Clean up your stuff! ..............................................................................
Keeping your workspace neat, including minimizing strung-out cords that
could trip you up, is important in preventing accidents.A cluttered work surface makes it hard to see what you’re reaching for. You
might reach over to grab a plastic box, only to come up with a mini hacksaw
in your palm (ouch!).Pick up small pieces of cut wire or loose screws and nails. Not only could you
step on one and cut yourself if you decide to work barefoot someday (not
something we recommend), but a pet or child could pick up such small items
and decide they would be tasty.Keeping kids and pets out of your space ..........................................
Besides keeping your space neat, you should also keep your space off-limits
to the smaller members of your household: namely, kids and pets. Even if you
put away all sharp tools religiously and make sure that any power source is
disconnected from breadboards, small hands (or paws) are made for mischief.If you can, lock your workspace when you’re not in it. If you can’t (maybe
because your workspace is a corner of your den), lock up your electronic
project tools, components, and works in progress in a box or cabinet.Chapter 2: Safety First 29
Electronics and alcohol don’t mix
Okay, this probably goes without saying, but
don’t work around electronics if you’ve had a
drink (or two or three). Alcohol slows your brain
and has an impact on your judgment. Bad judg-
ment around electricity or sharp power tools
could be fatal. ’Nuff said?