Main risks

• Planters or objects falling from railings or height, posing a risk to people and property.
• Overloading of balconies and terraces due to the weight of pots, water and wet substrate.
• Cuts and punctures from tools, metal edges, wires and plant stakes.
• Back and finger injuries when lifting bags of substrate and heavy pots.
• Slips and falls due to wet floors, mud and loose hoses.
• Skin or eye irritation from contact with substrates, fertilisers or compost.
• Allergic reactions, bites and stings, and respiratory discomfort from substrate dust.
• Proliferation of mould and mosquitoes due to standing water and poor ventilation.
• Electrical risk when using pumps, timers or lights near water.
• Accidental ingestion of seeds, fruit or fertilisers by children and pets.

Safe use

• Secure planter boxes and elevated pots firmly; use supports suitable for their size and location.
• Distribute the load and avoid concentrating weight in one spot; opt for lightweight containers and substrates where possible.
• Use drip trays and empty them after watering or rain; direct drainage so it does not drip onto walkways.
• Keep the area clear; put tools away and coil hoses after use.
• Wear gloves and closed footwear; protect your eyes if there is dust; open and lightly moisten the substrate to reduce dust.
• Lift loads with assistance or trolleys; bend your knees and avoid sudden twisting.
• Handle fertilisers and treatment products following the instructions on the packaging; do not mix or decant; wash your hands when finished.
• Avoid watering over sockets or extension leads; if you use electrical equipment, ensure it is rated for outdoor use and keep connections off the ground.
• Cover the tips of stakes and trim protruding wires to prevent snags.
• Wash leaves and fruit thoroughly before consuming.

Storage and maintenance

• Store tools clean, dry and with guards, out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep substrates, fertilisers and seeds in their sealed containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, separate from food.
• Check brackets, railings, shelving and planters; replace cracked or rusted parts.
• Check hoses, drippers and connections; clean filters and repair leaks to prevent puddles.
• Empty saucers and trays after watering; clean off algae and sludge to prevent bad odours and mosquitoes.
• Clean and disinfect shears and blades after pruning to reduce the spread of pests.
• Remove diseased plants and plant debris in sealed bags; do not leave them piled up next to the garden.
• Secure hanging planters and loose items on windy days; remove loose nets or awnings.
• Store compost and soil in closed containers to prevent excessive moisture and access by animals.

Usage restrictions

• Do not allow children to handle sharp tools, fertilisers, treated seeds or pressurised watering equipment without adult supervision.
• Do not climb on or lean on planters, shelving or railings.
• Do not place pots on ledges or edges without additional fixings; avoid locations from which they could fall into walkways.
• Do not use containers that have contained chemicals or fuels; avoid treated timber of unknown origin in contact with the crop.
• Do not use water of uncertain origin to water edible crops; if you collect rainwater, use clean, sealed containers.
• Do not apply products not intended for the home garden, nor exceed the amounts recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not block exits, walkways or drains with pots or bags.
• In homes with pets, avoid species that may be toxic to them and limit their access to fertilisers and substrates.