Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-02-26
CONSERVE LIFE IN
EXPLOSIVE PLANTS
Jersey and Pennsylvania
Labor Department Adopt
Code of Rigid Laws
AFFECTS MANY
THOUSAND WORKERS

yNTON, Feb. 26.-Designed for
The protection of many thousands OF
nunition workers in New Jersey and
Pennsylvania, a code OF safety stand
ards Jointly adopted by the Labor De-
partments OF the two states viii take
effect on April l. The code gives
comprehensive rules and regulations
for the government of the manufac-
.ure of nitroglycerine and Its mix
lures, including dynamite of all yarie-
lies, gelatine explosives, black pow
Ter, guneotton, nitrostarch, smoke
less powder, etc.
The regulations guard against as
phyxiating or poisonous fumes, va
pors and gases, such as nitric acid
fumes, regulate the number Of cm+
pluyes that may work in one room,
so as to prevent largo loss Of life in
the event Of an explosions. limit the
amount Of explosive materials that
may be taken from the magazine for
a days run regulate the construc-
ton of buildings used in the manu-
facture OF explosives, and give many
minute rules aimed at the prevention
of explosions.
Some idea of the Importance of the
new regulations 10 this state Is
given I'm the fact that there are about
10000 worknen now engaged in the
manufacture of explosives in New
jersey, or about one-half the entire
number in this industry in the United
States. The principal explosive man
ufactories are at Haskell. in Passaic
county, where there is a large plant,
and at Pennsgrove and vicinity, in
Salem county. At the latter place
along the Delaware River, there are
numerous large plants under the
control of the duponts, including those
at Carney's Point. Gibbstown, Re
pauno and other places. There is
also a plant at Dover, Morris county.
Fumes Important Factor.
Discussing the new code Commissioner
Bryant said there are two hazards ID
the manufacture Of explosives. the dan
ger from the blowing up Of the mater.
ials and the danger from the fumes. I'VE
think the safeguarding against the
fumes is as important guarding
against the explosives he stated
The case with which the code has been
prepared Il shown III the fact that it
comDels all workers IN the munitions
plants to wear rubber-soed shoes With
ont iron OF steel nails, to avoid the pos
sibihtv of a nail in y shoe striking
against something that would cause 4
spark, thereby causing an explosion tnai
might wreck the plant and cause many
deaths Here Is another provision along
the same line and for the same reason
"No pockets shall be allowed in tn,
clothing worn in such work except Oh,
skeleton pocket in either the coat q
trousers Neither iron or steel buttons
nor other metal attachments shall be al
lowed on such clothes. ror shall meta
objects, such as knives. keys etc, b.
allowed to be carried in the pockets.
Similarly, iron chisels and hammers
are prohibited in such plants, anC
wrenches must be used instead to climi
nate the possibility Of striking sparks.
In general, the code after April ] viii
govern the operation OF all buildings
factories. establishments, or othei
places where people are employed. where
in explosives arc manufactured, used
handled stored. or in which they arr
produced as the result Of manufacturing
processes. The construction of buildings
in such plants is regulated, and it 4
provided that the number Of employees il
each portion of a plant shall be kept t
the minimum compatible with the pro
cess OF manufacture in order to avoit
unnecessary risk of life. No open O
naked lights will be allowed. except fol
necessary repairs under proper superws
ron During necessary repairs whicl
might cause n spark all other operation
shall cease. and such repairs shall b.
made only after adequate ventilation t
free the room or portion OF the plan
from explosive gas or vapor.
Acid in Detached Sheds
Tn view of the danger to the worke
from inhalation of nitrous fumes IN cas-
or fire or Of the breakaoe Of carboyi
shvs another section. such carhovs con
tanning nitric acid shall be stored in dc
tached sheds with sandstone, brick Q
other suitable flooring. and in quaint
ties not to exceed 100 carboys.
The following acid fumes warning
will be supplied by the State Labo
Department on application and will
he Dosted at all places in plants wher
there is danger of poisoning by aei
flames:
Employees are strictly prohibite
from entering buildings where dens
acid fumes exist, or tanks or confine
spaces. which are not entirely clea
ar acid fumes. unless they wear hel
met EMPLOYEES working in such place
snail, III dNuilbu " tic HtAiiANAt " "
4 lifeline, which is at all times in tn
hands Of an assistant stationed out
side OF the tank"
The warning notice contains othe
detailed directions. There Is prov
sion that for every fifty persons en-
ployed in such plant and expose
% such risks. there shall be preser
At all times at least two persons VII
are trained or competent TO appl
means OF resuseitation. if necessary
All matches or other flame-produG
ing devices, except safety matches. al
barred from such plants. No prolec
Ing or visible iron or steel nails sha
be permitted in the floors Of sue
plants.
The code contains detailed prov
slons governing the manufacture
nitroglycerine. dynamite. gunpowde
and other explosives in order 70 r.
luce TO the minimum the danger OF e.
plosions.
MUST SUPPORT CHILD.