Document a4KxgvZrrBZbzB1DkMwbEbyZM

MV THE ASSOCIATED ETHYL COMPANY LIMITED - l/irtf. Office: THE ADEJ.PHI, LONPOX.'VV.C.2 I/Jr/'ss a ll communications u n til farther notice to:~ f ----- --------------------------------- - 1, K I X G S W A , t O M D O W , W . C . 3 iXireclors: J .w . BOYLE H. B. HEATH N. A . GASS W. N . GRU BB EVES (U .S .A ) U. 3 . AUG. KESSLER W. SELLERS A . U . SIN G LETO N E . E SOUBRY (NETHERLANDS) L . N . H A M I L T O N (U -S.A ) E . W . V / B B B '*j S.A ) T . 3 . A B E V A N , MANAGING DIR ECTO R Telephone: Temple Bar 5225 (4 lines) Inland Telegrams: Ethylport, Estrand, London XA.O U R R E F . 0/29 HF/MB. Y O U R R E *. 21st August, 1940. 'Dr. B.'A. Xehoe ,'' Dept, of Physiology, ; College of Medicine, - University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.A. Dear'Dr. Kehoe, As you may well imagine ws are experiencing some concern over potential hazards which are likely to be involved in.the event of air attack on certain large concentrations of Ethyl Fluid which are at present being stored in this country. The British Air Ministry have had constructed for them directly on their own account many very large underground petrol storage depots. The general planning.of these depots has been under the direct control of the Works Department of the Air Ministry, but the actual work of construction has been sub-contracted to: the various large individual oil companies.' The development, which was initiated;several years ago, was naturally covered with a very heavy, cloak of secrecy, and we were not directly consulted in the first stages regarding the. lead blending facilities. In the original'specifications, although the:gasoline tanks were placed underground, ". the Ethyl blending plant was of a: normal design and was placed on ground level. Subsequently, but very much later: in the development * we came into the picture, and we pointed out the lack of logic in protecting the gasoline but leaving the highly vulnerable Ethyl Fluid completely unprotected from either bomb blast and/or splinters or from anti-aircraft shall splinters, the two phases being quite distinctive, .. . / .'/ Following this it was decided to modify the design of the standard open type of building by surrounding the storage area with reinforced 14" concrete blast,walls and by providing a concrete roof. This treatment clearly offers a ...very material degree of protection against bomb blast and.small splinters which . might fall in a vertical direction.. -: It is assumed .that the 14" reinforced .... concret wails will give adequate protection against bomb blast should a bomb fall within'about 70 ft o f the plant. ... ; ;v; , I have just described the situation as it exists, and there is little :, " s f - "" ' " " O - '.:~ ' -''-` ' - ' f."*' " - -.-' - .". " ; 1- -. ! .r -I - - r --...... . . . , , '1 3 . 0 ^ ; ; ^ : . : , , . . ; vj?-?.F2 , 5 ., -2- else we can do about it, although we feel that it was very unfortunate we were not consulted in the very initial stages, when naturally we would not have recommended the normal type of plant, Sy a m . recommendations would then have been to embody bulk blending facilities,.the;bulk-tanks being buried well, below ground level. This would have been perfectly feasible,,for all the pump houses are well below ground level and:-ar@;virtually impregnable even against a direct hit* and, in view of the gasoline hazard.,in=an enclosed Underground pump house, an efficient forced ventilation system'is'in'all eases Installed, It would thus be perfectly easy to ventilate the underground bulk blending room at the same time. However, as I have said, we'did not con into the picture until too late *, and we are now faced.Vwith.-the-.position that ail the blending facilities are placed above the ground, ; r ..; The amount of Fluid heldrinj.,storage:at:;ach point--is. relatively great, varying frost W o tb'SOOfaraasirwMch-are'goBsrally splitibetween two platforms, - :Some platforms, however;. contain 3p0,:barrels,. ,, 'r'W are naturally concerned: as to what would-happen in the very unfortunate event of "one of these large; /storage platforms.;suffering: a hit `from-a heavy bomb2 The target;isVwof.,'course*..:::. paall,pas.and, the'buildings are 'camouflaged, '-"'The possibility is, thprefQrs0a -,.-remote one,-but naturally it is hot impossible for a-stray bomb, to effect -{.a;.-direct-hit. .It. is" a situation which we pray-will never, happen* -- Alir.tfcese.-depots are being operated on behalf of the Air Ministry? by the Petroleum .Board, and I have had ` several discussions with' the Air Raid Precautions Branch, pf"their Operating department, ; The- 'problems are manifold .and dependent on local circumstances to 'such -anr extent that it -is not possibly to' h more- than, general in one's .recommendations, '-The 'individual problems are- being .discussed with the ' Superintendent hf;'Woh-'-.depbt*bi llsniniia-idi,-. .,i 0 - ' '' ' . .. One of the major problems concerns drainage* ""it is possible for a large number of barrels-to be shattered .by blastandLfor-the platform itself t p :ramftiB'more or less intact; laithese- circumstances it,would be possible ..for quantities' of "Fluid iai -thecorde^.:5000/g^llon9't6 be faisebarged into the 'platforh' drainage' system,-'- The;.interceptor,pit,.whiah:.has been normally provided follows^ oui,jcurrent practice land- is of.relatively `small capacity. It bould bertainly:overflow in;theievent.rof .a catastrophe occurring in'the order which I have just indicated, In/pormalvpeace .time conditions;it is more or less KE 001 57 82 oe fe KE 0015? *? O & & S3 , O ^. O - h Q ta. O Ix t r ' to** f> & & Hi b C f >~*> Ca fc: C f O' q p 0 ; (3 . .a ,vAjtHn- C -- w") ' ( P -k Hk. U . Cf Cf e> M* V.? ($> K - l'O U f4 .ggja^ad^PfeslLL . . ^ pr*#-^** P ,, I b w b - * gSoaHt-_ if4n- QQ.>._,] EM% O B -m:*cS}-ao;-o.-<? &* *^h40';t->a: ' CD',H? %1&&^ &> *43 P t mO &V.>-tWe,H#--|f|ijig:i^3;:I- 'fW ii*p , ,~ 2 *"* SrSte*^ F ^ O S S *.* * "lft J- i W S p ^ ^ R S t **4 i-Meo,5jri^sJ*M6t#Lsr- _ tr<4*.js\ ,, gfFpH^ frgria h i a Su^ ~* <rf9o 'J3'O O ('-' iH^siiH ^jQ'gSRlT, o p ta 3fic-t--t3fttfifans.-o* i^r'^M^aSBSpWMst-6>p^> i;P `jlept o3-,^q<ar,,^^. b ,, t* ri'1 ' :"^tSkcsbra4i<ro--,!38~ ' f K. igfe^SNtWftf___ ,,,, t-i ty *i CSJ P P o HO m a. P P* e* o w*** et- CCX , ie/jgxi- reJ . - 4- Then I imagine that the only logloal method of approach is to obtain a mechanic ekOavatcjerr'':-and.-make a la*ge' remove ali- th6^ood1ftiftft6&*#fh and , Bp, it/. '* This Jprddui coald-uhdbtdiy be'ut"ittb f & m , bat-it would : atfell''delay in obtaining th e#'ipiaMt; dtfi.'preblesragftla being ait-clear, '^t ' s? ' -depots-at the moment doWstrdciioael -'trfe n extensions 'la- still ta-progreas and qseir srC 3|i v h & f i^ e v ilJ :- .3 iilio s | ;''^ ':ri^liO i#'' :wi:.aacr: ^ S i l s toaeiS1 - ,, . ; ,, / J? ~cJ : f"ABthr factor'^fciefc-might b '--involveditsrth -question ef-.lnoendiary ,~bomba. ;u ^think thaVtha-reinforoed^'dohdrtTrof `would`undoubtedly give J " ; '^direct-'p3^tetii''|inetpeaetirtioa- a i en ineeMi&ry bomb; and itxis'.a problem technique of attacking an oil instellstion is to drop a .wave--of..high' explosive torso, eni then for those to be followed up by a large number of Incendiaries. -. 'rjiuri ** -- j,J=f ^s^cl tbnt our platform mayieuffer severe daaaae fin:., hi~b emlo-l * * * -rnd i''r?e-curntitJo- V'.*Flufd7tfotil&'b4 lying about upon . :M-.h en ir.ccrsdobomb might fs-Jl. r n6t--at*,all;iear as to/exactly " '`-hat wouii banT-cn'in these rtirs'ja'it'.nccs. h'er should;be adequate, water ! cunplico for firs --nd the pl-i-,f<-ras.thaelye3, (iiLundakaged) will h e m r ' J c '-l^' ryrtems. ^hc r-s'n*- v M c 'i concerns, aa..ia;the .probability that . ^ c, pool of 'ittyi Fluid '-f-uIC be ignite; by ^incendiary-bomb.,, <; The ''temperature * ' id so hi.n that 1 ima^^ne 1,Mr would be so. nc-ria rs <y -j j~.;/ ,, f '( '- am 'afraid1'-I`have'ba rather'long-winded in giTlng-yqti,,a^..outline make many useful suggestions which would be of great value to. us,' *\ ,, , f ! ; j .-*../> ' o o f y , ? i 1-*... .... - * ^ r .*.,,; - :; . .... , -- . v!. .' '. / ^here ^is-anothar-very important related-,,phase, ;and, this concerns ...L., ths'.pesibility`df^tha workaen'at the depots experieneiaga very severe direct ,r,-5 ,,., exposure "to'ttrot^l leadv-1'-. obvious-that -if- a maj or-,caitastyophe '" 1.. `' oocnfo; r-onethinc'hi'.s1pot to'bo 'done about it end somebody >es got,, to do the " '/''work. ' , P'c'nre rcco'cncnfiiog that guffirieut coirplrtr. -otc of standard;Sthyl ..:^\Viblending dotting- ard equip neat rr -Ijrpt* in. the- * ir r?id sblters:^fe;ro:they "' be ederestely prctec-.ed,. . p.vcn if tfca otrndnrJ.eq ilnneat sbld' be r ,u dsti*07/f'Ci there is, of eource, complete, catt-goo ccuipxest provided; % 6 i each ,,"-7 t' awin which, nhcld be ccul>v e f f e c t , ,"hi r. conprieo1 rubber boeta'and a " u ccninlotcly ctwlooibg-euit of. cllckifi, thic embodyiag a hood covering the head . anc only vviofring 1-fcc gca mask' fsce pi coo. It seeatr cl-'-arj therefr^ that the ,.... ,,jaen thcucolvcs should be completel;/ prot-coto^ against direct exposure^5 but they . may bo forced`to work in cohiaty ccnoratmtJon of TIL foe n v y days* - : , v ,/;' 1,:"r f''i-- -0 .............. ; ' . .. , ` 'lThis" probability w k s ioensaed nt noncw ccnsiderab.'io' lrn^th between ""'x $ r'.obes'tenn end during the cceecios ci'. joint l'Ouw of litB^c'tion of -ffprfmaij of, fhoae depotp, - "Dr. Soberfcpcn-felt thnV elthough the Fou-^hlMld ~Jjfttttineli? be1ccnplo'tol^ 'pcti'etcd ho, would feel inclined to reccii^end'jsome -'^ophylocfc'ie ^roatrumt, pi^cl-'-&n v^tcr ita-cra-1 jrec nitiou. r -re is another v^i-, .^f1ctori"'hich^'he "fell-wId-support .nbi? rqurre. ' It nnsb he cjuitef poeible 1 ''"' " "- '"1 ! ........ .!" f' ' 1 ! ' :',:!!' ' ' .-. ''"ru ':i"s-i" i v i*r-4|!`- ,<i,+ iJ a ir: v .e ip f c f o ' v f c e m ^ B e : ^ - - kP 0015784 Tr>Bg RA. Kehoe.................. . DATE Slat August, 1940. 9 -5- -l ' " conditions may be so disorganised that it is impossible for us to send skilled medical help. Dr. .Robertson has prepared a memorandum expressing his own personal views, and he feels that even in the event of the latter situation the prophylactic treatment recommended would b of some material benefit. I am sending-you herewith a copy of Dr,. Robertson's personal memorandum to me on the subject, and also a copy of the form in which I transmitted it to the Petroleum Board, since we decided to follow the suggestions It was after discussing this aspect with Ray that we mads the decision to put forward Dr. Robertson *s recommendations as we felt that the situation was assuming a considerable degree of latent urgency. I have now placed the facts before you and it* is quite possible you may disagree with our action, vje would naturally value your reactions, On the other hand should they be favourable the knowledge would be of great satisfaction to us as it would give us some indication of the value which could be placed on the proposals. Tours very truly, Original by steamer. C4,A K 0015785 The Prophylactic Treatment of Blenders Exposed ftp Lead After Damage to T.S.X.Phant - by Dr. J. Douglas Robertson. . Memorandum on suggested prophylactic treatment of men having a greater exposure to or contact with tetraethyl lead than in their ordinary blending duties, e.g. dealing with a bombed TEL plant when there is much spilling of fluid. * The following treatment i3 based on the work of Kehce {J.A.M.A. 1925, 85, 108 and J. of Med. Cincinnati 19:30, March 3.) who has employed some or all of the following measures in the treatment of established lead poisoning. It is suggested that by employing these measures prophylactically the danger of lead poisoning may be minimised. At the end of each day's work,dealing with the damage, workers should observe the following routine: 1. Before leaving the station ingestion of the following powder: Sodium bicarbonate Magnesium carbonate Calcium carbonate aa gr x This powder achieves its results by preventing the combination of lead and tissue, the lead being left free for excretion in soluble form. 2. During the next half hour to one hour, two pints of water should be drunk. This will provide a diuresis and aid excretion of lead in the urine. 3. Rest quietly at home without undue exercise. 4. Avoid alcohol. 5. First thing the next morning before eating pr drinking a dose of Epsom Salts should be taken. This aids the free secretion of lead into gut and its subsequent excretion. These measures should be continued daily and so long as the undue exposure to TEL exists. ' I would suggest the following or some such simple notice might be hung up at some convenient place at each plant. Instructions to workers when any untoward accident to the plant arises and fluid is spilt. At the end of the day's work carry out the following instructions carefully. . 1. Take the white 'alkali" powder mixed with jg tumbler of water before leaving the station. 2. During the next hour drink 2 pints of water. 3. Rest quietly at home and do. not drink alcohol. 4. First thing next morning take a dose of Epsom salt3. Garry out these instructions daily until the lead fluid has been dealt with. EHB ASSOCIATES ETHYL CO. LTD, MEMORANDUM ON PRECAUTIONS TO 3E APPLIED IN THE EVENT OE SEVERE DAMAGE TO ETHYL SLENDING OR STORAGE PLANTS. In the event of, say, an air attack, a large store of Ethyl Eluid represents a potential hazard of a considerable degree. It is possible for a very much greater quantity of Ethyl Eluid to be spilt than could possibly be experienced during the course of normal operations. The workmen detailed to deal with a major leakage will, of course, be provided with the normal protective clothing, including gas masks, and the situation will be handled in accordance with the general regulations promulgated by the Medical Department of the Associated Ethyl Co. governing the handling and blending of Ethyl Fluid. These precautions in themselves should give complete protection to the workmen. It is conceivable in such an emergency that, for same reason which might not be subject to normal control, workmen might be directly exposed to tetraethyl lead. In any case, with the normal protective measures, several days' work might be involved in disposing of a large quantity of Eluid which might be spilt, giving rise to an abnormal exposure. The object of this memorandum is to set forth some additional medical precautions to be followed after such an emergency. The measures suggested should be continued daily as long as the undue exposure vo Ethyl Eluid exists. It should be emphasised that the measures are purely an added precaution and will exert a prophylactic effect, if through faulty clothing or gas masks the men might experience accidentally a direct exposure. The following instructions should be given to all workmen involved: Instructions to workers when any untoward accident arises thereby Ethyl Fluid is spilt. (1) At the end of the day's work all the special clothing'will be removed and a shower bath taken, strictly in accordance with the normal blending regulations. (2) Take the white alkaline powder mixed with half a tumbler of water before leaving the station. (3) During the next half hour drink two pints of water. (4) Rest quietly at home and do not drink alcohol. (5) First thing next morning take a dose of Epsom or Glauber salts or a Seidlitz powder. (6) Carry out these instructions daily until the Ethyl Eluid has been disposed of.