Document aBgQYVpzD0egaZE7384ynG5nB

sa f et y commit t ee O.B.Lf.w is CHAI RMAN Et hyl Gaso l ine Corporat ion Ciir y s l k k Bu il d in g 105Lexin g t o n Avenue Ne w Yo r k February 3, 133 Dr. W. F. Machle Kettering Laboratory of Applied Physiology College of Medicine Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dear Dr. Machle: It occurs to me you may wish to reconsider our general procedure for taking samples from tanks which have contained leaded gasoline. I had in mind to alter circular letter No. W267 in accordance with your wishes; that is, samples should be taken from all parts of the tank and well mixed rather than having separate samples taken around the side walls and from the middle of the tanks. Before writing letters on samples, I believe we might send a copy to you for your approval in the future so that we do not direct our men to do something that is not in entire conformity with your wishes. However, it appears to me we are in a somewhat anomalous position at the present moment. After dismissions with you, we put out letter ilo. W23^ which read: "They should be obtained personally by the safety rep resentative wherever possible and as soon as feasible after the tank has been cleaned. These sludge samples must be taken from various parts of the tank so that the^fina.1 sample is representative of material from a number of locations at bottom of the tank." Our new regala tions calling for sampling tefore steaming appear to conflict with good safety practices. A number of companies do not allow such work. The A.P.I. regulations cover ing this are as follows: "Men should be sent into tanks which contain flammable or toxic mixtures only in case of extreme emergency." The question now rises if we should not caution our men against entering such tanks rather than leave themwith the impression that they are to go into gas filled tanks and take samples from various pants. The only safe sample that I can see that could be taken before the tank has been made safe from the standpoint of fire and explosion would be one that could be obta.ined by reaching in through the manhole and taken at that point. This, of course, might not be representative of the whole tank. You will agree I amsure that we should give consideration to the absolute safety of our own men in this work and at the present time some of them may K1S' 0022589 N22588 Dr. W. F. Uachle -2- February 3, 1932 feel they are instructed to engage in what appears to he an -unsafe practice. May I have your thoughts on this subject. Very truly yours, 77:GCL cc: Dr. G. Edgar Mr. H. Haley Mr. J. H. Schaefer Mr. R. C. Champlin KE 0022590