Al's Annual Inspection Thread 2013

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Brandon et al,
I look at exposed wheels and get scared. The reason is many years ago when open reel tape recorders were still in use, one of my co-workers was fast winding 2" audio tape and just before the end of the reel he started slowing the reels in prep for removing the tape from the machine. He lost his attention for just a second and his fingers got caught in the open reel. He was lucky, some deep cuts but nothing broken or torn off. His bandage/splint stayed with him for almost 6 months. I still think of that day when I look at shooters.
What you have to think to yourself is "what safety issue does this cause when I run up the motors in the pit or practice field?" If you are scared, perhaps you need to do something. The GDC is thinking about this I am sure. In the past we were directed that high speed rotating devices need some form of cover. If asked for my opinion today, I would recommend a cover.