All projecting wedges, keys, set-screws, nuts, grooves or other parts of machinery, having sharp edges, shall be substantially covered.
All belts or ropes which pass from the shafting of one story to that of another shall be guarded by fencing or casing of wood, sheet-iron or wire netting four feet, 6 inches high.
The belts passing from shafting in the story underneath and actuating machinery in the room overhead, thereby passing through the ceiling must be enclosed with proper casing or netting corresponding in height from the floor to the construction of the machine. When the construction of the machine does not admit of the introduction of casing, then, at least, the opening in the floor through which the belt or rope passes should be inclosed with a low casing at least four inches high.
Fixed shafts, as well as ordinary shafts, pulleys and fly-wheels, running at a little height above the floor, and being within the locality where work is performed, shall be securely covered.”
The most simple and efficient of all substances for fire extinguishment is sulphur. This, by heat, absorbs oxygen and forms sulphurous acid, the fumes of which are much heavier than the air. The quantity required would be small. Besides sulphur, which gives every satisfaction, both in its effects and from its low cost, we find a similar property in another active and cheap substance, ammonia. An automatic sulphur extinguishing apparatus can be made of various forms.
If night repairs, Sunday, or any other work which requires the use of artificial light (especially portable lights of any kind) becomes necessary, more than one man should be employed, one of whom should be capable of starting the engine or pump instantly in case of fire.
In guarding against explosion it is conceded that the main reliance is to have the boiler made strong enough to stand both the regular load or any unexpected strain caused by the stoppage of the engine; it is also the tendency of the times to proceed towards higher and higher figures in steam pressure, until now it is not unfrequent to see 150 lbs. to the square inch indicated by the gauge; the larger the boiler, also, the more economically it can be run and this, as in the two cases before cited, requires extra precautions in building the boiler with great regard to strength in every part.
The following rules posted in a certain factory are most excellent for their directness:
“Wear close-fitting clothes; have a blouse or jacket to button close around the waist and body; have sleeves to fit arms closely as far up as the elbow; never wear a coat around machinery; never approach a pair of gears or pulleys from the driving side; never attempt to save time by potting, or trying to pot on any fast-moving belts without slacking up or stopping entirely to do it. Never allow an inexperienced person to go through the mills without an attendant; never allow a woman to go through a mill, no matter how many attendants, while in motion; never attempt to go through the mill in the dark, you may forget the exact location of some dangerous object and seek to avoid it, but it is still there, noiselessly waiting a chance to wreck you; never allow any dangerous place to go unguarded; keep your eye open while oiling; never relax your vigilance for an instant, it may cost you your life. If you feel a gentle tug on your clothes, grab, and grab quick, anything you can cling to, and don’t let go till after the clothes do.”