If your job requires you to work extensively with metal and you are silly enough to do so without the use of the proper safety equipment, one of the injuries that you may be forced to deal with is getting metal in your eye. Whilst it is recommended that you seek professional medical attention for these injuries as soon as possible, you may be able to begin first aid yourself.

First, you will need to decide whether it is safe for you to attempt first aid or whether you should just leave it. If the metals (like brass ,copper or steel) shard is embedded in your eye or is affecting your vision, you should leave it for the professionals. The same goes for if the injury is a result of hammering or grinding.

If you think that it is safe for you to attempt first aid, you will need to wash your hands thoroughly. Then, try and spot the metal shard. Pull your lower eyelid down; look left to right, up and down. Pull your upper eyelid up; look left to right, up and down.

Once you spot the metal shard, you should try flushing it out, but only if it is floating on your eye’s surface. Fill a small glass with a saline solution (or warm water). Then, put your head down, place the glass at the base of your eye socket and tilt your head back slowly. You may need to repeat this process.

If you have been unsuccessful in removing the metal shard from your eye, it is imperative that you immediately make your way to a doctor or even the emergency room. If you think that you have removed the shard but notice that your eye is still irritated or red, you should also seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Many people wrongly assume that the same tools used to work iron can be used to work aluminium. As it is a much softer metal, however, it is important that you use tools that will take this into account. Fortunately, many of the tools used for woodworking can be used on this metal.

• Saws
  Hand-held or hacksaws can be used on aluminium, providing that you have chosen the right kind of blade. They need to have wide-mouthed teeth and must be made out of carbide to ensure precise cuts.
• Center Punch
  This is a sharp rod made out of iron that is used for making marks on metal. On aluminium, it is used to etch cutting edges and to mark the position of holes.
  
  
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  Drills
  Hand-held drills are highly useful for working with aluminium, providing that you use a drill bit with wide spirals (to prevent the metal from clogging the bit).
• Mallets
  You cannot use a hammer on aluminium, as it will create dents. Instead, use a wooden mallet. They can be used for shaping a sheet, fixing it in place or even for hammering in rivets.
• Screwdrivers
  You don’t need special screwdrivers for working with aluminium - your standard ones will be fine, providing that they fit into screws that are Phillips O, Phillips Square, Phillips O Hex, Cheese or Rounded head.
  
  

Once you have finished working your aluminium, there will also be a wide range of buffing and polishing tools available to you to ensure that the shine of the metal is brought back. The tools outlined above, however, are likely to be on hand for most homeowners.