The trades of Sheffield as influencing life and health, more particularly file cutters and grinders : read before the National Association for the Promotion of Social Science, October 5th, 1865 / by Dr. J.C. Hall.

  • John Charles Hall
Date:
[1865?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The trades of Sheffield as influencing life and health, more particularly file cutters and grinders : read before the National Association for the Promotion of Social Science, October 5th, 1865 / by Dr. J.C. Hall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

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    ordinary precautions which are so frequently omitted through igno- rance or carelessness in many departments of life. If the workmen suffer at all from hardening files in lead, how does the lead affect them ? Clearly from the fine particles of oxide of lead (dust) which are carried upwards by the current of air rising from so large an ex- tent of heated surface. This takes place more especially when the file is plunged into the pan, and the covering of coke dust and dross of oxide of lead is disturbed. Nothing can be more simple and easy than to place a hood over the pan leading up to an opening in the chimney of the furnace. The current of air would then pass in a direction away from the person of the hardener. Mr. Baker, whose great prac- tical experience as a chemist connected with our load works, all will admit, was kind enough to visit some of these places with me. He fully confirms my opinion, that the prevalent idea that any vapour containing lead is given off is altogether erroneous. Even supposing any chloride of lead were formed from the salt in the composition used in covering the files, its vapour would be visible, if the temperature were high enough to render it volatile. We saw no such vapour. Prevention of the File Cutters' Disease. a. Children should not begin to cut files at so early an age as at present. It tends to make them feeble in body, and deprives them of the possibility of being properly educated. b. Without the greatest care lead will enter the system through the shin. Common sense will therefore, point out the importance of washing the hands, arms, and face many times a day—of frequently combing and brushing the hair, and of having one set of clothes for the shop and another ivhen out of it. The mouth ought also to be frequently rinsed, with wojter. c. TJie meals ougfit not to be taken in the workshop, and never taken without first washing the hands, arm,s, face, and lips, and changing the working jacket, or the poison will enter the system, with the food. d. On no account lick the fingers when at work. e. An orinasal respirator worn when working would keep out much of the fine lead dust, and consequently keep the poison from entering the air passages. , f. The d/ress should be of coa/rse linen—a cap of the same material would keep the lead, dust from the hair. g. The working dress and shirt should be put on when entering the shop, and both should be changed for the ordinary dress before going home. h. On no pretence neglect the use of the hot and, cold bath. i. Attached to every large manufactory where files are cut, there ought to be a large room, supplied with hot and cold water, where the men could wash themselves, and change their dress. Treatment of the File Cutters' Disease. The treatment of lead poisoning admits only of the passing remark, that purgatives, an enema, opium, and hoc baths are among the most
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