Homemade Biodiesel and Safety

When making your homemade biodiesel there are several ways you can ensure your physical safety and the safety of pets and children

First of all you should not attempt to make homemade biodiesel unless you are wearing proper protective gloves, an apron, and eye protection. Keep in mind that biodiesel making involves the use of several potentially very hazardous chemicals. Methanol can be absorbed rapidly through the skin and can cause blindness and death. Sodium hydroxide can cause severe burns and death. If these two chemicals are mixed during biodiesel production they can form sodium methoxide. This is an extremely caustic chemical that can cause a fatality if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

After reading the above, you can see why it is so important that high quality protective gloves should be worn during the biodiesel making process. Make sure they are chemical and fire proof. Avoid using latex gloves that can dissolve if they come into contact with certain chemicals. It is also advisable to ear a shirt or lab coat with cuffs for further protection while creating homemade biodiesel.

Cover as much of your skin as possible when biodiesel making. Don't wear shorts or sandals and expose as little of your skin as possible in case any of the chemicals splash on your skin. Always have running water handy when working with methanol and sodium hydroxide to rinse out of eyes or exposed areas.

Before making biodiesel at home make sure your workspace is generously and thoroughly ventilated to allow fumes to escape. Keep in mind that vapor cartridge respirators are not effective against methanol fumes. No children, pets or individuals with asthma or breathing problems should be allowed near filtering drums or be allowed to be present during the making of homemade biodiesel. Only a supplied-air system will do (SCBA -- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) can protect you from methanol vapors. Note too that methanol does not emit fumes unless it is hot. When it is at room temperature it does not emit many fumes and is safer to work with. That is why it is best to make homemade biodiesel on a cooler day.

Remember to keep all chemical containers at arm's length when opening the lid. Chemicals can expand, explode and splash. While making the homemade biodiesel sometimes it is the safest to transfer substances such as lye via plastic baggies which can be sealed. This tact can be especially helpful for measuring out lye.

Even the most conscientious of amateur biodiesel producers is vulnerable to sudden splashes or spillages. That is why it is so important for you to have an emergency plan for getting medical help in case your homemade biodiesel production goes awry.

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