The Monmouth inquirer., 1926-03-04
WAYS TO PREVENT
GARAGE ACCIDENTS
Caution Against Use of Gig
arctic and Other Flames.

In spite of the great number of ac-
cidents which have resulted from
gasoline explosions, drivers and ga
rage workers continue to do things
which endanger not only their own
lives, but also the lives and property
Of others.
It seems needless to caution against
the use of matches, cigars, cigarettes
and other open flames near gasoline,
or near oil-soaked rags and clothing.
In drawing or pouring gasoline
from one container to another. static
electric sparks may be developed. 1t
is advisable always to keep the two
containers in contact with each other.
or to attach a chain to the pouring
container which will maintain the
contact. This win lead Off the cleo
tric charge and prevent sparkling.
Sparks often result from striking
together two pieces of metal. It is
best to use kerosene instead of gaso-
line when cleaning oil and grease
from metal parts.
Garry Fire Extinguisher.
Every motor vehicle should carry a
tetrachloride fire extinguisher. For
garage use probably the best fire ex-
tinguisher is one of the foam type.
Never use water on a gasoline or oil
fire. A mixture of sawdust and soda
(about ten pounds of bicarbonate of
soda to bushel Of sawdust) is good
to put out Oil fires. Sand is also used
effectively.
The drip pan, side pans, and car in
general should be kept clean and free
from excessive oil. If present, Excess
sive oil may do much to spread the
flames in case of fire.
If extension cords are used for
portable electric lights, it is necessary
to guard against electric shock and
fires resulting from electric causes. 1t
is therefore advisable to use vapor-
proof fittings, a keyless socket, lamp
enclosed in a vapor-proof globe and
further protected with rigid cage to
prevent breakage. 1T is also advis-
able to have armored cable instead OF
ordinary electric cord; this should be
kept in good condition.
When it is necessary to jack up the
car and get underneath, be sure the
car is held up securely. Be especially
careful If any Of the wheels have
been removed. Block the other wheels
to keep them from moving. If the
support should give away, the car
may fall and crush you. 1t is best to
use pit If possible. Never depend
ON jacks when it is necessary to get
under car. Horses are better sup
ports than jacks, ordinary boxes or
blocks. Remember, the brakes are
not operative when the rear wheels
are lacked up off the ground.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide.
When in the garage, the engine
should not be run longer than neces-
sary. Carbon monoxide is contained
in the exhaust gases, and unless the
garage is fairly well ventilated may
cause headaches, other discomforts
and even death to the persons in the
garage.
If you haven't a self-starter, be
careful not to break your arm when
cranking. Always pull the crank up
not down, and don't spin it unless alb
solutely necessary. When grasping
crank, place thumb on same side OF
handle with the fingers; then IL there
is klck-back, handle will slip from
hand. Keep the spark retarded un-
til the engine has started.
Be careful when working around or
using rags near rotating fan.
Keep wrenches and other tools in
good condition; If badly worn they
should be discarded.
Enter and leave the garage slowly
Street car motormen, pedestrians
children, other drivers and garage
workers may not be looking
Don't drive too close to the gasoline
pump at garage or filling stations and
always be sure to shut of the engine
when the tank is being filed with
gasoline.