Document M4EJryrYgeKKv79Qzw0mapRq7

February 3, 1FH 1.) * o * a at?*.Is , Z ihyl Corporatlon, Chrysler Building, Kev lork City 17. Fear Mr. Levis: For 302*6 time I have been aware of the increase in the use of liter cans of Ethyl Fluid, and although this is not a matter for great concern, it is m y feeling that ve should keep a sharp eye on i t not only to determine whether the increase is necessary, but also to make sure that the quantities handled in specific laboratories reach proportions that make it necessary or advisable to set up specific facilities for mixing. I quite agree with you that in some places the use of specially designed mixing equipment is desirable. I.ach c&s should be considered on its merits, but when there is good reason for it, suitable equipment should be installed. In my opinion, special types of mixing equipment justiiy the classification of the installation in the category of mixing plants. Once any equipment has been so classified it should bo regarded, I think, in the same light as any other mixing plant from the point of view of safety and medical supervision. There may be an occasional instance in which this procedure would not be feasible or- desirable, but 1 think this is a good criterion for making a. sharp line of separation between laboratory activi ties and mixing plants. I have frequently expressed myself with respect to our policy in dealing with the handling of Ethyl Fluid in laboratories. I have said that in my opinion, ve should not intrude unduly into the affairs of customer companies. X think some of them would think that ve were intruding if ve set ourselves up to prescribe just what they do and hov they do It in research and testing laboratories. Cur only justification vouid be that the actual hazards of their work necessitated our supervision and Inter vention* This, X think, is scarcely a tenable position in most cases. Moreover, if we were to undertake to examine all of the men who work in laboratories in which any Ethyl Fluid is h a n d e d and in which knock testing is done, we should be adding greatly RE" 0009923 Mr. O. B. Levis - ('-) - February 2, 19^4 . to our work without any corresponding gain in the service of a useful purpose. I see no present reason for changing this general policy, but oo indicated above, I do believe that any set-up involving the use of mixing equipment designed by our selves , should be under our supervision for the protection of the personnel Involved. In the present instance and in any other instance that seemed to justify it, it would be well, I think, for the safety depart ment, to investigate the need for mixing equipment, and to work out mutually agreeable plans for the most satisfactory handling of the work. One of m y associates can then look into the situation and make the necessary medical examination. .As you are wc-ll aware, the doctors have been entirely willing to give advice and also to make examinations of personnel whenever in their opinion the situation in any one of these laboratories justifies it. Haiti policy will undoubtedly continue, and although it map result in a certain lack of uniformity in the handling of different situations, it will, I think, produce satisfactory results. Very truly yours, I Alt ef C . C . D r s . Kitsmiller Heyroth banders Schraain I-ob'ert A .' Kehoe ", M '> 0009924