5 Winter Dangers for Mechanics

 Winter is a great time to hunker down in the shop and work on that project you’ve been planning to get to! While I love spending time in the shop on these cold days, there are also some dangers that come along with indoor winter work. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Ventilation. Painting, starting your tractor, and a variety of other common tasks can build up dangerous fumes in a closed-up garage. A drafty shop doesn’t necessarily equal a well-ventilated shop. Be aware of the fume buildup, especially if you normally work with the door open. Adjust your habits accordingly – either save the tasks that need ventilation for spring, or bundle up and throw open the door.
2. Heat. Kerosene heaters, wood stoves, and the like can all be a danger. Be careful of hot surfaces and of the open flame. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and be aware of the flammable materials in your shop (often overlooked: greasy rags).
3. Starting tractors. The colder the weather, the harder it can be to start both gasoline and diesel engines. While a small squirt of starting fluid might be appropriate, don’t get carried away – too much could start a fire!
4. Working alone. For some reason, I’ve found winter to be a more solitary time in the shop. Drop-in visitors aren’t as frequent. While the quiet can be nice, it could also cause a problem. Ask for help when you are doing a two-person job, even if it means a friend will have to make a special trip over to your place.
5. Hauling. Ice and snow make for brutal driving conditions, especially when you are hauling a trailer. Loads that are almost too heavy in the summer are definitely too heavy to pull safely in the winter. When spring comes (and let’s hope it comes soon!), be aware of local frost laws/road restrictions, which may limit your ability to move equipment on secondary roads.

Here’s wishing you a safe, fun winter season!