[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

Re: BE CAREFUL WITH GRAPHITE!

In addition to all the other warnings be aware that graphite is an excellent
conductor of heat. If you machine it with anything that generates heat (i.e.
grinding, sawing, drilling etc.) make sure you use something other than your
hands to hold it as it will get hot enough to burn your fingers ! You can
get a serious burn before there is any indication that it is getting hot.
P.S. Using a misting spray bottle of water to keep the graphite somewhat
cool and the dust down will be to your benefit.
                                      Bill Turbett

>Original Poster: alfred.skrocki.sr-at-juno-dot-com (Alfred A Skrocki) 
>
>On Tue, 15 Dec 1998 08:08:22 -0700 in the Tesla List
>Robert W. Stephens <rwstephens-at-headwaters-dot-com> wrote:
>
>>BTW, and this may be objectionable to some, working with graphite
>>materials like motor brushes really gets your hands blackened.
>
>     Robert and all others who try machining graphite or carbon brushes,
>please be aware that graphite and carbon dust can
>be VERY DANGEROUS to your health and can pose an explosion risk!
>
>     Graphite and carbon dust pose a health risk because they are both
>lung irritants and getting this dust in your lungs by breathing the dust
>can lead to lung cancer and emphysema, both serious killers! Especially
>if you have ashma (Sp?), allergies or worse yet already have emphysema,
>WEAR A DUST MASK AT ALL TIMES when working graphite or carbon!
>
>     Graphite or carbon dust represent an explosion hazard because
>whenever you mix an oxidizable, finely powered substance with air it acts
>as a fuel/air mixture that is VERY EASILY IGNITED by the least little
>spark, glowing ember, or open flame! Around the turn of the century both
>coal mines and flour mills would periodically explode due to the fine
>particles of flour or coal mixing with air and touched off by a spark
>from static electricity or a flame. Don't smoke while working graphite or
>carbon and especially don't have any open flames nearby.
>                             Sincerely
>
>                              \\\|///
>                            \\  ~ ~  //
>                             (  -at- -at-  )
>                      -----o00o-(_)-o00o-----
>                         Alfred A. Skrocki
>                     Alfred.Skrocki.Sr-at-JUNO-dot-com
>            Visit my Do-It-Yourself Aquarium WEB page at;
>             http://www.geocities-dot-com/CapeCanaveral/6251
>                           .ooo0   0ooo.
>                      -----(   )---(   )-----
>                            \ (     ) /
>                             \_)   (_/
>
>
>