Kerosene Heaters: Use with Caution
James J. Shields, PE, Mechanical Engineering Consultant :::: Case Synopsis: A family wanted to add a self-contained heater for when the power goes out. They went to a nearby home…
Importance of the Safety-Prop
Thomas J. Cocchiola, PE, CSP, Mechanical Engineer / Safety Expert :::: Case Synopsis: An accident occurred while workers were repairing a truck equipped with a roll-off hoist and a special…
Automotive Air Conditioning Systems
R. Scott King, BSME, Automotive / Mechanical Engineer :::: The automotive air-conditioner is a marvelous example of a simple system relying on the complex properties of the refrigerant within them.…
Lawn Mower Safety
John R. Yannaccone, PE, Senior Mechanical Engineer :::: Case Synopsis: A landscaper was operating a commercial riding mower at an industrial plant early one morning. The ground was covered in…
Bicycle GPS: What Stop Sign?
Robert S. Kinder, Jr., BSME, Mechanical Engineer :::: Global positioning system (GPS) technology has found its way into every aspect of travel. Whether it’s a plane, car, or boat, the…
Bunk Beds And Kid’s Play
John R. Yannaccone, PE, Mechanical Engineer :::: Case Synopsis: An 8-year-old boy, and his friend, climbed to the top of a bunk bed to play a game. Shortly after checking…
Forensic Evaluations of Disabled Vehicles
R. Scott King, BSME, Senior Mechanical Engineer :::: Sharing roadway space between vehicles normally traveling at 65 mph or more with those incapable of traveling at all is generally not…
Spring Tree-Trimming Results in Injury
Photograph is from NIOSH report F2012-04 Date Released: August 20, 2012 John R. Yannaccone, PE, Senior Mechanical Engineer :::: Case Synopsis: A homeowner rented a towable boom lift to assist…
Electric Car Crash-Test Ratings
Robert S. Kinder, Jr., Mechanical Engineer :::: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently tested two electric vehicles, a 2017 BMW i3 and 2017 Tesla Model S. The testing…
