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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. Home Seller's Tip: Persuade Your Buyer with a Simple Unique Tool Jeanette Fisher With so many choices for home buyers today, sellers must make their home seem extra special. A scrapbook or album makes any everyday event seem special, so why not use this tool to sell your home? Create a home journal or scrapbook to show your buyer the special features of your home and to help them decide that your home will bring them many happy memories of their own. Create a notebook that presents itself like an attractive journal or scrapbook. You can use a simple three-ring binder or a store-bought scrapbook or photo album. Think beauty and functionality. Take a photograph of your home's best feature and put it on the cover. Most of the time, the photograph is a picture of the front exterior. But if your home features a dramatic fireplace or a gorgeous garden, highlight this benefit to the buyer. Give your home a special name and include this on the cover of your journal. Inside your journal, create some pages that highlight areas of your home that will benefit your buyers. You might label pages with pictures and phrases like relax in the garden or enjoy cooking in this spacious kitchen. Insert plastic sleeves for colorful flyers. Make the front section of your journal dramatic. Pick up flyers from your local Chamber of Commerce of nearby attractions. Add positive press articles that show positive aspects of your local community, as well as information on nearby schools. In the middle section of your home scrapbook, gather utility bills (gas, electric, water, and any other monthly costs). Arrange these bills in folders or plastic sleeves. Make a simple spreadsheet showing your payments throughout the year. When your buyers ask about your utility bills, you have them ready to show proof. Your care makes buyers feel that you have nothing to hide and they receive comfort in knowing what to expect with your home. You may wish to include a section with legal papers like your insurance policy and deed. Next, make a log of repairs, home improvements, and maintenance. Include receipts in a folder or sleeve. Present before and after pictures so buyers can see the results of your work. Complete your home journal with more color photographs of your home during the opposite season or hosting a party. Display photos of the flowers in bloom or your house decked out for the holidays. Pictures of people enjoying your home give buyers the conclusion that if they choose your home, they will have fun hosting parties, too. Even if your buyer doesn't take time to look at your entire presentation, just the fact that you make your records available gives your buyer peace of mind. When you take the time to make your home journal beautiful to look at and present it like a scrapbook or album, you also convince your buyer that they will create their own happy moments in this special home. Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher. The author of Sell Your Home for Top Dollar--Fast! Design Psychology for Redesign and Home Staging offers free Home sellers ebook and teleseminars. http://www.ideamarketers.com/./library/article.cfm?articleid=74425 | ||||||||||||||||||||
