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Making biodiesel at home is safe, especially if you are taking the proper precautions. With this article you will be able to stay on the right of safety and be sure you are taking all the necessary precautions .
The foremost concern of course, is keeping you, your children and your pets safe. While some of the things said here might sound scary, they should be kept in the proper perspective. ANYTHING is dangerous if it not used properly. Ignorance is your biggest safety concern. As long as your aware of the dangers and take proper precautions, there is nothing to worry about.
First of all you should...
...think in terms of whole body protection. This means gloves, apron, and eye protection. You should also give some thought to not having to inhale the vapor when mixing the chemicals. The best way to do this is with a "Closed System" processor. That way no fumes are escaping into the breathable space around you.
It's a good idea to keep in mind that making biodiesel does involve the use of some hazardous materials...methanol and sodium hydroxide. Methanol can be absorbed through the skin and cause blindness and death if improperly used. Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) can also cause severe burns and death. When you mix these 2 chemicals together it forms sodium methoxide. This is a caustic chemical if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Have I scared you yet?
It's not that bad, after all, you're smart, and you're taking the first step by reading this article. You can also see why children and pets should be kept at a same distance. After reading the above, you can see why it is so important that high quality protective gloves should be used during the biodiesel making process. Make sure they are chemical and fire proof. Avoid using latex gloves that can dissolve if they come into contact with certain chemicals. It is also advisable to wear a lab coat or even a long, plastic chemist apron, with cuffs for further protection while creating homemade biodiesel. You can find all the safety related equipment you need at the web site below.
Cover as much of your skin as possible when making biodiesel. The point is, accident sometimes happen and you don't want the raw mixture to splash on your skin.
You shouldn't wear...
...shorts or sandals and expose as little of your skin as possible in case any of the chemicals splash on your skin. Always have running water handy, either a slop sink or a garden hose when working with methanol and sodium hydroxide to rinse out of eyes or exposed areas of your skin, just in case it does happen..
Before making biodiesel at home...
...make sure your workspace is clean and adequately ventilated to allow fumes to escape. Keep in mind that vapor cartridge respirators are not effective against methanol fumes. No children, pets or individuals with asthma or breathing problems should be allowed near filtering drums or be allowed to be present during the making of homemade biodiesel. Only a supplied-air system will do (SCBA -- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) can protect you from methanol vapors. Note too that methanol does not emit fumes unless it is hot. When it is at room temperature it does not emit many fumes and is safer to work with. That is why it is best to make homemade biodiesel on a cooler day, at night or at the very least, out of direct sunlight. Another way around this, and by far the best solution, is to either build a "Closed System" processor" or to buy a biodiesel kit. They come in all price ranges.
Remember to keep all chemical containers away from your body when opening the lid. Chemicals can expand, explode, splash and otherwise do unexpected things. While making the homemade biodiesel sometimes it is the safest to transfer substances such as lye via "Ziplock" baggies which can be sealed and resealed. Once you get more experienced at this it's a good idea to pre-measure the lye ahead of time, seal them in the baggies, and they can be ready to use without messing around.
The bottom line is...
Even the most conscientious of amateur biodiesel producers is vulnerable to accidents, sudden splashes or spillages. That is why it is so important for you to have an emergency plan for getting medical help in case your homemade biodiesel production goes awry. Have a fire extinguisher handy as well...you never know.
Having said all this, a little common sense goes a long way. Apply education and direct knowledge with experience and you will be able to produce biodiesel safety and professionally. Buy quality protective gear and use good quality tools. Go to the web site below for more tips, techniques, an advice on l aspects of biodiesel.
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