Evil Chemicals and Eyes

[Ian <ihs@domain.elided>]

Scott Fisher wrote:
	"...and it's not a good thing to get in your eyes (though it doesn't hurt
as bad as you'd think - -- ask me how I know...  I am now REALLY anal about
eye protection, and I recommend it to y'all as well.).."

	Scott's above comments on brake cleaners, and in particular their effect
on eyes got me thinking. What is the most painful stuff you've ever got in
your eyes? I don't find eye protection the least bit anal (they go on your
face stupid) having learnt the hard way. Fortunately not with any permanent
damage. Some bad ones I remember include:

Jet A-1 - Our early 767s had drain valves that had a habit of sicking open,
showering you with fuel. Great way to start the day.

Petrol (gas) - Caused by me climbing under the GTV with leaky tank. More
painful than I would've thought. (Token Alfa content)

Skydrol LD4 - A truly evil hydraulic fluid well known by anyone who's
worked on commercial jets. Hurts long and hard. Also disolves most rubber
gloves, synthetic clothing and ID cards.... Approach with caution.

MEKP (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) - Boss of the eye damage department. I
was fortunate to only get the tiniest speck of this in my eye. Ten minutes
under the tap and irrigation with saline prevented damage. Scared the crap
out of me, as we were always told that if you spill this in your eyes, you
should go outside and look at the sun, because it'll be the last time you
see anything.

	So what's my point? It's easy for a brush to flick solvent in your eye, or
for an air blast to throw petrol back in your face of the part you're
cleaning. So wear safety glasses! Bad things can happen, I've seen the gory
photos.

	Also take your vitamins, eat your vegies and cross only at the lights.
Soapbox="off"

Ian Salmon.

1981 Giulietta
1980 Alfetta GTV (bent)
1977 Alfasud Ti (still under restoration)

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