Never leave a commercial grade battery charger on unattended. We had a tech come in on his day off and leave one of his batteries hooked up to the charger in the shop. He never came back to get it at the end of the day so it sat overnight. The next morning the case of the battery was all distorted and bloated sitting in a puddle of acid on the floor of the shop.
Since I'm on the subject, let me share with you a few other things concerning safety that I picked up so far in my lifetime. The wonderful folks at O.S.H.A. say that every hazard involved in the use of power tools can be prevented by following five basic rules:
- Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance.
- Use the right tool for the job.
- Examine each tool for damage before use.
- Operate according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Provide and use the proper protective equipment.
Now that list works for most things, but there are always additions to be added.
- Always inspect your tools before use and check for external and internal defects such as frayed cords, broken handles, cracks in striking surfaces... etc.
- Remove damaged equipment from service and attach a do not use sign immediately if you can not fix it right away.
- When using wrenches and ratchets always pull the tool toward you, do not push.
- When using knives always cut away from you.
- Keep your blades sharp.
- Don't use extenders or cheater bars on ratchets or wrenches.
- Keep your tools clean to prevent slippage.
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep firm footing and maintain your balance.
- When working on electrical parts always disconnect the electricity.
- Do not use cushion grip pliers on active electrical circuits. (see above)
- When using an impact, do not hold the socket, universal joint or other attachment in your hand while the tool is operating.
- Do not continue to hammer with an impact tool once the fastener is tight.
- Do not use hand tool sockets on power tools.
- Don't use metric tools on SAE fasteners, or vice versa.
- Always use a box wrench if possible.
- Utilize commercial lubricants to their full potential. Let the oil do the hard work for you.
- Do not exceed the capacity of your torque wrench.
- Do not use your torque wrench to break fasteners loose.
- Do not use a torque multiplier with an impact wrench.
- Never point the sharp end at other people. Good for knives, chisels, saws... you name it.
- Do not use cold chisels on concrete.
- Use a punch or chisel holder to prevent hand injuries.
- Do not use an impact wrench on any puller.
- Never place your finger on the start button (or trigger) when transporting a power tool.
- Never remove the guards from your power tools.
- Always dress appropriately for the tools you are going to be using. (No loose fitting clothing, rings, loose jewelery, keep your hair pulled back... etc.)
- Check your power cords before use and only use the double insulated (3 prong) plugs.
- Do not raise or lower your power tools using the electrical cord.
- Just
There's always more to learn and add to this list so as I find new things that might work here I might just do that.
