Using manual labour may lead to injuries and fatalities of workers, so that’s why you have to meet all the safety requirements and create adequate working conditions. And some of the most essential items you’ll need are height-assisting devices such as step ladders and stools to safely access hard-to-reach items.

The Need for Step Stools and Ladders for Easy Work Flow

Step ladders and step stools are very similar in their design, general appearance and construction, however, there are a few subtle differences between the two. A step ladder is a self-supporting ladder, in the shape of an inverted V when its two halves are pulled apart at an angle with treads or steps.

A step stool, on the other hand, is smaller and lighter and most step stools take the shape of an inverted V with hinges connecting their foldable sections. Some of them have additional steps to ensure easier climbing.

The ladder is often taller than the stool and features more steps, which makes it a good choice for outdoor use as well. It’s ideal for accessing higher areas, while the stool is mostly preferred for indoor use, to reach shelves and cabinets. You can choose from a variety of step stools and ladders and find what suits the needs of your facility the most.

The step ladders are built to perform more rigorous jobs, therefore, they are stronger and have higher quality construction to accommodate higher impact. They have a higher duty rating and are suitable for industrial and commercial purposes, while the stools are designed for lighter tasks and work best in indoor spaces.

The overall lightweight construction of step ladders and stools offered in various height capacities provides optimum portability between sites and they essential in almost any working environment. They are ideal for use in warehouses, construction sites and retail stores as their self-supporting design makes them a convenient choice and can help preserve the employees’ safety. Step ladders and stool are an effective and ergonomic solution to industrial access tasks and can be found in a variety of sizes, load capacity and material types.

Step Ladders and Stool Materials

The material a ladder or stool is made of can play a big role in a few aspects of your decision to buy it including cost and use, so think about the types of projects where having them is essential or handy.

Aluminium

Aluminium is an excellent material for step ladders and stools because it’s strong and can stay intact after a lot of use. More importantly, it’s lightweight, which makes it easy for you to haul one back and forth. But keep in mind that it’s a metal and it can conduct electricity. If you’re working near electrical equipment or wires, an aluminium ladder or stool is not the right choice for you.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass is strong and can take rough handling and it doesn’t conduct electricity like aluminium. It’s a durable material and a good solution for working outdoors.

Plastic

Plastic stools are some of the most suitable options for different facilities.

Steel

Steel ladders are a practical solution as they are resilient and can handle heavy loads, but keep in mind that they are heavy. Also, proper storage is required to prevent a steel ladder from rusting.

Use Step Stools and Ladders Carefully

Lastly, note that step stools and ladders can be a very handy tool or a dangerous tool, all depending on how you use them. If used and stored properly, they will be some of the most helpful devices in your facility.

Before using the ladder or the stool make sure you take all the safety precautions. One of the most important things to do is to check the ladder or the stool before its use for any damage, wear and tear, corrosion or other indicators of poor condition.

Then, ensure the ground is level and all the four rails are securely supported. Use them only if the two halves are fully spread out and then locked to maximise stability and prevent snapping. Also, make sure the ladder or the stool is located at least four metres away from any power lines. When using a ladder, always try to keep three points of contact with it and wear a tool belt if needed when carrying tools up the ladder.

Also, it’s important that the user never stretches himself beyond reach while on the ladder or the stool nor mount the ladder from the side or step from it to another. This can lead to a shift of balance and lead to injuries caused by falling, or death, in the worst-case scenario.

Wear non-slip footwear and if you temporarily leave the ladder or the stool during operation, make sure to recheck every time. When you’re done with the task, perform a final check consisting of cleaning if needed, then check for loos and damaged parts and finally, store the ladder or the stool in a proper location.

The post Step Stools and Ladders: Reach New Heights with Ease appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

source: doitprofessionally.wordpress.com

The two most common disc sizes are 115mm and 230mm, anything bigger than that is meant for heavy-duty applications, whereas anything smaller than that is for finer work. Further, worth noting is that smaller grinders have a higher RPM, but their discs are more prone to wear. Besides size, the power source, RPM, arbour size and motor power should also be considered when shopping for an angle grinder.

Types of Angle Grinders

There are three types of angle grinders based on how they’re powered, each suitable for a specific purpose. Understanding the difference between all three types is crucial for making a well-informed buying decision.

Battery Powered Grinders

Also known as cordless grinders, these devices are very practical and used across many industries. Battery powered grinders can be transported to different areas, and they can work without a mains source. Cordless angle grinders are particularly useful in situations when you need to climb a ladder or scaffold since there’s no risk of tripping over some trailing wires. However, you should choose a model with high capacity batteries to avoid having to recharge them in the middle of grinding. Alternatively, you can get an extra pack of batteries and charge one of the packs when using the other.

source: tehno.guru

Corded Grinders

Corded angle grinders, while not as portable as their cordless counterparts, provide continuous operation since they’re hooked up to a power supply. So if you’re always going to have a power supply nearby, and you’re going to use the grinder for extended periods of time, a corded angle will work best for you. If you’re mainly going to perform minor cutting jobs, consider getting a smaller model that’s more ergonomic and has a small disc. Additionally, consider the vibration dampening properties of the grinder you choose.

Pneumatic Grinders

Pneumatic grinders offer a great mixture of performance and durability, making them ideal for cutting and shaping metal. They’re mainly used for light-duty tasks that require a lot of precision. Pneumatic grinders require compressed air to operate and are the most lightweight out of all types since they don’t have an electric motor. Some pneumatic grinders come with throttle levers, allowing for a higher level of control when performing technical tasks like speed grinding or feather edging.

source: garagetooladvisor.com

Grinder Power

The power of an angle grinder depends on the wattage. The required wattage will depend on the size of the disc. The input power of corded models is rated in amps, whereas cordless grinders are rated in volts. The input of pneumatic grinders is rated in cubic feet per minute, and there’s usually a corresponding PSI (pressure in pounds per square inch).

Safety Tips for Using Angle Grinders

Angle grinders usually come with a range of safety features to prevent injuries. A slow start is one of them, which prevents the grinder from twisting immediately after starting. Anti-kickback is another feature that comes in handy, ensuring the motor cuts out if the grinder gets caught up on any material. Restart protection ensures the grinder stays off in case it gets overheated or cut out and left with the power on. A deadman’s switch, or the paddle, ensures the grinder only operates when held with both hands and prevents spinning should the switch be released.

There are also a couple of safety procedures that should be followed when using grinders. For starters, you should always wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes ear defenders, dust mask, gloves and safety goggles. The protective equipment will act as a safeguard against sparks that fly up when using a grinder. You should also look to minimise the risk of your clothes catching fire when grinding by wearing flame retardant clothing.

Before you start using an angle grinder, you should alert everyone present and organise the wiring in order to prevent electrical hazards. The disc on the grinder should be static before positioning it to the surface to ensure it doesn’t spin and cause damages. Other safety procedures you should follow include:

• Ensuring the angle grinder is switched off before plugging it into a power mains
• Using the grinder in accordance with the instructions provided in the manufacturer’s user manual
• Choosing and using the right type of disc for the job
• Keeping the safety guard on at all times
• Using both hands for safe operation
• Inspecting the grinder before use
• Replacing parts as necessary
• Maintaining focus and taking breaks when tired

The post Discover the Different Types of Angle Grinders and How to Safely Use Them appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.