Document qdQDXVzxkGk3vZz7Yqx8L0XZx

INTER-OFFICE CORRESPONDENCE Et hyl Gasol ine Corporat ion Chr ysl er Buil ding 135East 421TMSt r eet N e w Y o k e December 16, 1932. ' Dr. R. A. Kehoe, Dear Dr. Kehoe: Thanks very much for your letter of December 15th with regard to the possibility of issuing another circular to cover the cleaning of Ethyl Gasoline tank cars. As you say, it is undoubtedly so that the/ regulations covering the cleaning of any gasoline tank cars will fully provide against sny health hazard being created in the cleaning of Ethyl Gasoline tank cars. However, Mr. Beaghan has quite a lot of concern about the matter and he represents more than just the Mexican Petroleum Corporation by reason of being a member of the Bureau of Explosives Com mittee who have handled tank car specifications and operating procedure for a number of years. I have discussed the matter thoroughly with Eddie Walter this morning, and while he fully agrees with the opinion that you and I share, nevertheless, it is a subject that has never been pursued to a conclusion. He, therefore, is going to write to Bob Jordan and Tom Ronan and without in any way stirring up any questions, get them.to obtain.some samples of the scale and sweepings from tank cars after they have been-cleaned, which will be submitted to our Chemical Laboratory in Detroit .for analysis. After we get the report as to how much lead is contained in these sweepings and the exact lead compound that "is involved, the matter will again be submitted to you for your opinion and recommendations. . There is one point that may or may not require a circular to be issued. You state that if a torch is used on the inside of a tank it might be advisable to wear an air mask. I do not think this is part of today's regulations1, nor that it is common practice to do so. Possibly the report on the sweepings will assist you to form a definite opinion. I hope that you approve of this course, and regardless of what is eventually done, it Will at least clear up one more phase of possible exposure. 0000547