We'll cover the basic Safety Tips and will keep this section updated regularly as new products or suggestions become available.

Ladder Safety
Each year, hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries are caused b improper ladder use. Proper ladder selection, inspection, set-up, care, and use are keys to using a ladder safely. While simple to use, don't take ladder safety or granted.

CARE of LADDERS
Ladders must always be maintained in good condition. The joints between the steps and side rails must be tight, all hardware and fittings securely attached, and the moveable parts must operate freely without binding o undue play.

Safety feet (rubber footings) and other auxiliary equipment must be kept in good condition.

Ladders must be inspected frequently and those having defects such as broken or missing steps, rungs, or cleats, broken side rails, or other defects must be withdrawn for repair or destruction and tagged or marked as "Dangerous, Do Not Use."

The "best practice" would be to inspect a ladder each time you use it. Keep ladders free from oil, grease, and other slipping hazards.

USING LADDERS
Never make improvised repairs.
Always use wood or fiberglass ladders that are clean and dry.
Portable metal ladders and other portable conductive ladders must not be used near exposed energized lines or equipment.

Never use a ladder in a horizontal position as a platform, runway, or scaffold.
Never place ladders on boxes, barrels, or other unstable bases to obtain additional height.
Never use a ladder to gain access to a roof unless the top of the ladder extends 3 feet above the point of support, at eave, gutter, or roofline.

Climbing Safety

Always:

· Climb ladders while facing them.
· Maintain three points of contact.
· Keep hands free by carrying items on tool belts or pulling things up on hand lines once climbing is done.
· Wear shoes that are clean and in good condition.
· Wear shoes that fit properly and have good arch support.

Never:

· Allow more than one person on a ladder at one time.
· Tie or fasten ladders together to make a longer one.
· Remove extension ladder stops to increase height.

Power Tool Precautions
Users of all power tools should observe the following general precautions:

· Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.
· Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect from the receptacle.
· Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.
· Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when hanging accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters.
· Keep all observers at a safe distance from the work area.
· Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.
· Avoid accidental starting. Do not put your finger on the switch while carrying a plugged-in tool.
· Follow instructions in the user's manual for lubrication and changing accessories.
· Keep good footing and maintain good balance. This is a good reason to keep your work area free from excess debris.
· Wear appropriate clothes. Loose clothing, ties, or jewelry can become caught in moving parts.
· Damaged portable electric tools must be removed and tagged "Do Not Use." Ask your supervisor for approved company procedures for tagging broken equipment.

Guards
Hazardous moving parts - belts, gears, shafts, pulleys, sprockets, spindles, drums, flywheels, chains, or other reciprocating, rotating, or moving parts of equipment - must be guarded if the parts are exposed.

Guards, as necessary should be provided to protect the operator and others from:

· Point of operation hazards.
· In-running nip point hazards.
· Rotating parts
· Flying chips and sparks.

Never remove safety guards when the tool is being used.

For example, portable circular saws must be equipped with guards. An upper guard must cover the entire blade. A retractable lower guard must cover the teeth except where it makes contact with the work material. The lower guard must automatically return to the closed position when you're done making the cut.