Document OE2pLYnQBQObNdMLO0gavBxQL

SHELL OIL COMPANY P. O. BOX 262 WOOD RIVER, IlLINOIS March 9, 1953 OCOTISBiraiAL Dr. Robert A. Kehoe Kettering laboratories Dilivarsity of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio Dear Dr. Kehoe: A question has developed in the minds of a number of our employees relative to the possibility of danger of lead poisoning when working in tanks which had been used for the storage of gasoline containing tetraethyl lead after these tanks had been cleaned and then tested by the Du Pont Corporation and declared lead-free by them. The circumstances were briefly as follows: The tank was emptied and then thoroughly cleaned in strict accordance with the rules of the Du Pont Corporation governing tank cleaning. Their representatives then made the customary test with a lead-in-air analyzer and declared the tank to be lead-free. Before placing the tank back in service, some repairs were made to the tank roof, and the swing line pontoons were tested, which resulted in some rust and scale being dislodged and falling to the bottom of the tank. The tank was then filled with water and then drained. It was then necessary to send a crew of workers into the tank to remove the scale and water which remained after the roof repair and water draining. It was the feeling of the employees that the removal of this scale and water was hazardous in so far as contact with the scale is concerned and that they should wear protective clothing excluding gas masks and gloves for this cleaning operation as is furnished during the original cleaning before the tank is declared lead-free. In view of this, we are submitting to you a sample of the scale removed from the tank in the final cleaning operation, and request that you analyze this to determine whether there is lead present in any form which would be harmful through contact with the skin or through breathing when working with and around it at atmospheric temperature. Please advise of your findings in this respect. WOOD RIVER REFINERY TO: DR. ROBERT A. KEHOE KETTERING LABORATORIES CINCINNATI, OHIO PAGE 2 During our discussions, the question was raised about danger to persons (including employees* wives) handling the clothing of employees who wear this clothing while removing the scale after the tank repairs were made, and during the final cleaning operations as outlined above. Will you please advise after you have analyzed this scale whether you consider that the handling of such clothing (by the employee or his wife or other persons who may launder it) would be hazardous. As we visualize this problem, we should know if there is lead in the scale and, if there is, in what form does it exist and in what quantity. In addi tion, is the foam and quantity of lead hazardous through skin contact or breathing. Since this information will be used in discussions with non-technical employees, we shall appreciate your cooperation in submitting your report in non technical language which can be readily interpreted by those not accustomed to the use and meaning of technical terms. Very truly yours. LAL/ddc L. A. lohman Superintendent-Adminis trative Wood River Refinery KJ= 000976! SHELL OIL COMPANY WOOD BITTER, ILLINOIS d a t e ma r c h i i , 1953 RE: NOTICE OF SAMPLES SHIPPED FILE No. Bettering Laboratories University of Cincinnati Cincinnati, Ohio Attention: Dr. Robert A. Kehoe GENTLEMEN--- 3-11-53THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED SAMPLES WERE SHIPPED TO YOU ON v ia Parcel Post XSSCJBBffiXKSSaUCffiK Refer to letter of March 9. 1953 fro Mr. L. A. Lohman. One-Pint Tank Scale WRS/blv K& 0003762 R. C. WILBUR, MANAGER-LABORATORY WOOD RIYER REFINERY N29609.01