Electrical Safety Advice for Leaf Blowers and Garden Vacs

Leaf blowers and garden vacs usage and safety

Clearing your paths, driveways and lawn of troublesome leaves is much simpler with either a leaf blower or a garden vac. But they can pose a safety risk if not used and stored properly.

Leaf blowers and garden vacs are increasingly popular garden tools to help gather leaves in one place for easier tidying and disposal. Electric cabled and cordless models are popular, although petrol-driven models are also available.

They also differ by design, including handheld (the most common), backpack, and wheeled models, with some tools being multi-functional as a vacuum / blower / mulcher.

Cabled models are ideal for small spaces being lightweight but require a power outlet. Cordless are best for small to medium gardens and offer flexibility of movement with no power cable but they are limited by battery life.

Key points

All leaf blowers and garden vacs must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand tools.

Keep the area to be worked on clear of debris.

If using an outdoor socket, ensure it is splashproof or waterproof with an IP rating.

Buying a leaf blower or garden vac

Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
Avoid buying second-hand leaf blowers and garden vacs as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
Safety features can include safety switches to prevent accidental starts, throttle locks, overheat protection, and nozzle interlocks that prevent operation without the proper nozzle attached.
Register your tool so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a leaf blower or garden vac safely

Make sure the area is clear of hazards such as toys, large debris, and rocks before starting.
Don’t use either of these tools on a windy day or when it’s very wet underfoot.
Tie back long hair and remove or tuck in any loose clothing or jewellery that could get caught.
Check the tool for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
It’s recommended to wear protective PPE, such as a full-face visor (rather than just goggles), gloves, sturdy shoes and long trousers. Noise-cancelling headphones are useful if your leaf blower or garden vac is particularly loud.
Ensure other people and animals stay at least 50ft (15 metres) away from the area you’re working in. During operation, don’t blow debris towards people, pets, vehicles, or windows.
Don’t use a leaf blower or garden vac when stood on a roof or ladder.
Switch off the appliance and unplug it when not in use and when changing attachments or cleaning.
If your leaf blower or garden vac cuts out, unplug it before attempting to inspect it for any problems or blockages.
Store the tool in a cool, dry place, such as a shed or garage. If it's damp after using it, dry it properly before putting it away.
If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the leaf blower or garden vac off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
If you have to use an extension lead or cable reel, make sure it is suitably rated for outdoor use. Cable reels should be fully unwound and fitted with a thermal cut-out. Keep it away from any water or wet areas.
Sockets which supply equipment outdoors should be protected by an RCD (residual current device) to protect you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the product.

ALWAYS

Do plenty of research first before buying.
Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
Register your leaf blower or garden vac with the manufacturer.
Store the leaf blower or garden vac in a cool, dry place.

AVOID

Buying second-hand or from third-party sellers online.
Using the leaf blower or garden vac if the weather is wet or windy.
Using the tool if you spot any signs of damage.
Putting it away if it’s damp after use. Dry it off first.
Using an extension lead or cable reel in a wet area.

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician.

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

When does a periodic inspection need to be carried out?

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

3 years for a caravan
1 year for a swimming pool

Who should carry out a periodic inspection?

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

My electrician told me that they were registered; however I now believe that they are not, as they have not given me a certificate. What should I do?

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Always take care to check the ground before you use a leaf blower or garden vac. Smaller animals such as frogs and slow worms could be badly hurt by these tools but also larger animals such as hedgehogs often sleep in longer grass during the day.

Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

Check your appliances

Leaf blowers and garden vacs