Norkshop ;afety, 5
Page 39
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JASTY INJURIES can be caused I/ the improper use of hand aols, using tools of poor quality r tools not quite right for the )b in hand. Obviously an aprentice cannot be expected to ave a full kit of tools when he rst starts work. "Buy the best aols available as and when you an afford them" is the best adice that can be given to him.
Files must never be used withut a properly fitting handle (see igure 1). A file must never be sod as a punch, even though te tang end, with the handle ;moved, looks suitable for such mks as removing broken-off split pins from bolts. The danger is that the file is dead hard and if struck with a hammer, or any other object, it is likely to fracture and the broken pieces to fly off injuring the workman or bystanders. Space in a vehicle is often cramped, components are covered with oil or grease, nuts, bolts or screws are corroded or the corners are rounded off on their hexagons. To cope with these conditions hand tools must be kept in good conditio Spanners with deformed ji should be replaced; hamrr heads must be securely faster to their shafts with the aid c proper wedge, so that there is possibility of the head flying With repeated use cold chis and punches develop "mu room heads." The ragged ecll should be ground off as pie are liable to break and fly av at great speed when the heac the chisel is struck.
There is also a danger tha the chisel slips and pas: through the holder's hand • ragged edges will injure it (5 Figure 2).
When lifting and carryi heavy weights it is better to t the leg muscles as far as p sible rather than those in 1 back, as the latter can be ea: strained. When lifting the bt should be kept straight, 1 knees bent, the load kept clt to the body and then lifted straightening the legs. (Figuri illustrates the principle).
Motor vehicle petrol engin should not be run in confin spaces for long periods as t exhaust gases from them cc tains carbon monoxide, a poi5 nous gas. Most commerci vehicle workshops are spacioi often with open doors a windows. The danger is not great here but the hazard fr11 be borne in mind.
Ideally equipment should available to conduct the gas away, for example flexible pip to fit over the vehicle's exhat pipe, with the flexible pi leading to a manifold with extractor fan to push the gas out into the atmosphere.
Diesel engines do not give carbon monoxide in the sar way but their fumes are unplt sant and in a very confin space might eventually cau difficulties to persons worki there because of lack of oxygei More about Safety in t Workshop in the next article.