Stay Nervous

The first time I ordered a delivery of methanol, I was nervous. There I was, new to biodiesel, no special safety training, getting a couple of pallets of a dangerous chemical dropped off on a dirt driveway at the farm where I work.

Before the driver showed up, I wondered if it was even legal for me to own all that methanol. I didn't know whether I was required to have some special locked storage facility, or a foam sprinkler fire suppression system, or even a government certification of my own to possess those eight drums full.

After the truck pulled away and I was alone with the drums, I confess my nervousness began to dissipate. I felt an implicit approval from the established, experienced chemical company. I thought if they trusted me with the methanol, I would, too.

"Stop!" I want to say to my past self. "Check yourself, young Frankie! Safety is your responsibility, and you are the one who controls it!"

Though it would be comforting to think that I wouldn't have access to places (like the cockpits of 747's) beyond my level of responsibility, the biodiesel brewer's world demands self-regulation.

Remember, you're the one who modified that heater. It has no thermostat, and if you become distracted or incapacitated while it's on it will overheat and burn your garage down. Perhaps you want to take on the responsibility of engineering a shutdown mode into it?

Honor those who've died or been seriously injured making biodiesel by continuously monitoring your operation for hazards.

Biodiesel brewing involves risk. Stay nervous.