It's hard to imagine life without some of our most utilized office products such as scissors, laminators, and paper shredders. However, as helpful as these devices are, they can also be dangerous. Here are the office devices you should be careful around along with suggestions regarding their safe usage.

1.)    Any type of cutting device. Without a doubt, cutting tools can be some of the most dangerous office devices. This includes scissors/shears, rotary trimmers, and stack and guillotine cutters. One false move with one of these items could easily cause an injury so you need to be very careful when you're using them. A lot of it boils down to common sense. (Such as, “don't run with scissors.”) Also, there are so many cutting tools that have safety features to help you prevent injuries. For example, rotary trimmers often have blades that are encased in plastic so that you won't accidentally run your fingers over the blade. The best guillotine cutters have a spring-loaded blade and a latch hook to keep the blade in place. And stack cutters often require you to use both hands when cutting so that your hands without them getting them trapped near the blade. Most of all, common sense is often the most important component in staying safe when cutting.  As long as you have that, you should be able to cut without any issues.

2.)    Laminators. Of all the document finishing methods to choose from, laminating is one of the most popular. It's not too difficult, it's pretty speedy, and it's something the whole family can get involved in. However, you need to be careful when laminating, especially when you're working with a roll laminator. Not only can these devices become extremely warm to the touch, they can also pose a  problem due to their rollers. Hands and fingers can get stuck between the rollers and children in particular are at risk for this. Luckily, you can prevent disaster from occurring by staying mindful of the situation and keeping at eye on everyone (including yourself) using the machine. Some laminators do have safety shields so you should choose a device with this feature if you'll be laminating around kids.

3.)    Paper and multimedia shredders. It's probably no surprise to see paper and multimedia shredders on this list. The shredder is one of the most dangerous office devices invented since it's basically just a machine designed to chew things up. Depending on the device, you'll be able to shred paper, CD's, credit cards, and so on, so you can imagine how powerful shredders are. These machines can really do damage if you're not careful. The best way to ensure a safe shredding experience is follow the manufacturer's directions and keep the machine away from kids and even pets. Most shredders have some sort of safety feature (such as an interlock switch), so be sure the machine you choose has one with which you're comfortable.

All of these office devices are helpful but you need to be careful when using them. Good luck with your work and stay safe!

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