Document gDpnbDND0n3go10xemLo08noV

FILE NAME: National Safety Council (NSC) DATE: 1922 Aug-Sept DOC#: NSC050 DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION: Proceedings of the NSC 11th Annual Safety Congress PROCEEDINGS OF TOE National Safety Council ELEVENTH ANNUAL SAFETY CONGRESS Held at the New Cass Technical High School Detroit, Michigan August 28 -- September 1 1922 National Safety Council 168 North M ichigan Avenue, Chicago HONORARY MEMBERS ; Association of Iron and Steel Electrical Engineers Elbert H. Gary, Robert W. Campbell, Ralph C. Richards OFFICERS (1922-1923) Marcus A, Dow, President C. B. Auel, Vice-President in Charge of Industrial Safety George T. Fonda, Vice-President In Charge of Sectional Activities L. A. DeBloiB, Vice-President in Charge of Local Councils David Van Schaack, Vice-President in Charge of Public Safety Homer E. Neisz, Treasurer and Chairman Finance Committee W. H. Cameron, Managing Director and Secretary EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (1922-23) C. B. Auel,'Westinghouse Electric A Manufacturing Company L. G. Bentley, Steam Railroad Section David S. Beyer, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company J. W. Costley, Tri-City Safety Council A. E. Davidson, Chesebro, Whitman Company L. A. DeBlois, Delaware Safety Council Marcus A. Dow, New York Police Department , Ralph W. Elliott, Health Section George T. Fonda, Engineering Section H. W. Forster, Brown, Crosby A Company Walter G. King, Julius King Optical Company S. "C. Mumford, Detroit Safety Council William Otter, Chicago Safety Council Lew R. Palmer, Equitable Life Assurance Society Dr. E. George Payne, Education Section C. E. Pettibone, American Mutual Liability Insurance Company H. A. Reninger, Cement Section A. W. Robertson, Western Pennsylvania Safety Council G. E. Sanford, General Electric Company Charles B. Scott, Bureau of Safety C. M. Talbert, St. Louis Safety Council C. H. Thompson, Rochester Safety Council B. F. Tllison, Mining Section C. P. Tolman, Past President National Safety.Council J. H. Truett, Electric Railway Section ' ', David Van Schaack, Aetna Life Insurance Company H. M. Webber, Illinois Bell Telephone Company A. W. Whitney, National Bureau of Casualty and Surety Underwriters W. E. Worth, International Harvester Company Arthur H. Young, Past President National Safety Council. CONTENTS Page Annual Meeting of Members..................................., ............... . 5 j General Session: Public Safety and Education.........; .................... ... 27 General Session: Engineering................................................................. 62 Genera! Round Table....... ..................................................................... 77 General Session: Sanitation and Factory Housekeeping..................... 93 A B C Session..................................................................... .................... 146 Automotive Section .............. ........................................ ................ . 167 Joint Meeting of the Automotive, Drop Forge, and Metals Sections.... 182 Cement Section ............................................................ .......................... 211 Chemical Section ................................................................................ 342 Construction Section .............. --........................................................... 285 Education Section ..................................................... ..................... 817 Electric Railway Section................................................. 841 Employees* Benefit Associations..... .................................................... 867 Engineering Section ..................................................................................S93 Health Service Section............................. ,................................ ............. 417 Metals Section................. 446 Mining Section ............ ..................................................................... . 479 Packers' and Tanners' Section................................................................... 587 Paper and Pulp Section............................................ .......................^ . 619 Petroleum Section................................ ................................ ................. 667 Plant Publications ....... ................ ................ ........................... ...........699 Public Safety Section.......... ................................. ........ ......................... 733 Public Utilities Section....'............................. ....................... . 813 Joint Meeting of the Public- Utilities and Electric Railway Sections.. 833 Rubber Section ....................... .............................. ........................... 891 Steam Railroad Section.......................... 949 Taxicab and Transfer Section................................. 1008 Textile Section.................... 1009 Woodworking Section .............................................................................. 1021 Index ............... ...1068 Chemical Section 253 H M C N T IW C A T IO N o r P1I-K L IN K Wo will now throw the meeting open to a discussion of the identifica tion of piping systems. I represented the Council on the committee formulating this code; we had a meeting in New York in June, at which several questions were raised, including this: Whether or not color schemes should be used for identifying pipe-lines in chemicaB industries or whether they should depend upon some kind of markings which would appear in black and white---possibly the contents of the line actually printed on the line in the form of a sign. Another point was whether or not the National Safety Code should include conduits. We find In many plants that conduits run parallel with the pipe lines, yet when it comes to distinctive marking of conduits we are really getting into the electrical field. I would like to go to the next meeting of the committee and present your ideas, especially as to whether or not color schemes should he used, whether we should have black and white markings or some other arrange ments, ' Mb, Porch: We use the color scheme quite extensively throughout our operating buildings, but we never carry it outside of the plant. We find that it works very satisfactorily. We use vivid colors and good paint, generally an oil-base paint, that will last for a long time, and never use the stencil idea. I believe I would prefer the color scheme and paint the whole pipe line. Some of the paints are attacked and we have to paint a little oftener in some buildings than we do in otherB. At the present time we have not made any particular study of the type of paint, from a chemical stand point, that is best fitted for the work. We have been doing this now for about a year and I do not believe we have painted more than twice. Chairman Kebhhaw: I will introduce our next speaker, Mr. Nichols. INDUSTRIAL VENTILATION AS APPLIED TO DUST AND FUME REMOVAL H. M. Nichols, Manage Dubt Collecting Department, and P. R, E llis, Manager H eating and Ventilating Department, B. F. Stortevant Company, Boston, Mass. To quote an official of one of the leading Insurance companies: "In dustrial or occupational diseases are becoming recognised more and more completely as being compenBatable. That is to say, the insurance car riers (and therefore the employers, since they have to pay the insurance costs) now have to consider not only the obvious Immediate injuries to employees from hazards, such as burns from corrosive fumes or deaths from explosions of combustible dusts and vapors, but also the indirect and sometimes slow-acting internal injuries to employees, such as lead poison ing and other toxic actions in human organs and tissues." It-is, therefore, becoming a matter of economy as well as humani tarian motive to control these agencies so that they will not endanger the 256 Eleventh Safety Congress health of the workers, and mechanical ventilating systems play an impor tant part In such control. OENERAL METHOD OP ARRANGING M ECHANICAL VENTILATION < In this paper we shall treat of the general method of arranging me chanical ventilating systems for the removal of those dusts and lumen ^hich, on account of their poisonous or irritating qualities are s, menace to health, and those which, when mixed with air, form explosive combina tions.; No attempt will be made to go Into the constructive details of the various appliances, as these of necessity vary with the local conditions surrounding the individual case and for best results should be especially planned by someone experienced In the a rt; We will also undertake to summarize the principles governing the design of the variouu classes of applications. The necessity for ameliorating the conditions created by machines producing irritating dust was recognized long before'the days of liability insurance or of workmen's compensation legislation; in fact, the begin nings of the fan business were inspired by the necessity of finding some way to get rid of the Irritating dust from buffing machines in the shoe industry. It was for this purpose that B. F. Sturtevant, the father of the industry, about 1860, conceived his first fan. The treatment of this form of hazard, namely, all processes producing fine, irritating dusts from wheels or cutters, is today very much the same as the arrangement evolved in the application of this first fan. In this class come buffing, grinding and polishing wheel operations, also some textile, hat manufacturing machinery and sanding operations. Many classes of cutting operations may be treated in a similar manner. l.NCI.OSK W HEEL OR CUTTER AS COMPLETELY AS POSSIBLE . In general, the wheel or cutter Is as nearly wholly enclosed as pos sible by a metal hood which Is attached to and becomes a part of the piping of the exhauBt system; the hood should be designed to take ad vantage of any movement given the dust by the operation. Thus, If a cutter throws the dust in a horizontal direction, the hood should be so arranged that the dust will be thrown into it. Where the material is thrown vertically upward or downward the hood should be placed above or below the wheel or cutter. It is obvious that by carrying away the dust in the direction in which it is thrown the trapping and removal of the material will be the most effective. It was only a small .step from the removal of dust from buffing opera tions to the removal of refuse from woodworking machinery and while many woodworking operations do not produce refuse in a finely divided state, the handling of this claBs of machinery la very similar to the method of handling buffing machinery. With another class of machinery it is not feasible to closely hood the machine, and in these cases hoods over or adjacent to the machines are provided to collect as much as possible of the Impalpable material. In this class come such machines as rubber mills, package-filling machinery, Chemical Section - 257 sandblasts, crushers, pulverising mills said devices at the <loading and unloading points of various types of conveyors. It Is possible, In many esses, to completely enclose conveyors. In which case the best result, of course, are obtained. TTM CAI, EXAMPLE O r nCMOWHO DUST HAZA*D As a typical example of reducing the dust hazard, It may be of inter est to mention the applications made In the granite industry. Surfacing and cutting machines, In many granite sheds, have been equipped with a hood attached to the cutting bar and connected to an exhaust system by means of flexible tubing. The dust formed by the surfacing tool is almost entirely collected, without inconvenience or hindrance to the workman. The treatment of obnoxious fumes is Blmllar to the collecting of Aust in all cases where it Is possible to completely enclose the device produc ing the fumes the best results are to be obtained. This is usually possible in chemical laboratory- cabinets and In many of the processes In the manufacture of chemicals. By far, however, it :ls more often necessary to place hoods adjacent to the machinery, which must be left ox>en to permit its operation; in such manner are treated mont dipping processes, both of. acid and molten metals, sizing, cooking, dyeing, bleaching and the removal of fumes from various kinds of melting furnaces. In treating the fumes, gases or vapors of these many cUsses, the hoodB should be placed as close to the source of fumes as possible, with due regard to the movements of the operator. When the hood has to be placed at some distance above the machine it should be targe enough to encompass an area of considerable extent its diffusion usually is quite rapid. Further considration must be given to the natural movement of the fumes; for those,that are lighter than air the hood should bo over or above the machine and where they fall to the floor the connection to the exhaust system should be underneath. The removal of the gases of combustion of internal-combustion engines ta siutomoblle i factories was formerly accomplished in this manner, but more modem practice In to connect the engine directly to an exhaust ayntem. In the Ford Motor Company plant, where the engines are tested on a moving conveyor, the exhaust is connected by a flexible tubing to a moving duct. W HEN FUMES ASK DIFFUSED THaOQHOUT I1UIUHNG There still remains a class of ventilation for the removal of those fumes that are diffused throughout the building. This treatment is by dilution'through general ventilation, either by a supply or an exhaust system. When the dilution is by means of exhaust ventilation, Intakes to the system must be located with reference to the nature of the fumes to be eliminated. By removing a large volume of air continuously,, infiltra tion through openings and around windows and doors replaces' the air exhausted. This becomes a dilution method and the greater the volume of air handled the more complete the dilution, and, consequently, the more satisfactory the ventilation. 253 Eleventh Safely Congress Ventilation by dilution la also accomplished by mechanically s u p p l ing fresh air, allowing the contaminated air to escape through a ventilator or monitor; frequently the results Justify the expense of both .a supply and an exhaust system. It Is usual with supply systems to deliver the n r near the floor, in order to maintain a breathing space clear of fumes and to float the fumes off through the roof monitor. The ventilation of lacquering and doperooms and some paintrooms is usually accomplished by the dilution method, and in this ease the fumes, being heavier than air, uro exhausted from near the floor. Foundries are best ventilated by supplying air near the floor and floating off the smoke and gases above the breathing line. Another class of dust and refuse removal can only be accomplished by intermittent cleaning; in such cases the work ia not classed as ventilation. PORTABLE AND INSTALLED VACUUM CLEANING STSTEM S By means of vacuum cleaning systems, either portable or installed, dust explosion and fire hazard is greatly reduced. It la generally believed that most dust explosions are cumulative in action. A small explosion mny occur near a machine and its result will not be serious, but If such small explosion occurs in a room where the walls, ledges and beams are covered with fine dust the effects of the explosion may be sufllcSent to threw into suspension a large volume of material that had settled on roof trusses, wall ledges, etc. This dust is thrown into the air just in time to continue the propagation of the flame, with the result that an explosion of destructive violence occurs. By frequently cleaning a build ing, to prevent the accumulation of explosive dust, such hazard is greatly reduced. This applies to grain elevators, flour milla, Btareh and sugar factories, and frequent cleanings in textile mills reduces the fire hazard. At the present time a very large grain elevator is being supplied with dust-collecting systems and vacuum cleaning apparatus to eliminate this danger. , By means of air conditioning the explosion hazard can be reduced in industries where volatile explosive solvents are used and by proper Lumiditlcatlon of the air static electricity can he prevented from accumu lating and causing destruction when it is discharged. A moist atmosphere is a conductor of electricity and if machinery and shafting is grounded the static electricity can be carried off, as St is produced; the dipping and , coating rooms in rubber factories are so treated. Air conditioning is further used to prevent duBt in many Industries. By.-uarrying on operations In properly humidified rooms dust arising In the process can be greatly reduced. A most notable example is Hound In the stripping-rooms of tobacco factories, where, if the leaves are dry and brittle, a great deal of dust results; when soft and pliable, as they become In humidified rooms, much less dust is formed. The lint or "fly" in textile mills is also greatly reduced by proper humidity. The disposal and recovery of dust or fumes are not treated here, as that branch of the art is a subject of such magnitude and importance that it should be treated separately. Fire dampers and explosion doors are employed in dust and fume removal systems, but as this paper is intended Chemical Seel ion 259 to coyer only uie baale principles of such system, no details of construc tion trill b gone Into, ENDEAVOR TO ENTRAIN DUST AT ITS SOURCE It should be atated that the first broad principle, and the one of greatest importance, is to entrain the dust or tumes where they originate, If It Is possible to do so. Do not allow them to escape into the atmos phere, for if they do It is much more expensive to remove them and they can never be as completely collected. By maintaining a negative pressure in a dust-producing machine Inward leakage prevents the escape of dust through Joinfe or openings. Another rule of importance Is to arrange the Inlets to your conduit bo that the natural direction and velocity o f the dutit or gas deposit it In the pipe and assists the air current. If the material naturally falls, ar range the Intake so the material will fall Into it. If the material rises, o r Is thrown horlxantally, locate the h c o d so t h e material will rise or be thrown Into It IN CASE OF DOUBT SECURE SERVICES QF EXPERT In all cases where the sources of the dust or fumes can be fairly closely hooded, the observance of these two points, combined with proper piping and a fan of suitable capacity, will insure success. It is necessary to state the matter thus broadly because, in most cases, there is no theoretical way of determining the amount or velocity of air for a given connection. In many cases a certain slxe and form of hood, with a certain suction In the connection to it, has been determined by experi ment and experience to give the best results on certain widely used machines. When a new form of machine or process has to bo treated, a man experienced In the proper treatment of a wide variety of other machines and processes, by analogy, can tell pretty nearly what to do, but he cannot always tell another how to do It. In the case of dust or fumes that, for one reason or another, cannot be entrained at their source we must resort to the dilution or general ventilation method. (After reading his paper Mr. Nichols exhibited slides showing several Installations of ventilating systems.) DISCUSSION Mr. T. C. Kino (M aryland Casualty Company, Milwaukee, Wis.): I would like to put up to Mr. Nichols a little problem: The removal of acid fumes from pickling vats. We have an exhaust system and there is a considerable space between the top and the end of the vat on account of handling material. The exhauBt works very effectually during warm weather, but on a cold day it Is almost Impossible to see in the pickling vat. Have you a solution for a problem like ,that? , Ma. N ic h o l s : I think it could be cured by putting an exhaust along the floor. The Section then adjourne'd. 260 Eleventh Safety Congress WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION ' , CHAIRMAN KERSHAW: We have with un this morning number of gentlemen representing different manufacturers of respirator; with your approval we will hear what they have to say. (Several gentleman appeared before the meeting and exhibited different types of rmiplratnrs, after which a vote of thanks was extended them by the members of the Chemical Section.) Chairman Kershaw: We will now hear the report of the Committee on Industrial Poisons. This committee has (lone excellent work during the year. Mb, A. L. Watson (Hooker Electric Chemical Company): The mem bers of this committee are Mr. H. V. Berg, The Krabs Pigment ft Chemical Company, Newport, Dela.; Mr. E. H. Brown, American Cyanimld Company, Niagara Falls, Ont.; Professor C. E. A. Winslow, SiUfe^liwUtute -of America, New York; Mr. A. H. Nuckolls. Underwriter Laboratory, Chi cago, and myself. Any credit which may bo due for the preparation of this paper should be given these gentlemen, particularly Mr. Brown, who expended a great deal of time and energy in its preliminary preparation. I wish to take this opportunity, as Chairman, to express my appreciation for the co-operation which they have given. DUST RESPIRATORS IN INDUSTRY Retort ok I ndustrial Poisons Committee, A. L. Watson, Chairman Foreword In the Investigation conducted by this committee into the subject of dust respirators and in the preparation of this report it has been the purpose of fhe committee to accomplish the following results: i v 1. To emphasize the harmful effect of the condition which exists in Industry of persona working in dust-laden atmosphere without being equipped with proper respirators' which will prevent dust from being breathed in through the nose and mouth., " 2. To endeavor to explain some of the reasons for respirator not being used more extensively, by pointing out the weaknesses of existing respirators. 3. To compare the values of respirators which are being marketed at the present time. I 4. To bring out, if possible, the requirements which are necessary for respirators which will be looked upon with favor by the mart tm the job who 1b expected to wear them. It 1b not the purpose of this report to discuss, from chemical or medical standpoints, the injurious effects which various kinds of dust will have upon the human system if inhaled, nor to consider, the different types of dust with which we have to contend. Unfortunately, the committee did not have sufficient time to conduct experiments, nor to make a study of particular industrial processes where dust, conditions exist. The report, therefore, will deal chiefly with respirators, as such, and in a somewhat Chemical Section 261 limited manner, because of the short time available in which our investiga tions had to be made. Consideration la given only to the mechanical filter type of respirator designed to filter particles of dust from the a'lr. The report does not consider face masks or hoods having ' a'ho)' attached through which uncontaminated air is supplied to the wearer. There is no question aa to the merits of this type of breathing apparatus when :used under certain conditions and, of course in instances where the wearer is not required to move about in too great a radius to make the use of a hose impractical. Neither does this report deal with gas masks, nor with self-contained oxygen breathing apparatus These latter two are subjects which require a great deal of discussion and should be handled as separate propositions, in the opinion of this committee. It has no reference to any devices which are designed to afford protection from esses or acid fume, and the com mittee wishes to emphasise that respirators such as are dealt with in this report should never be used where *, gas or acid fume condition exists. T H I PRESaWT sm J A T IO X ;v- The relation of atmosphere to human life has been the subject of numerous scientific investigations and it is admitted that there has been a vast amount of superficial observation (which serves no practical pur pose) on the dust problem in Industry. It is assumed that those interested in the duiii: problem recognise the seriousness of the situation, particularly when we read that certain med ical authorities estimate that in seventy trades more than 60 per cent of deaths between the ages of 26 and 44 are caused by respiratory diseases or their after effects. A situation such as this surely demands both individual and collective action, for It concerns not only the workmen who pay a needless toll in death and respiratory troubles, but it-places a heavy burden upon industry. It is assumed that we realise the serious effect upon labor-turnover which dusty working conditions will cause and the growing difficulty in securing men who will work in dusty atmosphere. This difficulty Is aggravated by the fact that, through the Americanization movement, foreign-born workmen are being educated to expect and demand the kind of job where they do not have to contend with unpleasant and unhealthful conditions, such as contaminated atmosphere. Growing restrictions upon immigration are decreasing the supply of workmen who can be expected to take dusty jobs until Industry is found fighting the dust problem with its "back to the wall." It is further assumed, we recognize, despite the remarkable progress which has been made in eliminating dust, that we still have duaty condi tions; dusts both toxic and irritating, which, when inhaled, will Injure the delicate membranes lining the respiratory tracts and set up inflam mation---that as a result there is lessening resistance to disease and, an a consequence, common colds, influenza, pneumonia and the causative organism of dread tuberculosis become present Without question the solution of our problem would be to eliminate all injurious dusts from the air---to take the "dust" out of "Industry." While there are unquestionably 262 Eleventh Safety Congress a great many existing duat condition which could be cQfTected-toy ,pro viding proper mechanical apparatus tor removing the dust, It la unreason able to expect that all conditions of dust-laden atmoephere could to economically corrected in this manner. Even where the best device nr in use, for dust reduction or abatement, accidents to apparatus occur requiring shut-downs and at such times other mean of protecting; work men become necessary. HUMDUCD SPECIFIC PROBLEMS So the fact remains that some types of respirators are a necesity: at the present time, and we must bear in mind that there Is no general respirator problem, but rather a hundred specific problems, eacn condi tioned by a particular process and a particular type of dust involved. We cannot Bay: "If you have a dust-laden atmospheric condition here la a respirator that you should use." Bach industrial; processjm iw ti to studied, first to determine whether the use of a respirator Is a Jproper solution or whether there are convenient and eeonomicalmethod for eliminating the dust from the air. In the second place, where it la found that respirators are needed, the type of respirator to be used must to determined according to the kind of dust to be eliminated, the verify of concentration and, of course, after considering the question of con venience to the wearer. ' . Undoubtedly you have read the expression used so often by com pensation rating board inspectors in their inspection reports: "Respira tors furnished, but not worn by all employees.", This is the problem we are un against in industries where respirators are the proper meana for eliminating dust from the human system. Workmen will not wear tihsehmo.norMedanmyoriendinustthrieesbrereaqchuirtehanmeinn tthoe wobesaerrvraenscpei.rators, but the rule l The question then presents itself: "Why should a workman be hostile toward a device which is designed ostensibly for his comfort and to conserve his health, and which is furnished to him' without charge?" One pertinent answer to the question was given a member of this committee by a superintendent: "For the same reason you and ,1 would not wear them if we had the same kind of a job." This statement, while it does not help toward a solution of our problem, is probably correct, for is it not a fact that the man who labors in a dust-laden atmosphere will prefer to take a chance on impairing his health (which to him is a matter or the distant future) rather than to suffer now the discomforts which the wearing of a respirator are said to entail1' againIfstitthisosteruoef tuhsatwshuochareanenadtteitauvdoerinpgrevtoaiclso.nIsterivsealisfeeriaonuds hInedailcthtmaenndt b we should be inspired to bend every effort toward the improvement-of present types of respirators, or the development of new ones, which will meet the least possible objection from the persons expected to wear them. TTTE8 OF RE8PIBAT0B8 QS MARKET There are many types of respirators on the market. Probably you are all fairly familiar with them and with their merits and defects. The Chemical Section |263 , ...... ... ... ... y)' r.... . New York State Industrial Commission has said that some of them are almost males. We shall consider a few of the available types which sure smon* the best known and most widely used: JSxftiMt No. 1 (pig-*nout typc): Thisisprobably one of the moat widely known respirators at present on the market. The body is of rubber and the filtering medium consists of a thickness of cloth In combination with a sponge. It Is intended that the sponge should be kept moistened at all times while in use. An exhalation valve is provided on the side to assist natural respiration. Among the objections to this type are that It is too heavy and too stiff. It is made only in one shape and it therefore becomes necessary to keep it pressed tightly against the face Co insure against leakage. The edges are usually sharp, causing discomfort, irritation of the skin, excessive perspiration and consequent further Irritation, ?and fpossible serious Injury when dust collects around the edge. ? It should be noted that manufacturers of rubber respirators, in at least one or two instance, are endeavoring to mold a contact edge which is considerably thinner than the rest of the body, and with this thin edge daring in a manner which tends to cause a more even, close, automatic contact with the facial lines. (Showing sample which demonstrates this.) This type projects too far out in front of the face, obscuring the vision; it also interferes with the proper .wearing of goggles.The head bands are not durable, requiring frequent renewal when used in certain kinds of dust which attacks the,fabric. ;The relief valve becomes clogged, preventing proper seating, and thereby allowing dust to be inhaled. Too much attention is required In the way of cleaning, sterilising, moistening the sponge and renewing parts. ^ Exhibit No. 2; This respirator is very similar in principle to the pig-snout type, but has Borne features which might make it more desirable under certain conditions. The body is also of rubber but is molded in such a shape that it does not project out so far from the face and there fore does not obstruct the vision a much as the pig-snout. It is raadu in three styles with body construction the same in each. One style "employs a dry-diBc cotton-filter medium and has no relief valve. The second style is essentially the une except that if relief valve is provided to assist natural breathing. The third style has a wet-sponge filter like the pig-snout. The manufacturers of this type of respirator recommend the use of the dry-filter style In preference to the wet-nponge style, because they claim that with It breathing conditions are more uniform than with the wet sponge, where evaporation occurs. We believe, however, that there is considerable to be said on this point and this report will touch upon it later. This respirator is much lighter in weight than the one first exhibited and, therefore, is much more desirable from the viewpoint of the man who hns to use one. The contact edgeta, you will note, are thinner than the rest of the body, affording some relief from the irritation to the kiss previously mentioned. Long continued wearing, however, will cause Irritation and perspiring, dust will collect around the edge and in.this respect about the same objections prevail as .in the pig-snout type. 264 Eleventh Safety Congress IR R IT A T IO N ' OK S K I N A S E R IO U S PROHI.K..M TO O V E R C O M E It is well to mention that the matter of kin Irritation, where patented types of respirators are worn, Is really a serious one and. ta probably the strongest reason for workmen objecting to wearing them. At least one case is known where rubber respirators are furnished to workmen and where the men feel that they must wear, theca because of the severe dust condition. These men, it has been found, take their respirator home and have a piece of soft flannel sewed around the contact edges to prevent irritation. We would not recommend that respirator manufacturers do this because it would be extremely unsanitary unless frequent steriliza tion were practiced and we know that frequent sterilisation will not be practiced in a large majority of cases. However, we believe it would be well for all manufacturers of respirators to take note of this most serious objection to their product and to bend their efforts at once toward the development of the most comfortable and least irritating contact edge that it is possible to produce. Some relief has also been secured from the effects of irritation by greasing the face with vaseline or similar preparations; It should be noted, however, that this cannot always be done satisfactorily, because certain kinds of dust will collect upon the greased skin and become hardened. Coming back to exhibit No. 2, the relief valve will be found to be of a different construction from that shown .in exhibit No. 1. The work ing part is extremely delicate and is sure to require frequent renewing under certain dust conditions. It is claimed that this valve has been tested in paint spraying operations and has withstood the test satisfac torily where other types of valves have failed. M ETA L RESPIRATORS SU ITA B LE FOR M AN Y U SE S With regard to headbands and attention required in sterilizing, clean ing and renewing parts, this respirator meets th same objections as those pointed out in the first exhibit, and the very light wires which hold the. aluminum cap in position are not calculated to last long In the hands of an unskilled wearer. This type also Interferes with the proper wearing of goggles, but not so much as the pig-snout type. Exhibit No. 8 (aluminum body): This respirator has an aluminum body, a rubber pneumatic cushion edge, a fine brass screen in combination with a sponge to form a dust filter, and is provided with an exhalation valve. This style is also made with a dry disc filter. The aluminum makes a very light, yet durable body and the pneumatic cushion edge is comfortable and makes an easily adjustable contact with various facial lines. At least two different styles of relief valve are provided on this type of respirator, one having a metal body and metal or mica disc valve, and the other the all-rubber flapper style, like those used on army gas masks. There is a question as to the merits of and objections to these two styles of relief valves. The cost of this respirator is necessarily high in comparison with other types, but when consideration is given to the metal boay, which should last a long time, and to the fact that most of the parts, which are subject to deterioration can be replaced, it may be IlilliS lIii iif iS Chemical Section 265 W~m found that the average costa, including renewals and repair, will com pare quite favorably. Practically no interference with the wearing of goggles will be encountered in some makes of this type of respirator. This respirator requires similar attention to the other types exhibited so far as cleaning, sterilising and renewing parts are concerned. In purchasing a respirator of this metal-body type It Is recommended that consideration be given to the following points which the committee ha noted in examining samples: 1. Weight of respirator. This point is of vital Importance to the wearer. 2. Obstruction of vision. Some makes will be found more satisfac tory than others In this respect 3. Method of inflating the pneumatic cushion. Where a pump is required it will cause a great deal of Inconvenience. 4. Location of relief valve. With this valve located at the top of the body of the respirator, there may be danger of blowing dust into the eyes during exhalation. 6. Method of fastening head band. It is much more convenient to fasten bands at the back of the head if hooka and eyes are provided than with the pin type fastener where one end of the elastic must be inserted through an eye and two prongs then forced through it for securing.:;'' ' 6. Possible interference with the wearing of goggles. This, of course, is of supreme importance in selecting any kind of respirator, as invariably goggles must be worn In any atmospheric condition which requires the use of a respirator. 7. Extent of filtering area. It will be found that some makes pro vide a larger filtering a i ^ than others. Under some conditions, where the dust concentration is light and where the wearer is not subjected to hard manual labor, this point may not affect the value of the respirator, but where a workman's natural respiration is Increased because of physical exertion and in an atmosphere containing heavy dust concentration the largest possible filtering area would be the most desirable. HOME-MADE RESPIRATORS CHEAP AJD COMFORTABLE Exhibit No. i (improvised respiratorj: This is a home-made respira tor consisting of a piece of muBlln 33 inches long by 5 inches wide, with absorbent cotton filtering media 5 inches wide by <5 inches long, one-third ounce In weight, about three-fourths inch thick, and'held in place by two small safety pins. The absorbent cotton 1b covered with a thin film of cheese cloth and the muslin strip is cut to alloy/ free use of the eyes. The total weight of this respirator is two-thirds ounce. This type of respirator was recommended by the bureau of inspec tion of the New York State Industrial Commission, In Bulletin No. 90, December, 1918, after a series of teats in which it was found that all dust was filtered out for a period of four hours or more. In these tests, dust-laden air containing a basic lead salt was drawn through the fil trating media at a rate equal to the amount of air breathed by an average individual (about 15.6 cubic feet per hour). Careful analytical tests re vealed no lead drawn through the gauzy material forming the filtrating media. This respirator is cheap, light In weight, does not obstruct vision, can be changed daily at little cost, and can be washed when necessary. M A; m lkhi'y. IH.... Si S ii--'' r *:? ;riniuDu^adito.'}JtitS^jlace>Uwn ':; |^ ' ^ ro rtau D .o.^jppirta;;^i*S ^^ ','.,'/*, mended Uw[thlattyp be - i r ,: i Induatrial4Codof the Labor,L a w oiitfe^| It is the opinion of this committee, baaed upon actw 'test*,\that this ImproTlsed respirator will prore quite satisfactory under conditions where the dust concentration is not extremely henry. " There' are,1 how ever, some dust conditions requiring, the use of respirators w here'this type would be practically ueelens. It wan shown by experiment that, placed upon men unloading cars of lime, they worked out very satisfac torily. The men apparently breathod comfortably and after helng- naed a whole day there teemed to have been no lime drawn through to the inside. Many'requests for them were rooolved from the `men, after 'the samples had been tried, a considerable quantity were ordered and many ..are in use at present > j . ' , *, < ;.<> "i ... . [ . vac or "wuxsuca" in certain industries **>< b l , v( i ,,*1 ,,, ' ( 1 On the other hand, when used in a atmosphece .with ;very .heavy dust concentration, the absorbent cotton, became' wet\ahdnmatted'^from perspiration, saliva and moisture of the breath, and the dust toon filled up the pores of th filter, making It difficult, for the men to breathe.' .The dust condition in which this latter test was wade Is very severe and no patented respirator has boon found which would give satisfaction. The men wear improvised respirators, usually raierred to . "murales," They consist of several thicknesses of flannel, folded to fit around the hand and neck, so that the nose rests upon the top edges of the flannel. A piece of cotton sheeting covers the outside, wraps around the hack of the neck and is tied in front This type of musale is used quite exten sively and seems to be liked by the men after they once learn how to - breathe with it properly. Cotton Watte a* a Retpirator: It is claimed, according to a discus sion which took place a t the Sixth Safety Congress,*that simple cotton waste had been used with excellent results. I t was stated that In r> Brooklyn plant it had been almost impossible to induce the men to wear any kind of a respirator, but after showing them how easily cotton waste could .be used, how.lt did not Irritate the face, and how easily'it. could h " changed, every workman was easily -induced to wear i t > It would Itm Interesting to ascertain If any present have tried this scheme and with what degree of continued success. Other Type* of Patented Retpirator*: There are a number, of other types of respirators on the market, all of which have undoubtedly ,been found satisfactory in some instances. We have endeavored to discuss in detail only the particular kinds which are most widely;known [and used. All of the others either employ practically the same principle W those exhibited here or are of &special nature and suitable for comparatively few dust conditions. P M Rl I "\i$ I 1 w gm m i I 'i Mtffliy.s jtn*i k.'M'-: tto-t':. fiOM ' Snow- 'tWsj that, aton> ml tile . tosa umy ffliTy ; rem .toro iiy phere. Inra' ..... . with,dost m ':reeidUy^!M a ldry"fllt^ ^ In'tooeti 11nti:allJeww^It]iu 'eaator v; r{ ' /'fi, :and^qalcker. to .iwmoreiUM;:,^>on^siMU^^^tirexd^?;t^rUuw. It; 1* to rentamiKdiy4dlaQdttj&rij&!iaj^^ H of keeping extra Altera on hand. It will take up saliva and moisture from the breath without impairing Its function, There may be some objection from the fact that the moisture in the sponge w ill evaporate and thereby lmcreaae the breathing tealstance., W* do nofcbelteve this objection to fee a serious one. Dnat, of course, w ill adhere to'the wet sponge more than to the- dry Alter, and there m aybe a<question aa to whether the sponge will take up more or less'dust than the dry disc before the breathing realataaoe becomes objectionable. ' ' 1 - i / , ( The dry-filter medium' will permit of , uniform; breathing until the pores become clon ed . The number of tbickaenaes, cam, be regulated to suit the conditions. The fibre becomes moist-from tbs breath, causilo* dust to adhere and quickly closes the pores a t lb,e Alter. This ia objsc- tionabie from the-standpoint* of .-convenience-and -expense, but perhaps makes ;a ' more sanitary appliance than with a wet ponga. There are some known conditions of heavy dust concentration where the dry filter is practically useless for the, reasons Juat mentioned.1 _ < Conalderatianof the different types of filter media only tends to strengthen the statement previously made, that> where ^respirators are required each industrial process must be studied by itself In -order to determine tbe proper type to use. ; ' , , ALW AXB^m In spite of the large variety of respirators marketed we find a great many men working In duty-atmosphere andt iaiiip,no,;flMing. apparatus whatever; a1great many more ,use himdkercbtet^ jrags, waste, ilannel, etc., evidently In preference to the more pretentious- types of respirators-- placing comfort before efficiency' in results., r.-Wfi believe that there are very few respirators being sued as compared w ith the number -of existing : dusty Jobe where they, should-be need,-and It would: seem obvious that the, reason for this m u t i that available types of respirators do not satisfactorily meet the requirement. - ; It is the belief of the committee that manafficturera of dost respira liors would render a real service, not only to industry and to humanity, but with profit to, themselves, if theywouMcxmoeatrate npon the develop ment of a dust breathing apparatus which would embody the following features; -,x.' , ^ , 1/ , . Lightness inw eight. . , - Automatic adjustment to iacl&l lint.. Comfortable correct od* which urli, not irritate. "">11 'JrifxiX.'Siy. _ 'M - I li 1fhVO;rl^Ifl X*..is'\Si 4ST jf ^1 1* wr ^fi I 'J\l I 'is 268.......... ... ............ Eleventh Safely Congress ..'.............. .... . 4. That would not obstruct vision. 6. That would not interfere with wearing of goggles. 6. That would not offer serious breathing resistance (considering increases in volume of breathing with physical exertion). 7. Relief valve which will not become clogged. 8. That would not Interfere with chewing and spitting. 9. Relief valve located so that dust will not be blown into eyes. 10. Durable headbands, easy to fasten. 11. Inflation valve easy to operate (if pneumatic contact e$ge). 12. Durable adjusting parts. 13. Requiring as little attention as possible. DISCUSSION Chairman Kershaw: We have heard a very fine paper and we appreciate the work done by the committee. Mr, M. F. Crass (Oraaselli Chemical Company); It seems to me the muxtle is a very simple and convenient arrangement and would be more comfortable than any other heavy respirator that could be used In places where men stuff handkerchiefs in their mouths. Wouldn't it serve when unloading brlmestone, for instance? Mr. Watson: I have no-reason to doubt that it would serve such purpose. A great many experiments have been conducted with this type of respirator and many were found to result satisfactorily. A Member: How about a man drawing off sulphate of sodas. There is a very heavy vapor. Mr, Watson: I would not recommend it for use in any kind of vapor. Mr. Crash: Men on those jobs usually stuff handkerchiefs in their mouths. Mr. Watson: I would say that this type of respirator would serve the purpose much better, because In using a handkerchief the nose is not covered. Mb, C r a s s : You can't make the men wear respirators of the ordinary type. They use a handkerchief; a Bimple thing like that does not inter fere with chewing and spitting, or with their eyes. Mr. Watson: This type seems to interfere as little as any type I have seen with chewing and spitting. It costs 5 cents. Mr. H. J. Segrave (Mine Safety Appliance Company, Pittsburgh, Pa.): It appears to me that a sweat-proof binding in the form of a pad around a rubber respirator might be comfortable and easily sterilised; something that a flannel binding would not permit. Mr. Watkon: I do not believe the type of binding you mention would be more comfortable than many already in use; the most comfortable contact edge so far produced is the pneumatic cushion. REPORT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE Mr. Crass then reported for the Nominating Committee, recommend ing the re-election of Mr. S. H. Kershaw as Chairman, Mr. E. J. Riederer as Vice-Chairman and Mr. G. E. Mlnshull as Secretary. (The gentlemen were thereupon unanimously re-elected.)