Humans have been using hand tools since prehistoric
times. The evolution from the primitive Stone Age tools
to sophisticatedly engineered tools has changed the way
we perform work today. Hand and power tools are used
daily to help perform tasks that otherwise would be
difficult or impossible. However, the advances in tools
have also created new challenges for their users. Even
simple tools pose great hazards, and can cause severe
injuries if not used or maintained properly. In order to
reduce or eliminate these hazards, OSHA recommends that
special attention should be paid toward hand and power
tool safety. In this article, some basic precautions are
discussed that can prevent common injuries caused by
hand and power tools.
Hand Tool Hazards and Protection
Usually, hand and power tool hazards are caused through
misuse and improper maintenance. You should remember the
following when handling such tools:
Do not use wrenches when their jaws are sprung;
Never use impact tools, such as chisels and wedges, when
their heads have mushroomed;
Tools with loose, cracked or splintered handles should
never be used
You must never use a screwdriver as a chisel;
Tools with taped handles should be checked first for any
hidden cracks;
Use Personal Protective Equipment, such as safety
goggles and gloves;
Keep floor surface where working free from debris and
tripping or slipping hazards;
Keep cutting tools sharp.
Power Tool Hazards and Precautions
Power tools could be extremely hazardous when used
improperly. They must always be fitted with guards and
safety switches. Here are some precautions you should
take while handling such tools:
Remember to disconnect all tools when they are not in
use and also when their accessories are changed;
Before servicing and cleaning all tools must be
disconnected from the power source;
People that are not involved with the work must be kept
away from the work;
Never hold the switch button while carrying a plugged-in
tool;
Before starting to work, make sure both your hands are
free to operate the tool. You can do this by securing
your work with clamps or a vice;
Do not wear loose clothing and jewelry that can get
caught in moving parts;
Damaged electric tools must be removed and tagged with
the words: ?Do Not Use?;
Portable tools should never be carried by their cord;
Electric cords must not be used to hoist or lower tools;
All cords and hoses must be kept away from oil, heat and
sharp edges at all times.
Remember, it can only take one mistake! So be sensible
and stay safe.
The author, Dawn Roberts, is the creator of www.Ideas-For-Home-Businesses.com - your complete home business resource. IFHB will help you from the planning stage, straight through to marketing your ideas for home businesses! Learn how you can start, mainta
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Message boards and forums are a great way to advertise your site, service or product for free. However, there are a few things you should remember when posting.
- Choose an appropriate site. I know this really goes without saying but there are still some that are so enthusiastic about getting their message to the masses, they post on inappropriate sites. For example, it would be highly unlikely that you'll find many interested individuals to purchase your yoga wear on a motorcycle website. Instead you may want to try exercise sites, women's sites, parenting sites (mothers do want to get back into shape after having a child), health and wellness sites....I think you're getting the idea. Think of who will be using your product, service or website and go where they are.
- Choose the proper board. Always read the instructions and make sure you're posting only where it's permitted. A lot of boards state no advertising in their general forum and you must respect their rules. However, most boards have a place to post your ads. Also, if you are marketing a website, look for boards that will critique it for you. That's an excellent way to drive traffic to your site.
- Create a profile. Viewers are less likely to take you seriously is you didn't take the time to complete a proper profile. List your likes and dislikes, where you're from and any other personal information you're willing to share. Remember, people want to deal with people - not with salespeople. You are no different than they are, so show them that. I'm far more likely to follow someone's link if I can personally relate to them.
- Use a signature with a URL link and a tag line. If you use a signature, you can post anywhere and you're advertising without even doing it (if you know what I mean). For example, I love gardening and I know there may be some gardeners that would be interested in IFHB but it's really not the place to advertise my site. In that case, I post away about all the details of gardening that I love, offering advice along the way with my standard signature line attached:
Sincerely, Dawn Roberts http://www.ideas-for-home-businesses.com/ Helping you secure your financial future - from home! - Do not spam the board members! While the 7 exposures rule is true (generally, a person must be exposed to something seven times before they will purchase it), it does not mean you should post seven times in a row. Spamming is crass, irritating, rude and illegal. It shows a level of immaturity and I, for one, would never waste my time following up with a spammer. Look at this scenario and tell me which child you would choose to pay to mow your lawn (a) a polite child who rings your doorbell, introduces himself, tells you he's available to mow your lawn and leaves you with his name and phone number or (b) a child riding his bicycle up and down in front of your house, screaming I'll cut your lawn for five bucks. First impressions do matter.
- Relate - don't sell. Avoid the hype at all costs! Be yourself. Let's say you're marketing a software program that will save time and money for accountants.
You could use hype: Announcing the one and only software program you will ever need. This will not only revolutionize your business, it will give you the time to enjoy life like you can't imagine! Buy it now before they're all gone. Don't be the only guy on the block doing things the prehistoric way. Come into the 21st century and get Accounting For Accountants while you still can! or you could post in a manner that others will relate to: As an accountant there never seemed to be enough time in the day to attend to all the tasks that demanded my attention. Not only that, the programs I needed were very expensive and required hefty annual renewals. Well, I've developed a program that performs the tasks that once required three programs to do. It's easy to use and doesn't require annual renewals. Best of all, it saves me time and we all know - time is money. Visit Accounting4Accountants.com for more information. - Watch your language. Don't be offensive. Avoid words like; hell, damn, stupid, idiot, fat... People take offence to those and many other words and by all means, don't swear. Be respectful and diplomatic in all your postings.
- Use the search engines. Search for your topic plus the words message board. If you've developed the next best adjustable wrench since Vice Grip came on the market, you may want to search for tools+message+board, mechanic+message+board, car+message+board... Think of who would use such a tool. Put yourself in your customer's mind and use the same terminology the would use. One other thing when searching, don't forget that people often misspell when they're searching. When people are looking for an adjustable wrench, more than a handful would search for adjustible.
Have fun and relax. Posting on a lot of boards is time consuming and sometimes a little boring. Take your time with it. A good post will bring you the customers, clients and visitors you're looking for at a cost we all love - FREE!
About the AuthorThe author, Dawn Roberts, is the creator of www.Ideas-For-Home-Businesses.com - your complete home business resource. IFHB will help you from the planning stage, straight through to marketing your ideas for home businesses! Learn how you can start, maintain and propel a phenomenally successful home based business!
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