Weed eater also known as weed whacker or string trimmer is a gardening tool designed for the trimming of grasses and weeds in the lawn using a speed spinning string (this is why it is also referred to as a string trimmer). It is available in a number of types, designs and models. If you have a lawn in your home or office, you need a weed eater even if you have a lawn mower because there are places that lawn mower cannot get at like edges and driveway that you will require your string trimmer to trim. Most families also buy it because it is not weighty and thus older children can also use it to learn how to trim and help out in trimming their garden. However, if you have one in your home regardless of the power source, it is important to apply the child safety tips given below. Poor handling by children can result in injury. Read on to learn the tips.
f you have a little child with you, there is the tendency for the child to follow you around as you are trimming. The child may also want to join in trimming the grasses in the garden. But you should be very careful as you can wound your child without knowing. So, when you are working in your garden, you should ensure your child is not within the working area. If the child is a toddler or preschooler, you have to keep the child in a baby stroller and secure him or her with belts. If the child is grown, you should warn the child not to come close. Explain the implication of getting near the work area to the child. For example, tell the child that flying stone or grasses can hit or enter his or her eyes. The fear of getting injury will prevent the child from coming close.
Be alert and watchful. Always keep an eye over your child and pet as you are trimming. Little children at time can be mischievous in their attempt to explore their environment. You might have told your child not to come closer to the working area but some children may be adamant to every warning and still want to come closer. They also forget the warning as trimming captivate their attention. This is why you have to be watchful as you are trimming. Once your child enters the working environment, put off the tool immediately before sending the child out. Always look backwards also as you are trimming to make sure a child is not at your back.
Some parents use string trimmer as mentioned above to teach their children how to trim the garden because it is light. However, you should bear in mind that not all children are supposed to handle the weed whacker. Most manufacturers advised that children below the age of 14 years should not be allowed to handle the weed whacker. A child is still a child no matter how tall the child is. So, a child below 14 years may not be strong enough to withstand the vibration of a weed whacker. As you are trimming with the power tool, it is also vibrating like any other machine. The child needs to be strong enough in order to be able to withstand the vibration. This is why only older children should handle the machine.
If your child is up to 14 years of age and you want to teach him how to trim, you should first of all teach the child all the safety rules stipulated in the user manual. Never allowed the child to handle the tool without first teaching the child the rules. Also be around to supervise how the child is handling the tool during work. Also provide the child with the require protective gear before allowing him or her to operate the power tool.
