The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1914-11-05
WARNS AGAINST SELLING TALK
State Fire Marshal Declares That In
sufficient Protection of Lives From
Explosions of Lighting System Tanks
is Dangerous to People of State.

The tragic death of Lloyd Vaughn,
well known young man of Bristol, who
lost his life as a result of the explosion
of tank Of acetylene gas on the
evening of September 10TH. has caus-
ed the state of Wisconsin to start a
big movement for the protection of the
people OF the state against the use Of
this sort of lighting systems. State
Fire Marshal Glenn P. Host of Madison,
has sent out to every city and town
in the state warning against these
lighting systems. In his warning
he says:
Two recent explosions of acetylene
generators, both of which caused prop
erty loss, and one life, lead us to give
warning as to the installation and
care of these systems.
The manufacturer and sales agent
will say, that explosions are impos-
sible, and neither carelessness nor ig-
norance makes the machine dangerous.
This is only selling talk. A machine
thus guaranteed cost the life of a
youHS LHdH ldoI nOHOH dG nuUG,
in this state.
When The system is properly install
ed and cared for, acetylene gives a per-
feet, brilliant and steady light. AS
electricity and gas from central sta
tions cannot be had in the country,
acetylene lighting systems are often
found in farm homes and country ho-
tells and we have no desire to discour-
age the use Of these lighting systems,
and do not claim that they are fraught
with more danger than gasoline light
ing systems, but we want people to re-
alize that acetylene gas is highly ex-
plosive, and that calcium carbide also
is dangerous unless kept dry.
The purchaser of such a system
should make sure that the system has
been tested and approved by, and bears
the label of the Underwriters Labora-
tories.
The main danger Of explosion is at
the generator tank; so it is important,
that this tank be kept in a separate,
outside building, and not in the base
ment of the main building, where an
explosion is certain to destroy the
building and to endanger the lives
of the occupants.
The building in which the generator
is installed should be we'll lighted and
ventilated. No artificial light or fire
should be within fifteen feet of the
generator. The use of any candle, Ian
tern, lamp, match or other open light
near generaor should never be
permitted.
The generator should be charged by
daylight only, at regular intervals and
never by novice. Before, charging
the generator, carefully clean out the
generator chamber and remove all resi-
dunn. Do not place this in sewer
pipes or keep it in garbage cans or
wooden receptacles or near any com
bustible or infammable materials.
The carbide container should never
be filled over the mark designated, thus
making allowance for expansion.
When recharging the proper supply
of fresh, clear water should be put in
to the tank.
The building in which the genera
tor is installed should be heated by
steam or hot water, if possible. The
room must safe from freezing.
The presence of pungent odors, or a
Pickering, irregular flame or Kissing
sound at the burner means trouble, and
should be investigated at once by one
who understands the system.
Calcium carbide should be bought
in metal drums only, of not over one
hundred pounds capacity, and not more
than one drum should be opened at the
same time. The carbide drums also
should be stored in an outside build
ing, which is always dry, waterproof
and well ventilated. They should not
be kept in the building where the gem
orator is. It is well to raise the drums
from the floor by supports so that the
air can circulate under them, and that
they may not come in contact with
damp floors.
Consider this danger to human life
and property and let your motto al
ways be: Safety First"