A Monthly Publication

By Norman C. Whye

The rules and regulations, governing the use of inflammable liquids and corrosive substances, were apparent, but not so strictly enforced as they are today. We were, of course educated in the correct use of the components in the motor trade, and further schooling was taught in the college, where we went on day release scheme. However, we were also encouraged to not be backwards in coming forwards, and to use our newly gained skills in carrying out the jobs that we had been allocated. Mishaps due to carelessness, tomfoolery, and lack of knowledge are always prone in the learning of a trade in any field, and we learned by these mistakes and took care not to repeat them.

In carrying out routine servicing and repairs to the various motor vehicles that we encountered, often the work was enhanced by our ability to carry out the job, and in many cases, we made and used special tools to help make the job easier, and also to make and fit certain parts that were not readily available at the time of repair. However, progress and costs have now made many of these practices uneconomical, and it is often much quicker, and cheaper in the long run, to replace components as they wear, or break down with new items.

One day, a customer came in complaining of a strong smell of petrol, and one of the mechanics was detailed to discover, and rectify the problem. It was soon evident that a small puncture in the petrol tank under the back of the car, was the cause, and the mechanic proceeded to back the vehicle over the inspection pit, to repair the leak. The fuel was drained into a container, the damaged tank was removed, and a soldering repair performed. The vehicle was reassembled, and refilled, the repair checked, and found good, and the customer continued on his journey, after settling the small repair bill with the foreman.

Not so very long later, another mechanic at the other end of the inspection pit endeavoured to replace a worn out exhaust system, and as this was difficult to remove, he endeavoured to assist in its removal by warming the seized joints by heating with the welding plant. As my job required a road test to see if it was completed properly, the foreman took the car for a run, and I accompanied him.

However, back at the workshop, a problem arose, which could possibly be attributed to some petrol being down in the pit, and in an instant the volatile vapour was ignited by a spark from the welding plant, for on our return from the road test, we found the cars all outside, the doors wide open, and billowing black acrid smoke belching out. Needless to say, the language issued by the foreman was not in smaller dictionaries, and we all attempted to douse the flaming pit by the use of the several extinguishers situated at points around the workshop.

It is in cases like these, that the checking, and testing of all relevant fire appliances is of ultimate importance, as we found that several had never had any inspection since they  had been acquired. Large conical extinguishers-operated by driving in a plunger at the base by a sharp blow on the floor, succeeded in emitting a jet of liquid which was observed to be much weaker than the normal relief of the operator using the appliance. A small fire blanket was found to be as suitable as a handkerchief being used to quell a dam burst. Whilst this was going on, the belching black smoke was drifting across the main road, and out the back, causing frantic activity by neighbouring householders to close their windows and doors, and to hastily remove freshly laundered washing from drying lines.  Everyone in the garage buildings attempted to quell the blaze, and soon an extinguisher from one of the offices that emitted a fast gush of flame quelling foam was used with satisfactory results, and the fire was soon dealt with. However, by this time the local fire brigade, located just up the road, had been alerted and assembled, and with a great noise of sirens and bells drove across the road and on to the garage forecourt, where the men disembarked, clad in all their firefighting gear hauled a hose emitting a steady stream of water into the garage, and surreptitiously squirted a nearby wooden pit board.

The fire, now completely extinguished, the clear up began, and we all took turns to clean out the burned ashes in the pit, dust down the benches, and reassemble the cars, but not before someone noticed Old Sid who had been watching the proceedings, complete  with butt of cigarette always in his mouth, had  got his immaculately  polished shoes all covered in foam up to his ankles. With an unusual outburst of vociferous basic Anglo-Saxon, audible to all, he retreated to his stores office, leaving the workshop staff in fits of laughter.