Lab Team Edges Closer
To Low-cost Fuel Cells
By Rhonda Ascierto

Berkeley Lab scientists may have found a way to make fuel cells cheaper and easier to manufacturer. The researchers promise to bring the relatively clean energy-generating technology closer to our homes and offices by making fuel cell power generators as cheap as the most efficient gas turbine and diesel generators. "It seems everyone wants them; they're non-polluting, have no emissions and they're energy-efficient. But try to buy one," says Steven Visco. "People would love to do the right thing, but they're not going to pay five times their electric bill just to have a fuel cell in their basement." Full story.

Accident investigators have identified retractable utility knives, as shown in the picture, as a hazard for workers to avoid. Designed to be safe when the blade is withdrawn into the handle, some knives used at the lab have blades that are too long for the handle to retract completely. Three lab employees have experienced injuries from exposed blade tips (arrow). Suggested corrective actions: make sure the blade is completely retracted before storing the knife, use the proper size blade for the knife handle, replace knives with defective retraction mechanisms, and use care when picking up a utility knife in case the blade is exposed.