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power tool safety |
Power tools can be extremely dangerous if not used correctly. The correct techniques and personal protective equipment must be worn at all times.
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Keep Power tools away from Water |
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Do Not use power tools if damaged |
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Do NOT carry a power tool with the cord |
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Only use a power tool for it's original purpose |
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Follow the Manufacturers instructions |
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Always unplug power tools after use |
Whilst power tool accidents are common, some of the results can be beyond belief, I know people who have lost fingers on circular saws and a friend who lost his eye when an abrasive disk disintegrated on a grinder. Only recently a Lady was Killed when she was using a power drill up some steps, some how the cord got stuck in the chuck and wrapped around her neck and strangled her to death!
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Each year there are around 70 deaths and a quarter of a million serious injuries. Of these, 100,000 are injured seriously enough to warrant a visit to casualty – and most accidents are due to either carelessness or lack of knowledge. A few moments planning and reading instructions rather than rushing a task and taking risks would also help to reduce the accident toll.
A survey carried out by MORI pollsters for the DTI shows that behaviour plays a large part in DIY accidents. For instance, the average consumer could spot only five out of eleven potential safety hazards on a stepladder when tested. Knowledge of Residual Current Devices was even worse – half the consumers polled had no idea what they were, and a further quarter who had heard of them had little knowledge of what they do. Other interesting facts:
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simple lack of knowledge can cause accidents - 85% of people who use stepladders are not aware that they are designed to be used square onto a wall, rather than parallel to it, for maximum stability |
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women know less about DIY than men and are more at risk of an injury – for example, women knew far less about residual current devices – 72% had never heard of them! |
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risk assessment is often wrong – many men over-estimate their ability to do some tasks, and are determined not to be beaten by a job, where in truth they need more knowledge, the right tools and someone to help. |
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