Document ybGdGjM5GMXj2vk3rJ4EzBLV
/v/.
i ;
\l PLAINTIFFS
EXHIBIT
! o^g.oO
1932
TRANSACTIONS
National Sa Council
Incorporated
TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL SAFETY CONGRESS
Washington. D. C. October 3 to October 7, 1952
The Wardman Park and Shoreham Hotels
Copyright. 1933, National Solely Comuit. Inc.
u a
3 O'
U
.IN v,
,<U -+-I
03
CO
a
2 S
c8
~
c?
o
-
4-
03
z
o
tU) cfl o IS u
-~>
u <u u CO *
7 bJ WJ
3 W3 SCQ S!" *S -j. wy
s *u
3
>. 10
< S-S S
K 's
O5
Ui O t O Kl
zc
o
CM
ro ro . Ov i eg ro
ov
-
co K W u H b b O
cX . s g 2,3
.=
. --1t= p-= ';-- t/i:
< to -- </>-=;S'K o ~.o
*".asi.lg-5's
"|o^^w SC'S" W
2oH^>S = c'~ .1*VfM2t))Swsy4il.'-oJIni rCrMiyn.i--wOio .aSi-c 2ft)
ft)
CO So
u
u --
SS*;>S-5>>g;
'5>uy <''a: j
Ss
s-S.^^ssSh? <
< '"' -J tt j p . . j- 5
5<4 l*--_ i-><
hi / *4* M
O^
QtU
Sui ^ui
j*
i ? :a^<<5g
.* ~
s z s |u- =>.
.
4
>-2"
7''*-
" z --
c J < ;-
s
J
y
>
=
-
H
J
"Irh
;tcisU. U. *.^* Kc Koss--*--:.--o-uI: -a' ,-E C-. --=:
ynn O .A `
o,NMNMfrOtO^'^rrstOC'OfnON H" oHi Hto H^fMw-K^i.^cpN4-'PON'NON(^N)nMNtniONvhofiOOsotrONtn*NvntNf^jOrf'O)o(soDVc)iTtor,
. twn
.-f'
ES
o -
o
C ft)
re
+o> C
4MfOUUi.
Cft) wfVPt)-<
O a>
22
wa
is
** n
.S
C"
eC= .53u SX^ wfQet>-.
to x
e
o -2
CO
2c t3 t; co
"o
& ~o
3g O
bn ,,
L e <u J3 0
^
* .
*g*.* ft)
fut) ^O* (d
H S-.w 2
u-
.
*
c
.2
x
=
*
+
*
Xto
3
o
- S c. "
w.
.o2
o
ft) (0
'c'3 ro> c
ofi
Xo
AI S^
ft)
cw
re
2Oft) .i
X"o Pft o
si
V) C
oo u* 3
H4 C/3
5 2
C ft)
3o fCt)
X
E cft)
*c> ci
M3
bo +"'
cg
xH
o *0
S & - c
Wg
s fto K
rt *
33
c c
c c
2O
go
< < <O
c
o
S Ju
a b
oe -oc ^"
s o a :*
O ft) *2 *3
ft) c/3 *G O*
Krt C W
.2 S gJ *ra 3 fut) ,4S^ 4U-*
C"
ft) CO > 'a *ro C
**wC* 3d
x*m* 3o
-^K. w.
*c
X3 re
HC
wC
w
Sfat)
C ofwt)
B Q*
5
CO CO
bo "
ffuttE)) JorZ|e
.be5o
S
*o
W| rce-
W^co.
>
CO
*-
to EO? fcct)
3
CO
v
CO
X^
Eft)
X.
c
.*94
U"
CO
c
o
Xft)
T*X2 c O
(^ eo
g '5 S ,2
Ureisrr3ie
M-
NO
fi>>t) <u--- ?" M^S
" oa)
CO
*o O O
.2 uft)
co
r't
4) >J
tJ
Cre bo
G C
rce
H
to o .E xft)
i5re c"o
P. m ^rtia* _2w
c
o
co
cx O ft)
Q.X "
C ^ U CO
O 3 )
X 04 CO M
ft) *o W c
Pu 5 *.
M "u
E3 hS* uo u^
M .. o O
uo
< < < <; u UUOWbS^S S b b b
1
o
a&
244-8(Q
o >. E
.a
> x
Xc
<0
N.xre r2e (>C
4) CO
g re
CO
I
<
*
2
toa
*T?
.2E2
rt
S
-oScO co>CJ
re ^ c
S
ft)
re
X
2 " =
w
re ^
c
o
ft)
> X*
j re
** O
oU
*
g ft) C
^OT EO .42)
X
**
ft)
re g
x2
OH
xcre "10 re ft)
fQt)J <
Co CVOJ co
X cx Uft) >o3 fftt))
CO - CO
eC o .2 UO ron
*o-
i'.X 2X
x2Oo
*xfot)
o f
^ rt
* uUo
x.>l3xb-O
_C d
.2
3 4/5
IA .-2 5!
2 -
23 X frte) < 55
w23 aroaei *snu aZ o
c* X*
.2 *o~ 0ft) 41
CO p
co ^o
Xur3e
re
c
X c,,
w
yO
cU
o
U
1/i tc
c u
G. =
5o cU
u10
re -- Z.
c
o U
O j cu.
j; | os
U T
V
sJ . '
rc . O
S
:-- E y
X* "o
et
.V O wc
5 r= = * c wo -- /
: . / i>, - s fj
= c ^ o = . ~*u ? uU c
M -
<3 III Hir.^4 - :
5 u. S y *
`3 = ^ c 1 ||u3 s to *
2: Cl
1 o .w >. O -- s O * jy OS 2.V) >. = .* X
! . O. . - S '-
Q, c 3 g U S '
R . !
w PC
'' re w
S o --* o
o Z ^ .2re *3
.6 ^>> <_> J5 i>' s s =<* --. ^--
Uu
^ c re S= U ^
u= r51/>
--
o
rW s c
^ k. y . - cjH
M.c n
,,t r-> -r
M -- .
5
CX = u =^
t re -
10 = =
Si e j*= --p; -p;
5 S-i*i ^ y? 3 a
: ^ ^ i:- t -- = c/i
"= 53 e-g .**tZ* X-i .* o= 2^. ..c . <A =
o.
-- i
J: ? *5.
^ J ? 5U
,
i-fJsjjjSg-
!^Oec
jc . (Ai w*
JS
X 'u r* < . . 'A ^H> .
J w
u >->
,,
.t, s -- ^
5-2:
5 = ^i-6^A; v. u: O
S S HIi/j 5T `
ii B < J5 5 - - - _ _ >
. *^
3 >=
"* Ll_'
O X' *--*L^ X
32
.i o
U. nr re r=
: c =:
c - . c . -= Us = >
u y .t;
: 'S' Z^.~ Z c 2 -"Z c
J2
S 3
o
u = w
SK5
>* <SI ;
U = ~ O U
t cJ?
.e >. 3 CO fj c.w
c >
; >. C -' vi --(L> S-- U l_ U|>,
re O
.W
wc
U Or*-r =:. .s tj
y fe'*/i5<
i* re}
uu
ure
^ re U
<>
to c --' c . o *
=*U3 n .2 O Ot:
"o .li C o ^ o > C .2
;ij 2 i7j
r.2 >.JZ.z
^: r-
-S=
.
=o s-u
<j fO'1
-i t/5
re c ^ <->
2- t~-- ._2_ Gw -- p: o p. /i 5 5 5-s^
LO o o
o .2 o o U "
^ HC
tm
5k2- ^E Un tOil
*- .sx .S *"
rt -- '" tO
S
^ o c5^ ^ ^ *5 g
< --
--
o
6
--
J5 o
^V.
*s--
uc.
< V.
5X ~
-TT
< '"' H
x 2
O 11
U.' /X c * o s.
<i
uT
c X re 2S J >
5 C s v j
j< K s *7 u: Q
55 -
w
G
u t = ." C^>c. <<
/-*
5
<
c
piz .<J
ai' .
! ut-;
3 ? 2 5* |;
O "E i- -"
u 2k
u:
* '. X
M
c c <. .
*
'H>
. c; -'
^ ^ --*
; z 2 ' ^ X ^ J . ^ ^
o
o
t*
to *'5
0 *5
1
b> y ?*.
2a k M. e- ,Wc. M. - i
H 5U
^1X
* ^X u. f~ w.` G- *J k ps *^<
*. t
6 . Ticenty-first Congress--National Safety Council -
C.'L. Rice, Chicago Safety Council/ .
Dr. A. D. Risteen, The Travelers Insurance Company.
John Roach, Chemical Section.
Chas. J. Ron, Newark Safety Council.
Tobias Roth, Rochester Safety Council.
John Russell, Jr., Construction Section.
G. E. Sanford, General Electric Company;
Henry G. Schaffner, Erie Safety Council.
Otto Schenk, Wheeling Safety Council.
RonERT L. Schmitt, Metals Section.
Charles .13. Scott, Bureau of Safety.
'!
Gf.n. John H. Sherburne, Massachusetts Safety Council.
Dr. L. A. Siioudy, Bethlehem Steel Company.
Ernest L. Simonds, New Haven Safety Council.
George P. Singer, Reading-Berks County Safety Council, .
Oliver T. Skellet, Safety Division, St. Paul Association.
Charles F. Smith, Rubber Section..
C. W. Smith, Standard Oil Company (Indiana).
',, '
E. J. Smith, Power Press Section.
H. S. Smith, ASSE--Engineering Section.
R. T. Solensten, Accident Prevention Equipment Manufacturers' Section..
E. C. Spring, Lansdale, Montgomery Co., Pa.
George R. Stephens, The Safety Bureau, Buffalo Chamber of Commerce.
Etiielbf.rt Stewart, Washington, D. C.
Carl Storck, Automotive & Machine Shop Section.
Lucius S. Storrs, United Railways & Electric Co.
Alfred H. S'vayne, General Motors Corporation.
John H. Taylor, Birmingham Safety Council.
Henry D. Tefft, Meat Packing, Tanning & Leather Industries Section.
Norman F. Titus, Hudson County Safety Council.
Arthur M. Tode, Consulting Marine Engineer.
W. D. Turbf.ville, San Antonio Safety Council.
William F. Vf.f.cii, Rahway Safety Council.
Vincent Wakefield, Kansas City Safety Council.
Gf.orgf. H. Warfel, Union Pacific Railroad Company.
Dr. Cassius H. Watson, American Telephone & Telegraph Company.
Harry M. Webber, Illinois Bell Telephone Company.
Carroll V. Wells, Delivery, Taxicab & Bus Section.
Albert C. White, Jr., Springfield Safety Council.
W. L. White, Jr., Cement Section. S. E. Whiting. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.
A. H. Whitney, National Bureau of Casualty & Surety Underwriters.
W. II. Winans, Union Carbide & Carbon Corporation.
C. T. Winegar, Detroit Industrial Safety Council.
Dr. C.-E. A. Winslow, Yale Medical School.
J. M. Woltz, Youngstown Sheet & Tube Company.
mm
: :;i
i'. '!! ;i';
-.1 :!!;
50 Twenty-first Congress --National Safety, Council
a proper staff, and hot by sonic-'enthusiastic person . who has not been trained for"
the work. Why not use more registered 'nurses in-the smaller plants? Tlie registered
nurse is much better qualified to interpret a physician's plan of medical service;than :
any lay attendant.
...
Much depends upon the physical condition of the employees. . I am of the opinion ;
that the physician, by reason of his-professional attainments, is best qualified to handle,
some of the problem cases among employees. Mental symptoms,, brought about by
worry over home affairs, quite often-produce accidents. In many cases the fear and
worry of sickness in the family can be greatly allayed by a talk with , the doctor or
the hurse. Many of these cases have come under my personal observation. -
It should also be absolutely the part of the physician to say when a man . shall
return to his regular employment after injury, and this decision should not be. in
fluenced in the slightest by its possible affect on any "no-lost time Occident" contest
or record. These contests are proper and have brought about outstanding results in
the reduction of lost-time frequency figures. However, there have been cases of
injured employees being urged unduly to return to some form of work merely to
prevent the marking up of a lost-time, accident. Nothing should be allowed to inter
fere with the employee's welfare. The physician has every motive to return the
employee to his regular work as promptly as possible, but his higher duty is to
conserve both the physical and economic welfare of the employee as well as the
employer.
r
The safety director has need of the medical service, and the two should earnestly
co-operate and seek to bring about a mutual feeling among the employees. Both
departments are striving by all possible means to prevent economic waste chargeable
: to the disabilities and hazards of industry.
_V
TUESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
October 4, 1932
The delegates first attended an informal luncheon, and then gathered for the after
noon meeting in a Joint Session with the Metals Section. This session was devoted
to a symposium on the dust problem in Industry. Chairman Grecnburg immediately
introduced the first speaker.
_ . _
Qj^JL- r - w - e V
The Effects of Inhaled Mineral Dusts
By LEROY U. GARDNER
Director, Saranac Laboratory for the Study of Tuberculosis, Saranac Lake,.N. Y.
As long as men have worked in stone it has been appreciated that an unusually large proportion of them suffer from disease of the lungs. It was natural to assume that such disease would be caused by the dust generated, and this belief was strength ened by tire discovery of black, grey or red pigments in- the lungs, sometimes accom panied by the formation of scar tissue.
The term, pneumonokoniosis was introduced to describe the lung pigmented in this manner. With further observation pathologists attempted to classify various forms of pneumonokoniosis on a basis of the type of dust inhaled and such names as anthracosis, siderosis, chacicosis and even byssinosis and tobaccosis made their appear ance. It was recognized that some forms of the disease were attended by severe symptoms and result in death but there was no correlation between the clinical and pathological pictures and the causative dust. Finally, statistical study demonstrated that of all kinds of industrial dusts silica generally produced a definite type of disease with a characteristic pathological lesion and complex of symptoms.
I 4ST
r*-
IS
ha tor
;> trained ior I'he registered U service than
,it the opinion iified to handle ught about by : the fear and i the doctor or ition. it a man shall tild not be in cident" contest inig results in
been cases of i rk merely to Ilowed to interto return the her duty is to . well as the
. 'tould earnestly iloyees. Both aste chargeable
. for the afterill was devoted irg immediately
t. i* a
\ac L-ake, N. Y. at an unusually iiural to assume f was strength-inetimes accom-
gmented in this various forms
h names as an!e their appearnded by severe . the clinical and !y demonstrated e type of disease
I : ! !. ' ; ; ; I | i
t
i \ j *
\ t
> I i ? V 1 i ' ; |
!
|. (. i j l .:
. **
Industrial Health Section
51
Today the clinical entity known as silicosis is one form of pneumonokoniosis which is quite clearly defined. Moreover, within the last three or'four years asbestos dust has also been shown to produce another specific type of reaction attended by symptoms differing in some respects from silicosis.
The other forms of pneumonokoniosis still lack complete definition. The widespread use of radiography has brought together a mass of descriptive data from individuals exposed to many kinds of occupational dusts but these findings have not yet been correlated with pathological anatomy, chemical studies of the tissues and detailed analyses of industrial atmospheres. There is a tendency to assume that many of these pulmonary changes are due to the action of silica perhaps modified by the chemical components of the dust. We shall only be in a position to speak with assurance about them when the pure types of dust and their various combinations have been studied in human beings or in experimental animals.' `
For the sake of clarity no mention has been made of the infections which so fre quently complicate some forms of pneumonokoniosis. In the prcbactcriological era of medicine the use of such terms as "grinders' consumption" and "miners' phthisis" reflects the popular association of pneumonokoniosis with tuberculosis. The names were justified both by clinical and pathological observation for it has been subse quently shown that, in silicosis at least, a super-imposed tuberculosis may cause death in perhaps 75 per cent of the cases. Some observers even go so far as to state that silicosis itself docs not develop unless the lungs are previously damaged by a latent tuberculous infection. This is probably an exaggeration, for typical silicosis can be produced in the experimental animal by the inhalation of silica without infection.
The role of asbestos dust as an excitant of tuberculous infection is not as clear cut as that of pure silica. While there are numerous reports of death in asbestosis due to a terminal tuberculosis, nevertheless surveys of living workers have failed to demonstrate any excess of such' infection. Simple anthracosis is said to prevent the progression of tuberculous infection. Statistics from coal mining districts do show a tuberculosis rate much lower than that "normal" for the age group. As yet corrobo rated experimental proof of protective action of coal against tuberculous infection is lacking.
Not only the tubercle bacillus but other bacteria seem to develop with special facility in the tissues previously damaged by silica. For example, the pneumonia rate among silicotic native laborers of South Africa is many times that in non-silicotic natives living under similar conditions. In coal miners, likewise, pneumonia is a common and often fatal complication.
What has been said of the effects of inhaled inorganic dusts would indicate that the reaction of the tissues is not merely a response to mechanical irritation by particulatc matter. Today it is generally accepted that the injury is chemical in nature and that only certain of the common types of industrial dusts possess properties capabic of exciting reaction. In the rases of silica and the silicate of magnesium or asbestos the slightly alkaline body fluids probably effect a slow solution of the dust particles liberating silica in colloidal form. This substance irritates the connective tissue cells which respond by multiplying. The result is-an overgrowth of the supporting framework elements at the expense of the more delicate cells specialized for specific functions.
For these two types of dust the character and form of the pathological changes has been carefully worked out. In silicosis the essential tissue change consists of nodules of connective tissue which develop first in the lympoid tissues situated in the drainage apparatus 'of the lungs. These nodules interfere with the physiological removal of foreign bodies and subsequently inhaled particles accumulate in the framework of the lung itself. Such reaction gradually decreases the normal elasticity of the organ and encroaches upon its functional elements. As a result the cardinal symptom of the disease, dyspnoea or shortness of breath develops. Because of the excessive amounts of scar tissue formed in the lungs the right side of the heart
'2 . 7ii'ciity-Jir.xl Cdmjrcss--National Safety Council
encounters increasing- difficulty in forcing Mood into the organs. In an attempt to compensate the, overworked heart muscle becomes- thicker and heavier and unless infection intervenes the time eventually arrives when the heart fails and death occurs from this cause.
The reasons for the prevalence of infection in the silicotic lung are not altogether, clear. It is obvious that when the drainage system is so obstructed by nodules of scar tissue that more dust particles can only be removed with difficulty, the same must he true of bacteria which may be inhaled. As a consequence they remain in the lung and set up progressive infectious. But this is not the whole story. The silicotic, tissue apparently otters a peculiarly favorable soil for the continued multiplication of tubercle bacilli and perhaps other bacteria. Experiment has shown that even at tenuated organisms of this type will produce rapidly fatal tuberculosis in a silicotic guinea pig. Furthermore, inhaled silica dust will cause a pre-existing latent tuber culous focus, harboring a few attenuated bacilli, to become progressive and spread.
The cause of this effect upon tuberculous infection has not yet been ascertained but probably it is in some way associated with the death of tissue caused by the toxic silica. AssociAted with this factor is an increased activity of the phagocytes which are stimulated bv the irritating silica so that these cells tend to migrate rapidly and carry tubercle bacilli into previously uninvolved portions of the lung.
Asbcstof dust, perhaps because of its fibrous structure, is not transported very far within the lung. It tends to lodge along the walls of the finer tubes and little of it is removed by the lymphatic drainage system. Tissue reaction, probably initiated by the solution of the fibers, occurs in their immediate vicinity. As in the case of silica this reaction consists of an overgrowth of the connective tissues which is later transformed into leather-like scars.
Aluminum oxide will serve admirably as an example of a non-siliccous dust whose particles are as hard and sharp as those of crystalline silica. When a measured quantity of such particles, 1 to 3 micra in diameter, arc injected into the car vein of a rabbit the majority of them come to rest in its liver and spleen. There they remain, apparently harmless, collected in large phagocytic ceils and producing no reaction of the connective tissues for at least two years. Injection of the same quantity of the same sized quartz particles excites the formation of so much scar tissue that the functional elements are almost completely destroyed and the organs arc reduced to nodular masses of leather-like consistence.
Carborundum, the carbide of silicon, when inhaled by guinea pigs for periods as long as four years, likewise fails to excite significant overgrowth of the connective tissues. It produces only a low grade inflammatory change with no nodules.
Instances such as those cited constitute the basis for believing that, the cellular response to dust particles is not due to their hardness and sharpness but to chemical substances liberated by the action of the tissues upon them. The case for solubility has not been proven directly, for the detection of soluble silica in the tissues offers technical difficulties which today are {insurmountable. Nevertheless this substance is known to be a cell poison and in weak concentrations it will provoke an overgrowth of the connective tissues.
Mention should he made of the effect of inhaled coal dust. Most city dwellers breathe in sufficient quantities of this material during an average life-time to pigment considerable areas of their lungs. Deposits of grey or black dust will be found along the course of the lymphatic drainage system but this pigmentation is associated with little or no new growth of connective tissue. The coal miner's lung is much blacker but in most instances it also develops no deforming scars. When such reaction does occur analysis usually reveals appreciable amounts of silica in the lungs. The presence of excessive quantities of carbon dust apparently influences the localization of mod erate amounts of silica so that the latter is not deposited in nodules as in pure silicosis but in streaks along lymph vessels as pure coal would localize.
Coal miners' fibrosis, due to relatively small amounts of silica, is therefore dii-
unci/
In an attempt to . heavier and unless .ils and death occurs
are not altogether acted by nodules of julty, the same must they remain in the story. The silicotic .niied multiplication shown that even at:culosis in a silicotic 'isting latent tuberircssive and spread. been ascertained hnt caused by the toxic he phagocytes which migrate rapidly and lung. transported very far cs and little of it is l-ably initiated by the die case of silica this is later transformed
-siliceous dust whose When a measured
to the car vein of a There they remain, icing no reaction ot one quantity of the scar tissue that the ..'ans are reduced to
pigs for periods as :h of the connective no nodules, mg that the cellular ness but to chemical
case for solubility in th'c tissues otters Vss this substance is \oke an overgrowth
Most city dwellers life-time to pigment : will be found along n is associated with u.ng is much blacker u such reaction docs lungs. The presence localization of inod!vs as in pure silicosis
. ea, is therefore dif-
' Industrial Health Section
53
ferent from that of the pure quartz worker. When the amount of inhaled silica-is excessive, the effect of the coal is negligible and the reaction approximates - that in pure silicosis. There is said to be more reaction to hard coal than to the bituminous variety but there is evidence to suggest that this is due to the greater amount of ; siliceous rock which must be worked in mining anthracite coal.
Finally, consider the silicosis of granite cutters. This develops somewhat more slowly than that of the pure quartz miner and it has been maintained that this is due to the relatively small amount of tincombiucd silica in granite (25 to 40 per cent). But it is believed that other components of the glomerate granite may neutralize or at least inhibit the effects of the silica so that only after prolonged exposures to high concentrations does significant reaction occur. While typical silicotic nodules ! develop in guinea pigs inhaling pure quartz for a year, not even the earliest sug gestion of nodules have appeared in the lungs of animals inhaling comparable concen trations of granite (40 per cent silica) for four years. | This brief discussion of some of the problems involved in pneumonokoniosis draws| attention to the limitations of our present knowledge. It indicates that the reaction | to an inhaled dust is determined by the chemical and probably physical composition j of that dust. It emphasizes the need to further study of different types of dust both ; in the pure state and in measured combinations. The ultimate aim of such a study should be the neutralization of the toxic action of such dangerous substances as silica.
The Dust Content of the Atmosphere in Various Dusty
| Industries
i. --
\
By J. J. BLOOMFIELD
-
i Sanitary Engineer, United States Public Health Service, Washington, D. C.
. The speaker said in part: The properties of a given dust which determine its i capacity to produce pulmonary pathology are, the nature of the dust, that is. its
chemical and mihcralogical composition, its particle size, and finally the quantity of i the dust dispersed in the atmosphere. j One of the outstanding results of the last 20 years of research in the field of
dust inhalation is the demonstration of the fact that,, in general, the degree ol ; health hazards associated with the inhalation of any dust, all other factors rc` niaining' constant, is dependent upon the mincralogical compositionof the dust. For
example, it is now well established that the inhalation of certain types of dust.
J such as granite dust, will in time produce fibrosis of the lungs, at times associated with tuberculosis. In other cases exposure to dust may result in the production oi
i much less fibrosis without notable tendency toward subsequent tuberculosis; this is ' true of cement dust. And finally, there arc certain types of dust, as typified by
marble dust, which in the quantities and lengths of exposure so far observed produce i little lung fibrosis. In general, it lias been fimnd that those dusts which are high in
i quartz content arc the ones which produce a disabling fibrosis of the lungs most
; readily. J So far as the size of the dust particle is concerned, it is apparent that in order i for any given dust to produce injury to the lungs, it mbst gain access to the j parenchyma of the lung, the site where the harmful effects of the dust take place. It is known that not all of the particles ofinhaled dust gain access or are retained j by the human lung. In this connection it is of importance to have regard to the j size of the dust particles present in the industrial atmosphere. I With reference to the quantity of dust present in the air of a workroom it is
apparent that _ when the dust concentration is high the exposed person will inhale a greater quantity in a given period of time than he will when the dust concentration
of the atmosphere is relatively low, and since the rate of production of the fibrosis
l ,; i ..i
. il i i-
54 Twenty-first Congress--National Safety Council
'15 partially dependent upon the rate in which-tlie dust is inhaled, this latter item" plays an important role in predicting the relative danger of different environments.
Hence the need for the evaluation, of the quantity. of dust in the industrial atmosv phere is obvious.
Research on the problem of industrial dust inhalation has indicated that so far as :
their fibrosis producing qualities arc concerned, dusts may be divided into three
groups: (1) those composed completely of combined silica, that is silicates, such as pure asbestos; (2) those containing free silica in the crystalline form known as quartz, (granite contains approximately 35 per cent of quartz) ; and (3) dust con
taining free silica in a non-crvstalline form such as diatomaceous earth. In general,
it has been found that the harmtulness of a quartz containing dust is in direct proportion to its quartz content. For this reason, in attempting to evaluate the
harmfulness of a dust, it is of the utmost importance to ascertain its exact mineralogical composition.
It has been our experience that to determine accurately the exact mineralogical composition of a dust one should resort to a combined chemical and petrographic analysis. By ho other method have we found it possible to determine the amount of quartz present in ' a given sample. In certain instances, such as when one is dealing with a mixture of quartz and pure potash feldspar, it is possible to. deter mine the amount of quartz present in such dust merely by a chemical analysis. However, most dusts which come into question are mixtures of quartz and silicates. Take granite for example. The average granite is made up chiefly of three min erals in about the following proportions: feldspar 60 per cent, quartz 30 per cent,
and mica 15 per cent. Chemical analysis shows that this average granite contains
70 per cent of silica. Of this 70 per cent, 30 per cent is present as quartz (free silica) and the other 40 per cent is present as combined silica, in chemical com bination with the other minerals that make up granite: it'is possible to determine
these proportions only with the aid of the petrographic microscope.
We find in practice that samples of dust settled out of the nsmosphere at the breathing level of the worker serve admirably for both chemical and mineralogical determinations. Tahlc 1 presents the quartz content of dusts obtained in various
industries which we have studied.
TABLE 1
Percentage of Quartz Present in Various Industrial Dusts
Kind of Dust
Percentage oi Quartz
Rock drilling dust (bituminous coal mine).................... . Granite cutting dust................................................................... Rock drilling dust (anthracite coalmine)................................. Brass foundry dust..................................................................... Dust from raw mills in cementplant......................................... Slate mill dust (Vermont red slate)............................... Silverware polishing dust............................................................
Anthtacitc coal dust...................................................................
Bituminous coal dust.................................................................... Cement dust ................................................................................ Slate mill dust (Vermont greenslate)............................... Talc mill dust.............................................................................. Marble cutting dust.................................................................
54.0 3a.2 31.0 19.0 6.5
. 3.0 1-/
1-5
1~ 1-0 trace none none
It is evident from this table that rock drilling occupations in the coal mining industry and certain occupations in the granite cutting industry and in brass foun dries would be in the hazardous class as judged by the proportions of quartz in the atmospheric dust.
It has be
microns'in.
larger part .
greater tha;
lower sizes,
tratc to the
ourselves w
mension.
In order
access to th in the dust
-may be obta
instrument . phcric dust
slip may the
In another : tion: the pa
means of a .
measurements
may be grou.
curve is easil As pointed
1
atmosphere is
the injury wi;
From the ;
quantitative i; - ssizc range of
requiring car* will depend <.. i
the refractive observer. \V< I industrial hyg
the dust contc: and certain i:.
This diflfercnc one-half and :
such normal
mination the _ in all air.
So far as
by the South
dimension are,
size limit of pi
who examinee
silicotic lung. f.
and about 36
majority of tlu
The median sb
in comparing f I
tides measured |
mills, found a
by Navrogordat
In connection nificancc the fc or indirect of
a
V.v-f7
i this latter item ent environments. industrial atmos-
;cd that so far as livided into three : is silicates, such e form known as nd (3) dust con-
trth. In general. .lust is in direct 4 to evaluate the -in its exact min-
1
\act mineralogical i and petrographic mine the amount i as when one is
possible to detcr'hcmical analysis, nrtz and silicates, i- flv of three min,-tartz 30 per cent, - granite contains < as quartz (free
chemical comible to determine
miosphere at the and mineralogical ` '.ained in various
j i ! J | 1 j; j .i [ J l i
Ii
\
E
f
.1
Dusts
reentage of Quartz
54.0 35.2 `31.0 19.0 6.5 3.0
17 1.5 12 1.0 trace none none
the coal mining i.d in brass foun: ions of quartz in
i i l f
I
I i
i i !
j i
Industrial Health Section
55
It has been demonstrated that particles of dust of a size greater than 10 to 12 microns in longest dimension are very seldom found in the lungs. This absence of larger particles is partly due to the fact that the numbers of such particles greater than ten microns in size present in industrial air is, as compared with the lower sizes, comparatively small; furthermore, these larger particles do not pene trate to the terminal portions of the respiratory tract. Hence we need only concern ourselves with those dust particles that are less than ten microns in longest di mension.
In order to ascertain whether or not an industrial dust is capable of gainingaccess to the lungs, it is necessary to know something of the size of the particles in the dust under consideration. In practice the samples for particle size studies may be obtained by the use of the Owens jet dust counter. The advantage of this instrument over other devices is that the Owens apparatus projects the atmos pheric dust in unaltered condition directly on a microscope cover-slip. This coverslip may then be properly mounted and examined by any one of several methods. In another method a microphotograph of the dust is made at a high magnifica tion : the particles revealed on an enlarged print or screen may be measured by means of a millimeter scale. No matter which method one uses for particle-size measurements the results may be treated in the customary manner. The-particles may be grouped in classes according to size, from which a percentage distribution curve is easily obtained.
As pointed out earlier, a knowledge of the quantity of dust dispersed in the atmosphere is very important, since with any given dust the rate of production of the injury will be dependent upon the total quantity inhaled.
From tli<}. practical hygienic viewpoint, the particle count is at present the best Nquadtitatice index, of the degree of atmospheric pollution. The decision as to the
size range of the particles which should be included in the dust count is a question requiring careful consideration. Obviously the size of the smallest visible particle will depend on the magnification and type of illumination used in the microscope, the refractive properties of the dust and to some extent on the visual acuity of the observer. \Vc must bear in mind that our chief interest in this problem is in the industrial hygienic aspect. Primarily we are interested in differentiating between the dust content in the ordinary normal atmospheres, not yet known to be harmful, and certain industrial dusts which are known to be associated with lung damage. This difference is sharply marked so far as the dust particles between approximately one-half and ten microns in diameter are concerned; but the difference between such normal and abnormal air is masked and lost when we include in. our deter mination the particles of ultra-microscopic size which are present in vast numbers
in all air. So far as the upper limit of particle size is concerned it has been demonstrated
by the South African studies that particles greater than ten microns in longest dimension are, as a rule, of negligible importance. The data concerning the lower size limit of potentially hazardous dust is not so conclusive. Moir of South Africa, who examined microscopically 120 dust particles obtained from two specimens of silicotic lung, found that only 13 per cent of the particles were less than 0.5 microns and about 36 per cent of the particles were less than one micron in diameter. The majority of the particles, 60 per cent, were between one and three microns in size. The median size of the dust was found to be 1.2 microns in diameter. Drinker, in comparing the size frequency of the particles measured by Moir with the par ticles measured by him of the dust found in the sputum of men employed in ore mills, found a close correspondence. These findings have also been corroborated by Navrogordato.
In connection with the lower limit of -particle size of dust of pathological sig nificance the following pertinent question arises: Aside from the evidence direct or indirect of the non-retention of minute particles of dust by the lungs, what
i*r
"r 1
56' Twenty-first Congress--National Safety Council
TABLE 2 Average Dust Counts in Certain Dusty Trades
Industry and Occupation
Dust exposure in millions
of particles per cubic toot
Talc Mining and Milling:
Jack-hammer drillers ........................ ......................... Packers ........... ............................................................ Muckers ........................... ........................................ Cruslicrmcn and cvlindermcn...,...................... Slate Finishing Mills:
Floormen .......... Loaders .............. Disc crusher operators........... ................... Quartz Grinding Plant: Mill operators ................................. Laborers ...................................................................... Packers ........................................................................ Granite Quarrying and Finishing: Leyner drillers ........................................ Jack-hammer'drillers ............................................... Hand pneumaffi tool finishers................................ Machine pneumatic tool finishers......... I.................... Plug drillers ...............................................................
Attendant labor (indoors).......................................... Anthracite Coal Mining:
Miners and helpers . ................................................. Attendant labor ................................. Bituminous Coal Mining: Coal cutters and loaders............................................. Attendant labor ...........................................................
Marble Cutters .................................................................. Cotton Cloth Manufacturing:
Carders ........................................................................ Weavers and spinners............. ,............... .................. Silverware Manufacturing: Dusty trades ............................................................... Noil-dusty trades ........................................................
2,160 '' 50
45 14
1.598 1,276
312
173 83 55
144 112 59 36 37
17
232 31
112 4
53
9 5
5 2
Average per cent of quartz in
dust
None None None None None 3 3 3 3
59
99 99 99 35 35 35 35 35 35 35
1.5 1.5 1.5
1.2
1.2
1.2
None None None v--
1.7 1.7 1.7
,
' -'t
-
- l
1
i
evidence is there that appreciable percentages of ordinary industrial dusts ever fragment into those minute sizes less than 0.5 microns in diameter? The best answer to. this question would be data of actual measurement of such dust. Un fortunately we have but scant published data on the particle size frequency of dusts in the air of industrial establishments. lit 1929 Felinel made some particle size measurements in connection with: the dust study of hard rock drilling in New York City. He reported the findings on three samples, which showed the dust which was less than 1 micron in size to vary from 1 to 15 per cent. Most of the dust in these hard rock drilling operations was between 2 and 5 microns in size. Badham, in studying the dust hazard among sandstone workers in Sydney, Aus tralia. measured some 16,000 particles of dust in the air of work places anti found that 67 per cent of these particles, were about 1 micron in size. In a particle size
stud; madf speal Only than 1 am
Frcontr. betwe limit metlu of dr. high finds Heal-.i being
Dubazar surmr indust: mines. industi grindii tries 1most 1:
r
..
Su
It V in the more ard. :i. lead, a their :. known
The loss oi . Johanrdollar: izatiou.
Mint conipe.'. ing to other r against has grt
It is pay mu
Strai
:re Average per cent of
quartz in t dust
None None None None None 3 3 3 3 99 99 99 99 35 35 35 35 35 35 35. ' 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.2 1.2 1.2 None None None None 1.7
-
1.7
rial dusts ever ter? The best uch dust. Unruency of dusts me particle size rilling in New nowed the dust
Most of the microns in size.
Sydney, Aus pices and found
a particle size
i
Industrial Health. Section
57
study of twenty-five samples of eleven different kinds of aerial industrial dusts
i made by the filar micrometer method at a magnification of 1,000 diameters, the
i
speaker found that practically all of the dust was less than 5 microns in size. Only 2 per cent of the particles were less than 0.5 microns. 21 per cent were less
i than 1 micron, and the majority of the dust, 71 per cent, was found to be between 1 and 3 microns in diameter.
From all of the evidence therefore, and in the absence of conclusive proof to the
contrary, it is apparent that we need only he concerned with those dust particles
between one-half and 5 microns in size, and from a practical standpoint the lower
limit of particle size to be counted may well be taken at about 1 micron. Many
methods have been devised and used for the purpose of determining the quantity
i of dust in air. Suffice it to say that for the purpose of dust sampling in either high or low dust concentrations, the Greenburg-Smith impingcr apparatus now
finds universal favor. This instrument has been used by the United States Public
Health Service in all of its dust studies during the past nine years and is also
being used by other workers in this field in this country and abroad.
During the past nine years the writer has made numerous investigations of dust
hazard in many industrial establishments throughout the country. In Table 2. i. i summary is presented of the average dust content of the air in a few of these dusty
industries. This table clearly shows that the highest dust exposure was In the talc
mines, slate finishing mills, quartz grinding plant, coal mining and granite cutting
industries. Owing to the high percentage of quartz present in the dust of the quartz
grinding and granite cutting plants, as compared with the dust in the other indus
tries listed in Table 2, quartz grinding and granite cutting are revealed to be the.
most hazardous of^the occupations we have studied,
II
i ClinicaT and Statist!ical Aspects of Silicosis
i By ALBERT E. RUSSELL, M. D., F. A. C. P.
Surgeon, U. S. Public Health Service; Surgeon, U. S. Bureau of Mines, Washington, D. C.
It would be difficult to estimate with any degree of accuracy the number of people
in the United States who arc engaged in dusty trades. It is evident, however, that
more people are exposed to dust, which constitutes the greatest single industrial haz
ard. than is generally supposed. Certain 'dusts contain poisonous elements, such as
lead, arsenic, mercury, etc., which give rise to general conditions resulting from
their absorption. This paper .however will deal only with those dusts which are
i Ii
known to be direct factors in the production of pulmonary diseases.
Economic Aspects of Silicosis
The economic problem presented bv silicosis is tremendous. T he sultering ami
loss of life due to it cannot be adequately measured. In the gold mining area around Johannesburg, South Africa, during the period 1911 to 1929, more than a.I million
i dollars have been paid in compensation alone. The costs of medical care, hospital
ization. and legal proceedings further augment this enormous figure. Mines in Australia are reported to have been bankrupted by payment oi silicosis
compensation. I know of a company in our own country winch has claims amount
ing to more than a million dollars for disability due to dust inhalation. There are other plants in the East which will he bankrupted if all the claims which are filed against them arc allowed. In most of the industrial states the number of claims filed
has greatly increased in recent years. It is clear that dust-prevention work, like any health-promoting activity, would
pay many times in money, good health, and efficient operation. Strangely enough, only during the past 25 years has dust received much attention
j
'-Y.: ..$08
A&S
3i
>& 7&J& r*r^ .5$ ;:-***! 'yT'.?
kSs:> 'trr:
5sf,
:j#
S,
. ^ .v* ,
rasas
.}ij-;
-wrjci .s
s./vA~ '*
v*#;* <***
jts -JS.yf-'
Ifrtf'-;
i
.^j
m
f
.*'rUiV;'i:v_
tfr
^:
*.
fr. ,:C' \yj*
y
?X'\ v-^>;
'igsa
*v/-PAA&.w'^Sffr*:i-i'I
:
iK:mm*
^:?v3
. :.v:?m.l?<?'-'T*-**v*?*-:' rurS,-f^..vvrv-?i;...r:J.iS,<
still
giffl
Si $&?&&
'r^mm ., `V ^v-?^ >?<:< `Lvi->r;^-v.ii
iiM'
i)Sp
^>yvu<-Q' .;<mi.a*o i :^Sfefataj>aa 111 WiLv.1
urements
&trf-' &-^Wg'asjW:*m:*
0j
exhaust expmencejKombineqlwithl^ctTialXqiajititative
executciimycstigations method
_ '.*? .v.-r :Hi '
sett'll
Raima
medical^examinations
*- ----- *
*<-- - -
1-
ft-'. S*I^;
cujU uv^'-L'-utf
lou uu kcuuwjj vaJ>iciau uv
vyuw
!"'>V.'.'lcentrations 5 23 ($) C3E2&w) tag (3ffi3
considered
-TW* >MVVv'fTV*?> fW tUxuft >UfVvWrt/ Av^Ui: JktKft
iXMT
w-53*8s*
saasaywftv*i*
V'/>- V'sV.-t*; ;.
'
" :7`^SvC*#->.' : V^-A`'^'w
i;
4-65532-. ;^--i (ss'GGar-^ I)
otecti
artdblast
ovements ggmfe jfeB33gggg gg&fffiM8S3 ($
equipment Uf (fevtafAUm.ftuat.ei.iasjj V?itx .V^v-r^.
*?4;^fessD crsihss Q3 tii? Mfisif &> .(3sf.es r&fesiK?' s&
^(dio^b Gs (tefesssi^ usS.aj;
?
rcritilati t|?
apparatus
o-itf'a?-:
_ __________ __
^___ _ ___________________ ^
GcSes&33&WtM(S3SS}3Sss^iW&&dJsMGfe&&&$?WGSSEE& 'i
sflsss?*csasjcaeasrofecai^teftea.<$ses&Dg&cfeessen3 ^
opment
y/X-*r* CHvt^o.
&iV,' ; ^S^iisV:,VV*
..1"^pTU-.^s*l'Sf ^.T^**'*
r?iRSI^
....'.V *'v.'.-t/^** r i
Sfii
..S; f^-.: ;Vj
TggU-:V<?!5S'4
>%5
sg .; |
'
mm mm?
' t'
fceDTi^ gSfc.^
ta
Si
w _...
$*|f
slifli
ffjsap?
aa$#
'<*X*n
5355/,-v.5%?
:*ww
S3K32.^^
30_c*&r
L'..Sg
?t^EVdrji*iKA
; ttcil ;
.-iittf themwith the i|uipment. live figures can ho hot only be- studied her members' of the
department: They r. The costs should
between companies. by including such is salary, it should : to explain all The
ey, N ewark Mate Compensation .is connection. He nev payments made .-e iiercentaces. -as
re. the next figures
Hows : ihee but it requires
:.ly about personal ilieratiou.
tld lie sc little co>s could not exist. ;i and revert to the
:t of-Ini|t;iry" pre. Safety Hiigineer. g playlet depicting of an industrial
characters." were
the Rubber Section
T IV EXTV- F I RS T A A'A: U A L SAP ET V C O Ar GR ESS NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL
i;
Section, A.R.A.-Steam Railroad Section, N.S.C.
Section Officers 1931-32
Chairman--C. T. Bailey. Chief Safety Agent, Oregon Short Line Railroad.
First Vice-Chairman--C. E. Hill, General Safety Agent. New York Central Lines.
Second Vice-Chairman--C. L. LaFouxtaine, General Safety Supervisor, Great
Northern Railway.
. *' .
Secretary--J. C Cavistcx.
(XOTF.: The joilozAng pages contain a condensed abstract of the records oj the sessions of the Safety Section. AR.-I--Steam Railroad Section. XSC. as published in full by the American Raiizeay Association in a booklet entitled. "Proceedings of tile v 12th Annual Meeting of the Safety Section, Washington, D. C., October 4 to 6, 1932.")
TUESDAY MORNING SESSION
October 4, 1932
The sessions of the Safety Section. American Railway Association--Steam Railroad Section. National Safety Council, convened in the Hotel Washington with Chairman C. T. Bailey. Chief Safety Agent. Oregon Short Line Railroad. Salt Lake City. Utah, presiding. The invocation was given by L. G. Bentley. Chesapeake & Ohio Railway.
Report of Committee on Relations with National Safety
Council
By ROBERT SCOTT
Director, Insurance and Safety, Atlantic Coast Line Railroad
Mr. Scott said in part: Your committee tiiids pleasure in reporting that much satisfactory progress has been made in the direction of co-ordinating the work of both sections with the view of avoiding duplication oi effort and expense and to the end that the cause of safety might be advanced.
The first annual meeting of the Steam Railroad Section, National Safety Council, was held in Philadelphia in October, 1913. while the Safety Section of the American Railway Association held its first special session in Boston in September, 1921. Both of these sections have been functioning properiy and well ever since they came into existence, and have been a powerful force in the reduction of avoidable accidents.
On September 2, 1931. a meeting was held in Chicago at which there were present members of the committee on; relations and officers of both sections. At this meeting
|n:
i
. I!'.
ill
. :
.;r *iv',.
'M
}L*
. 1\{M
: 11'. 5 * <
ill v:;i
if
M^!ii: i;-.
*$$<$:* | ;-:
I :
~ iV i^_cf;Vk ?V
.;
?l
! 4&T&*1* :`j i . 14
! ..i Ki:j-
! i r
412 TziTiity-firxt Congress-National Safety Council
in the stress-of ccpnoniy it lias been necessary drastically- to- restrict all expenditures;
and dark because the economic depression kept our backs and-shoulders- bowed; to-the,, storm which has ratted around us--but during all this stress, you gentlemen of .the-3 Safety Section; have carried the 'banners.' of. safety. and safety first: th ing.-and yourp shock troops have been supporting aiuldefending them and there has been no let-up: : While there have been let-ups in other 'directions, there has been no let-up in this', safety-'movement; even with your depleted forces.
Now, as'we approach the crest of the hill, the slogan ".In by '33":, floats down -to
our ears from the throats, of thousands whose lives have -been, spared bv the drive-' for safety!. I see the light growing clearer ahead and as we lift bur heads and throw . back bur shoulders, I see a; smoother, broader; lighter pathway with: more .moderate slope stretching away to the green meadows above. The storm clouds are breaking, the warm rays of the economic sun are gradually, coming through; .doubt and despair are nearing their end..
TUESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION October 4, 1932
:
Report of Committee oh Prevention of Highway Crossing -, - Accidents
By H. A. ROWE
^..Manager^Claims Department, Delaware. Lackawanna & Western Railroad.'
;'T "j
New York City
.'.The speaker said impart: The Committee is again gratified to he aide to announce a further reduction of grade crossing accidents, fatalities, and injuries in Phil as compared with 1930. Thus we have had three consecutive years ni progress in the curbing of crossing crashes, the records being as iollows: -1 `I. total accidents 4.100. kiilcd 1.S11, injured 2,657; 1930, accidents 4.S53. killed 2.020. injured 5.517; and in 1929 there was a slight reduction.
The year 1923 was the peak year in railroad crossing fatalities, since which time the reduction of such fatalirics has been 757 per year, the 1931 record being but one more killed than in 1922, when the careful crossing campaign was inaugurated.
The outstanding accomplishment of crossing accident ^eduction can he better grasped when we note that motor vehicle fatalities on streets and highways in 1922 were 13,676 but in 1931 there was an increase of 18.913 deaths or 139 per cent. During this same 10-year period there was an increase of hut one death at railroad crossings.
A very important feature of the committee work has been the careful' crossing campaign which has continued to enlist the interest and cooperation of many organi zations ami the general public. This has been furthered by general publicity, the regular posters initiated for this special campaign and other literature.
During the past year the National Safety Council has been active in its 'educational campaign for the prevention of accidents, and in its May. 1932. issue, of the Satinnal Safety .Yens contributed a most useful and illuminating frontispiece. The crossing accident situation was stressed in the same issue of the Yczcs. and in many other respects the National Safety Council has shown deep interest in cooperating in the prevention of crossing accidents.
Opportunity is presented for a fuller enjoyment of the facilities ottered by the 41
Community Safety Councils associated with the National Safety Council. Collec tively. 30 Councils reach 803.000 school children through 3.141 meetings. Railroad . safety representatives, cooperating witli such local Councils, have an excellent oppor tunity of extending the gospel of careful crossing over railroads. These Councils
hold vast numbers of other meetings and should be regarded as fertile soil.
-.- be ; tin .ra:
V>
sur t
3.' jeer bet
; dridri I
1 pro ade< of t by A.!
Ti the : had kind: that been hazs:
I; work I kn. man.-:
Yo ploye very exper ior t: safety wc d the railr.:. I I114
The Police few ye
ncil
'dual
)hio Railroad
years of railroad iion to safety into is inherently sate MS convinced liim isclf docs not need . .ruiistic and who is
'Outine service are old say their home
work any mental i their duties, and not become easily to face any situn9 per cent of the
hers but that they problem we have, anything occurring king, employees of
-ate and the things ''it with all. Their
They seem to get Ipless.
nt efforts of those safety campaigner .vork, to constantly practices. These ' the unsafe. ied as the fatalists lblein all to itself, . :ely. intensive and v|f that any large *ve censored myself :is type, because in T in the service, due >rse about this type ;f to the possibility
eristics. Generally thoughts are along *.ful individual, with 'It his private habits
'.-ady response from belongs, his family,
reach him through . the success of these he supervising officer safetv to his gang,
elf.
Safety Section, A.R.A.--Steam Railroad Section, Sf.S.C.
WEDNESDAY MORNING SESSION October 5, 1932
417
Report of Committee on Train Service Accidents
By D. G. PHILLIPS
Superintendent of Safety, The Wabash Railway
The speaker said in part: In the year 1931. out of 5.099 fatalities and 35,656 per sons injured, according to reports to the Interstate Commerce Commission, 4,624 of these fatalities and 1S.S49 of the persons injured occurred in train service accidents. While it is true that a large proportion of these fatalities occurred in grade crossing I accidents and to trespassers, it is also true that over half of the fatalities to employees on duty occurred in what is known as train service accidents and about one-third of . the injuries to employees occurred in train service accidents.
We feel, therefore, that we arc justified in saving that the prevention of train service, accidents is probably the most important safety problem confronting us today, : as far as accidents in and around railroads are concerned. * Under the heading "coupling or uncoupling cars or locomotives'' in 1931 12 persons : were killed and 394 persons injured. This may be compared for the year 1930, when i 30 persons were killed and 604 injured. The year 1931, therefore, shows a decrease J of 60 per cent in the number oi fatalities and 35 per cent in the number of personal -: injuries: and these may he compared further with the record for 1920, when there | were 151 Jatalihgs and 2.450 injuries due to this cause. f The ptjjncipa? reason for personal injuries under this heading is due to employees stepping in between moving cars, usually at a time when coupling is about to he J made, to determine if the knuckle has fully opened, to adjust location of couplers, or to adjust the coupling or uncoupling lever, with the result that they are caught ; between the couplers; or perhaps due to tripping or falling while performing this ; act. and arc thus run over by the car. Our remedy for correcting this dangerous i practice is for each and every railroad to make a positive and definite, rule prohibiting j employees from going between moving cars when nearing each other, to examine the ? employees to see that the rule is understood by them, and that supervisory officers see that the rule is enforced.
Under the heading "coupling or uncoupling air or steam hose." in 1931, 13 persons were killed and 175 persons injured, which may be compared with the record for 1930, when 7 persons were killed and 232 injured. The increase of .36 per cent in the number of fatalities is decidedly regrettable, although the record shows a decrease of 24 per cent in the number of injuries. The principal cause of employee injuries under this head is due to their failure to protect themselves by performing this work in accordance with the rules.
The remedy for this class of accidents where car men are employed rests in a full anti complete enforcement of the blue signal rule which i; quite uniform on all railroads. Railroad managements should improve this blue signal so as to make it as efficient as posssihlc. The rule should also govern- the placing oi the blue signal so as to make sure that it is in a location where it will serve the best purpose as a i signal to warn train, engine and yard men who might he guided by it. VVlirrr en gine is coupled onto cars anti trainmen are performing ibis work without bine, signal protection, they should not permit themselves to get into a place where an unexpected movement of the cars might cause an accident, without first notifying . the engine man and fireman so as to be fully protected.
Under the heading "operating hand brakes." in 1931 there were 1R fatalities and 824 persons injured, as compared with the record for 1930 when 26 persons were killed and 1,154 injured. The year 1931 shows a decrease of 31 per cent in
cil
Ihat in the yards-.'; ; .
c from $1,500 to . , ugh.four. 38main `thout one dollar's a damage ot only . to my mind, has .,,.
ttcerning railroads.
.-.of doubt--public' i-ther industry: can ioi-emcnt has been
to invite lawyers, of life to attend
ave Had those men .-it were doing in., on generally in a
,
'.au of Safety,
mmission -
accident investigammissiom How-
rlooked and which . not only to the :diate cause of an
him develop the .ecntly occurs, and. dea of impressing jccurrencc of acci-
accidents, however I by competent in of a similar char- for the principal
what disciplinary There the matter important side of a view to profiting the right direction, cited is on the job I. General officers. 1 Federal Commis .sness of what has i< are learned that sequence so far as c- is no commotion . although the small an accident should of so-called major
4 i
l\SafriyCSccti(m--/AJi:.`L--iStcam<rRailroak-'^ccti6it, XS.C.. 423
: It:'may be; argued that- no. one has time to dignify , minor accidents by careitil . and" painstaking investigation, hut the: answer to. any such argument is-that if- they are investigated carefully-and with sufficient thoroughness to .firing out any under lying condition or situation, which may exist, the-time soon will come, when there will not be very many to investigate, and we may rest assured, that. the .occurrence
of'.major accidents will decrease just as rapidly ns do the minor accidents. Further more, all employees: involved arc; .available: for -questioning, whereas in the '.more
disastrous, accident important witnesses are often permanently silent. " ; Railroad casualties have been decreasing for years, although just what the
immediate trend is I cannot pretend to-sav;. you may rest: assured, however., that they will continue to. decrease, hut only if all accidents arc treated With trie-intr portance they deserve. As to the steps to be t'olloived by the various railroads itv this humanitarian, work, these must be worked out for-each 'individual' organization. They, all have the. same object in view,'the saving of life and limb, and I do not believe that anything can impress itself to any better advantage on. the rank and file of railroad workers in the wav of accident- prevention than to have the investi gation: of the 'minor accident, regardless of its'character;-as-'-thoroughly and, pains takingly handled as the investigation of the major accident. The . investigation or the major, accident obviously. would take more time because ot more, facts to be developed, and more evidence ot. one kind, or another to he considered, but aside from the question of volume there would appear to be no difference in 'the-'.investiga tion-it/elf. The result to be accomplished is the same in each. and. only by han dling it in the same manner can those results be. best attained. ..
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SESSION . ! October 5, 1932
.. J:,
Value of "Safe Practices" Committees
By F. HARTENSTIEN
Assistant to General Manager, Lehigh Valley Railroad
The speaker said in part: In our efforts to reduce the number of casualties on. the railroads it becomes natural for us to analyze their causes and if possible adopt ways and means to prevent repetition. After a careful study of this subject, and considering that 75 per cent or more of the injuries that occur on the railroads arc the result of unsafe practices, it appears to be itl order to make a change in our safety organization that is adaptable or more in keeping with the causes whicit are responsible for producing -unsatisfactory safety records. With the hope and .ex pectation that a change in the name oi safety committees to tiiat oi "sate practices committees.'' will he conducive of better results, it is recommended, to the members of the Section that such a change be made.
The change is .recommended for the purpose of inspiring careful employees, who are dependable safety workers to caution their co-workers when they observe tiu iu doing anything that is liable to result in personal injury. Also, to more cleariv instill in the minds of committees and other employees that the causes oi tile majority of personal injuries on the railroad are from'unnecessarily taking chances and their discontinuance will lie a large contribution to the goal that we arc strug gling to make by the cud of the year 1933.
Ii it is decided to change the name of committees it should, he understood -that reporting any unsafe conditions observed on railroad property must not he dis continued. but a careful analysis of the records indicate that a very small percentage of our injuries occur- from - defects and unfavorable conditions, and 'the change suggested should direct the attention of officers and employees- to the real reason -for the majority of railroad accidents.
42S Twenty-first Congress--National Safety Council
of train, a trainman may go over .'the running board if necessary to get on top of the train to extinguish fire or pass signals. If anything should develop on the engine , requiring getting out on the running board to fix it. and such .work cannot: be deferred, the train, must stop between stations to permit it to be done.
i Ir man an ; in l
v THURSDAY MORNING SESSION
October 6, 1932
t i
that was
> i
fore:
him
Power Apparatus in Maintenance of .Way Work
the mon
By LEM ADAMS
the ' At
Engineer, Maintenance of Way, Union Pacific System
with
The .speaker said in part: The maintenance of way employees on any railroad .
is sc
are constantly beset with hazards of accidents. When the motor car is set on the
per.*'
track tor the day's work there is a potential hazard of being struck by a train, an
of i:
automobile at a grade crossing, or another track car. Hence we surround them
. wor .
with innumerable rules and regulations to safeguard their movements.
i tend:,
Men in this branch of railroad service must constantly be on the alert to. protect
i mans
themselves. Their tools are watched closely for the smallest defect that might
i
.
Ti
result in injury from particles oi flying steel, and the very best steels and heat
and;
treating methods are used to provide tools that will be as nearly fool-proof as
f ecor
.possible.
per
Yet with all these precautions, we still have accidents. Perhaps a rail is struck-
partn
with a spike maul when a spike is not properly hit. or a sledge hammer fails when f.
sam-
striking a track chisel in cutting a rail, and we have a cut or eye injury from flying
R-.
steel, or an adze strikes a knot in a cross-tie when adzing tor gauge, and a foot is cut. Or perhaps a bar slips. , or the trip gives way when operating a ratchet jack _.
u
lengt plat..
for spotting track, and we have a broken arm or other serious injury. These things
< pout
are especially prevalent when large groups of men are working in a rail renewal, 5 ing.
or ballasting gang.
meu
With such a picture before us. we maintainence of way men have for years been thinking in terms of machinery to do the more arduous and dangerous operations. Then, too. we were thinking in terms of efficiency, for safety and efficiency. usually
t dur.i i feet, < rail
go hand in hand.
rails
(The speaker then showed a score or more of lantern slides illustrating various types of power equipment employed in maintenance of way work.)
This set of equipment is one of our best safety agents. However, all power operated tools are unfortunately not the safest to use. although they are great labor savers, home tools in this class are the power saw. the sandblast tor cleaning sur faces preparatory to repainting, the power drill for cither rail or bridge work, and many others--but efficiency and accuracy of work demand their use, and with proper care cm the part of the operators they can he handled, safely.
pros; i J-V f. pas.-.
dent.
Vi don.. \ and
the i
Planning for Safety in Track Construction
cific to m
By FRANK R. BRADFORD
cauti sim...
Director of Safety & Fire Prevention, Boston & Main Railroad
VC
The speaker said in part: My object in being here is to show you a picture
spc.v
illustrating one of the modern methods of main line rail renewal. The operation, A they which is notable in many respects, is the outcome of the idea that the old estab i proj.
lished methods of rail renewal were nolonger justified from the standpoint of economy, advantage of the operating department,' or safety to the maintenance of
the . these
men.
part i Ir.
\
434 I .enity-jirst Lonf/rcss^--Naltoinil Safctx Council
fi 01 Avoiding getting men' excited by' unnecessaryhollering on the job; ctcl .. HI) Hove nil laborers examined as to physical ,condition .before employment;
The-report of the resolutions committee was then presented, by JY A. Long of the Delaware & Hudson Railroad, Chairman, and two resolutions were formally pre sented and adopted by the Section delegates.
.The first was a resolution of condolence upon the death of J. Flanagiiv Manager. Safety-Department. Chicago, Milwaukee. St. Paid & Pacific Railroad.
The second resolution acknowledged with thanks and appreciation efforts of all who had participated in making the Washington- Congress Session successful.
Report of the Nominating Committee
The report of the tellers who canvassed -the election of officers for the Section, was made hv J. J. Heavev, The Erie Railroad, and announcement was made of the election as follows:
Chairman of the Section--Charles E. Hill, General Safety Agent, New York Central Lines.
First Vice-Chairman--C. L. LaFountaine, General Safety ' Supervisor,: Great Northern Railway.
Second yire.-Chainnan--H. A. Parish, Assistant to General Manager, Chicago & North Western Railway.
Members selected for the Committee of Directions for the Ensuing Year: Eastern TcrnVorv--F. Hartenstein. Assistant to General Manager, Lchiglv Valley Railroad: H. A. Rowe, Manager,. Claims Department, Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. New Eualand Territory--C. N. Woodward, Assistant to General Manager. New
Y'ork. New Haven & Hartford Railroad. Southern Territory--Robert Scott. Director Insurance & Safety. Atlantic Coast
Line Railroad. Cntiodian Territory--A. O. Beck. Director, First Aid & Accident Prevention,
Canadian National Railways. Members of the Committee nit Nomination for the ensuing year: F. W. Curtis.
Supervisor. Safety & Fire Prevention. Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. Chairman: E. G. Evans, Superintendent of Safety. Louisville &. Nashville Railroad: C. F. Larson. Superintendent of Safety. Missouri Pacific Railroad: F. M. Metcalfe. Superintendent of Safety. Northern Pacific Railway; J. C. Pratt. Supervisor of Safety. The Redding Company.
The closing minutes of the session were devoted to the introduction of the new chairman. Charles F.. Hill, and to appreciative and eulogistic remarks concerning
the services rendered by officers of the section during the past year.
ADJOURNMENT *