The Pits

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Thought you should all know that we had a recent double fatality in a root 
cellar type pit at a farm, near my City. seems that the breathable air was 
displaced by an unknown gas, possibly just CO2, and caused the death of a 
young teenage girl who just went to retrieve some vegetables, and her 
brother who tried to rescue her. The father just barely escaped with his 
life after trying to rescue both of his children. Confined space entry is 
not a trivial safety hazard, no matter how convenient the idea of a pit 
seems to be.

  I concur with all posters concerning garage pits. They are damned useful 
and I've used one. They are also extremely dangerous and no one should even 
think of building one unless proper positive ventilation is installed AND 
used BEFORE anyone descends into the pit. Positive ventilation should be 
used all the time the pit is in use as well. A hoist is a much better idea 
and probably more economical in the long run.  Garage crawler anyone?

CO is heavier than air, and so is CO2 (Duh). So are gasoline fumes, and 
Propane. Trouble is it can take just seconds for a person descending into 
the pit to be overcome. Less than that for a static spark to explode 
flammable gases therein. I practice in the area of Occupational Health and 
Safety (among my various legal duties) and I point out that many activities 
previously felt safe are no longer considered to be worth the risk. 
Basically, just about any hazard can be compensated for by appropriate 
safety procedures and equipment, BUT good design predicates that such 
compensating factors should be the last resort. There is no substitute for 
good design.

Older cars are great, provided they are driven skillfully and with full 
appreciation for the safety advances made since their original manufacture. 
Modern cars are inherently safer by design and require less skill to drive 
safely. Older service facilities do not have similar appeal. Get a hoist 
and build the roof higher!


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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