Tag Archives: tools

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

SAFETY TIPS FOR A DIY HANDYMAN (GUEST POST)

 

Almost all handyman jobs involve risks and this is why it is important to ensure safety on the service site. Read on for some useful safety tips that’ll help you prevent injuries while working.

Since most handyman services involve lots of hazards, working without the right safety equipment and moving around carelessly can lead to serious injuries. When grinding or welding without goggles, for instance, you’ll obviously end up getting metal particles in your eyes. So, why close the eyes to handy, hi-tech safety measures and equipment when they are easily available and invite plenty of risks!

Here are practical safety tips that are basically lessons learned by our handymen from their mistakes in the past:

1.Pressure Washers Can Peel Your Skin

Pressure washers are the most common handyman tools used to clean up areas like the patio and roof of a building. Since handymen get their attention diverted by a variety of stimuli in the open, they often make the mistake of holding the pressure washer and operating the trigger with only one hand. This can cause the spray wand to move across your hand, peeling the skin off.

It is important that as a professional, you understand and respect the power of water, especially when it is pressurized for cleaning the concrete etc. 

2. Bump-Nailing Can Nail Your Feet

The use of a framing nailer for fastening plywood to joints is a common practice for handymen. But when the nailer is set in bump mode, you need to be fully attentive, for forgetting to pushing the nose of the gun properly against the wood can lead to serious injuries. The worst, you may bump the nose of the gun at the wrong spot such as one of your own feet! Make sure you’ve properly bumped the gun-point on the target area before you pull the trigger. 

3. Safety against Electric Shocks is Important

One of the most important safety steps at a repair site is to check electricity wires using a non-contact tester before laying a hand on them. Commonly, handymen take off the fuse in a hurry and start disconnecting the wires from outlets. There maybe two circuits linked to the outlet, of which you have turned off only one. So, when you touch the wires barehanded, you’ll get knocked back by a powerful shove of electricity shooting up your entire body!

When performing such a job, don’t forget to test and double-check the wires with a tester. 

4. Sheet Metal Can Slice Your Body Parts 

Drilling holes in pieces of metals is another common handyman duty involving a great deal of risk. Handymen are often in a rush and don’t take time to compress the metal to a table etc. This can cause the drill to be caught by the sheet and thrown onto you, creating a deep rip on one of your body parts.

Before you start to drill a hole on a metal sheet, clamp it to a table and adjust your hand and the drill well.

 

Author Bio:

Dan Kogan is the owner of Handyman at your service which is a US based company providing Handyman Services to business owners at an affordable price. Handyman at your service specializing in TV installation NYC, Electrical work, Plumbing NYC, IKEA Assembly NYC and many more.

 

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

FIVE BASIC ELECTRICAL DO’S AND DON’T’S (GUEST POST)

Electrons are whirling about us everywhere these days, and these sensitive little particles can easily cause mayhem when they are allowed to escape their circuits. Knowing a few basic rules for handling electrical devices and performing any work on or around them is essential for keeping both individuals and the equipment in working order.

1.      Check your gear.

Whether it’s your first time or your thousandth time working on electrical gear, everything comes down to your gear. The word of the day here is “insulation”. All of your tools should be checked to make sure all their resistant materials are free from cuts and tears that might expose the conductive metals usually hidden underneath. This is especially important for items you are more likely to use when dealing with more dangerous circuits, such as heavy rubber gloves, mats, and boots.

2.      Plan twice, act once.

A fair amount of electrical work needs to be done on live circuits. After all, you can’t measure how electricity is flowing through the circuit if there are no electrons running through it. This creates a potential for both personal harm and destruction of equipment if you short the circuit. Whenever you are taking measurements or working on a live electrical device, you should check your schematics, check the device, and repeat before performing any work. The same goes for any actions you take while working that do not directly relate to the circuit; one common mistake is resting a hand on the circuit while reaching for another tool or item and creating a short to ground through your body.

3.      Bring a friend.

Whether working on a small device or a high voltage beast, an extra pair of hands and eyes will come in handy. Most importantly, when working with dangerous voltages, it may be up to the support to shut off the power. They can also serve as “navigators” by looking over schematics and cutting down on the time it takes to perform the tasks without sacrificing safety. Also, be willing to perform the same service for any of your coworkers or friends, as the Golden Rule would have you do.

4.      Don’t forget about capacitors and oscillating circuits.

Capacitors and oscillating circuits can hold more than enough charge to cause damage, and not every capacitor is designed with paths through which they can bleed out their energy. Take the time to make sure that there are no capacitors hidden inside without a discharge path, and review the proper steps for dying out capacitors if there are some in the way.

 5.      Never lose respect for electricity.

After a while of working on electrical devices, it can be easy to experience a fading of concern towards the danger they represent. A small shock can be fatal under the right conditions, and it is always possible to destroy what you are trying to save by not taking proper electrical safety precautions. If it has been a while since you last read them or worked on an electrical device, review a more detailed list of these procedures to make sure they are at the forefront of your mind. 

Stay Safe!  Every detail matters where safety is concerned. Never disregard any safety tips out of hand, and make sure to read as much as you can to make sure you get to go back to your family at the end of the day. 

This guest post is contributed by Rebecca Gray, who writes for Backgroundchecks.org. She welcomes your comments at her email id: GrayRebecca14@gmail.com.

General Safety Issues

PACK YOUR BAGS: ROAD TRIP TIPS! (GUEST POST)

It’s almost the end of summer, and people are itching to get out there for their last chance at summer freedom. What better way to enjoy your hot summer days by packing up the car, and going on that road trip?

The average age of the car on the road is about 11 years old—and that’s pretty old for a car. By taking the necessary steps and precautions before hitting the road, you’ll be all set for that last summer adventure!

Before taking off, it’s always good to check in on that car insurance. Trust worthy companies like Charlotte Insurance Agency can really help you out on your planning, and can let you know of their policies when going out on the open road. Never hurts to be better safe than sorry, and to know exactly what your plan holds.

Here are some quick safety tips to look over before getting everyone in that car:

Be Rested

This should go without saying. There is nothing worse than wanting to sleep when you can’t—especially if you’re behind the wheel. Every year there is an average number of 40,000 people injured or hurt after falling asleep at the wheel. Don’t be in this statistic! Get your 7-8 hours of sleep the night before. If you ever feel tired, pull over and take a rest, or switch out with someone.

Grab the Safety Net  

It doesn’t hurt to pack the essentials needed in case of the possible worst happening. Pack extra bottles of water, blankets, flashlights and batteries, jumper cables, and tools needed to change a tire. Bring a phone charger so you’ll always have your phone ready to go.

Check Your Ride

Of course, you’re going to need to check all components of your car before getting to the road. Check the oil, fill with gas, and check the tires. Take a look at your windshield wipers, and your headlights. If it’s time to upgrade, better do it now.

Storing Your Belongings

When packing up your car, make sure to stow the heavy items at the bottom of the pile. Don’t let unexpected suitcases fly through the car at a sudden stop.

Plan Ahead

Have a set route of what you’re planning on taking before hitting the road. Having a clear vision of where you’ll be going will have you less anxious, and less prone to getting into any accidents.

Take Rest Stops

It’s okay to pass up on a couple of them—but it’s good for you to get out and stretch; especially if you’re driving for a longer amount of time. Make sure to pick rest stops with plenty of light and lots of traffic if you’re going to be stopping at night.

Enjoy the Ride

After checking all of these items off of your list, take a breather, and enjoy the open road in front of you! Be alert, and be happy. Enjoy your vacation!

Written by: Austin Crowley 

Thanks so much, Austin.  There will be many travelers on the road for upcoming Labor Day weekend in the U.S.  We’d like to add one thing to your list: be sure your family or friends know your route and when you are expected home.  pb

General Safety Issues

GROUND REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY IN THE WAREHOUSE (GUEST POST)

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Another great article sent to us by Maree Kyle.

Safety in the workplace is at the top of any company’s list because risks that aren’t accounted for and dealt with accordingly have the potential to cause the loss of life, limb and livelihood. No matter what rules and guidelines you put in place, you still have to exercise caution when using power supplies and tools. To avoid unnecessary harm or danger, it’s important to make sure you are on top of safety compliance issues, communicate safety rules to your employees and ensure they are using every precaution possible to prevent hazardous situations from arising. Here are some tips for promoting safety.

  • Provide training and education: Good communication is one of the most important safety tools you can use in your workplace. Regular workshops sponsored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration should be a consistent part of your warehouse safety plan. As technology in the warehouse increases, new information must be passed on to the workers so old, outdated practices don’t inadvertently cause a safety issue.
  • Avoid electrical accidents: Machinery and tools that use electricity place everyone in the warehouse work environment at-risk for accidents. Power supplies for heavy duty industrial equipment are an important addition to your warehouse tools and supplies. When new supplies are introduced into the workplace, be sure to provide on-the-spot training so employees are aware of the new supplies and how they function. Daily electrical safety checks should be a part of every morning to ensure your employees are starting the day in a safe work environment.
  • Provide emergency kits: Your local fire department will work with you to ensure you’re in compliance with your emergency kits, which may include first aid supplies, a light source, batteries, a radio, water pouches and food rations. Follow the directives put forth by the fire department to ensure each emergency kit contains what it should and is placed where it’s easily accessible by you and your employees.
  • Post evacuation plans: Evacuation during an emergency is an essential component of your warehouse safety plan, and it’s something you and your employees should practice. Even though workers in a large warehouse may have assigned emergency exits and shutdown procedures to follow, make sure they know safety comes first and it’s okay to use a closer or safer exit when necessary. Likewise, discuss when equipment shutdown practices should be followed or abandoned in an emergency.
  • Be diligent with cleanups: This simple-but-effective tip will make the warehouse a safer place to be for anyone on the floor. Even small spills from water, oil or other slippery component can pose a hazard in the workplace. Avoid accidents that can become serious issues by being mindful of messes.

The time and training invested in promoting workplace safety is well worth the cost when compared to the time and money you’d have to expend to recover from a workplace accident. Keep communication lines open and convey every new safety tip to your employees. Make sure they’re following through with safety measurements, even if it involves a little extra work and time. Some companies try to save time and dollars by cutting corners on safety; not only is the practice unsafe, but it places little value on the company and those who keep it going. Follow these and other safety tips to make your warehouse a safer place to work.

 

General Safety Issues

TOP TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR SAFETY ON A BUILDING SITE (GUEST BLOG)

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Sent by Jake at Custard Media

Whether you are a professional contractor or you are a homeowner who has decided that it is time to take on those home improvement projects, keeping yourself safe on a building site is important. There are a number of things that can be hazardous on a construction site. In order to keep yourself safe, here are a few things that you should look out for and pay attention to: 

1.       Debris – Whether you have lumber lying around that you have cut or your tools are in the way, anything that is on the site can cause you to trip and fall. You should ensure that you keep things put away at all times. This includes wood pieces of all sizes and of course, your tools. Be sure also to keep power cords away from walking areas.

2.       Make sure that you are being safe when working with electricity. Electrical accidents are among the most common found on construction sites. You should have all electricity checked by a professional electrician or if you are completely unaware of how power lines and cords should be installed, hire a professional electrician to do this work for you.

3.       All of your tools and other equipment should be in pristine condition at all times. You should never attempt to use power tools that are not in good working condition.

4.       All storage should be done safely as well. Boxes and other items should not be stacked high. You want to be certain that there is not a danger of objects falling and causing injury. Scaffolding should be fitted by professional contractors to prevent falling.

5.       When digging or excavating, always ensure that holes are covered safely when they are not being used and never store tools, equipment or other material near the edge of an excavation site. 

Most of these tips are simply common sense and many contractors and homeowners know perfectly well how to protect themselves from accident and injury. You should however, read through and follow these recommendations just to be on the safe side. If you have workers on your site, ensure that they are following safety precautions as well. 

This article was written by Mather and Stuart, providing the UK with reliable and affordable generators for hire for a number of needs. Find out more here.

We appreciate these safety tips, which should be followed.  Check out http://www.tasco-safety.com for all the personal protective equipment you need for your projects. pb

Eye Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection

SAFETY FIRST IN MACHINE SHOPS

It there’s one place I would just as soon not enter, it’s a machine shop- there’s just too much going on!   Those who run any type of machinery, have to be very smart and very careful.  There are too many ways one can get injured around moving equipment, so we are going to mention some rules that apply to staying safe while working in this environment: 

1.      Shops should be kept clean.  Dirty, wet floors, tools left lying around, trash and debris should not be part of the picture.  A clean environment is a safe one.

2.      There should be enough space between machines and materials to maneuver.

3.      Walkways should be marked, to distinguish between work areas and safe walkways.

4.      There should be good ventilation in all machine shops.

5.      Be sure that flammable liquids are stored in closed containers.

6.      The correct type of fire extinguishers should be readily assessable:  Class A – Combination; Class B – Liquid Fuels; Class C- Electrical Fires.

7.      Persons with long hair/beards should tie them up in order not to get caught in a moving machine.  Do not braid long hair, as the entire hair could be pulled into a machine.

8.      Never wear jewelry, loose clothing, or gloves.  If you must wear gloves while preparing sharp materials, be sure to remove them before the machine is turned on.

9.      Open toe shoes (sandals) are forbidden in machine shops; steel toe boots are preferred.

10.  Never interfere with someone running another machine; their concentration may be disturbed, causing an accident.

11.  Understand the machine you are running.  Be completely familiar with it, and never leave it unattended.

12.  As in many other things, the buddy system is the safest.  Don’t be alone while running equipment.

13.  In cleaning your machine, do not use high-pressure air.  It can push chips into moving parts and cause wear on the machine.

14.  Wear the correct personal protective equipment, such as:

  •         Earplugs – protect your hearing based on the noise level of the equipment.
  •         Safety glasses, goggles, or faceshields – you must protect your eyes and face from flying objects, dust, etc. 
  •         In some shops where there are hoists to lift heavy objects, hardhats would also be required for safety.

Exercise caution when running machinery.  Work areas should have non-slip material for walkways, and all equipment should have working guards and covers.  There should be eyewash stations and first aid kits on hand.

   Machine tools can be hazardous- even for experienced machinists.  There are all kinds of opportunities in manufacturing, and it is a great trade to learn.  Just be very careful, as with many other occupations, we don’t have a replay button.

Eye Protection, Hand Protection, Home Safety Products

YOU’VE GOT THE POWER! (FOR THOSE SUMMERTIME JOBS)

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Tool manufacturers just keep coming up with more powerful tools for doing those outdoor jobs, whether at home, doing landscape work, or in the field. Lawn Rangers, listen up!

Power grass/weed trimmers have enough power to sling sticks, rocks, and other debris, which can get in the operator’s eyes, or injure someone standing by.  Goggles should be worn when operating trimmers.

A newer type of tool is the brush cutter, which use rigid cutting blades, rather than plastic string lines that are used on trimmers.  In addition to cutting through heavier brush, etc. they can also cut arms, hands, and legs.  Persons operating this tool should wear protective clothing in addition to eye goggles, and others need to stay away while the brush cutter is being operated.

Riding mowers are the remedy for cutting grass in larger yards.  Persons purchasing their first riding mower should become familiar with all its features before taking off.  Only responsible persons should use riding mowers.  The area to be mowed should be cleared of limbs and things that could possibly be thrown by the blades of the mower.  Riding mowers are capable of amputating hands and feet, so extreme caution should be used.  It’s not a good idea to carry passengers on the mower. Again, goggles protect your eyes.

Power mowers are another type of tool that the operator needs to understand before starting it. Be sure there are no young children in the area, and remove objects such as big sticks, etc.
Make certain it is full of fuel before starting; never refuel while it is running or the engine is hot.  Wear good shoes, not flip-flops.  Also, don’t cut grass while it is wet, as it can bunch up and damage the mower. (Remember, the goggles!)

It’s great to have these great tools, but please don’t be a part of the thousands in the “power parade” that march, (or limp) in to the emergency room!  Play it safe!