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I make toys for kids who don't want to grow up. I'm on the lookout for new projects. If you're interested in commissioning me to build something ridiculous, shoot me an email.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Lifesaving Workshop Canaries

The other day an old friend visited the workshop whilst I was in the middle of mixing or melting something that was letting off a hint of noxious fumes.  I keep the shop well-ventilated and usually have a fan set up to extract fumes from where I'm working.  When I'm using things that are particularly likely to shuffle off my mortal coil, I have a variety of exotic and expensive respirators to choose from.  Still he posed the question: "Aren't you worried about what all of these fumes are doing to you?"

In answer, I explained that there's a pair of swallows that have a nest in the rafters and I use them like canaries in a coal mine.  As long as they continue to chirp, I figure I'm okay.  When they fall over dead, I need to relocate to fresh air on the way to seeking medical attention.  It was all chuckleworthy until he asked the next question with a hint of concern: "Where are they?"

A cursory search of the workshop revealed no bird carcasses and later I found a long-abandoned nest.  Initially I was worried, but after a bit more discussion, we figured the missing swallows were not a cause for concern.

Note to self: next time I'm picking sacrificial birds, I need to choose a non-migratory species.

1 comment:

  1. You might want to put your creativity to work on rigging up a point source ventilation system like a "fume extraction arm".
    Duct tape, flexible ventilation hose and a fan could help you in the long run. http://www.monkeyarms.com/

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