Apart from the rescue appliances generally needed in dangerous trades, stress must be laid on the value of oxygen apparatus as a means of saving life. In addition to what is needed for the sufferer there must be defensive apparatus at hand for the rescuers (breathing helmets, &c.), to facilitate and make safe their rescue work when in a poisonous atmosphere. Without such defensive equipment rescuers should never venture into gas conduits, or into any place where presumably a poisonous atmosphere is to be met with. It hardly requires to be said that in dangerous industries medical aid should be within easy reach; in large works actual medical attendance may be necessary.
In acute as well as in chronic cases of poisoning early medical intervention is advisable. Hence medical aid should be sought on the earliest appearance of symptoms, and the worker, therefore, should know the nature and action of the poison with which he comes into contact. This brings us to the subject of the education of the worker and particularly observance of all those rules and regulations in which his co-operation is necessary. This co-operation of the workers is indispensable; it is the most important condition of effective defence. The best regulations and preventive measures are worthless if the worker does not observe them. He must be taught their aim, the way of using the means of defence; he must be admonished to use them, and, if necessary, compelled to do so. The co-operation of workmen’s organisations in this matter can avail much, since a workman most readily follows the advice of a fellow-worker.
Teaching of the kind suggested can be done in different ways. Apart from lectures and practical courses, concise instructions, either in the form of notices or as illustrated placards, should be posted up in the workrooms or handed in the form of leaflets particularly to the newly employed. Distribution of such leaflets might well be placed as a duty on the employer.
Of preventive measures applying to the individual those are of prime importance which serve to protect the worker, as far as is practicable, from coming into contact with the poison. Protection of this kind is attained by wearing suitable clothing, use of respirators, and careful cleanliness—especially before partaking of food. It cannot be too strongly urged that these precautions are a very potent defence against the danger of industrial poisoning, especially of the chronic forms, and in teaching workers their importance must be insisted on. It is not sufficient merely to put on overalls over the ordinary clothes. The ordinary clothes must be taken off before the commencement of work, and working suits put on, to be taken off again before the principal midday meal and before leaving work. They should be made of smooth, durable, washable material, and be properly washed and dried not less often than once a week. They must be plainly cut without folds or pockets.
Direct handling of the poisonous substances is to be avoided, but where this is necessary impervious gloves may have to be worn, especially in the case of poisons which can be absorbed through, or act injuriously on, the skin. If there is risk of splashing or spilling of poisonous liquids on to the clothes, impermeable or partly impermeable overalls (aprons, &c.) should be worn. The obligation of providing the overalls or working suits falls naturally on the employer in industries where poisonous substances are used, and there is equally obligation on the employee to use the articles provided.
Suitable cloakroom accommodation is essential, by which is meant room not only to change clothes with cupboards or hooks on one side for clothing taken off on commencement of work and on the other the working suits, but also ample washing accommodation. These cupboards should be double, that is, be divided by a partition into two parts, one serving for the ordinary and the other for the working clothes.
Fig. 35.—Aluminium Respirator
Protection of the respiratory organs can to some extent be obtained by so-called respirators worn over the mouth and nose. Often they consist simply of a moist sponge or folds of cloth, or again may be complicated air-proof affairs enclosing mouth and nose, or the whole face like a mask, or even the head like a helmet; they fit close, and the aperture for respired air is provided with filtering material (cotton wool, &c.) placed between two layers of wire gauze. The outer layer of the gauze moves on a hinge, so that the filtering material can be renewed after each time that it has been used. The construction of respirators is extraordinarily varied. One form is illustrated. They must be light, and in order not to obstruct breathing seriously they are often provided with valves—closing during inspiration and opening during exhalation. Generally the respirators in common use do not quite satisfactorily fulfil the conditions required. After a time the pressure becomes irksome, the face becomes hot, breathing more difficult, and discomfort from wearing them unbearable.