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Toxic hazards of welding and flame cutting
Books
Toxic hazards of welding and flame cutting A report (Fumes from welding and flame cutting: a report on the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry, HMSO, 7s 6d) based on a survey by HM Factory Inspectorate into the toxic hazards of welding and flame cutting in a section of the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry was published in June. The report shows that the dangers of toxic fumes emitted during various welding and flame-cutting processes are often under-estimated. It calls for greatly improved standards of fume control and, where necessary, efficient local exhaust ventilation. In some confined spaces where this is not possible, the wearing of suitable breathing apparatus is considered essential. The survey was limited to the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry, but the report may have an application in any premises where welding and flame cutting is undertaken.
Safe trolley jacks for the m o t o r trade Hydraulic trolley jacks, which are in very wide use by the motor trade as a convenient method of lifting one end of a vehicle to a moderate height, are now covered by a British Standard Specification. This specifies loading tests, performance requirements and safety features as well as certain essential dimensions which not only affect the safety but also the usability of the jacks. The Standard specifies trolley jacks, with capacities from 750 kg to 20.4 tonnes,of four types: standard trolley jacks; kerb trolley jack; high lift type, and the long reach type. Copies of AU 154:1970 can be obtained from the BSI Sales Branch at 101/113 Pentonville Road, London N.I. Price by post, remittance with order, 10s (subscribers 8s).
Health, safety and welfare in wool textile industry Recommendations on health, safety and welfare for people employed in the wool textile industry are set out in a report (Joint Standing Committee of the Wool Textile Industry: Developments in Safety, Health and Welfare 1948-68, HMSO, 7s 6d) published by the Department of Employment and Productivity. On the question of spacing machinery, the Committee reiterates the importance of spacing to the recommended standards. It proposes that the voluntary efforts of occupiers should be allowed to continue for a further period of five years after which the position should be again reviewed. Commenting on environmental factors, it states that more attention should be paid to the statutory 14-monthly
248
Applied Ergonomics September 1970
cleaning down of painted surfaces and to more frequent cleaning in factories at the dirty end of'the trade. There should be adequate local heating for workers scattered in the large warehouse type of building. It recommends additional mechanical means of ventilation in a number of factories to secure the circulation of fresh air without causing draughts. It refers to welfare amenities and says that in 40% of the factories surveyed a higher standard is needed in washing facilities.
Safety for skindivers Members of the British Sub-Aqua Club have collaborated with manufacturers, the Navy Department of the Ministry of Defence and RoSPA in the preparation of BS 4532: 1969, 'Snorkels and face masks,' which deals with every feature of these articles. This new British Standard makes possible a Kite mark testing and approval scheme which will provide enthusiasts and inexperienced buyers alike with excellent indications of acceptable design. The standard defines a snorkel as consisting of a tube with a mouthpiece, the tube extending to rise above the water surface when the wearer is swimming face down - the type connected through a face mask for nose breathing does not comply. Important dimensional factors of the tube are specified, materials and design of the mouthpiece being described in some detail. The requirements for a safe mask ensure adequate comfort, good adjustability and fit of the strap and safe action of a drain valve where fitted. The standard draws attention to the fact that it is unnecessary for a valve to be fitted to the supply end of a snorkel tube to prevent the entry of water; if such a valve is fitted it must meet most stringent requirements. No matter how perfect a snorkel or face mask may be in design, there are dangers in the use of these articles which the inexperienced user could not possibly foresee. BS 4532 deals with the diver's responsibility for his own safety by requiring the manufacturer to provide detailed instructions and advice with every purchase; eleven vital cautions most of them far from self-evident - are specified. Copies of BS 4532 may be obtained from the BSI Sales Branch at 101/I 13 Pentonville Road, London N.1. Price 8s each. (10s including postage to non-subscribers).
Helmets for pedal cyclists Pedal cyclists who can bring themselves to wear protective helmets are doing much to mitigate the effects of possible blows received during accidents. It is hoped by many organisations closely concerned with preparing
Toxic hazards of welding and flame cutting A report (Fumes from welding and flame cutting: a report on the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry, HMSO, 7s 6d) based on a survey by HM Factory Inspectorate into the toxic hazards of welding and flame cutting in a section of the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry was published in June. The report shows that the dangers of toxic fumes emitted during various welding and flame-cutting processes are often under-estimated. It calls for greatly improved standards of fume control and, where necessary, efficient local exhaust ventilation. In some confined spaces where this is not possible, the wearing of suitable breathing apparatus is considered essential. The survey was limited to the shipbuilding and ship-repairing industry, but the report may have an application in any premises where welding and flame cutting is undertaken.
Safe trolley jacks for the m o t o r trade Hydraulic trolley jacks, which are in very wide use by the motor trade as a convenient method of lifting one end of a vehicle to a moderate height, are now covered by a British Standard Specification. This specifies loading tests, performance requirements and safety features as well as certain essential dimensions which not only affect the safety but also the usability of the jacks. The Standard specifies trolley jacks, with capacities from 750 kg to 20.4 tonnes,of four types: standard trolley jacks; kerb trolley jack; high lift type, and the long reach type. Copies of AU 154:1970 can be obtained from the BSI Sales Branch at 101/113 Pentonville Road, London N.I. Price by post, remittance with order, 10s (subscribers 8s).
Health, safety and welfare in wool textile industry Recommendations on health, safety and welfare for people employed in the wool textile industry are set out in a report (Joint Standing Committee of the Wool Textile Industry: Developments in Safety, Health and Welfare 1948-68, HMSO, 7s 6d) published by the Department of Employment and Productivity. On the question of spacing machinery, the Committee reiterates the importance of spacing to the recommended standards. It proposes that the voluntary efforts of occupiers should be allowed to continue for a further period of five years after which the position should be again reviewed. Commenting on environmental factors, it states that more attention should be paid to the statutory 14-monthly
248
Applied Ergonomics September 1970
cleaning down of painted surfaces and to more frequent cleaning in factories at the dirty end of'the trade. There should be adequate local heating for workers scattered in the large warehouse type of building. It recommends additional mechanical means of ventilation in a number of factories to secure the circulation of fresh air without causing draughts. It refers to welfare amenities and says that in 40% of the factories surveyed a higher standard is needed in washing facilities.
Safety for skindivers Members of the British Sub-Aqua Club have collaborated with manufacturers, the Navy Department of the Ministry of Defence and RoSPA in the preparation of BS 4532: 1969, 'Snorkels and face masks,' which deals with every feature of these articles. This new British Standard makes possible a Kite mark testing and approval scheme which will provide enthusiasts and inexperienced buyers alike with excellent indications of acceptable design. The standard defines a snorkel as consisting of a tube with a mouthpiece, the tube extending to rise above the water surface when the wearer is swimming face down - the type connected through a face mask for nose breathing does not comply. Important dimensional factors of the tube are specified, materials and design of the mouthpiece being described in some detail. The requirements for a safe mask ensure adequate comfort, good adjustability and fit of the strap and safe action of a drain valve where fitted. The standard draws attention to the fact that it is unnecessary for a valve to be fitted to the supply end of a snorkel tube to prevent the entry of water; if such a valve is fitted it must meet most stringent requirements. No matter how perfect a snorkel or face mask may be in design, there are dangers in the use of these articles which the inexperienced user could not possibly foresee. BS 4532 deals with the diver's responsibility for his own safety by requiring the manufacturer to provide detailed instructions and advice with every purchase; eleven vital cautions most of them far from self-evident - are specified. Copies of BS 4532 may be obtained from the BSI Sales Branch at 101/I 13 Pentonville Road, London N.1. Price 8s each. (10s including postage to non-subscribers).
Helmets for pedal cyclists Pedal cyclists who can bring themselves to wear protective helmets are doing much to mitigate the effects of possible blows received during accidents. It is hoped by many organisations closely concerned with preparing