeved
shirt and trousers, and a broad-brimmed hat. Stay hydrated -- drink plenty of water in
warm weather. Step 5. Use an insect repellent containing DEET to ward off mosquitoes and
ticks. Step 6. Keep your tetanus shots current. Tetanus lives in the soil and can enter your
body through breaks in the skin. Step 7. Take adequate precautions when mowing the lawn.
Wear safety boots with steel toes and long trousers made of heavy fabric. Now you can
garden and know you're practicing it safely. Did you know Injuries in the U.S. associated
with lawn mower usage have increased 7 percent from 2008 to 2010.