4. The inspecting foreman on first entering any tar still or tank, and all persons employed in tar stills or tanks in which there are no cross stays or obstructions likely to cause entanglement, should be provided with a belt securely fastened round the body with a rope attached, the free end being left with two men outside whose sole duty should be to watch and draw out any person appearing to be affected by gas. The belt and rope should be adjusted and worn in such a manner that the wearer can be drawn up head foremost and through the manhole and not across it.
5. A bottle of compressed oxygen, with mouthpiece, should be kept at all times ready for use; and printed instructions as to the use of this bottle, and the method to be employed for resuscitation by means of artificial respiration should be kept constantly affixed. A draft of such instructions is appended.
6. A supply of suitable chemical respirators properly charged and in good condition should be kept ready for use in case of emergency arising from sulphuretted hydrogen or certain poisonous gases. (Granules of carbon saturated with a solution of caustic soda readily absorb sulphuretted hydrogen and may be used for charging respirators.)
7. The use of naked lights should be strictly prohibited in any portion of the works where gas of an inflammable nature is liable to be given off.
8. Each still should be provided with a proper safety valve, which should at all times be kept in efficient working condition.
Gassing
Symptoms.—The first symptoms are giddiness, weakness in the legs, and palpitation of the heart. If a man feels these he should at once move into fresh warm air, when he will quickly recover if slightly affected. He should avoid exposure to cold. He should not walk home too soon after recovery; any exertion is harmful.
First Aid.—Remove the patient into fresh warm air. Send for the oxygen apparatus. Send for a doctor. Begin artificial breathing at once if the patient is insensible and continue it for at least half-an-hour, or until natural breathing returns. Give oxygen[J] at the same time and continue it after natural breathing returns.
Artificial Breathing (Schäfer Method).—Place the patient face downwards as shown in the diagrams.
Kneel at the side of the patient and place your hands flat in the small of his back with thumbs nearly touching, and the fingers spread out on each side of the body over the lowest ribs (see Diagram 1).