Document Z888brBmGX38Dq4mjpEzJ2eD8

Et h y l Ga s o l in e Co r p o r a t io n INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE a n d Tr a f f i c De p a r t me n t MAIL ADDRESS: BOX CBS W.LM.NUTON ;.t. FREIGHT ADDRESS CARNE Vs l-Om T TELEPHONE . PENNS GROVE N ,j ^ h o e i t t N ON ?< ) Dr. R. A. Kehoe, October 21, 1937 Rear Bob: Undoubtedly you have received through Mr. Lewis, Mr. c. E. Colvin's report of October 9 on the use and handling of tetraethyl lead by the Dow Chemical Company at Midland, Michigan. The investigation was undertaken at the suggestion of Mr. Lewis and myself, when we observed that we were forwarding tetraethyl lead to Dow. In a preliminary way, I had written a personal letter to Lee Doan, their Sales Manager, with whom I am quite friendly, asking him, if agreeable, to give me some information on the situation, pointing out that the handling of tetraethyl lead must be under control conditions to avoid hazards to employees. Mr. Doan was quite interested and gave me some particulars, and stated furthermore that he was perfectly willing for us to go into the matter further by having one of our safety engineers contact some of his people at Midland. Accordingly, ..e can approach this situation with the idea that Dow are not only willing to co operate with us but are anxious to receive the benefit of any knowledge und experience we might have toward the end of promoting safety. From Mr. Colvin's report, it is evident that there is much room for improvement in the methods of handling and possibly in equipment used in their process. I am writing to you on this because I .think this case parallels closely the one that occurred at the Dye Works some time ago when the company started to use tetraethyl lead as an intermediate in the preparation of insecticides, fungi cides, etc. . You will perhaps recall that I brought to your attention certain conditions regarding the Du Pont situation, and it is my recollection that both you and'Dr. Maehle discussed this matter further with the Du Pont people relative to the observance of necessary measures, both vdth regard to procedures and equip ment which should be used to safeguard the employees from hazards. It seems to me therefore that probably the best method to carry on this situation further with Dow would be your taking the matter up directly with them. Possibly you might find an opportunity to contact them or have Dr. Maehle make an investigation of the situation. Meanwhile, if the services of either the Safety Department or the Manufacturing Department will be required, I am sure that suitable assistance would be available, and we should be glad to have any one present for consultation at Midland if you so desire. I should be pleased to "have an expression of your views on this, particularly relative to what appears to be the most suitable way of handling this affair. Should you wish any specific comments on the procedure as outlined in Mr. Colvin's report, we should be glad to go into the matter with you.