Grass trimmers – also known as grass strimmers – are great for neatening up the edge of your lawn as well as those areas that your mower just can’t reach.
Grass trimmer safety
Safely using your electric trimmer is easy when you follow our simple tips.
Safety first
- Make sure you buy your grass trimmer from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- It’s important to register a new strimmer 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 free online checker to see if you have any recalled electrical items.
- Check that your appliance has a UK plug; if it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor. Get in touch with the retailer and ask them to fit a UK plug.
- 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 a grass trimmer 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 plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
- If you have to use an extension lead make sure it is suitable for outdoor use, is fitted with a thermal cut-out and is fully unwound before using it.
Using your grass strimmer trimmer safely
- Ensure pets and children are kept away from the area you’re working in.
- Always use the same size of line or blade as outlined in the manufacturer’s instructions.
- It’s best to wear sturdy shoes that cover your toes and long trousers when using your electric grass trimmer. You should also consider wearing goggles and grip gloves for extra safety.
- Don’t use your grass trimmer when it’s raining, or damp on the ground.
- Check the area for any wildlife, debris or trip hazards before you begin.
- Keep the cord over your shoulder and well out of the way during use to prevent cutting through it.
- Be extra careful when working near to gravelled areas – if a stone gets caught up in the mechanism and is then spat out, it could cause serious injury.
- If your strimmer cuts out, turn it off before attempting to inspect it for any problems/blockages.
- If a fire does start, don't try to fight the fire. Get to safety and call 999 immediately.
- Always unplug your grass trimmer before cleaning.
- Store in a cool, dry place.