Do You Practice “Safe Mechanics”?
April 14th, 2008 by Guitar Ted
Has it ever occurred to you that many of the greases, lubricants, and other chemicals we use in our bicycle repairs may be doing more than helping us get our bikes working? Well, over the years that I have been a mechanic, I have been becoming increasingly aware that the prolonged exposure to certain substances in my shop environment have not been too kind to me. It has changed the way that I approach handling certain tasks at work and at home lately.
That and the whole “being more green” thing has me thinking of ways that I can be more sensitive to the environment and to be more safe to my body. Are you considering more “safe mechanic” measures in your shop or home? Do you take into account what you expose your skin to, or what makes up the stuff you use for cleaning, lubing, and greasing? If so, share your thoughts with us and what you are doing to be more safe and green in your shop.
What is RSS?
Get our articles in your inbox:
This makes me think of a post about Brakekleen over on bluecollarmtb a few months ago. That stuff is nasty…I quit using it after I killed a 4in circle of grass in the yard with a little over spray. It took 2 years for that to grow back…I can’t imagine what it would do to a person after prolonged exposure to it.
I understand what your getting at, the amount of degreaser, spray-lube, and grease I’ve ingested or inhaled must be quite a bit. I haven’t felt any ill effects, but I know it’s not good for me. I guess its viewed as ‘weird’ if you don a dust/gas mask when using aerosols etc. One thing I do use though is those blue gloves when bleeding brakes… that stuff is plain nasty!
bug rubber gloves and an open space. oh and a giant fan.
I remember working in the shop and ye old chemical parts washer. hooo super toxic.
i think the most dangerous though was the fact that we had to hook bikes on the 20 foot ceiling old school style.
with a giant pole and a hook.
I use some Pedro’s stuff that is eco friendly and I usually try to get citrus based degreaser. It smells nice and does a good job usually.
I always wear gloves when dealing with break fluid and bearing grease.
I don’t clean the bike as often as maybe I should, for starters. Simple Green for chain cleaning, though not much and not often. Nothing like a muddy stays before you start the race, you know?
I started using Pedro’s Chainj chain lube a while back in the interest of not putting crud in the house or creeks when I cross them. I’d like a little more explanation as to how it can be both toxic if swallowed and green, though. I am interested in some of the further out there soy based lubes, too.
Anything with Teflon gives me the willies. GT85 and TriFlow get used outside and not in the house. Fork service is done outdoors, too, and I use gloves as long as I can get a grip on what I’m working with.
Oh, yeah. The bike I bought late last year has hydro brakes using DOT brake fluid. I want to dump those things ASAP for a set with mineral oil instead. I do not savor the idea of bleeding those brakes and disposing of the caustic chemistry.
I practice mechanics where ever there is space in my apt. although I am looking for a bench to mount my purchased-b4-a-sudden-move bench-mount stand to, out on my patio.
gloves here when bleeding DOT based discs (I prefer Shimano or BB7 on my personal bike), when using degreasers, and when working on that bike that comes in that has such a layer of grime and grease you’d think it was dunked in oil.
Have you ever looked up the M.S.D.S. (material safety data sheet) for the chemicals that we use in our shops? They are usually on the chemical manufacturers web page or available by asking the manufacturer for it.
The MSDS will tell you what’s in the chemical, what its effects on your body are, how to protect your self from it and about its flammability and reactivity with other chemicals.
Good stuff to know.
Dear Sir,
We are manufacturer exporting the high quality Leather Gloves and Gym Items.
We provide all kind, color and all sorts of gloves and Gym Items in any quantity with high quality at very reasonable prices.
Please visit our web http://www.saadiimpex.com and feel free to ask for samples, price list or put your inquiry.
We assure you our best services good quality products timely delivery at very competitive prices.
With best regards and waiting for your positive reply.
Truly Yours
Iftikhar Ahmad
M/S:-Saadi Impex
Bhatti Street Noorpura Khadim Ali Road
Sialkot,Pakistan
Tel 0092523550225
Fax 0092523553657
Email saadiimp@brain.net.pk