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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. Planograms – It's Not Just for the Big Guys John Stanley 1018 In my consultancy, I often mention planograms. Retailers' eyes often glaze over and they mention that they are only relevant for big retailers, but don't they have a role in all retail business? A planogram is a visual representation of what a category should look like to maximise sales. It should include all the products and shelving and provide the optimum layout of the category to maximise sales. This is a powerful tool to enable you to manage space effectively and hence your profits. It helps you place the right product in the right place at the right time. I accept this may be hard work for the retailer to achieve on his or her own, but why not partner a planogram with your supplier? It's a win: win for both parties. Get a Market Edge A planogram can provide you with merchandise consistency, which should result in increased stock turns, improved product ranging and hopefully more satisfied customers. My first involvement and awareness of the value of planograms was with Scott's, the international garden care company. They were seeing a decline in garden care product sales in independent retail outlets and action was needed. Independent retailers were aware of the problem, but could not come up with viable solutions, but a partnership between independents and suppliers came up with an answer. Firstly, Scott's talked to the general public. They found that most potential consumers found the existing layout confusing and did not understand the signage that confronted them. Remove the Jargon The first priority was to remove the jargon. Words like fungicide, miticide, pesticide and words that were 'common' language to experts, were replaced with words such as disease control, pest control and slug and snail control. Often the words put people off. I have the same problem with jargon when trying to buy a camera, computer or mobile phone! Reduce the Selection In Scott's experience, some retailers were offering consumers 15 ways to kill a slug. This was in so called 'expert outlets'. In the consumer's mind these were no experts. They did not know the best way to kill a slug. This is where planograms come into their own. It forces you to look at the width and depth of the range and ask yourself are you helping or confusing the customer? I am a firm believer in a good-better-best policy. Three ways of solving a problem, i.e. killing a slug, is fine with me. It gives me confidence that the retailer has done their homework and come up with the best solution. Once independent retailers had partnered with Scott's and embraced the concept, they found sales increased by up to 40%. The key changes were:- Placing products in a logical order from a consumer's perspective, in other words, layout the stock by thinking for the customer. Using language that was consumer language rather than industry language to grow sales. Providing sufficient range to show so the retailer is a specialist, but not offering that much duplication that it confused the consumer, (ie offer a good product, a better product and then a best product). Identifying best sellers and preferred choices by introducing a facing management policy that reflects sales and sales patterns. Changing the planogram based on seasonal trading patterns and consumer demand. Providing consistency that is easy to understand, both for the retailer and the consumer. Whatever your retail category, there is a role for a planogram. They key is to stand back and take a serious look at the category. Analyse it from a consumer's perspective. Then plan it out on paper with the consumer in mind. The result may surprise you. 2chttp://ezinearticles.com/?Planograms---Its-Not-Just-for-the-Big-Guys&id=146878 | ||||||||||||||||||||