Sparks Electrical News June 2018

TOOLS OF TRADE

11

PROPER CARE OF TOOLS FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY

CHRISTENSEN TOOLS ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH DRAPER TOOLS

I n the competitive and dangerous field of electrical contracting, safety issues are vital. If a contractor has too many job-related accidents and an unsatisfactory safety rating, it could di- rectly impact the company’s productiv- ity, performance, insurance rating and bottom line. Having a trained safety professional on-site can help improve not only the company’s work habits but overall pro- ductivity as well. It also frees up the owner to focus on planning for future growth rather than keeping an eye on proper safety practices. Use and care for tools properly An electrician’s tools are precise and unique to the trade. The right tools make a job easier, eliminate repetitive-use in- juries and reduce work-related impair- ment. Hand and power tools created for an intended use must adhere to their manufactured purpose. Hand tools Have enough spare wire cutters, pli- ers, hacksaws, screwdrivers and socket sets so all workers have access to them when they need them. Replace hand tools when they begin to slip, fail or no longer cut precisely. Too often, simple activities like tightening a screw or nut can cause unnecessary injuries because

and repair or replace it as needed.

of old or damaged tools. Check the con- dition of tools at the start of each day to help prevent easily avoidable accidents. Power tools Proper training and appropriate instruc- tion are critical before allowing any worker to use a power tool of any kind. Your safety person or foreman can help ensure employees know how to use tools safely and correctly. When disconnecting power tools, hold the plug instead of tug- ging on the line. At the start of each day, check that cords, plugs and other power tool parts are all working correctly. Battery-operated tools Battery-operated tools are conveni- ent, but just because they are battery- operated does not mean they’re any less dangerous than a standard power tool. Dropping or mishandling them can render them useless, and a crack in the case of the battery cell is danger- ous. Remind your employees that they should use and care for these tools just as respectfully as corded power tools. Extension cords A worn extension cord with exposed wires or tape is hazardous and should not be used. Extension cords must be appropriately repaired to meet safety standards. Be careful about where the cord runs as well. If cords rub against sharp objects or get pinched, their insu- lation can be scored or severed, which is a major safety concern. Protective gear The most basic safety gear consists of rubber-soled steel-tip boots, adequately fitted helmets, arc shields, rubber gloves and goggles. Check protective gear before and after use. Visually inspect gloves for holes each day, and discard and replace as necessary. Inspect other safety equipment as often as possible

Other tool safety tips • Tie back long hair or loose clothing that could catch in a revolving power tool. • Pull wrenches toward you rather than pushing them, which can result in them slipping out of your hand and causing injury. • Avoid using dull knives or wire cut- ters. They won’t cut as effectively and present a great risk for injury. • To prevent kickback, secure a pipe in place before cutting it. • Tag and lock out circuit breaker panels while working on the lines. Not taking the time to do this could cause serious injury. Storing your tools Keep your electric tools stored in their original cases and containers. This will keep them free of dust and dirt while they are not being used. Proper care of your electric tools is key to making sure that they last for many years. Buying good quality power tools will also guarantee that they will last. Use the brand names you know and trust when it is time to buy new power tools. A little research of consumer reviews will give you a good indication of which tool is the best for your use. Only use your tools for the job they were intended. Using a tool to perform a task that it was not intended to do is a sure way to break it. Cutting tools should only be used to cut the materials they were designed

CHRISTENSEN TOOLS has been supplying quality tools to the electronics and related industries in South Africa and into Africa for well over 50 years, and the company is always on the lookout for quality brands and products to make additions to its ranges. The company has been appointed official distributer of the Draper Tools range for South Africa and bordering African counties and is confident that this will mark the beginning of a long and beneficial partnership, offering its valued clients some great product options. The products can be viewed on www.drapertools.co.za and offer a mix of some 18 500 products and pictures, with pricing in ZAR. In addition, a full Draper catalogue can be downloaded from the website. Skilled technicians inspect the products for quality assurance at all stages before and after delivery. Vigorous testing and evaluation is per- formed on all products at its UK and Far East quality assurance facilities to ensure compliance to international standards and European Directives as applicable. Investing in testing equipment to ensure the quality of products The Christensen Tools Quality Assurance Department continues to invest in equipment for RoHS X-ray Fluorescence Testing to state-of-the-art Dig- ital Hardness testing and Magnetic Crack Detection. Both of the latter test processes are crucial to ensure that British and European standard safety requirements are met, particularly on hammers, sledge hammers, chisels and other striking tools.

Enquiries: +27 (0) 11 618 3200

to cut. Keep blades sharp and ready to go so that the tool does not have to work as hard to cut a single item.

USB RECHARGEABLE INSPECTION LIGHT A vailable from Garry Lumpe Imports, the Unilite PS- IL10R is a super bright,

provides the perfect posi- tion to then operate the two rubberised switches on its handle. In terms of hands free operations; there are a range of options. At its rear side, there is a folding stand as well as a strong mag- netic hook, which enables it to be placed on a metallic surface or anywhere a hook would permit. This allows you to continue working with both hands without hindrance. The inspection light is a multipurpose tool for all aspects of work and leisure. Rated to IP54, the lamp is fully weatherproof for all conditions to ensure great- er continual performance. High capacity Lithium USB rechargeable batter- ies power the ultra bright Samsung LEDs to give un- rivalled performance when carrying out tasks.

of light for close point inspection. It is further helped with an improved wider reflector that houses the LEDs. This enables the light to cover that extra surface area that other inspec- tion lights fail to hit. In addition to the main light, the IL10R also has a torch on its head, allowing for a single spot inspection light or a distance lighting tool. When looking to conserve bat- tery life, or if the immense power of the light becomes too much, you can change the settings using the rubber- ised switch. Independent controls can help to dim both the inspection light and the torch, scrolling through three dimmer settings for both the main SMD and the torch on its head. This superb versatility cements the unit's place as the choice of professionals. The PS-IL10R is built with in- creased strength housing construct- ed of aircraft grade aluminium and a strong co-polymer blend. This means it’s tough enough to survive in more unforgiving environments, whilst also having the flexibility to be able to be used for many different applications. The IL10R has an ergonomic grip which allows for comfortable hand placement when in operation. This

1000 Lumen USB rechargeable in- spection light. This builds upon the heritage of the previous PS-IL1 and PS-IL6R, to create the next genera- tion of Inspection light. The power of the light comes from its Samsung 1000 lumen white SMD LEDs, providing a great spread

Enquiries: + 27 (0) 11 396 4965

SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

JUNE 2018