[HAM] gasoline

[Steve Leigh]

At 01:25 PM 4/21/2007, you wrote:
>Yes, if you dont understand basic chemical and physical properties of
>volatile flammable solvents, I suppose that is true. However, there are lots
>of other household chemicals just as dangerous (ever hold a match up to a
>can of Lysol Spray?). If used with common sense (outdoors, good ventilation,
>no spark or heat, small amounts, dont inhale,etc) gasoline is no worse than
>many other commonly available solvents.

I'd agree here.
Gasoline has many "horror stories" attached to it, and is generally 
thought to be a one-way ticket to death by fire.

Yet, in truth, there are so many other equally dangerous items in 
almost any shop.  Almost any spray can can explode, clear coating 
(automotive type two part) is certainly as flammable as gasoline, 
even an air compressor *could* explode if it reached a high enough temperature.

My messages don't always contain safety warnings, because I feel that 
there are basic facts that any adult should know without being 
constantly reminded.  But I'd like to share something from the late 
50s - early 1960s with you.

Way back then, my uncles owned a gas station, lawnmower repair shop, 
and a machine shop.  At about 8-10 years old, that's where I spent 
all my free time.  I had to stand on a soda crate to operate most of 
the machines, and I learned some basic machine shop work from my 
uncles.  I was reading a micrometer at age 8, and operating lathes 
and Bridgeports (under supervision) at the same age.

I can't even try to count the number of parts Uncle Artie washed off 
in a bucket of gas, with a stiff painbrush or red shop rags.  Uncle 
Artie was also a chain smoker - you NEVER saw him without a cigarette 
dangling out of his mouth.  Uncle Artie never had any gasoline fires.

Uncle Ruby ran the machine shop.  He, too, was a chain smoker - and a 
welder.  He regularly soaked parts in gasoline, scrubbed them clean, 
and covered the gas bucket with a rag when he was done.  Ruby never 
had any gasoline fires, either.  He welded and used the precision 
surface grinding machine (NOTHING but flying sparks, if you've ever 
seen one) within yards of open gasoline - never a fire.

Maybe these were two of the luckiest men alive - I don't know.  I DO 
know I'd never take these chances.  Through the years, I think I've 
learned to use tools and chemicals safely.  I've never had a gasoline 
fire, either, and I'd like to keep it that way.

My logic tells me that plenty of things in the shop CAN be 
dangerous.  My caution also tells me to think twice before acting.



Steve Leigh  :::  steve at sl-prokeys.com
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