I understand what you are saying. He BELIEVES he is drinking in moderation. He'll even tell you how few beers he's had. But I'll tell you this, I don't have three garbage cans full of nothing but empty beer cans at my house. Basically, I guess what I'm saying is that if you feel justified drinking around machinery that is known to have dangerous properties, then I have to suspect a lack of basic restraint. I drink water in the shop, and the water doesn't get near the tools. If I need water, I need a break, so I take a break. I don't often drink alcohol of any sort, but if I do, it's not in my shop.
Cheers, Eric