As in Germany and Austria, so also in Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, regulations in various lead industries were enforced after previous official inquiry and report.
A general code, however, affecting all lead industries has only been published in one or two states. And yet this would, in my opinion, be of very great practical value as it is hardly possible to regulate each single branch of industry.
In Germany the Regulations dated May 26, 1903, dealing with lead colours are certainly comprehensive, but relate primarily to paint factories, and are not, therefore, a general Order in the sense indicated. In Saxony the decree of June 27, 1901, made notification of lead poisoning compulsory, and in the subsequent decree of April 16, 1909, prescribed general measures against lead poisoning. In Switzerland single cantons have made general regulations. In France, by a decree dated April 23, 1908 (in pursuance of the general law of June 12, 1893), all industries attended with risk of lead poisoning were brought under Regulation.
We give the provisions of this interesting decree, as it is a good example of the kind of Regulations we have in mind.
Decree of the President of the French Republic (April 23, 1908) relating to certain industries in which lead is used
1. In the lead industries hereinafter mentioned, viz.: smelting, cupellation of argentiferous lead, manufacture of accumulators, glass-making, manufacture and use of lead enamels, manufacture of pottery, decoration of porcelain or faience, ceramic chromo-lithography, manufacture of lead alloys, oxides, salts and colours—employers, directors or managers are required, apart from the general measures prescribed by the Decree of 29 November, 1904, to take special measures for protection and health as set forth in the following sections.
2. Lead melting pots shall be erected in an airy place separated from the other workrooms.
Hoods or other means for the effectual removal of fumes shall be provided:—
(a) Over the openings for the run of lead and slag in lead smelting.
(b) Before the furnace doors in the manufacture of lead oxides.