Garden edging installation might seem straightforward, but working with heavy materials, sharp edges, and power tools introduces real safety risks. Every year, Australians sustain preventable injuries during garden projects. This guide covers essential safety precautions to help you complete your edging project without incident.
This guide provides general safety information but cannot cover every possible hazard. Always follow manufacturer safety instructions, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and if in doubt, consult a professional.
General Safety Principles
Before diving into material-specific advice, let's establish some universal safety principles that apply to any garden edging project.
Never work alone on significant projects. Having someone nearby means help is available if something goes wrong. At minimum, ensure someone knows you're working on a project and can check on you periodically.
Stay hydrated and take breaks. Australian conditions can be brutal, particularly during summer. Heat exhaustion impairs judgment and physical capability. Take regular breaks in the shade, drink plenty of water, and avoid working during the hottest part of the day.
Know your limits. Some tasks are genuinely beyond DIY capability. Heavy stone edging, complex installations on slopes, or work near utilities may require professional help. There's no shame in recognising when a project exceeds your skills or physical capabilities.
Check for underground utilities. Before digging, contact Dial Before You Dig (1100) to identify any underground services. Hitting a gas line or electrical cable can be fatal. This is non-negotiable—even for shallow trenches required by garden edging.
Essential Personal Protective Equipment
The right PPE prevents many common injuries. Consider these items mandatory for any edging installation project:
- Work gloves: Heavy-duty gloves protect against cuts from metal edges and splinters from timber
- Safety glasses: Essential when cutting, grinding, or hammering
- Sturdy footwear: Closed-toe shoes or boots protect feet from dropped materials and tools
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and long sleeves when working outdoors
- Hearing protection: Required when using power tools like angle grinders
- Dust mask: Important when cutting materials or working in dusty conditions
Don't try to save a few dollars by skipping PPE. A single injury can cost far more in medical bills and lost time than quality protective equipment.
Working with Steel Edging
Steel edging presents specific hazards that require attention. The edges can be extremely sharp, particularly on cut ends, and the material's rigidity means it doesn't forgive mistakes during handling.
Handling Precautions
Always wear gloves when handling steel edging—even factory edges can cause cuts. When carrying long sections, watch both ends and be aware of people and obstacles around you. Steel edging can swing unexpectedly, and the sharp edges can cause serious injuries to bystanders.
Store steel edging flat or in a secure rack. Sections standing against a wall can fall, potentially causing injury or damage. Never stack steel edging loosely where it might shift.
Cutting Steel Safely
Cutting steel edging typically requires an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc. This is inherently hazardous work that demands respect and proper precautions.
Before cutting, ensure your work area is clear of flammable materials—sparks from an angle grinder can travel several metres and start fires in dry grass or mulch. Have a fire extinguisher or water source nearby, particularly during fire danger periods.
Secure the material firmly before cutting. Steel that moves during cutting can bind the disc, causing dangerous kickback. Use clamps or have a helper hold the material (at a safe distance from the cutting area).
Never remove the guard from your angle grinder. Wait for the disc to stop completely before setting the tool down. Replace worn or damaged discs immediately—disc failure at high speed can cause serious injuries.
Working with Timber Edging
Timber might seem less hazardous than metal, but it presents its own set of risks that shouldn't be underestimated.
Splinter Prevention
Even treated timber can splinter, particularly on cut edges and rough surfaces. Wear gloves when handling timber, and sand any rough edges before installation to prevent splinters during handling and to protect anyone who might touch the edging later.
Treated Timber Precautions
Most timber edging is pressure-treated with preservatives to resist rot and pests. While modern treatments are far safer than the arsenic-based treatments of decades past, some precautions remain sensible.
Wear a dust mask when cutting treated timber. Wash hands thoroughly after handling, especially before eating. Never burn treated timber offcuts—the fumes can be toxic. Dispose of treated timber through proper waste channels.
Heavy Lifting
Timber sleepers and large edging sections can be surprisingly heavy. Use proper lifting technique—bend at the knees, keep the load close to your body, and don't twist while lifting. For heavy sleepers, use two people or mechanical assistance like a wheelbarrow or trolley.
Working with Stone and Concrete Edging
Stone and concrete edging materials are typically the heaviest options and present significant manual handling risks.
Back Protection
Stone edging can easily weigh 20-50kg per piece. Improper lifting is a leading cause of back injuries. If a stone feels too heavy to lift safely, it is. Use mechanical aids, get help, or consider lighter materials.
Consider wearing a back support belt for prolonged lifting work, but remember that a belt is no substitute for proper technique. It's easy to overestimate your capabilities when wearing support equipment.
Crushing Hazards
Heavy stones can cause serious crushing injuries to fingers and toes. Always wear sturdy footwear—steel-capped boots are ideal. When positioning stones, keep your fingers clear of pinch points. If a stone starts to fall, let it go—your hands are more valuable than any piece of edging.
Cutting Stone and Concrete
Cutting stone or concrete produces significant dust that can cause respiratory issues over time. Always wear a proper dust mask rated for fine particles, and consider wetting the material to suppress dust during cutting.
Eye protection is absolutely essential when cutting masonry. Stone chips and concrete fragments can cause serious eye injuries. Choose safety glasses that wrap around for complete protection.
Tool Safety
Most garden edging installation involves common tools, but even basic tools can cause injuries if used carelessly.
Mallets and hammers: Ensure your grip is secure and your swing path is clear. A glancing blow can redirect the tool unpredictably. Never use a damaged handle.
Spades and edging tools: Keep blades sharp—dull tools require more force, increasing the risk of slipping. Point blades away from yourself and others when carrying.
Power tools: Read and follow the manufacturer's safety instructions. Never disable safety features. Keep cords clear of cutting areas. Allow time for tools to cool before changing blades or discs.
Environmental Hazards
Australian gardens present environmental hazards that city dwellers might not consider:
Snakes: Disturbing garden beds and mulch can uncover sheltering snakes. Make noise as you work to encourage any snakes to move away. Wear sturdy boots and long pants. Know the procedure for snake bites in your area.
Spiders: Redbacks and other venomous spiders often shelter in garden areas. Wear gloves when reaching into areas you can't see clearly. Check tools and materials that have been sitting outdoors.
Heat: We've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. Heat stroke can be life-threatening. Work early morning or late afternoon during summer. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion.
First Aid Preparedness
Despite best precautions, minor injuries happen. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit accessible during any project. For garden edging installation, your kit should include bandages for cuts and scrapes, sterile dressings for more serious wounds, antiseptic solution, tweezers for splinters, and eye wash solution.
Know where your nearest emergency department is located and keep your phone charged and accessible. For serious injuries, don't hesitate to call 000.
By following these safety guidelines, you can complete your garden edging project successfully while protecting yourself and those around you. A beautiful garden border isn't worth a trip to the emergency room—take your time, work safely, and enjoy the results for years to come.