new thread
Shrimper dies when long hair is tangled in bilge pump.
Link to Ledger Inquirer article
That is a really tragic event and something that is always completely unexpected. It just goes to show that anything can happen when you least expect it too and in almost any situation. Terrible Shame!
Hi Victor,
this is a very sad, tragic death.
If we want to learn anything from this accident, it would be that long hair should under all circumstances be kept away from moving machinery or moving parts. To say it a bit flippantly, a person with knee-long hair needs to watch out carefully eg when riding a bicycle.
All the best, and, stay safe, have a safe 2007, everybody.
Hans-Uwe
Just another shop safety tip... when working with or being near any machinery with exposed moving part, always keep your hair or other loose clothing secured. If its really long it should be secured by ties or buns or something. Therefore dont operate a drill press or mill or table saw with loose hair or ties.
Thats Dreadful way to get killed :-(
When I was in technicial college, we had several longhairs in our classes. Our professors constantly warned of moving parts and loose hair!
Take care,
Bruce
I agree, a tragic story. Yes, one has to be very careful around machinery. I was in the Coast Guard and saw a lot of accidents; none involving long hair but a boat has many potential hazards and you have to be diligent where safety is concerned. I feel for this man and his family.
THAT's why I won't dare go past shoulder-length.
That was a truly awful tragedy -- for everybody involved -- and I feel for that man's family and friends. I imagine it was over for him *very* quickly; that, however, doesn't make it any better for his survivors.
That said, it's no reason *not* to grow one's hair if that's what one wants to do; one just needs to be *aware* of the fact that he has long hair and behave accordingly. This means *never* letting one's guard down when around fast-moving machinery. Machines aren't malicious; they're just, well, machines -- unthinking, unfeeling, "things". They can't look out for us, so we need to look after ourselves.
I had a close call with an industrial-size fan a few weeks back because I was infuriated with other things and the general environment in the space I was working in (computer rooms are *not* supposed to be hazardous spaces under normal conditions); put bluntly, I let my guard down, and a few strands got sucked in. The initial sensation wasn't much because the degree of involvement was small, but once I brushed my hair clear the potential for real trouble sank in very quickly. I now never enter the room without my hair tucked into my vest or jacket and won't until the safety hazards are removed from the environment. And I'll not let my guard down again, either.
When I complained about the safety issue my boss told to cut my hair. My thoughts from that moment remain unprintable. However, as I like a steady paycheck I held my tongue.
Sorry for the ramble.
It was probably quick.I had a friend in high school get his hair caught in a fanbelt while working on his car.Nearly scalped him.Since then I have always been careful around machinery.I used to stick my tail down the back of my shirt.Lately I have started putting it in a bun.Recently I used a hand drill to drill a couple of holes.While drilling the first hole I felt the drill snag a few hairs of my tail.Luckily it didn't hurt anything.Got to pay attention.
Arrick
Hi Arrick,
Yes, similar thing happened to my brother when we were just past HS age. He worked at a desk job one summer, had shoulder-length hair that he always wore loose; but machinery was directly in front of him, and suddenly one day grabbed a lock of his bangs and ripped it out. Scared him, and he tied it back from then on. The bald spot grew back eventually, thanks goodness; but he learned an important safety lesson.
Guess that's why I wear my hair in a bun as often as I do.
- Ken
I recommend drills that can stop instantly as soon as you release the trigger. I know Black and Decker "Firestorm" drills (its orange and says firestorm on it) have this feature. It spins then as soon as you release the trigger the drill stops instantly. I think alot of tools, especially portable power tools should have this feature.
This bothers me a lot, thinking about stuff like this. Hair safety is preached in every shop class, and yet sometimes this still happens.
Of course, there are plenty of other far more dangerous things that people do because it's "who they are". Just look at some of the mountain climbing deaths we've had recently.
Still.
This bothers me.
This is truly sad, I am VERY careful regarding my hair due to its extreme length.
You are sure right on this one. While on my bicycle ride in the coastal mountains I noticed a rock slide blocking one whole lane. We had a bad storm on Tuesday with 100 MPH winds and torrential rain. Despite there being some risk of additional rocks coming down, I got off my bike and moved several hundred pounds of large rocks off of the road. It took me about 5 minutes to clear about 2/3 of that blocked lane. Some rocks were too big to move in that last 1/3 of the lane. It still left enough space for vehicles to safely pass in opposite directions. I felt it was the right thing to do since the rock slide was a hazard to drivers.
Absalom
I'm now growing out my beard and yesterday it got caught on the car door - first time my beard ever got caught in anything besides my jacket zipper. Guess this can be a problem with beards, too.
Bill
OUCH!
Must've been a bit surprising. Probably made for a bit of a chuckle, though, too.
Post some pics of this beard when you are able. That sounds impressive!
- Shawn (Mr.Crow)
I just took the photo above. My mane is at terminal length, but I have no idea how long my beard will grow. This is the longest I've ever had it. My mane hair is really fine, while my beard hair is extremely coarse, and that may mean I'll get more length on the beard! Time will tell. One good sign - it does not seem to be thinning out like the mane does at that elevation above the ground. [grin]
A year ago my beard was curly like African hair and my mane was quite wavy and curly. Suddenly my mane began growing out straight and my beard shifted to having a gentle wave. You can see the difference in my mane by looking up top and down lower. This photo was taken almost two years ago:
At that time I cut my beard back because I did not like its being so kinky. Then this year when I saw everything was coming in less curly, I decided to see how the beard would look if grown out, and I really like the look!
As for it getting caught on the car door, it just brushed across the top of it and strands got caught in between two strips of metal. Ouch! By this time next year I'll probably be slamming the door on it.... [yuck]
Bill
What awesome growth, Bill! Thanks for posting!
(And a very interesting story about the ever-changing nature of one's hair growth patterns.)
Shawn (Mr. Crow)
You look really awesome in that bandanna, by the way. I've always liked the look of bandannas. It's a shame you can't wear it at work, but there seems to be a lot of unjustified prejudice against bandannas. For hair like mine, a bandanna makes everything look neater, and I feel more "dressed up" wearing one than not.
Bill
Thanks, Bill. I like the look too and I feel less frizzy/messy/unkempt with it on; like the look was intentional (which not everyone believes, I 'm sure, when they see a head of hair like mine walk by).
TTYL,
Shawn (Mr.Crow)
Hi Bill, your beard shows no signs of thinning with added length. This means you will be able to grow it very long for sure. Having nearly straight hair in your beard is an added bonus. It means far fewer tangles.
Absalom
Yeah, it's just now starting to look pretty awesome. I'm now wondering whether I can go to the 18th Street Starbuck's anymore without getting pawed. [grin]
Bill