5.0 LX Tech, Chapter 1B
Safety Suggestions


Gloves:
I suggest having two types of gloves on hand when performing maintenance on a vehicle. The first type would be heavy duty work gloves. These come in handy when lifting heavy or sharp objects such as a set of heads. The second type are latex surgical gloves. These are great because they are skin tight and do not reduce finger sensitivity. These gloves do not affect one's ability to pick up even the smallest screw or washer.
The reason why I suggest using gloves is because the skin is very porous and in many ways acts like a sponge. Your skin absorbs any type of fluid or grease it comes into contact with. The longer your skin stays in contact with these fluids, the more they are absorbed into your system. The types of chemicals found in motor oil and most automotive fluids have caused cancer in some laboratory animals.
You can probably argue that there are many mechanics who have never used gloves and do not suffer from any illnesses. That's probably true, but why take a chance? Gloves do not cost very much so I look at them as cheap insurance. I use them even to change the oil!

Safety Glasses:
My wife is an optometrist and she would be disappointed if I did not mention safety glasses. I have worked under my Mustang several times and inevitably every so often grease or dirt falls into my eyes. After my wife explained how easily your eye can get infected and lead to various serious conditions where the eye must be removed, I started wearing safety glasses. Again, why take chances?

Recycle:
Use catch pans to capture all fluids and properly dispose on them at recycling centers. Most auto parts stores will take used oil and radiator coolant. It may be helpful to also get two large platic drums which holds approximaely 5 gallons each. This will allow you to store the fluid so that you do not have to run to the recycleing center every time you change the oil. Use one drum for oil and one for collant; DO NOT mix the two.

Fire Extinguisher:
This is especially a good idea when working on the fuel system. More imnportantly, when using a handheld light while working at night and on or near the fuel system. There are many things that can cause a spark such as a srewdriver hitting the concrete just right. This spark could inadvertantly ignite some fuel spilled while rplacing the fuel filter. The fire from the fuel filter spill could spread to the car and before you know it, you could a fairly large flame on your hands. This is highly unlikely, BUT it is always better to be prepared for such emergencies.


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