Document KGKG3pvd4xk1rdpNjxb8wqLyo

FILE NAME: Asbestos Sacks and Bags (ASB) DATE: 1965 Aug 9 DOC#: ASB074 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Letter to Mr. James, J-M , from D.L. Bennet RE Ocean Shipowners Group Joint Committee & Concerns RE Dock Worker Safety Similar letter to ; H. C. Armstrong, Comm.Councillor, Metals & Mineral Office of the High Commissioner for Canada, 1, Grosvenor Square, W.l. M. J. Brazier, G. A. Brazier & Co. Ltd. , Newly House, 309, Chase Road, N.14. Universal Asbestos Manufacturing Co. Ltd. , Tolpits, Watford, Herts. . S $ C i> O S . f-O 4 - 0 Q -- i . Mr* James, i Johns Manville' & Co* Xtd#, 20, Albert Embankment, London, S.K*1* 9th August, 1965* Bear Sir, Aamra.ai.aM Following our telephone conversation, I should first explain that the Ocean Shipowners Group Joint Committee is the oint industrial body responsible for working conditions within the Ocean Trades of the Port of London* At the ^present time, both sides are concerned over the possible risk of men sustaining Aebestosis* Whilst for some years this fear has existed, it has been brought to a head in the Port of London recently, following gangs employed on a particular vessel obtaining a medical opinion for themselves from Dr* Donald Hunter of the Middlesex Hospital Medical School, and a copy of the letter written b y the latter is enclosed* Since the gangs concerned obtained this advice, the discharge of isbestoe an the vessel has been restricted to approximately one ton per hour, the men being supplied with Siebe Gorman Masks Mark IV* Whilst that vessel has now been completed, the issue has spread to other vessels subsequently discharged in the Pert, a3 both Trade Unions representing Port Transport Workers have issued their Members certain instructions* These are set out in a circular which I, as Secretary of the Shipowners Organisation, sent to my constituents on 30th July, copy attached* \ a when the dis charge of the bags of Asbestos is completed, a certain amount of dust will remain, it is understood Dr* Hunter has advised the men to continue wearing the masks and continue the discharge of the other commodities at a reduced output* ./Over - 2 * > y U 0O \ 'j J 1 I.' \ ) - \tO j `A 1 3 :. . M i V '. 00" uYau-iwitt' PBrciUrihkictt*rill have a gray ' affect o n .the oimp o r M n g of AsbcetoQ through the Port of . Lopao^--, , .,7 .'4 following a decision of the Joint Committee., a Consultant Bio-Chon 1st la at the present time e x a m i n i ^ the dust ,-hennt in the atmosphere of ships* holds during t h e , ' -'course of discharge of the various t^pes of bags which are imported It is, of course, reasonable to expect that one of t h e ,features, of his Report will be concerned with a 'recommendation as to thf best type of bag to be used The question still remains, however, as to whether.^ whatever is contained in the Report - the men will accept the conclusions reached, In face of the opinion held by; Dr* Hunter* Indeed, it may be neces'Safy' to' submit 'our Bio-Chemists Report to a Doctor for further comment* Insofar as the Docks are concerned, it is.felt by some Members of my. Committee that the risk cf Asbestosis is far greater in the processing industry than to dickers, who are only in contact with this commodity in small quantities for short derations at.infpequfnt Intervals . It has, therefore, occurred.to me that the producers or processors of Asbestos Fibre, may have available to them con aiderable medical information on the.risk of Asbestosis, even though it may be limited to the circumstances under which their employees work* , At the Bame time^ it is felt that you might be able to provide me with some useful information on your experience and possibly comment on the risks dockers might run, together with any other useful information which you t,JLnk may be of assistance to me* It might even be ^ useful to know to what extent employees concerned with mining and processing might have suffered, if such information can be made available* Whilst the issue at present is restricted to the handling of the raw Asbestos, it has been indicated by one Trade Union that an approved mask should be worn even when handling the manufactured product, such as sheets, pipes, etc Whilst I personally feel that this view has been taken In the present climate of grave fear over the raw material, and thus may not become a problem, it will be useful if you could also comment on this aspect . Since the Trade unions made known their policy to their Members, the reaction has varied tln the dock, and whilst where Members of the Transport & General Workers Union {__ _ are/cont* d are solely concerned the discharge has continued not unreasonable, the reaction of the Stevedores to their union*a instruction has been to work the commodity at time rate and not piecework, but unfortunately in working to time rate their output has been severely restricted* Furthermore, with this particular category of labour the issue still remains, after the Asbestos is completely discharged, since under the instructions of thsi: Trade Union, following the advice their Members received from Dr * H u n t e r , they have to continue wearing the masks on other cargo, and as a result, output of those commodities is also seriously restricted* In conclusion I must once again reiterate my request for any observation or information which you wight consider of use to us, in our endeavour to overcome this issue* Yours faithfully, (D. L, Bennett) Secretary <--