Chapter XVII: Section 120: of the Factory Code; (2) report by the Imperial Health Office (1)

on the practicability of substitutes for lead; (3) exclusion of lead colours from use in the painting of public buildings; and (4) treatment of lead poisoning by the State Insurance Office as an accident entitling to compensation.

These demands were supported by the central office of the Society for Promoting the Welfare of Workers, which had as far back as its seventh conference in 1898 occupied itself with the question of dangerous trades and especially, at its conference in 1905, taken up the subject of the protection of workers against industrial poisoning.

In Germany these efforts resulted in the passage of a number of Imperial Regulations for separate lead industries.

In other countries similar action was set on foot. In Austria, where the subject is of special importance in view of the part played by lead in the home industries, the Government undertook to improve the conditions in industries attended with risk of lead poisoning. For this purpose the Statistical Office of the Ministry of Commerce and Labour has, since 1904, carried out extensive inquiries into lead and zinc smelting works, paint and colour factories, the painting and varnishing trades, letterpress printing, and the ceramic industry. The results are contained in the volume ‘Lead Poisoning in Smelting Works and Industries Generally’ (published by Hölder, Vienna).

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.

(_c_) Above the pots for melting lead or its alloys, in the
other industries enumerated in Section 1.

3. All work with oxides and other compounds of lead capable of
producing dust shall be done as far as possible when in a damp
condition.

When this work cannot be done in the presence of water or other
liquid, it shall be carried out by mechanical means, in covered
air-tight apparatus.

If it is impossible to conform to the requirements of either
of the first two paragraphs of this section, the work shall
be done under a strong draught so arranged that the harmful
products may be intercepted by apparatus suitably placed.

Finally, if none of these systems is possible the workmen shall
be supplied with respirators.

4. Oxides and other compounds of lead, whether dry or damp,
in suspension or solution, shall not be handled with the bare
hand. The employer shall at his own expense provide the workers
in these operations with either gloves made of impervious
material such as indiarubber, or suitable appliances, and shall
cause them to be kept in good repair and frequently cleaned.

5. Tables on which these products are handled shall be covered
with some impervious material, kept in a perfectly water-tight
condition.

The same requirement applies to the floors of the workrooms,
which shall also be kept damp.

The floor shall be slightly sloped towards a water-tight
receptacle for collecting the lead substances which are washed
down.

The work shall be so arranged that there shall be no
splashing. The tables, floors and walls shall be washed at
least once a week.

6. Without prejudice to the requirements of section 3, the
grinding and mixing of lead products, and the use of them
in dusting shall be effected in special places with active
ventilation.

If the materials cannot be damped, the workers shall be
provided with respirators.

7. Pottery shall not be dipped with bare hands in solutions
containing litharge, red lead, galena or white lead in
suspension.

8. No food or drink shall be brought into the works.

9. Employers shall, at their own expense, provide and maintain
for the use of the workers, overalls or clothing for use during
work only, in addition to gloves and respirators.

10. In a part of the building separated from the workrooms,
there shall be provided for the use of the workers exposed to
lead dust or fumes, a cloak room and lavatory kept in good
order, provided with basins or taps in sufficient number, a
plentiful supply of water, soap and a towel for each worker
replaced at least once a week.

The cloak rooms shall be provided with cupboards or drawers
with locks or padlocks, the ordinary clothing being kept apart
from the working clothes.

11. A warm bath or shower bath shall be provided each week for
the workers exposed to lead dust or fumes.

A warm bath or shower bath shall be provided every day after
work, for each worker employed, either in emptying or cleaning
the condensing chambers and flues, in repairing furnaces in
lead works, in carrying lead corrosions from the beds in white
lead factories, in packing red lead, in grinding lead enamels
and in dry dusting.

12. Employers are required to exhibit, in a conspicuous
position in the works, regulations imposing on the workers the
following obligations:—

To use the appliances, gloves, respirators, and working clothes
placed at their disposal.

Not to bring into the works either food or drink.

To pay great care, before each meal, to the cleanliness of the
mouth, nose, and hands.

To take the baths weekly or daily as provided in section 11.

13. The Minister of Labour may, by Order made with the advice
of the Consultative Committee for Arts and Manufactures, exempt
an establishment for a specified period, from all or part of
the requirements of Regs. 2ᵃ, 2ᵇ, 2ᶜ, 5² and 6¹ in any case
where it is found that observance of these requirements is
practically impossible, and that the health and safety of the
workers are assured by conditions at least equivalent to those
prescribed in the present Order.

14. Subject to additional postponements which may be granted
by the Minister in pursuance of Section 6 of the Act of 12th
June, 1893 (as amended by that of 11th July, 1903), the delay
required for the carrying out of the alterations necessitated
by the present Decree is limited to one year from the date of
its publication.

15. The Ministry of Labour is charged with the administration
of this Decree.

This decree was supplemented by further noteworthy additions requiring medical supervision in lead industries as follows:

DECREE OF DECEMBER 28, 1909, ORGANISING MEDICAL SERVICE IN
INDUSTRIES EXPOSING THE WORKERS TO RISK OF LEAD POISONING

1. In premises in which the processes enumerated in Regulation
1 of the Decree of April 23, 1908, are carried on medical
attendance as prescribed below shall be provided.

2. A surgeon appointed by the occupier shall examine the
workers and enter the results of examination required in
Regulations 3 and 4. The examinations shall be paid for by the
occupier.

3. No person shall be employed in work mentioned in Regulation
1 of the Decree of April 23, 1908, without a certificate from
the surgeon stating that he is free from symptoms of lead
poisoning and of illness which might render him specially
susceptible.

4. No worker shall remain at the same employment unless
the certificate is renewed one month after commencement of
employment and subsequently at quarterly intervals.

In addition to the periodical examination the occupier shall
give an order on the surgeon to every workman declaring himself
to be ill from his employment or who desires to undergo medical
examination.

5. A special Register open to the Factory Inspector shall be
kept containing the following particulars of each worker:

(1) Dates and duration of absence on account of illness of any
kind;

(2) Dates of medical certificates for such illness, the notes
made by the surgeon and the name of the surgeon furnishing them;

(3) Instructions given by the appointed surgeon in pursuance of
Regulations 3 and 4 above.

Lead Smelting Works

(See also pp. 122-31)

As the fumes in lead smelting works contain a high proportion of lead, all apparatus, especially furnaces and working doors, should be provided with efficient exhaust ventilation and all flues, furnaces, and other apparatus be as airtight as possible. Where lead dust is created exhaust ventilation locally applied is necessary. Two of the most important preventive measures are personal cleanliness and alternation of employment. Dust arising in the furnaces and borne along by the furnace gases together with arsenical fumes and dust must be deposited in flues or chambers.

In view of the importance of proper instruction of smelters as regards the danger we quote the warning note prepared by the Institute for Industrial Hygiene, Frankfurt a.-M., which deserves wide circulation.

LEAD LEAFLET FOR SMELTERS

_How does Lead Poisoning arise?_

The danger of lead poisoning in lead, spelter and other
smelting premises can be avoided if due care is observed.

Lead poisoning occurs when lead enters the system. This takes
place by breathing dust and fume containing lead, or by eating
and drinking, smoking, snuff taking and tobacco chewing if food
or tobacco is taken into the mouth with dirty hands and dirty
face and beard.

No one is immune from lead. Lead accumulates in the body of
careless persons and he who is not sick to-day can be so
to-morrow or after weeks or months.

_How can Plumbism be avoided?_

All smelters must observe cleanliness. In this respect they
should see to the following points:

1. It is to their interest to see that the exhaust ventilation
is kept in order and that the Special Rules or Regulations are
exactly followed. Further, special clothing should be worn, the
mouth and nose should be covered, and the floors sprinkled.

2. It is especially important that in intervals and at the
close of work the mouth, face, beard, and hands should be
carefully cleaned. Food should not be eaten or the premises
left without putting on fresh clothes and thoroughly washing
or, still better, bathing. When drinking, the edge of the
drinking glass should not be fingered with dirty hands.
Especially important is it that the teeth should be cleaned and
the mouth washed out.

3. During work smoking, snuff taking, and tobacco chewing,
which invariably convey lead into the mouth, should be
given up, as it is impossible to prevent the hands getting
contaminated with lead. Lighting the pipe with glowing lead
ashes is in the highest degree dangerous from the risk of
inhaling lead fume. The body must be strengthened to withstand
the action of lead. Moderation in drinking, especially
avoidance of spirits, should be observed. Alcoholic subjects
succumb to lead poisoning much more readily than the temperate.

Food should be abundant and rich in fat, for example milk and
bacon. Thick soups are excellent before work. Work should never
be begun on an empty stomach. And lastly as much fresh air as
possible. Walking, athletics, work in the garden and field will
help to keep off many an attack. If anyone thinks that he is
suffering from lead poisoning he should at once in his own and
his family’s interest see the doctor of his sick club.

The following are the

GERMAN IMPERIAL REGULATIONS FOR LEAD SMELTING WORKS, DATED JUNE
16, 1905

_General Regulations_

1. Workrooms in which lead ores are roasted, sintered, or
smelted, pig lead produced and submitted to further treatment,
distillation of rich lead (bullion cupellation) litharge, red
lead, or other oxides of lead prepared, ground or sieved,
stored or packed, or zinc skimmings distilled, shall be roomy,
high, and so arranged that a sufficient constant exchange of
air takes place. They shall be provided with a level and solid
floor to allow of easy removal of dust by a moist method.

The walls shall be smooth so as to prevent collection of dust;
they shall be either washed down or lime washed at least once a
year.

Provided that this shall not apply in the case of calcining
sheds with wooden walls.

2. An abundant supply of good drinking water, protected against
contamination from dust, shall be provided for the workers on
the furnaces and smelting pots, and in such close proximity to
them, that they can obtain it at any time without having to go
into the open air.

Arrangements for sprinkling the floors shall be provided near
the furnaces. The floors of the rooms mentioned in paragraph 1
shall be wet cleansed at least once daily.

3. Prepared (i.e. concentrated) lead ores and leady smelting
products, unless moist, shall not be crushed except in an
apparatus so arranged as to prevent as far as possible
penetration of dust into the workrooms.

Provided that this shall not apply to calcined material from
converters.

Sacks in which lead ores and materials containing lead have
been packed shall not be freed from dust and cleaned except in
a dust-proof apparatus or by washing.

4. Materials containing lead for charging the blast-furnaces,
if they are oxides and form dust, shall be damped before they
are mixed with other materials, stocked on the feeding floor,
or charged into the blast-furnaces.

Provided that this shall not apply in the case of calcined
material from converters.

5. Dust, gases, and lead fumes, escaping from furnaces, and
converters, tapping spouts, tapping pots, drain sump, slag
pots, slag cars, or slag channels, and from glowing residues
taken from the furnaces, shall be caught as near as possible to
the point of origin and removed harmlessly.

Dust collecting chambers, flues, as well as furnaces which
have been ‘blown down,’ shall not be entered by workmen unless
sufficiently cooled and ventilated.

_Special Regulations for such parts of a factory where lead
colours are prepared_

6. In grinding, sieving and packing dry leady materials, in
charging, and emptying litharge and red lead furnaces, in
collecting the red lead and similar operations in which leady
dust is developed, exhaust arrangements shall be provided for
preventing the entrance of dust into the workrooms.

7. Apparatus producing leady dust, if their construction and
manner of use does not effectually prevent evolution of dust,
shall have all cracks protected by thick layers of felt or
woollen material, or by similar means, so as to prevent the
entrance of dust into the workrooms.

Apparatus of this character shall be provided with arrangements
for preventing compression of air in them. They shall only be
opened when the dust in them shall have completely settled, and
they are absolutely cool.

_Special arrangements in force for the distillation of zinc
skimmings_

8. Proposed new furnaces for the distillation of zinc skimmings
(for which according to pars. 16 and 25 of the Industrial Code
a special permission is required) shall be so arranged that (1)
there shall be at least a clear space of 10 feet in front of
the charging opening; (2) any passages under the distillation
rooms shall be roomy, at least 11½ feet high in the centre,
light and airy.

9. Dust, gases, and fumes arising from the zinc skimmings
distillation furnaces shall be collected as near as possible to
the point of origin, and carried outside the smelting room.

The entrance of gases from the fires into the smelting room
shall be prevented as far as possible by suitable arrangements
for drawing them off.

10. Sieving and packing of by-products obtained in the
distillation of zinc skimmings (poussière, flue dust) shall
not be done except in a special room separated from the other
workrooms, and complying with the requirements of Reg. 1.

Sieving shall only be done in an apparatus so constructed that
dust shall not escape.

_Employment of workers._

11. Women and young persons shall not be employed or permitted
in rooms mentioned in Reg. 1, in flue dust chambers, or dust
flues, or in the removal of flue dust.

12. No person shall be newly employed in rooms mentioned
in Reg. 1, in flue dust chambers, or dust flues, or in the
transport of flue dust, without a certificate of fitness from
the surgeon appointed by the higher authorities.

These certificates shall be collected and shown to the Factory
Inspector and Appointed Surgeon on request.

13. No person shall be employed in charging blast furnaces,
apart from mere labouring work on the floors, for more than
eight hours daily. The same shall apply in the case of workmen
employed in the inside of furnaces when cool, or in emptying
flue dust chambers, or dust flues which contain wet flue dust.

No person shall be employed in cleaning out, from inside, flue
dust chambers, or dust flues containing dry flue dust for more
than four hours daily; and including emptying and work of
transport of this kind altogether no longer than eight hours
daily.

Other workers in rooms specified in Reg. 1 shall not work more
than 10 hours in 24, exclusive of mealtimes.

Exception to this is allowed in the case of those workers who
are employed for the purpose of a weekly change of shift, and
for whom exception as to Sunday employment is permitted by
Imperial Decree.

_Clothing, overalls, lavatory accommodation, &c._

14. The occupier shall provide for all persons employed in
cleaning out flue dust chambers, dust flues, repairing of
cooled furnaces, grinding, sieving and packing of litharge, red
lead, or other lead colours, complete suits of working clothes,
including caps and respirators.

15. Work with lead salts in solution shall not be done except
by workers who either grease their hands or are provided with
impermeable gloves.

16. The suit of clothes, or overalls, provided in Regs. 14 and
15, respirators and gloves, shall be provided in sufficient
amount and in proper condition. The occupier shall see that
they are always suitable for their purpose, and are not worn
except by those workers for whom they are intended; and that
they, at stated intervals (the overalls at least once a week,
the respirators and gloves prior to use), are cleaned, and
during the time that they are not in use are kept in a place
specially reserved for each article.

17. A lavatory and cloak room shall be provided for the use of
the workmen in a part of the building free from dust. Separate
from it there shall be a dining-room. These rooms must be kept
free from dust and be warmed during the winter.

In a suitable place provision shall be made for warming the
workers’ food.

Water, soap, and towels, and arrangements for keeping separate
the overalls from other clothing taken off before the
commencement of work shall be provided in sufficient amount in
the lavatory and cloak room.

The occupier shall afford opportunity for persons engaged in
cleaning out flue dust chambers, dust flues, and the cooled
furnaces, to take a bath daily after the end of the work, and
for those handling oxides of lead, at least once a week, during
working hours inside the works. The bathroom shall be warmed
during the winter.

18. The occupier shall place the supervision of the health of
the workers in the hands of a surgeon, appointed by the higher
authorities for this purpose, whose name shall be sent to the
Inspector of Factories. The surgeon shall examine the workers
at least once a month in the factory, with a view to the
detection of symptoms of lead poisoning.

The occupier shall not employ persons suspected by the surgeon
of having contracted lead poisoning in the processes mentioned
in Reg. 1 or in cleaning out flue dust chambers, dust flues, or
furnaces when cold, or transport of the flue dust, until they
are quite well. Those who appear peculiarly susceptible shall
be permanently suspended from working in these processes.

19. The Health Register shall be shown to the Factory Inspector
and Appointed Surgeon on demand. (Similar to Reg. 15 of Spelter
Regulations.)

20. The occupier shall require the workers to subscribe to the
following conditions:—

(1) Food must not be taken into the workrooms. Meals may only
be taken outside the workrooms.

(2) Workmen must only enter the meal room to take their meals
or leave the factory, after they have taken off their overalls
and carefully washed their face and hands.

(3) Workmen must use the overalls, respirators and gloves in
those workrooms and for the particular processes for which they
are given them.

(4) Cigar and cigarette smoking during work is forbidden.

(5) A bath in the factory must be taken every day at the close
of their work by those engaged in the emptying and cleaning of
flue dust chambers, flues, and furnaces when cold, and by those
employed on oxides of lead once a week.

Provided that this shall not apply in the case of workmen
exempted by the appointed surgeon.

Workers contravening these orders will be liable to dismissal
without further notice.

21. In every workroom, as well as in the cloak room and
meal room, there shall be posted up by the occupier, in a
conspicuous place and in clear characters, a notice of these
regulations.

The occupier is responsible for seeing that the requirement
of Reg. 20 (1) is obeyed. He shall make a manager or foreman
responsible for the precise carrying out of Reg. 20 (1) (2) and
(5). The person thus made responsible shall see to the carrying
out of the regulations and for the exercise of necessary care
as prescribed in par. 151 of the Factory Act.

22. No work in a lead smelting works shall be commenced until
notice of its erection has been sent to the Factory Inspector.
After receipt of the notice he shall personally visit to
see whether the arrangements are in accordance with these
regulations.

23. These regulations come into force on 1st January, 1906.
Where structural alterations are necessary for the carrying out
of Regs. 1, 5 (1), 6, 9, 10 and 17, the higher authorities may
allow an extension of time to a date not later than January
1st, 1908.

If it seems necessary on strong grounds of public interest, the
Council (Bundesrath) may extend the time in particular works
until 1st January, 1913, and until then allow exceptions from
the regulations as regards Reg. 13 (1) and (2).

Accumulator Factories

[Dr. Rambousek gives a very brief synopsis of the German Imperial Regulations in force for this industry and mentions that in Great Britain the Regulations of the Secretary of State dated 1903 are similar. We have printed these, as the code is fairly representative of the English Regulations for (1) smelting of metals; (2) paints and colours; (3) tinning of hollow ware; (4) yarn dyed with chromate of lead; (5) vitreous enamelling; and the special rules for (6) white lead and (7) earthenware:

REGULATIONS DATED NOVEMBER 21, 1903, MADE BY THE SECRETARY OF
STATE FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRIC ACCUMULATORS

Whereas the manufacture of electric accumulators has been
certified in pursuance of Section 79 of the Factory and
Workshop Act, 1901, to be dangerous;

I hereby, in pursuance of the powers conferred on me by that
Act, make the following regulations, and direct that they shall
apply to all factories and workshops or parts thereof in which
electric accumulators are manufactured.

_Definitions._—In these Regulations ‘lead process’ means
pasting, casting, lead burning, or any work involving contact
with dry compounds of lead.

Any approval given by the Chief Inspector of Factories in
pursuance of these Regulations shall be given in writing, and
may at any time be revoked by notice in writing signed by him.

_Duties of Occupier_

1. _Ventilation._—Every room in which casting, pasting or lead
burning is carried on shall contain at least 500 cubic feet of
air space for each person employed therein, and in computing
this air space, no height above 14 feet shall be taken into
account.

These rooms and that in which the plates are formed shall be
capable of through ventilation. They shall be provided with
windows made to open.

2. _Separation of processes._—Each of the following processes
shall be carried on in such manner and under such conditions as
to secure effectual separation from one another and from any
other process:

(_a_) Manipulation of dry compounds of lead;

(_b_) Pasting;

(_c_) Formation, and lead burning necessarily carried on
therewith;

(_d._) Melting down of old plates.

Provided that manipulation of dry compounds of lead carried on
as in Regulation 5 (b) need not be separated from pasting.

3. _Floors._—The floors of the rooms in which manipulation
of dry compounds of lead or pasting is carried on shall be
of cement or similar impervious material, and shall be kept
constantly moist while work is being done.

The floors of these rooms shall be washed with a hose pipe
daily.

4. _Melting pots._—Every melting pot shall be covered with a
hood and shaft so arranged as to remove the fumes and hot air
from the workrooms.

Lead ashes and old plates shall be kept in receptacles
especially provided for the purpose.

5. _Manipulation of dry compounds of lead._—Manipulation of
dry compounds of lead in the mixing of the paste or other
processes, shall not be done except (_a_) in an apparatus so
closed, or so arranged with an exhaust draught, as to prevent
the escape of dust into the work room: or (_b_) at a bench
provided with (1) efficient exhaust draught and air guide so
arranged as to draw the dust away from the worker, and (2) a
grating on which each receptacle of the compound of lead in use
at the time shall stand.

6. _Covering of benches._—The benches at which pasting is done
shall be covered with sheet lead or other impervious material,
and shall have raised edges.

7. _Prohibition of employment._—No woman, young person, or
child shall be employed in the manipulation of dry compounds of
lead or in pasting.

8. (_a_) _Appointed Surgeon._—A duly qualified medical
practitioner (in these Regulations referred to as the
‘Appointed Surgeon’) who may be the Certifying Surgeon, shall
be appointed by the occupier, such appointment unless held by
the Certifying Surgeon to be subject to the approval of the
Chief Inspector of Factories.

(_b_) _Medical examination._—Every person employed in a lead
process shall be examined once a month by the Appointed
Surgeon, who shall have power to suspend from employment in any
lead process.

(_c_) No person after such suspension shall be employed in a
lead process without written sanction entered in the Health
Register by the Appointed Surgeon. It shall be sufficient
compliance with this regulation for a written certificate to
be given by the Appointed Surgeon and attached to the Health
Register, such certificate to be replaced by a proper entry in
the Health Register at the Appointed Surgeon’s next visit.

(_d_) _Health Register._—A Health Register in a form approved
by the Chief Inspector of Factories shall be kept, and shall
contain a list of all persons employed in lead processes. The
Appointed Surgeon will enter in the Health Register the dates
and results of his examinations of the persons employed and
particulars of any directions given by him. He shall on a
prescribed form furnish to the Chief Inspector of Factories
on the 1st day of January in each year a list of the persons
suspended by him during the previous year, the cause and
duration of such suspension, and the number of examinations
made.

The Health Register shall be produced at any time when required
by H.M. Inspectors of Factories or by the Certifying Surgeon or
by the Appointed Surgeon.

9. _Overalls._—Overalls shall be provided for all persons
employed in manipulating dry compounds of lead or in pasting.

The overalls shall be washed or renewed once every week.

10. _Cloak and dining rooms._—The occupier shall provide and
maintain:

(_a_) a cloak room in which workers can deposit clothing put
off during working hours. Separate and suitable arrangements
shall be made for the storage of the overalls required in
Regulation 9.

(_b_) a dining room unless the factory is closed during meal
hours.

11. _Food, &c._—No person shall be allowed to introduce, keep,
prepare or partake of any food, drink, or tobacco, in any room
in which a lead process is carried on. Suitable provision shall
be made for the deposit of food brought by the workers.

This regulation shall not apply to any sanitary drink provided
by the occupier and approved by the Appointed Surgeon.

12. _Washing._—The occupier shall provide and maintain for the
use of the persons employed in lead processes a lavatory, with
soap, nail brushes, towels, and at least one lavatory basin for
every five such persons. Each such basin shall be provided with
a waste pipe, or the basins shall be placed on a trough fitted
with a waste pipe. There shall be a constant supply of hot and
cold water laid on to each basin.

Or, in the place of basins the occupier shall provide and
maintain troughs of enamel or similar smooth impervious
material, in good repair, of a total length of two feet
for every five persons employed, fitted with waste pipes,
and without plugs, with a sufficient supply of warm water
constantly available.

The lavatory shall be kept thoroughly cleansed and shall be
supplied with a sufficient quantity of clean towels once every
day.

13. Before each meal and before the end of the day’s work, at
least ten minutes, in addition to the regular meal times, shall
be allowed for washing to each person who has been employed in
the manipulation of dry compounds of lead or in pasting.

Provided that if the lavatory accommodation specially reserved
for such persons exceeds that required by Regulation 12, the
time allowance may be proportionately reduced, and that if
there be one basin or two feet of trough for each such person
this Regulation shall not apply.

14. _Baths._—Sufficient bath accommodation shall be provided
for all persons engaged in the manipulation of dry compounds
of lead or in pasting, with hot and cold water laid on, and a
sufficient supply of soap and towels.

This rule shall not apply if in consideration of the special
circumstances of any particular case, the Chief Inspector
of Factories approves the use of local public baths when
conveniently near, under the conditions (if any) named in such
approval.

15. _Cleaning._—The floors and benches of each workroom shall
be thoroughly cleansed daily, at a time when no other work is
being carried on in the room.

_Duties of Persons Employed_

16. _Medical examination._—All persons employed in lead
processes shall present themselves at the appointed times for
examination by the Appointed Surgeon as provided in Regulation
8.

No person after suspension shall work in a lead process, in
any factory or workshop in which electric accumulators are
manufactured, without written sanction entered in the Health
Register by the Appointed Surgeon.

17. _Overalls._—Every person employed in the manipulation of
dry compounds of lead or in pasting shall wear the overalls
provided under Regulation 9. The overalls, when not being worn,
and clothing put off during working hours, shall be deposited
in the places provided under Regulation 10.

18. _Food, &c._—No person shall introduce, keep, prepare, or
partake of any food, drink (other than any sanitary drink
provided by the occupier and approved by the Appointed
Surgeon), or tobacco in any room in which a lead process is
carried on.

19. _Washing._—No person employed in a lead process shall
leave the premises or partake of meals without previously and
carefully cleaning and washing the hands.

20. _Baths._—Every person employed in the manipulation of dry
compounds of lead or in pasting shall take a bath at least once
a week.

21. _Interference with safety appliances._—No person shall in
any way interfere, without the concurrence of the occupier
or manager, with the means and appliances provided for the
removal of the dust or fumes, and for the carrying out of these
Regulations.

These Regulations shall come into force on the 1st day of
January, 1904.

White Lead

(See also pp. 131 and 132)

In the manufacture of white lead processes which create dust are specially dangerous, namely, emptying the corrosion chambers, drying and grinding, transport of the material in the form of powder, and packing. The following measures are called for: emptying the chambers should only be done by men wearing respirators or equipped with breathing helmets after preliminary damping of the corrosions by means of a spray. Use of a vacuum cleaning apparatus suggests itself. Drying should be done as far as possible in stoves charged mechanically, the temperature in which can be watched from the outside; grinding must be done in closed and ventilated mills; transport of the dried material should be effected by mechanical means or vacuum apparatus, and packing should be done in mechanical packing machines. Further, cleanliness and strict discipline are essential. Alternation of employment is advisable. The question of substitutes for white lead is referred to on p. 293.

Manufacture of red lead calls for precisely similar preventive measures. Charging and emptying the oxidising furnaces should be done under efficient exhaust ventilation. Conveyance, sifting, and grinding of the cooled material requires to be done in the same way as has been described for white lead.

In the production of chrome colours (lead chromates) besides the danger from lead the injurious action of chrome has to be borne in mind.

Regulations for white lead factories have been made in Germany, Belgium, and Great Britain. We give below the German Imperial Regulations dated May 26, 1903.

REGULATIONS FOR MANUFACTURE OF LEAD COLOURS AND LEAD PRODUCTS

(1) The following regulations apply to all premises in which
lead colours or other chemical lead products (white lead,
chromate of lead, masicot, litharge, minium, peroxide of lead,
Cassel yellow, English yellow, Naples yellow, lead iodide, lead
acetate, &c., are manufactured), or in which mixtures of lead
are prepared as the principal or as a subsidiary business.
They shall not apply to lead smelting works, even though
processes named in paragraph (1) are carried on.

Neither shall they apply to workplaces in which manufactured
colours are intimately mixed or ground in oil or varnish in
connection with another industry.

(2) The workrooms in which the materials mentioned in paragraph
1 are prepared or packed shall be roomy, lofty, and so arranged
that sufficient and constant exchange of air can take place.

They shall be provided with a solid and smooth floor permitting
of easy removal of dust by a moist method. The floor, unless
for purposes of manufacture, shall be kept constantly wet, and
shall be wet cleansed at least once daily.

The walls, when not of a smooth washable surface or painted
with oil, shall be whitewashed at least once a year.

(3) The entrance of lead dust, or fumes, into the workrooms
shall be prevented by suitable means as far as possible. Rooms
which cannot be thus protected must be so separated from other
rooms that neither dust nor fumes can enter them.

(4) Lead melting pots shall be covered with a hood and shaft
communicating directly or by a chimney with the open air.

(8)[L] Grinding, sieving, and packing dry lead compounds,
emptying litharge and minium furnaces, and other operations in
which lead dust is generated, shall not be done except under an
exhaust draught, or other efficient means for preventing the
entrance of dust into the workrooms.

In the packing of colours containing only a little lead, in
small amounts, or in small packages for retail purposes,
exception to these regulations can be allowed by the higher
authorities.

(9) Machines generating lead dust and not efficiently protected
by their construction or method of use against the escape of
dust, shall have all cracks occluded by means of thick layers
of felt or similar material, so as to prevent the entrance of
dust into the workrooms.

Machines of this kind shall be provided with arrangements
preventing pressure of the air inside. They shall not be opened
until they are cool, and until the dust generated has settled.

(10) Women shall not be employed in factories in which the
colours specified in paragraph (1) are prepared except in work
which does not expose them to the action of lead dust or fumes.
Young persons shall not be employed nor be allowed on the
premises in factories concerned exclusively or in great part
with the preparation of lead colours or other lead compounds.

(11) No person shall be employed in rooms where the processes
specified in paragraph (1) are carried on who is not provided
with a certificate from a qualified surgeon stating that he is
physically fit and free from disease of the lungs, kidneys,
and stomach, and that he is not addicted to alcohol. This
certificate shall be kept and produced on demand to the Factory
Inspector or Appointed Surgeon.

(12) No person shall be employed in packing lead colours or
mixtures containing lead or other lead compounds in a dry
state, or with the coopering of the filled casks for more
than eight hours daily. This regulation shall not apply where
the packing machines are provided with effectual exhaust
arrangements, or so constructed and used as effectually to
prevent the escape of dust.

No person under 18 years of age shall be employed in the
process mentioned in the above paragraph, but exception can
be allowed in the packing of colours containing lead in
small amount, or in small packages for retail purposes, on
application to the higher authorities.

For the rest, no person coming into contact with lead or lead
compounds shall be employed for more than 10 hours within the
space of 24 hours.

(13) The occupier shall provide overalls and head-coverings for
all persons coming into contact with lead or lead compounds,
and suitable footwear for those emptying the oxidising chambers.

(14) The occupier shall not allow work involving exposure
to dust to be performed except by workers provided with
respirators or moist sponges covering the nose and mouth.

(15) The occupier shall not allow work involving contact with
soluble salts of lead to be done except by workers provided
with waterproof gloves or by those whose hands have previously
been smeared with vaseline.

(16) The occupier shall provide the overalls, respirators, &c.,
mentioned in paragraphs (13) (14) and (15) for each one of the
workers in sufficient number and in good condition. He shall
take care that they are used only by the workers to whom they
are severally assigned, and that in the intervals of work and
during the time when they are not in use they shall be kept in
their appointed place. Overalls shall be washed every week, and
the respirators, sponges, and gloves before each time that they
are used.

(17) Lavatories and cloak rooms, and, separate from these,
a mess room, shall be provided for the workers coming into
contact with lead or lead compounds in a part of the works free
from dust. These rooms shall be kept in a cleanly condition,
free from dust, and shall be heated during the cold seasons. In
the meal room or in some other suitable place there shall be
means for warming food. The lavatories and cloak rooms shall
be provided with water, vessels for rinsing the mouth, nail
brushes for cleaning the hands and nails, soap, and towels.
Arrangements shall also be made for keeping separate clothes
worn during work from these taken off before the commencement
of work. The occupier shall give facilities for all persons
employed in emptying the oxidizing chambers to have a warm
bath daily after the end of the work, and for those persons
coming into contact with lead or lead compounds, twice weekly.
The time for this shall be during the hours of work, and in
the cold season the bath room, which must be on the factory
premises, shall be heated.

(18) The occupier shall appoint a duly qualified medical
practitioner, whose name shall be sent to the Inspector of
Factories and to the Health Authority. He shall examine the
workers at least twice every month with a view to the detection
of symptoms of lead poisoning. The occupier shall not employ
workers suspected of symptoms of lead poisoning in occupations
exposing them to lead or lead compounds until they have
completely recovered. Those who appear peculiarly susceptible
shall be suspended permanently from work.

(19) The occupier shall keep a book, or make some official
responsible for its keeping, recording any change in the
personnel employed in lead or lead compounds and as to their
state of health. He shall be responsible for the completeness
and correctness of the entries except those made by the surgeon.

The remaining regulations as to entries in the Health Register, &c., are similar to those already given in the Regulations for lead smelting works on p. 300.

Use of Lead Colours

(See also pp. 132-4)

As explained on pp. 132-134 use of lead in the painting and varnishing trades frequently causes lead poisoning. This has led to regulations in various countries having for their object partly hygienic measures and partly also limitation of colours containing lead, such as prohibition of the use of lead paints in the interior of buildings or in the painting of public buildings and of ships, &c.

The details of such regulations are seen in the German Imperial Regulations dated June 27, 1905:

ORDER OF THE IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR RELATING TO THE PROCESSES
OF PAINTING, DISTEMPERING, WHITEWASHING, PLASTERING, OR
VARNISHING. JUNE 27, 1906

I.—_Regulations for carrying on the Industries of Painting,
Distempering, Whitewashing, Plastering, or Varnishing._

_Regulation 1._—In the processes of crushing, blending, mixing,
and otherwise preparing white lead, other lead colours, or
mixtures thereof with other substances in a dry state, the
workers shall not directly handle pigment containing lead,
and shall be adequately protected against the dust arising
therefrom.

_Regulation 2._—The process of grinding white lead with oil or
varnish shall not be done by hand, but entirely by mechanical
means, and in vessels so constructed that even in the process
of charging them with white lead no dust shall escape into
places where work is carried on.

This provision shall apply to other lead colours. Provided that
such lead colours may be ground by hand by male workers over 18
years of age, if not more than one kilogram of red lead and 100
grains of other lead colours are ground by any one worker on
one day.

_Regulation 3._—The processes of rubbing-down and
pumice-stoning dry coats of oil-colour or stopping not clearly
free from lead shall not be done except after damping.

All _débris_ produced by rubbing down and pumice-stoning shall
be removed before it becomes dry.

_Regulation 4._—The employer shall see that every worker who
handles lead colours or mixtures thereof is provided with,
and wears, during working hours, a painter’s overall or other
complete suit of working clothes.

_Regulation 5._—There shall be provided for all workers
engaged in processes of painting, distempering, whitewashing,
plastering, or varnishing, in which lead colours are used,
washing utensils, nail brushes, soap and towels. If such
processes are carried on in a new building or in a workshop,
provision shall be made for the workers to wash in a place
protected from frost, and to store their clothing in a clean
place.

_Regulation 6._—The employer shall inform workers, who handle
lead colours or mixtures thereof, of the danger to health
to which they are exposed, and shall hand them, at the
commencement of employment, a copy of the accompanying leaflet
(not printed with this edition), if they are not already
provided with it, and also a copy of these Regulations.

II.—_Regulations for the Processes of Painting, Distempering,
Whitewashing, Plastering, or Varnishing when carried on in
connection with another Industry._

_Regulation 7._—The provisions of paragraph 6 shall apply to
the employment of workers connected with another industry
who are constantly or principally employed in the processes
of painting, distempering, whitewashing, plastering, or
varnishing, and who use, otherwise than occasionally, lead
colours or mixtures thereof. The provisions of paragraphs 8-11
shall also apply if such employment is carried on in a factory
or shipbuilding yard.

_Regulation 8._—Special accommodation for washing and for
dressing shall be provided for the workers, which accommodation
shall be kept clean, heated in cold weather, and furnished with
conveniences for the storage of clothing.

_Regulation 9._—The employer shall issue regulations which
shall be binding on the workers, and shall contain the
following provisions for such workers as handle lead colour and
mixtures thereof:

1. Workers shall not consume spirits in any place where work is
carried on.

2. Workers shall not partake of food or drink, or leave the
place of employment until they have put off their working
clothes and carefully washed their hands.

3. Workers, when engaged in processes specified by the
employer, shall wear working clothes.

4. Smoking cigars and cigarettes is prohibited during work.

Furthermore, it shall be set forth in the regulations that
workers who, in spite of reiterated warning, contravene the
foregoing provisions may be dismissed before the expiration of
their contract without notice. If a code of regulations has
been issued for the industry (par. 134a of the G.O.) the above
indicated provisions shall be incorporated in the said code.

_Regulation 10._—The employer shall entrust the supervision of
the workers’ health to a duly qualified medical man approved of
by the public authority, and notified to the factory inspector
(par. 139b of the G.O.), and the said medical man shall examine
the workers once at least in every six months for symptoms
indicative of plumbism.

The employer shall not permit any worker who is suffering from
plumbism or who, in the opinion of the doctor, is suspected of
plumbism, to be employed in any work in which he has to handle
lead colours or mixtures thereof, until he has completely
recovered.

_Regulation 11._—The employer shall keep or shall cause to be
kept a register in which shall be recorded the state of health
of the workers, and also the constitution of and changes in
the staff; and he shall be responsible for the entries being
complete and accurate, except in so far as they are affected by
the medical man.

Then follow the regulations as to entries in the Register, as to which see the Regulations as to lead smelting works, p. 300.

Type Founding and Compositors’ Work

(See also pp. 138 and 139)

Fumes which may carry up lead dust are generated in the casting of letters. Dust arises also in setting the type. General hygienic measures are especially called for such as healthy conditions in the workrooms. Much can be done by exhaust ventilation locally applied to the type cases and to letter (mono- and linotype) casting machines. Vacuum cleaning of printing workshops and type cases is strongly advised.

As some lead poisoning in printing works is attributable to lead colours or bronze powder containing lead their use should be limited as much as possible.

The German Imperial Regulations for printing works and type foundries are as follows:

ORDER OF THE FEDERAL COUNCIL OF JULY 31ST, 1897, REGULATING
LETTERPRESS PRINTING WORKS AND TYPE FOUNDRIES, IN PURSUANCE OF
SECTION 120_E_ OF THE INDUSTRIAL CODE

I. In rooms in which persons are employed in setting up type
or manufacture of type or stereotype plates the following
provisions apply:

1. The floor of workrooms shall not be more than a half a meter
(1·64 feet) below the ground. Exceptions may only be granted by
the higher administrative authority where hygienic conditions
are secured by a dry area, and ample means of lighting and
ventilating the rooms.

Attics may only be used as workrooms if the roof is provided
with a lathe and plaster ceiling.

2. In workrooms in which the manufacture of type or stereotype
plates is carried on, the number of persons shall not exceed
such as would allow at least fifteen cubic meters of air space
(529·5 cubic feet) to each. In the rooms in which persons are
employed only in other processes, there shall be at least
twelve cubic meters of air space (423·5 cubic feet) to each
person.

In cases of exceptional temporary pressure the higher
administrative authority may, on the application of the
employer, permit a larger number in the workrooms, for at the
most 30 days in the year, but not more than will allow ten
cubic meters of air space (353 cubic feet) for each person.

3. The rooms shall be at least 2·60 meters (8· feet) in height
where a minimum of fifteen cubic meters are allowed for each
person, in other cases at least 3 meters (9·84 feet) in height.

The rooms shall be provided with windows which are sufficient
in number and size to let in ample light for every part of the
work. The windows shall be so constructed that they will open
and admit of complete renewal of air in workrooms. Workrooms
with sloping roof shall have an average height equal to the
measurements given in the first paragraph of this section.

4. The rooms shall be laid with close fitting impervious
floor, which can be cleared of dust by moist methods. Wooden
floors shall be smoothly planed, and boards fitted to prevent
penetration of moisture. All walls and ceilings shall, if
they are not of a smooth washable surface or painted in oil,
be limewashed once at least a year. If the walls and ceilings
are of a smooth washable surface or painted in oil, they shall
be washed at least once a year, and the oil paint must, if
varnished, be renewed once in ten years, and if not varnished
once in five years.

The compositors’ shelves and stands for type boxes shall be
either closely ranged round the room on the floor, so that no
dust can collect underneath, or be fitted with legs, so that
the floor can be easily cleaned of dust underneath.

5. The workrooms shall be cleared and thoroughly aired once at
least a day, and during the working hours means shall be taken
to secure constant ventilation.

6. The melting vessel for type or stereotype metal shall be
covered with a hood connected to an exhaust ventilator or
chimney with sufficient draught to draw the fumes to the outer
air.

Type founding and melting may only be carried on in rooms
separate from other processes.

7. The rooms and fittings, particularly the walls, cornices,
and stands for type, shall be thoroughly cleansed twice a year
at least. The floors shall be washed or rubbed over with a damp
cloth, so as to remove dust once a day at least.

8. The type boxes shall be cleansed before they are put in use,
and again as often as necessary, but not less than twice at
least in the year.

The boxes may only be dusted out with a bellows in the open
air, and this work may not be done by young persons.

9. In every workroom spittoons filled with water and one at
least for every five persons shall be provided. Workers are
forbidden to spit upon the floor.

10. Sufficient washing appliances, with soap and at least one
towel a week for each worker, shall be provided as near as
possible to the work for compositors, cutters, and polishers.

One wash-hand basin shall be provided for every five workers,
fitted with an ample supply of water.

The employer shall make strict provision for the use of the
washing appliances by workers before every meal and before
leaving the works.

11. Clothes put off during working hours shall either be kept
outside the workroom or hung up in cupboards with closely
fitting doors or curtains, which are so shut or drawn as to
prevent penetration of dust.

12. Artificial means of lighting which tend to raise the
temperature of the rooms shall be so arranged or such
counteracting measures taken that the heat of the workrooms
shall not be unduly raised.

13. The employer shall draw up rules binding on the workers
which will ensure the full observance of the provisions in
sections 8, 9, 10, and 11.

II. A notice shall be affixed and a copy sent to the local
police authority shewing:

(_a_) The length, height, and breadth of the rooms.

(_b_) The air space in cubic measure.

(_c_) The number of workers permitted in each room.

A copy of Rules 1 to 13 must be affixed where it can be easily
read by all persons affected.