With increasing technological progress, the services
of mechanics are becoming more costly and also
difficult to get. Hence, many people prefer to do their
own household repairs. This requires the use of tools
some of which are sharp and heavy, and some of
which are electrically operated. Adequate precautions
need to be taken for the safe and proper use of these
tools.
It is important to read the instructions that come
with any too! before using it.
Do not wear a tie, scarf, dangling jewellery, ring or
loose clothing while working with any kind of tool or
repairing any machinery.
Use safety goggles, hand gloves, etc. as the situation
requires. The regular prescribed glasses may shatter
and hurt the eye if hit by a flying piece of wood or
metal unless these are safety glasses.
Use spark resistant tools made of aluminium, brass,
plastic or wood in places where inflammable
substances or gases may exist.
The work area should be dry, clean, and well-lit.
Maintain tools with care and commonsense as
recommended by the manufacturers.
Check for cracks in the wooden handle of a hammer
or an axe. It may result in the metal part of the tool
flying off and hitting someone hard. Replace cracked
handles.
Blunt tools can be more hazardous than sharp ones
because they require more force and have a greater
chance of slipping. Hence, keep the tools adequately
sharpened.
REMEMBER
1. Never carry a power tool by its electric cord or a
pneumatic tool by its air hose.
2. When carrying a plugged-in tool, do not keep your
finger on the starter button, else you may accidentally
start the tool.
3. Disconnect tools during servicing, and while
changing any accessory such as blades, drill bits,
cutters, etc.
4. Keep electric cords clean and away from heat and
sharp edges.
5. Use proper guard, face shield, etc. and keep
observers away.
6. Use a 3-pin, properly grounded plug. Do not use
electric tools in a wet or damp area.
7. Hand tools with plastic handles like pliers and
screwdrivers are not necessarily electric-shock proof.
Hence, always stop the electric current before using
any hand tool on electric wires or electrical
appliances.
Tools of any kind should be kept out of reach of
children for their safety
It is very important not to let children handle any tool
nor have access to the tool box. Serious accidents may
occur.
USE OF GARDENING TOOLS
Gardening involves the use of sharp tools and
chemicals in the form of fertilizers and insecticides.
To keep this hobby free from any mishap some
important precautions need to be taken.
1. A gardener should have tetanus shots regularly.
Some bacteria from the soil, or cuts caused by a rusty
tool, can cause
2. A gardener should wear full-length trousers so that
no insecticide spray can harm, or pieces of stone
churned over by the lawn-mower can hit his legs
directly.
3. It would be ideal if good eye-safety glasses are used.
Do not spray while wearing contact lenses since the
chemical in the spray can damage them.
4. Shoes that cover the whole foot should be worn to
protect from insect bites, insecticide sprays, and from
any gardening equipment which may fall on one’s foot
or which one may step on accidentally.
5. Insecticides, DDT, gamexine and other chemicals
must be stored in a locked cabinet and each container
or packet properly marked.
6. Children should not be allowed to handle these
items, which should be kept well out of their reach.
INSECTICIDES HANDLING
Insecticides, DDT, gamexine and other toxic
chemicals used for killing pests and insects should be
used properly. All necessary precautions like covering
of the face, accidental inhaling, exposure to the skin,
etc. should be taken into consideration. Any
accidental spray on a person can be very harmful.
Since insecticides, when used, are likely to remain on
the surface for a couple of days, warning signs must
be put on the lawn, kitchen gardens, and flower pots
so that no one touches them or walks on the sprayed
grass.
Do not let a pet chew the grass of a freshly sprayed
lawn. It can prove to be lethal. The person who has
sprayed insecticide in the lawn or farm should bathe
thoroughly afterwards, paying special attention to the
hands, hair and any other parts that could have been
exposed to the spray. If you have any breathing
problem like asthma, or if you are on a strong
medication of any kind, or have had any major
medical treatment or operation, you should consult a
doctor before taking up gardening.