Garage Pit Hazards

Garage Pit Hazards FARM SHOP Miscellaneous 30-4-5 Many do-it-yourself-mechanics have been building maintenance pits into their garage and shop floors. In case readers are unaware, we wanted to pass along a safety warning we have been seeing frequently. According to some auto magazines, the potential for disaster is great. Gas and oil fumes migrate downward because they're heavier than air. They can accumulate in pits. Smoking, grinding, welding and even sparks from a slipped wrench or cold chisel could light them off. If you still want to install a pit, you need to add ventilation. However, you must use a non-sparking motor. And if you add electricity, lights, and other wiring, you need to use "explosion proof" wiring, which can be quite expensive. The conclusion of experts we've read is that you're better off biting the bullet and installing a two or four-post lift.

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