The Hidden Benefits of Labeling Energy Sources You Might Miss

Why Label?

Often you'll find yourself in a situation where there is a leak, a fire, or a tripped circuit. In these situations where time is of the essence to ensure the safety of both personnel and equipment, knowing where the disconnecting means for these energy sources is critical. Having a clearly labeled tag will help minimize the time it takes to return to normal safe operation.

Electrical Tape Tricks

Now that you've learned the importance of having more colors of tape than you thought necessary, it's time to learn some a few like tricks.

The Hidden Benefits of Colored Electrical Tape You Didn't Know About

Colored Tape is Your Friend

We all have a need for electrical tape. You likely have a roll in your bag, pouch, box or with a majority of your tools back in the shop. But what color is it? Most will answer black unless, of course, they have been an electrician. Some people may have never seen the variety of colors, or may even question the usefulness of such colors.

Why You Need to Carry a Reflector

A square reflector

Photoelectric Sensor or Photo Eyes

They are all over almost every machine you will work on in an industrial setting. You will find hundreds to thousands of them on most types of material handling equipment. Think of your shipping sorters and conveyors.

Why you need low-tech

Your phone isn't enough

Having a phone is obviously a great tool to keep on you during the workday. Being able to send and receive pictures, documents and important messages will always be beneficial. That said it is still limited. Phones have certainly come a long way. The variety of apps and software that can make your life easier is unquestionable. Of course, you can take notes on your phone, you can even draw diagrams with a stylus, and you can share these all with the touch of a button. But what about when you can't?

Keep Your Light Bulbs Working: Greasing Tips

Introduction

We've all been in that situation. A dead light bulb. Easy enough to fix, right? You start spinning and SNAP! It breaks inside of the screw shell. Fortunately, there is a way to minimize the chance of this happening. Light bulb grease.

Dirt, Grease and Grime

For those considering the trades

It may sound like I'm stating the obvious, but this industry is dirty. You will be working with your hands. Crawling under machines, up ladders, through tight spaces you couldn't imagine being able to fit in at first glance. There will be grease, oil, chemicals, tar and dust. Somehow you will be both sticky and slippery.  

Wrenching and Knuckle Bashing

Preventing Knuckle and Hand Damage

We've all been there, working on a stubborn fastener when your hand slips. You punch a motor, a housing, or worse. You're bruised or cut up and in pain. Then you realized, I should have pulled instead of pushed. When pulling and you slip, you'll likely either hit nothing or at worst your chest. It's not always possible to pull a wrench towards you but do it every time you can. 

Just remember, PULL PULL PULL.