Shop Safety - Brake Cleaner & Heat VERY DANGEROUS !!!

[49tandc]

Chances are that some of you use brake cleaner to degrease parts. I wait until local Auto Parts place puts it on sale (buy-1-get-1-free), then I buy a case. We glance at the Caution label on the back and forget about it. It is some NASTY stuff - not to be triffled with. I got this from the ECJ5 board, but it applies to us all. Please read:

http://www.brewracingframes.com/id75.htm

"So long story short, he was burning up his liver, kidneys, urinary tract, and possibly his entire GI tract. Acronym for the day-MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets). All retailers of these agents are required by law to have the MSDS available for evey item they sale. If you don't know about the stuff, get one and read it. You will be glad you did. ALSO Be aware that most of these agents can cross the skin barrier. You don't always have to breathe or ingest them."

I will continue to use it, but with a lot more caution...

49T&C

[ocwd]

Thanks for posting that. The first time I did major painting on my Jeep (frame, axles, seats, grill, etc, etc) I did not use a respirator. I was sick for weeks and ended up getting walking pneumonia. I spent probably a week priming and painting parts and inhailed these fumes and over sparay all week. I learned my lesson and was very lucky as it could have been worse.

[BullRun]

Definitely an article that makes you think about your personal safety. Thanks for sharing.

However as a welding practice I have never heard of someone welding anything in this manner. This is not how things are welded in method or approach. His technique is a fantasy. He is really lucky he did not blow himself up welding a fuel tank or kill a coworker.

If you don't know how to weld don't do it.

A lot of what is shown in magazines and on TV in regard to industrial practices is wrong in regard to the presentation of information and safety. If done in a real work environment it would get you fired or reprimanded. It is entertainment first.

For comparison one of the best degreasers in existence is Dawn soap, something to keep in mind when thinking about using instead a highly toxic cleaner in regard to personal safety and the environment.

If someone wants to learn how to weld correctly, Lincoln, Hobart, Miller and Vo-Tech schools offer classes. Also, any college with a sculpture department will usually offer welding courses that can be taken without pursuing a degree.

[Balvar24]

Holy cow, phosgene is bad. It's akin to WW1 mustard gas.