Electrical Safety Advice for Pole Saws

Pole saws usage and safety

To prune high branches or vines in your garden, an extendable electric pole saw makes the job much easier and safer. But they can pose a safety risk if not used and stored properly.

Electric cabled and cordless models pole saws are popular options although petrol models are also available.

Cabled pole saws offer steady, uninterrupted power, making them better for longer cutting sessions and offer stronger and more reliable power for heavy cutting.

Cordless models rely on a battery, typically 18-36V although some models can be higher, and the power can weaken as the battery depletes. They tend to be more manoeuvrable and flexible as to where they can be used.

Key points

All pole saws must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse.

Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand pole saws.

Keep the area to be worked on clear of debris.

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

Buying a pole saw

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 pole saws as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
Safety features can include automatic chain brakes, low-kickback bars, safety throttles, and anti-vibration technology, which protect against accidents.
Register your pole saw 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 pole saw safely

Make sure pets and other people stay well away from the area you’re working in as they could be injured by falling branches. Remove any trip hazards.
Don’t use an electric pole saw when it’s raining or there are high winds. Electricity and water don’t mix.
Don’t attempt to cut branches located within 50 feet (15 metres) of power lines.
Wear the proper protective equipment (PPE). You’ll need a helmet, eye protection, hearing protection, non-slip work gloves, long trousers, and non-slip work shoes.
Pole saws can be heavy and awkward so take regular breaks and don’t try to do too much work at once.
Check the pole saw for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
Keep the cable behind you and as far out of the way as possible during use. Hold the pole saw with both hands, close to your chest.
Cut branches at a 45-degree angle (not directly overhead) and go slowly. Maintain a secure footing and avoid overreaching.
If the pole saw jams, turn it off and wait a few seconds for all the moving parts to stop before checking it.
Unplug the pole saw before cleaning it and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions carefully.
Store it 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 have to use a cable reel, make sure it is suitable for outdoor use, is fitted with a thermal cut-out and is fully unwound before use. Keep it away from any water or wet areas.
If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the electric pole saw off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
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 pole saw with the manufacturer.
Store the pole saw in a cool, dry place.

AVOID

Buying second-hand pole saws or from third-party sellers online.
Using the pole saw if the weather is wet or windy.
Using the pole saw if you spot any signs of damage.
Putting it away if it’s damp after use. Dry it off first.
Using cable reels in wet areas.

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

Removing dead branches or pruning trees helps wildlife by removing hazardous limbs and promoting healthy growth.

And it can create wildlife habitats through creative landscaping with cut branches but keep wildlife at a distance from the pole saw in use.

Take care to check the trees before using it to ensure no nests or wildlife will be disturbed.

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.

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Pole saws