POWER!

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SAFETY

Before carrying out any work on your boat you should be aware of the dangers.

Working on the engine and the electrics has caused many a nasty injury just because we are unaware of the dangers around us!

One of the most common injuries I hear of through working on the alternator is caused when trying to carry out voltage checks with the engine running. I know of fingers being injured or even lost because of contact with the drive belts ! burns are easy to get if you place your hands or other limbs on the hot exhaust and engine.  A friend scalded himself quite badly when the filler cap blew on his engine and into his face! 

Working on the 230 volt circuits is quite obviously dangerous, especially with water around!  Its not good enough to just turn off the fuse box or disconnect the hook up. You must  use a label or remove the fuses if possible and keep them with you!  The wife could easily turn the fuse box on or replace the hook up to watch Emmerdale and bang! you fry.

12volt circuits wont give you a noticeable shock but it has been known to get serious burns by accidentally shorting out high power circuits with a tool or a ring.  12 volt machinery holds hidden dangers as well!

Batteries contain a dilute acid solution and it burns, especially the eyes! use some protection please!

While using power tools remember how much power is involved and how much damage that power can cause!

Watch the minor cuts and scrapes! the bilge water in your boat, or even the water from the cut can harbor some very nasty bugs! I was hospitalized because of a cut and some filthy bilge water! It was not very nice.  Cover all open wounds if possible and wash with TCP.

Working outside the boat is dangerous to say the least! its so easy to fall in isn't it? but not so easy to get out again. If you fall in the cut and get a mouthful! go see your doctor just in case.

Is your anti-tetanus up to date? mine most certainly is! 

Watch out for you back when moving the batteries! they are heavier than you think!

When working on my own I always carry my phone, and I make sure that is in range!

Its a fact that a bad workman blames his tools, and that bad tools are very dangerous!  Always use good tools and the right ones for the job,  A friend took off the top of his index finger because he was using a Stanley knife to strip cables!  He kicks himself because he had the proper wire strippers in his bag that was next to him.

All I can really say is be careful please!

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