DIY
Safety Tips
How do you know which is the
correct fuse for any particular
appliance?
A
fuse is fitted to allow the
equipment to cut out if there
is a problem, before any damage
is done to either the appliance
or surrounding are.
If, therefore, the fuse fitted
is too large the appliance
will be damaged before the
fuse cuts out. Conversely,
if the fuse is not large enough
it may cut out unnecessarily
- this is, however, much the
safest option. If in
doubt fit a lower fuse.
Common
fuses are 3, 5, and 13 amp
but it is possible to get
fuses at other ratings such
as 1 and 10 amp. To
find out how big a fuse you
should have fitted look for
the Wattage information on
the electrical equipment.
For instance a television
may require 300 Watts at 240
Volts AC (Alternating Current).
If you divide the rated
wattage by the Voltage (300
divided by 240) = 1.25, therefore,
this item would run happily
on a 2 amp fuse, usually a
3 or 5 amp is fitted, this
is OK but the lower the fuse
fitted the safer the item
will be as the fuse will blow
quicker in the event of a
fault.
If
you use 110 Volts the same
principle applies - Wattage
divided by voltage (i.e. 110).
Biggest
problems are with things like
Nursery night lights etc.,
with very low wattages.
With these items even a 3
amp fuse can, theoretically,
be way to big. One solution
to this is to ensure the circuit
is protected by a Residual
Current Device which will
trip long before a fuse will.
Many modern houses are fully
protected this way at the
consumer unit.
by Peter Begley
To
prevent axe heads from becoming
loose and, therefore,
dangerous, regularly rub linseed
oil into the handle.
An oily cloth rubbed over
the blade after each use will
keep this in good order too.
Welding is not a DIY
occupation as it is very dangerous
unless you know what you are
doing. If you are, however,
tempted it is essential to
wear a welders' mask at all
times.
To find more articles helping you to improve your own home - click here
Make sure your tool box is
kept in a safe place, even
whilst you are working.
Well away from children and
dangerous areas such as the
top of stairs etc.
Always
use the right
drill bit for the job
in hand i.e. wood or metal.
If drilling metal make a pilot
hole first to avoid the drill
slipping on the metal surface.
Chisels are very sharp
(or at least they should be).
A lump hammer should be used
with a bolt chisel and a mallet
with a wood chisel.
Always
buy the best quality hammer
you can afford - you get what
you pay for.
When
using angle
grinders, safety glasses
should always be worn.
Ensure you use the right blade
for the material to be cut
and that there is a safety
guard in place. The blades
should be tightened with the
correct key.
Saws
should be cleaned after every
use by rubbing with an oily
rag. The saw should
be pulled towards you a couple
of times (making a groove)
before starting to saw.
Craft
knives should be sharp:
always cut away from yourself
(not towards you) and use
a piece of wood or metal rule
as a cutting guide.
courtesy
of
http://www.hintsandthings.co.uk/
