Parkerizing Tank
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Parkerizing Tank
It Can Happen To Anyone – In An Instant
For more than 40 years I have worked in job fields with the military, government contractors, and private industry where certain safety protocols must be met. In these jobs I was required to be, not only aware of, but to constantly adhere to rigorous safety practices and procedures. As a result, following safe practices has become second nature to me, not only at work, but in my day to day life.
My wonderful, and quite intelligent wife can attest to the fact that one of my foibles is to gently remind people (including her) to leave a clear path to exits, not to place or store combustibles near heat sources, to place sharp objects point down or away and to keep at least one well stocked first-aid kit handy at all times. Our home is well stocked with fresh fire extinguishers, a good fire blanket, and we are well prepared for accidents and emergencies. Obviously, because of this my wife has nick-named me ‘Mister Safety'. All that being said, I must now relate the story of how I was humbled, and reminded that accidents can happen to anyone in an instant.
About 15 years ago I inherited a used LP gas barbeque. It was free, if I transported it myself. Arriving home with my new upgrade from charcoal briquettes, I gave it a thorough cleaning and inspection. Though the burners worked well, and the new lava rock I added helped spread the heat, I found that the electric igniter was dead. Loath to spend money on a new igniter, and eager to cook on my new grill, I used my trusty Zippo to light the gas by first turning on the tank valve, then lighting the lighter and holding it next to the burner vent, and finally turning on the burner valve. When done cooking, I turned off the tank first to let all the gas in the line burn off, then shut off the burner valve and closed the lid (making certain that the flame was out).
This procedure was very logical and served me well for a number of years – until one Fourth of July weekend when we hosted a dozen family members for a holiday cookout. This time when I finished cooking I shut off the tank valve, but being distracted, failed to shut off the burner valve. After the meal I scrubbed the grill and shut the lid. I'm sure you can all see where this is leading.
Two weekends later, in the middle of summer heat, I went out in my shorts and sleeveless t-shirt to fire up the grill. Turning on the tank valve and pulling my trusty Zippo from my pocket, I flicked, and flicked, until it lit. Then bending forward I placed its flame next to the burner vent as I had hundreds of times. Needless to say, the gas that had filled the covered BBQ was a perfect mixture and the flash blew the lid clear over the neighbor's fence.
To my complete surprise, my glasses and quick blink reflexes saved me from major eye injury, but the fire ball that propelled the lid instantly removed all the hair from my arms and arm pits, turned my eyebrows and eyelashes to ash, and singed my not yet receding hairline back an inch. Quick to see the damage, I rushed inside to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my slightly pink face.
From the other room came my wife's lovely voice saying "What's burning out there?" My contrite reply was "It's just me dear, just me." When she came to see what I meant by that she was shocked and concerned, at first. Then, seeing that I was more embarrassed than hurt, told me that this would be a wonderful story for years to come. Especially, being that it involved "Mr. Safety".
I have since replaced the grill with a much newer one, with an igniter that works. And every time I use it I remember to check all the valves before I start. The lesson I learned that day was that life sometimes tests us when we least expect it, being "prepared" does not prevent accidents, and there's no excuse for not trying to be as safe as possible. I can truly say that "It can happen to anyone – in an instant!"
P K Parker Fire Safety Engineer
About the Author
Phil (sparky) Parker has been in the safety field for over 40 years. He is an expert in all types of machine and industrial safety. He enjoys reading in his spare time. Fire Safety Products
Parkerizing parts