Some of the UK's biggest DIY chains are selling chainsaws and lawnmowers with little or no safety advice, a Which? investigation has revealed.
Posing as shoppers, Which? experts made a total of 42 visits to branches of B&Q, Homebase, The Garden Centre Group and independent DIY stores to see what basic safety advice they gave customers buying these products.

The consumer watchdog says anyone who buys an electric lawnmower or chainsaw should be advised to use it with an RCD (residual current device) to reduce the chance of electrocution if you cut through a power cable. Plus, anyone buying an electric or petrol-powered chainsaw should be advised to buy goggles and gloves to protect hands, help keep a grip on the tool and shield eyes from debris.

At B&Q, just one of the 12 stores visited gave good chainsaw safety advice, while safety advice ranged from fair to poor at others, and one store failed to mention goggles and gloves even when prompted.

A statement from B&Q said: "We are continually investing in the service we provide to our customers and whilst we're not legally required to give safety advice, we are obviously disappointed that in a few instances customers were not given more comprehensive advice. We are reviewing the advice being given on these products."

Homebase also scored poorly in this area, failing to mention basic essential equipment on half of the store visits. But, the five stores than recommended electric chainsaws or electric mowers all advised on the benefits of using an RCD.

The independents generally showed a good level of knowledge about lawnmowers and chainsaws, said Which?, but just one store was rated good for its safety advice, and two didn't recommend any safety equipment at all.

The Garden Centre Group recommended electric lawnmowers in five out of six visits, but advised the use of RCDs in just two. The Group said that its staff have annual health and safety training, and said if shoppers buy a lawnmower they are told about RCDs at the point of sale.

"This is reassuring," said the Which? report, "but we think consumers should be told about recommended extra purchases before they commit to buying."