In order to reduce risk of action of the liquor on the skin, workers employed in the process described would do well if, before commencing work, they carefully smeared hands and forearms with unsalted lard, vaseline, or the like, and during work avoided, as much as possible, soiling the bare hands and arms with the liquor.
If, nevertheless, a worker has contracted a chrome hole, or eruption, he should consult a medical man, informing him at the same time of the nature of his work.
To avoid internal absorption of chrome, workers preparing the baths must carefully avoid inhaling the dust of chromium salts. These and all other workers engaged with the liquors containing chromium must not take food and drink while at work. Working suits should be taken off and face and hands washed with soap before eating or drinking, and before leaving the factory.
Petroleum, Benzine
(See also pp. [59-64] and [222-4])
As crude petroleum and the higher fractions first distilled from it affect the skin injuriously, wetting the skin should be avoided, and careful cleanliness on the part of the workers enjoined. Workers exposed to the influence of gases escaping from naphtha springs and wells should be equipped with breathing apparatus (smoke helmets); this applies to those who have to enter stills and other apparatus connected with the distillation of petroleum.
In the preparation of petroleum by sulphuric acid sulphur dioxide in great quantity is developed, constituting a distinct danger to the workers. This process, therefore, should be carried on in closed vessels furnished with mechanical stirrers or compressed air agitators. The most suitable apparatus is that illustrated in [fig. 13].
Petroleum tanks must be thoroughly aired before they are cleaned and should be entered only by workers equipped with breathing apparatus. Apparatus containing petroleum and benzine requires, as far as possible, to be closed in and air tight (as, for example, in the extraction of fat from bones and oil seed, in the rubber industry, and in chemical cleaning establishments); where benzine fumes develop they should be immediately drawn away by suitably applied exhaust ventilation. This is necessary, on account of the danger of fire, in chemical cleaning establishments where purification is effected by means of benzine in closed drums.
Regulations for benzine extraction plants are contained in the Prussian Ministerial Decree, dated January 5, 1909, for benzine extraction works, and also in that of August 3, 1903, for dry-cleaning premises, to which last were added ‘Directions for safety,’ containing important regulations as to risk from fire. From our standpoint the following points are of interest: care is to be taken to provide and maintain exhaust ventilation directly across the floor. The air, however, must not be allowed to pass near any fire. Drying rooms especially are to be lofty and airy, and separated from other workrooms. In factories with mechanical power the authorities may require provision of artificial ventilation for the drying rooms. Washing machines, centrifugalising machines, and benzine rinsing vessels should be furnished with well-fitting covers to be removed only for such time as is absolutely necessary for putting in and taking out the articles to be cleaned, shaken, or rinsed. The vessels named are to be examined as to their imperviousness at least once every quarter by a properly qualified person. The condition in which they are found is to be noted in a book to be shown to the Factory Inspector and police authorities on demand.
Lastly, substitution for benzine of other less poisonous substances such as carbon tetrachloride has been urged.