Health and safety in the shop or garage

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[[Image:wood_jointer_vs_finger.jpg|thumbnail|right|350px|A finger severed in a wood jointer. ''Do you have a photo of a garage/shop injury? Please [[Special:Upload | upload it to the wiki]].'']]
 
[[Image:wood_jointer_vs_finger.jpg|thumbnail|right|350px|A finger severed in a wood jointer. ''Do you have a photo of a garage/shop injury? Please [[Special:Upload | upload it to the wiki]].'']]
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==Introduction==
 
Safety is overlooked by many.
 
Safety is overlooked by many.
  
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*Be careful of debris on anything that will be lifted over your eyes (like a ladder).
 
*Be careful of debris on anything that will be lifted over your eyes (like a ladder).
 
*When working under potential debris (like when working under a car), don't remove your safety glasses, for example, to wipe the dust off.
 
*When working under potential debris (like when working under a car), don't remove your safety glasses, for example, to wipe the dust off.
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*Use the proper filter lens shade for the job. UV light can cause a number of vision problems, including deadly cancerous eyelid tumors and blindness.
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*Use the proper filter lens shade for the job. UV (ultraviolet) light can cause a number of vision problems, including deadly cancerous eyelid tumors and blindness.
  
 
===Arc flash===
 
===Arc flash===
 
*Also known as "arc eyes", "flash burn", "snow blindness", "ultraviolet keratitis", or "corneal flash burn". It's analogous to a sunburn on your eyeballs.
 
*Also known as "arc eyes", "flash burn", "snow blindness", "ultraviolet keratitis", or "corneal flash burn". It's analogous to a sunburn on your eyeballs.
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*Avoid "blind" tack-welding -- closing your eyes, blocking your eyes, or looking away when you tack.
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*Avoid "blind" tack-welding, i.e. closing your eyes, blocking your eyes, or looking away when you tack.
 
*Take steps to ensure that nobody "walks in" on a welding job without eye protection, or they could get arc flash (i.e.: sign on the door).
 
*Take steps to ensure that nobody "walks in" on a welding job without eye protection, or they could get arc flash (i.e.: sign on the door).
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*Don't weld with a white shirt on -- it's too reflective.
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*Don't weld with a white shirt on- white can be too reflective.
 
*Don't weld with "cool" sunglasses as protection. Being blind isn't cool.
 
*Don't weld with "cool" sunglasses as protection. Being blind isn't cool.
  
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====Symptoms====
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====Symptoms of eye injury from welding flash====
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*Feels like you have sandpaper rubbing your eyeballs.
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*Feels like you have sandpaper rubbing your eyeballs
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*Bloodshot eyes.
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*Bloodshot eyes
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*Light sensitivity.
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*Light sensitivity
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*Excessive tearing.
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*Excessive tearing
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*Moderate to severe pain.
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*Moderate to severe pain
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*Can't close eyes (can't sleep).
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*Can't close eyes (can't sleep)
  
 
====What about using potatoes or potato juice?====
 
====What about using potatoes or potato juice?====
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====What about using over-the-counter eyedrops?====
 
====What about using over-the-counter eyedrops?====
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Don't use topical anesthetic drops, because they can slow the healing of the cornea. However (ask your doctor), you can probably use over-the-counter '''lubricant''' eyedrops.
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Don't use topical anesthetic drops, because they can slow the healing of the cornea. However (ask your doctor), you may be advised to use over-the-counter '''lubricant''' eyedrops.
  
 
====When to see a doctor about arc flash====
 
====When to see a doctor about arc flash====
 
If you have worsening pain in your eyes, or your vision blurs or changes, you should see a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist. Or, just go to an emergency room.
 
If you have worsening pain in your eyes, or your vision blurs or changes, you should see a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist. Or, just go to an emergency room.
  
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The doctor will examine your eye, typically with a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slit_lamp slit lamp]. You may receive some eyedrops to numb, dilate, or dye your eye to aid in the examination. Then, you'll probably get some eyedrops to take home, to help alleviate the pain or lubricate your eyes. In most cases, you should be recovered within a few days.
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The doctor will examine your eye, typically with a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slit_lamp slit lamp]. You may receive some eyedrops to numb, dilate, or dye your eye to aid in the examination. Then, you'll probably get some eyedrops to take home, to help alleviate the pain or lubricate your eyes. In most cases, you should be recovered within a few days.
  
 
====Related links====
 
====Related links====
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==Vibration protection==
 
==Vibration protection==
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Prolonged use of vibrating tools can cause a condition known as Vibration White Finger, or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). HAVS can result in numbness, tingling, and pain -- and, in extreme cases, loss of fingers. Damage can come from extended use of a tool that vibrates slightly, as well as short use of a tool that vibrates heavily. The effect is cumulative over time. Exposure to vibration is measured in trigger time (the time that the tool operator is holding down the trigger of the tool), and acceleration amplitude of the tool. Trigger time is typically quoted in hours per day, and acceleration amplitude can be measured with an accelerometer or a special vibration analysis tool.
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Prolonged use of vibrating tools can cause a condition known as Vibration White Finger, or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). HAVS can result in numbness, tingling, and pain -- and, in extreme cases, loss of fingers. Damage can come from extended use of a tool that vibrates slightly, as well as short use of a tool that vibrates heavily. The effect is cumulative over time. Exposure to vibration is measured in trigger time (the time that the tool operator is holding down the trigger of the tool), and acceleration amplitude of the tool. Trigger time is typically quoted in hours per day, and acceleration amplitude can be measured with an accelerometer or a special vibration analysis tool.
  
 
Anti-vibration gloves will help to protect against vibration. However, the best protection is to reduce exposure, or to use tools with a lower vibration rating.
 
Anti-vibration gloves will help to protect against vibration. However, the best protection is to reduce exposure, or to use tools with a lower vibration rating.
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==Battery acid==
 
==Battery acid==
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Automotive batteries contain "battery acid" -- more formally known as sulfuric acid. When handled improperly, sulfuric acid can cause blindness, burning, and death.
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Automotive batteries contain "battery acid", or more formally, ''sulfuric'' acid. When handled improperly, sulfuric acid can cause blindness, burning, and death.
  
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===Ingestion, inhalation, and skin or eye contamination===
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Batteries give off hydrogen gas during charging or when in operation in a vehicle. Avoid sources of combustion (flame, sparks) when in the vicinity of a battery to avoid an explosion.
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If you ingest or inhale battery acid, or if you get battery acid on your skin or in your eyes, immediately flush the area with water then get medical attention immediately. Speed is critical.
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"Get medical attention immediately" doesn't always mean "run to the emergency room", although sometimes it might. Stop what you're doing, and act within your knowledge and means to attend to the medical priority of the situation.
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===What do I do if I inhale or swallow battery acid, or splash some battery acid in my eyes or skin?===
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====Eyes====
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If you get battery acid in your eyes, don't rub your eyes, or keep them closed. They need to be "irrigated" for at least half an hour. If possible, use an emergency eyewash/shower station.
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Immediately flush the contaminated eye(s) with clean, lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 30 minutes, while holding the eyelid(s) open.
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If irritation persists, repeat flushing. Neutral saline solution (may be available from someone who wears contact lenses) may be used as soon as it is available.  
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DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING. If necessary, keep the emergency vehicle waiting.
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Take care not to rinse contaminated water into the unaffected eye or onto the face. First aiders should avoid direct contact. Wear chemical protective gloves, if necessary.
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Quickly transport the victim to an emergency care facility. Flush any area of your body contacted by battery acid immediately and thoroughly.
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====Skin====
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As quickly as possible, flush the contaminated area with lukewarm, gently flowing water for at least 30 minutes. If irritation persists, repeat flushing. DO NOT INTERRUPT FLUSHING.  
  
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If you get battery acid in your eyes, don't rub your eyes, or keep them closed. They need to be "irrigated" for at least half an hour. ''(irrigated with what? water?)''
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Under running water, remove contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods (e.g., watchbands, belts). 
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Discard contaminated clothing, shoes and leather goods.
  
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If you get battery acid on your skin, remove contaminated clothes and shoes, and flush your skin with soap and water for 15 minutes.
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Transport the victim to an emergency care facility immediately if conditions seem to warrant it of if in doubt.
  
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====Swallowing====
 
If you ingest (i.e.: "swallow") battery acid, don't induce vomiting. If the victim is conscious, give 3 cups of milk or water. Don't ever give anything to an unconscious person.
 
If you ingest (i.e.: "swallow") battery acid, don't induce vomiting. If the victim is conscious, give 3 cups of milk or water. Don't ever give anything to an unconscious person.
  
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====Inhalation====
 
If you inhale battery acid, get fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
 
If you inhale battery acid, get fresh air immediately. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen.
  
 
===Don't use battery acid to clean concrete===
 
===Don't use battery acid to clean concrete===
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Using battery acid to clean concrete can crumble and flake your concrete surface. Battery acid doesn't actually "clean" concrete -- it '''dissolves''' it. The acid soaks into the concrete, and will continue to damage it until it is neutralized.
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Using battery acid to clean concrete can crumble and flake your concrete surface. Battery acid doesn't actually "clean" concrete -- it '''dissolves''' it. The acid soaks into the concrete, and will continue to damage it until it is neutralized. Instead of sulfuric acid, use a commercial product specifically designed for cleaning concrete.
  
 
Water will dilute battery acid to the point of the acid being neutralized if enough water is used. Never add water to acid (remember the old chemistry class saying "do like you oughta, add acid to the water"). Always add acid '''slowly''' to water. In fact, sulfuric acid (and other strong acids) produces heat when it is introduced to water. The resulting exothermic reaction can almost instantly boil the water, blowing acid all over your body, leading to acid burns.  
 
Water will dilute battery acid to the point of the acid being neutralized if enough water is used. Never add water to acid (remember the old chemistry class saying "do like you oughta, add acid to the water"). Always add acid '''slowly''' to water. In fact, sulfuric acid (and other strong acids) produces heat when it is introduced to water. The resulting exothermic reaction can almost instantly boil the water, blowing acid all over your body, leading to acid burns.  
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Instead of sulfuric acid, use a commercial product specifically designed for cleaning concrete.
 
  
 
===Don't use battery acid to remove rust===
 
===Don't use battery acid to remove rust===
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Respiratory protection is probably overlooked more often than eye and ear protection, yet is every bit as important. There are many jobs around the garage in which some form of respirator or mask should be used. These include but are not limited to: painting, welding, grinding, sandblasting, handling solvent tanks, and insulation handling (especially when it contains asbestos). Respirators are often found in two basic styles: full face and half face. These should be chosen based on the level of exposure that is anticipated. Generally speaking, a half face respirator should be sufficient for most at-home projects.
 
Respiratory protection is probably overlooked more often than eye and ear protection, yet is every bit as important. There are many jobs around the garage in which some form of respirator or mask should be used. These include but are not limited to: painting, welding, grinding, sandblasting, handling solvent tanks, and insulation handling (especially when it contains asbestos). Respirators are often found in two basic styles: full face and half face. These should be chosen based on the level of exposure that is anticipated. Generally speaking, a half face respirator should be sufficient for most at-home projects.
  
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When spraying paint occasionally, it is recommended to at least use a half face respirator with a double filtration. The outer should stop dust particles, and the inner should be a cartridge filter, charcoal type that absorbs fumes. This will greatly reduce your chances of inhaling harmful fumes and/or dust.  When spraying more than occasionally, the recommended protection is forced air or remote type system. Follow the MSDS and/or instructions that come with your material that you are working with. A [http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/isocyanates/mdi/mdi.html study] on the effectiveness of respirators in filtering isocyanates is available at the OSHA website. Two cartridges tested removed over 99% of isocyanates, and both are available from Amazon.com and local sources.
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When spraying paint occasionally, it is recommended to at least use a half face respirator with a double filtration. The outer filter should stop dust particles, and the inner filter should be a charcoal type cartridge filter that absorbs fumes. This will greatly reduce your chances of inhaling harmful fumes and/or dust.   
  
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Ventilation is often overlooked when taking on the tasks of grinding, welding, spraying.
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When spraying more than occasionally, the recommended protection is forced air or remote type system. Follow the MSDS and/or instructions that come with your material that you are working with. A [http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/isocyanates/mdi/mdi.html study] on the effectiveness of respirators in filtering isocyanates is available at the OSHA website. Two cartridges tested removed over 99% of isocyanates, and both are available from Amazon.com and local sources.
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When grinding, it is useful to use at least couple of fans to push and pull the air and debris around you. ''(confirm or expand)''
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By creating air movement away from your face the less likely you be able to breath it in.
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When moving the air in an explosive environment (fine dust and chemical vapors), an explosion-proof motor must be employed.
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When you are done using your respirator, clean it and return it to a sealed container or sealed, "Ziploc"-type bag. The charcoal type keep working as long as there is air to work with.
 
When you are done using your respirator, clean it and return it to a sealed container or sealed, "Ziploc"-type bag. The charcoal type keep working as long as there is air to work with.
  
 
*[http://ehso.com/RespProtectionTypes.htm Types of Respirators, and How to Select a Respirator]
 
*[http://ehso.com/RespProtectionTypes.htm Types of Respirators, and How to Select a Respirator]
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===Ventilation===
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Ventilation is often overlooked when taking on the tasks of grinding, welding, spraying.
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When grinding, direct the material away from your face. Adequate ventilation is helpful to reduce fine particulates from being inhaled but the force of material thrown off of a grinding wheel or disc can be significant, so use eye, face and body protection and avoid breathing the dust.
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When moving the air in an explosive environment (fine dust and chemical vapors), an explosion-proof motor must be employed.
  
 
== Lifting and handling heavy parts ==
 
== Lifting and handling heavy parts ==
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The effects of phosgene gas poisoning may not show up immediately, and may be cumulative over time, with multiple exposures.
 
The effects of phosgene gas poisoning may not show up immediately, and may be cumulative over time, with multiple exposures.
  
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By the time you can smell phosgene, you've already been exposed to a hazardous dose of it. Because of this, prolonged exposure to phosgene without intervention is possible. The OSHA permissible exposure limit to phosgene is 0.1 ppm averaged over an 8-hour workshift. Phosgene is considered immediately dangerous to life or health at 2 ppm. Because the odor detection threshold is 0.4 to 1.5 ppm, odor does not provide sufficient warning of harmful phosgene concentration in the air.
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By the time you can smell phosgene, you've already been exposed to a hazardous dose of it. Because of this, prolonged exposure to phosgene without intervention is possible. The OSHA permissible exposure limit to phosgene is 0.1 ppm (parts per million) averaged over an 8-hour workshift. Phosgene is considered immediately dangerous to life or health at 2 ppm. Because the odor detection threshold is 0.4 to 1.5 ppm, odor does not provide sufficient warning of harmful phosgene concentration in the air.
  
 
If you think you may have been exposed to phosgene gas, move outside or to fresh air. Phosgene gas is heavier than air, and will sink, so move to higher ground if possible. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse your eyes with fresh water for 10 to 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
 
If you think you may have been exposed to phosgene gas, move outside or to fresh air. Phosgene gas is heavier than air, and will sink, so move to higher ground if possible. If your eyes are burning or your vision is blurred, rinse your eyes with fresh water for 10 to 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
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Those at risk of phosgene gas exposure may choose to wear [http://www.afcintl.com/gasdet/isocyanates/gmdbadge2.htm phosgene detection badges].
 
Those at risk of phosgene gas exposure may choose to wear [http://www.afcintl.com/gasdet/isocyanates/gmdbadge2.htm phosgene detection badges].
  
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'''This section could use a photograph of the warning on a can of brake parts cleaner that mentions phosgene.'''
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[[File:Warning label.jpg|400px]]
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<br style="clear:both"/>
 
===Further details on phosgene poisoning===
 
===Further details on phosgene poisoning===
 
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosgene Wikipedia page on phosgene]
 
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosgene Wikipedia page on phosgene]
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*http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/sulfuric-battery-acid-uses-136173.html
 
*http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/sulfuric-battery-acid-uses-136173.html
  
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==Bulk links==
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==Related links==
 
''Add related links here for review and incorporation into this article.''
 
''Add related links here for review and incorporation into this article.''
 
*[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/battery-wiring-safety-188165.html Battery and wiring safety]
 
*[http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/battery-wiring-safety-188165.html Battery and wiring safety]

Revision as of 09:54, 30 March 2012

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