Attach shelving, shelving units and book cases to a wall stud using wall straps, brackets or braces. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a total of 4,900 emergency room visits are due to shelving, shelving units and book case tip-overs, and 1,400 of those being children ages 1-17 who could have most likely been prevented from being injured if shelving units and book cases were attached properly.
According to American National Standards Institute, more than 130,000 people receive treatment in the emergency room every year from ladder injuries and over 300 ladder related deaths. Follow these ladder safety rules when using a ladder to alleviate the possibility of injury.
· Always face the ladder when ascending and descending;
· Always maintain 3-points of contact while on a ladder;
· Never use top of ladder as a step;
· Never move, shift or extend ladder while occupied;
· Never carry an object or load that could cause you to lose balance while on a ladder.
When organizing chemicals be sure to read the label hazard warnings. Wear manufacturer’s recommended personal protection equipment. Never mix chemicals together or organize them alphabetically.
Don’t know what to do with all that leftover paint and unwanted chemicals? Many area counties accept household hazardous waste, so contact your local county to properly dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste, such as paint, batteries, fire extinguishers, gas and propane tanks, photographic chemicals, thinners/strippers, vehicle fluids, fertilizers, fluorescent lights, heavy metals (silver, mercury) pesticides/herbicides, pool chemicals, varnishes/stains. Never throw these items in with regular household waste.
Last, but not least, don’t forget to ask for help when you need it.
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