Wheelbarrow Safety
Wheelbarrows may seem like the simplest garden tool, but it is still important to operate them safely. You can hurt yourself or others with a wheelbarrow or damage what you are trying to haul. By being careful and taking your time, you can minimize the chances of any wheelbarrow accidents. Does this Spark an idea?
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Loading
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It is important to load the wheelbarrow evenly. Do not place too many things on one side of the wheelbarrow. Try not to put things into he wheelbarrow that will stick out over the sides. Don't overfill the wheelbarrow.
Lifting
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When lifting a wheelbarrow grab each handle firmly and lift with your knees, not your back.
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Speed
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Do not try to move too quickly with a wheelbarrow. When loaded down, a wheelbarrow can have considerable momentum, and if you start moving too quickly it can be hard to stop abruptly.
It is also important to keep moving forward instead of starting and stopping.
Obstacles
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Go over any obstacles at a right angle to avoid tipping the wheel. This includes rails, pipes and holes. Look ahead so you can avoid obstacles by going around them.
Inclines
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Avoid inclines if possible, as that is the most likely time for the wheelbarrow to roll back and run you over. Going down an incline can also result in the wheelbarrow picking up a lot of speed and getting out of control.
Damage
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Check the wheelbarrow for any damage to the frame or the bucket. Make sure the frame and bucket are firmly attached and that neither is cracked. Check the tires to make sure they are fully inflated.
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References
- Photo Credit driving a wheelbarrow image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
