Document 2qR5LqNXZY6LNqv0jpXEwO9ab

K* 002J34 3 , *i UJU:. 7T THE ASSOCIATED ETHYL COMPANY LIMITED ARTILLERY HOUSE, ARTILLERY ROW, LOYDOY, S.W. 1 telephone : ABBEY 3974 Jeieyrami: ETHYLPORt, SOWEST.LONDCIN o u r r e r. oT/3/310 YOUR REF. 12th October, 195o. Dr. R. A. Kehoe, University; of Cincinnati, College of;Medicine, Cincinnati;, OHIO, U3A Dear Bob, I regret to advise yon that we recently had a tank cleaning incident in this country, the first since 1945* This resulted in five cases of Tetraethyl Lead intoxication, but I am glad to say that on this occasion there were no death Inclosed is a copy of a report prepared by Dr. Davi son hieh I think contains just about all the information tha t is t present! available on this incident. Me are advised that a Branch Engineer of the Regent Gil Company, who operated the tank concerned on behalf of the Air Ministry, contacted the tank cleaning contractors Messrs. Mhelan - prior to the work being started and informed them that the tank had contained leaded gasoline. He also outlined the hazards involved and supplied copies of our Tank Cleaning Regulations0 As uisual in such cases the evidence of the men involved is for from clear. It seems, however, that in an effort to complete the job in a short space of time and thereby reduce the cost, ^corners were cut wherever possible and, in consequence, the men were exposed to a dangerous T.E.L. vapour. During his investigation Dr. Davison discovered that some of the men involved had previously been engaged on a similar job during August and apparently that they observed only minimum precautions in that case also and, therefore, before starting on the job at Stourport were probably exposed to T.E.L. vapour. It is evident upon reading Dr. Davison's report that the cause of the incident was, as usual, the result of only a partial !observance of the regulations' for' tank cleaning. Ue~are undertaking a further drive not only with the oil companiesjin this country, but also with the Air Ministry HE 0021343 Continued o to point cut to them that in spite of the ca rofully thought out regulations this incident has occurred, in our' opinion due to the prescribed regulations not being adhered to, ana that constant and informed supervision i s absolutely essential to ensure this. If we are to nrevent incidents such as these during the current extensive tank cleaning programme which has been initiated in this country at installations similar to the -Stourport one, adequate supervision must be provided, and v/e hope to persuade those concerned to act upon our advice. When further reports are received from Dr. Davison the progress of the two men who are at present in hospital will send them on to you. His latest advice is that hr. hhelan will be discharged from hosnital this week uid Bert Cart in about two weeks * time Your s sincerely, S 'i'<. A. ?'- - n up ^ * > ~ t" 'P .. ' * -LY --ij .J t lEH/bjw 0021344