According to Gowers these are--(1) weakness of groups of muscles with
over-action of antagonists; (2) a reflex spasm due to stimulation
of the sensory nerves in writing; (3) structural changes in those
particular parts of the central nervous system that superintend the
muscular movements concerned in this act. Writing is an acquired act
learned by education, and it never becomes automatic. We require to
concentrate our attention while writing, and so the fatigue is really
as much, if not more, cerebral than muscular. Each of the above
theories has its supporters, but it is difficult to make any one of
them harmonise with all the facts. My own belief is that the malady is
primarily central rather than peripheral. Spasm is one of the initial
facts in the illness, and in writers’ palsy, as in all occupation
neuroses, spasm and paresis overtake those muscles that have been
trained to accomplish particular movements, especially movements of
a complicated and delicate character. Altered nutrition of cerebral
nerve centres is in all probability responsible for the defective
muscular movements, while any pain that is felt is due to compression
of the sensory nerve endings in the muscles during spasm. If there is
any structural alteration in the nerve fibres it must be slight. This
indicates that we are not dealing with a neuritis but a functional
condition of the nerve fibres, such as occurs in neuralgia. Although
the primary seat of the trouble is probably located in the cortex of
the brain, there is a marked absence of headache and of impairment of
intelligence. A recent author has thrown out a hint that, in cases of
great nervous exhaustion and extreme fatigue, in which during life no
physical signs of disease of any organs can be detected, and in which
after death no gross structural changes are found, the cause in all
probability resides in some obscure pathological condition of the large
nerve cells in the cortex or grey matter of the brain. It is to such a
condition that we are disposed to look for an explanation of the early
symptoms of writers’ palsy.
Scriveners’ spasm _per se_ is distinguished from the inability to
write that is observed, for example, in hemiplegic patients who have
had an apoplectic stroke, by its history, the limited extent of the
spasm and loss of power.
So long as the individual, the subject of scriveners’ spasm, insists
upon writing, the more pronounced does his difficulty become. He must
give up writing for a lengthened period if he wishes to get well.
Should he, however, persist in following his occupation, the weakness
may extend to other muscles, and he will then be thrown further
_hors-de-combat_, a circumstance that will only tend to deepen
still further his mental depression and make him more anxious with
regard to his future. Feeling himself baffled, he may educate himself
to write with his other hand, but in time this too may become affected.
More than that, when he attempts to write with his left hand tremors
may be induced in his right. In one of my patients a sudden involuntary
act, such as sneezing or yawning, will sometimes induce violent tremor
of the affected arm when the muscles are perfectly still. Absolute rest
from the use of the pen and freedom from all worry are necessary to
establish a cure, which unfortunately is readily broken by too early
return to work.
_Prevention and Treatment._--All are agreed that the less cramped
the handwriting and the more that shoulder muscular movement can be
brought into operation, the less is the likelihood of scriveners’
spasm arising. Writing is a matter of education, hence children
should be taught to use the muscles of the arm more freely. Pens
should not be too fine-pointed if much writing is to be done, while
the encircling of the lower part of the penholder by indiarubber
obviates to some extent the necessity for taking too firm a grip of
the pen. Lewis (_Twentieth Century Pract. Medicine_, vol. iii.,
p. 471) recommends that the pen should be held between the index
and middle fingers, as this requires less muscular effort than the
ordinary method, but at the best it must be admitted that this is an
awkward position, and although initial difficulties can be overcome by
education, it is still doubtful whether the muscular movement required
under those circumstances is, after all, so very much less. Quills
and stylographs may be substituted for steel pens, and, as already
mentioned, the non-affected hand may be taught to write. Type for hand
writing might be substituted, since this brings a new set of muscles
into play, and the movements are not so fatiguing. Once symptoms of the
malady begin to show themselves, absolute cessation of all handwriting
is necessary. The work should cease at once, for it is in the early
stages that rest is beneficial and a cure possible.
Internally, nervine tonics may be administered. Drugs as a rule do only
a limited amount of good. I have got the best results from arsenic and
bromides. Strychnine is recommended by some. If there is much pain
such sedatives as morphia or belladonna may be required, but their use
should be avoided as far as possible. Electricity, too, is worthy of a
trial, especially in the voltaic rather than the faradic form, combined
with massage or rubbing.
_Telegraphists’ Spasm, or Cramp._
_Mal télégraphique_, or telegraphic spasm, was first described by
Onimus, a Frenchman, in 1875; by Robinson in this country in 1882; and
by Fulton in 1884, who described in detail the movements involved in
the use of the Morse instrument. Twenty-five years ago the disease was
a rarity. In the succeeding decade it was pretty prevalent. Probably
it is now less frequent, owing to the telephone having been in many
instances substituted for the telegraph. Dr Vivian Poore (Allbutt’s
_System of Medicine_, vol. viii., p. 131) examined 400 cases
of professional ailments, but he only found two patients who were
telegraphists, and they had worked the Morse instrument. Telegraphists’
spasm differs in no material way from what has been described as
writers’ palsy. Since it is to working the Morse machine that the
largest number of cases of telegraphists’ cramp has been traced, it is
necessary to remind the reader that the Morse alphabet is composed
of a series of dots and dashes, and that the transmitting instrument
consists of a lever surmounted at one end with a knob, which when
depressed by the hand of the operator makes an electrical connection
with, or completes the electrical circuit between, the transmitting
apparatus at one end of the telegraph wire and the receiving apparatus
at the other. On each occasion that the lever is brought down by
the hand of the operator, and an electrical connection is made, a
bar of soft iron in the receiving instrument becomes magnetised and
attracts an armature which is fastened at one end of a lever, while
an inscribing point at the other end reproduces on a slip of ribbon
or paper, kept moving by clockwork, the dots and dashes made by the
transmitter. As the knob is generally held between the thumb, index,
and middle fingers of the right hand, the elbow meanwhile being
supported, it is clear that most of the movement is made by the
extensor and flexor muscles of the fingers and of the wrists, including
the adductor and opposing muscles of the thumb. Since each letter,
with the exception of _E_, which is a single dot, and _T_ a
single dash, consists of more than one dot or dash, while some require
as many as four, the amount of sustained and co-ordinated movement
is necessarily very great, and as the transmission is generally very
rapidly effected, the operation when repeated for a great length of
time, as in the transmission of speeches delivered in Parliament, must
be followed by a considerable amount of fatigue. Fulton calculated
that an operator might make between thirty and forty thousand muscular
contractions in one hour, and since many telegraphists work eight hours
a day, the strain on their muscles is necessarily very great. While the
excessive use of tobacco and alcohol doubtless favours the development
of telegraphists’ spasm, as of other occupation neuroses, there is
not the least doubt that cerebral fatigue and muscular overstrain
are the causes of it. In America, men have not been found to be more
predisposed to it than women, or _vice versâ_. Once the symptoms
of the malady have shown themselves, an operator when transmitting a
message may be suddenly seized with muscular cramp, so that his hand
cannot be quickly enough raised, and in consequence of this involuntary
spasm, the pressure on the lever by the fingers is so long maintained
that what ought to have been dots become dashes, or he transmits dots
and dashes in such an abnormal sequence that the message received reads
quite differently to that which it was intended to send. Mistakes
of this kind have a distressing mental effect upon the operator, and
they tend still further to derange the functional activity of his
nervous system. There may be tremor of the hand as well as cramp of
the muscles, but pain as a rule is absent. The muscles respond to
electrical tests and do not waste to any extent. A telegraphist feeling
that the muscular spasms are unfitting him for his daily duties may
train his other hand to do the work. Conscious that by this means he
will retain his appointment, he becomes more cheerful, and is able to
rise to some extent above his infirmity. Whenever possible, such an
individual should have a lengthy respite from his labours, for muscular
rest is of very great importance. The treatment of telegraphists’ spasm
is the same as that described under writers’ palsy. Prevention is
better than cure. Learners are encouraged to practise with both hands,
and as a consequence of this ambidexterity, not only are the cases
becoming fewer every year, but they are seen and treated earlier by the
Post Office Medical Attendants, whose experience is, that by causing
the patients to desist there and then from keying for a few months
recovery invariably follows. After all, it is but a small percentage of
telegraphists who have “spasm,” probably not more than 1.3 per 1000.
_Pianoforte Players’ Cramp, etc._
Pianoforte players’ cramp affects principally professionals, women more
frequently than men. Like the infirmities mentioned in the preceding
pages, there is muscular spasm, which may or may not be associated with
pain. If the cramp is painful the individual cannot go on playing.
Usually the spasm affects one or more of the fingers.
Spasmodic muscular contraction is also met with in _violin players_, in
_violincellists_ especially in the fingers of the left hand that are
brought down upon the strings of the instrument, and in _seamstresses_,
in whom once the affection is developed any attempt at sewing is
followed by cramp of the fingers, so that sewing becomes impossible.
Seamstresses’ cramp bears a resemblance to shoemakers’ spasm mentioned
a little further on.
Spasms of various trades have been described, _e.g._, _type-setters’_,
_milkers’_ spasm, which is said to occur in the cowherds of the Tyrol,
and _hammermen’s_ spasm. Workers in almost any trade, but especially
those trades in which excessive muscular effort is combined with
mental concentration, are liable to spasmodic seizures such as have
been described, and to which in a general way the remarks already made
on prevention and treatment may be said to apply.
_Shoemakers’ Spasm._
In Vienna and Heidelberg there have occurred on several occasions
epidemics of “idiopathic tetany.” Tetany is a disease characterised by
muscular spasms involving the hands and feet, and sometimes, too, the
muscles of the trunk, the face, neck, eyes, and larynx. Of 399 cases
of idiopathic tetany collected by Frankl-Hochwart, 174 occurred in
shoemakers and 95 in tailors, mostly between the ages of sixteen and
twenty-five years. The epidemics have generally prevailed during the
months of March and April. Risien Russell, who alludes to this subject
in Allbutt’s _System of Medicine_, vol. viii., p. 51, says that
probably some general toxic condition is in operation. If so, then
idiopathic tetany would be caused by something on, or in, the thread
that is used, since this material is common to the two occupations,
and the illness should therefore be regarded as accidental, and not as
incidental, to either the trade of the shoemaker or the tailor.
_Boot and Shoe Making._
The last few decades have witnessed great changes in many trades that
were formerly conducted as home industries, but perhaps in none more
than in boot and shoe making. A few years ago it was no uncommon thing
to find a cobbler working alone in his home, or in a small shop,
assisted by one or two workmen. All boots and shoes were then handmade,
the leather being cut and the pieces sewn together on the premises,
so that a completely finished article was turned out by one person.
The application of machinery has changed all this. It has flooded
the market with ready-made boots and shoes, which, since they can
be made more quickly, and in larger numbers, are cheaper than those
made by hand, although not so enduring. In boot and shoe making, as
in all factory production, subdivision of labour prevails. To one man
is assigned the guidance of a machine which cuts the “uppers” or the
“soles” of the shoes; another stitches the uppers, or “closes” them;
while to yet another is given the harder task of “making” the shoe,
_i.e._, of attaching the soles to the uppers. The extent to which
machinery has already displaced handmade boots and shoes is depriving
us of a class of workman who was capable of doing all that machinery
now accomplishes, only he required much longer time. In rural districts
cobblers will still be required, but their occupation in the future
will be that of boot-menders rather than of boot-makers.
[Illustration: FIG. 89.--Shoemakers’ Chest: showing
great recession of lower part of Chest, due to pressure of
the last. (Dr Oliver’s patient, Newcastle Royal Infirmary.)]
In reproducing the accompanying picture of one of my patients--a
shoemaker--who was in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Infirmary, I am wishful
to give some literary permanence to a deformity which was very
prevalent in workers in the trade a few years ago, a deformity known
by the name of shoemakers’ chest, and which, as time goes on, will
probably cease to exist. At his work the old type of shoemaker would
sit on a low bench, with his thighs and knees tightly drawn towards
each other, clasping the last with the boot upon it. His trunk would
be bent down over his work, so that during the act of stitching and
drawing the waxen threads through the holes made by his awl in the
leather, his arms would be forcibly separated from his sides in order
to tighten each stitch, while any beneficial expansion of the chest
that this movement created was unfavourably counterbalanced by the
increased pressure of the last upon his chest bone. As a consequence of
this repeated pressure applied to the front of the chest, especially
on younger men, the chest bone and ribs were driven in so as to form
a deep hollow, such as is depicted in the lower part of the chest in
the illustration (Fig. 89). The work, too, was sedentary, consequently
the men suffered from indigestion, constipation, and piles, the latter
being often aggravated by excessive indulgence in alcohol, to which
shoemakers as a class were much addicted. It has sometimes been stated
that they also suffered from cancer more than men engaged in other
trades, but it is difficult from available statistics to prove or
disprove this.
In modern boot factories, instead of the “uppers” being stitched to the
“soles,” they are often riveted. When bootmaking is carried on by this
process at home, the workman is often found sitting in the attitude of
the shoemaker described higher up. During the act of burnishing and
filing the rough edges of the boot, there is a considerable degree of
pressure exercised by the heel against the front of the chest. In the
bootmaking trade the men who cut out and shape the leather to be made
up are known by the name of “clickers.”
Shoemakers formerly suffered from bronchitis and pulmonary phthisis
in fairly large numbers, but much of this was due to the sedentary
character of their occupation, their want of exercise in the open
air, and their intemperate habits. The introduction of machinery, and
the bringing of shoemaking under the Factory Acts, may to some extent
effect an improvement in the health of shoemakers, but in many of the
factories which I have visited, and where large numbers of persons are
employed, the overheated rooms in which the work is carried on and
the vitiated atmosphere rather predispose the workpeople to pulmonary
catarrh, and tend to make the women anæmic. In addition, mercurial
poisoning has been known to occur in the men employed in shoemaking
factories, whose duty it is to mind the American or Blake machines. The
mercury is placed in a well in the machine, to act as a lubricant, and
as the metal is extremely volatile, poisoning may readily arise.
THOMAS OLIVER.
APPENDIX
SPECIAL RULES
Nearly a century ago, the necessity for legislation designed to protect
workers in textile factories was realised. In the year 1802 an Act was
passed for the Preservation of Health and Morals of Apprentices and
others employed in cotton mills. The statutes of 1833 and 1845 brought
under inspection the manufacture of several materials other than
cotton and wool. Subsequent Acts regulated employment in print works,
bleaching and dye works, and the manufacture of lace; but the Acts
passed in 1864 and 1867--afterwards embodied in the Act of 1878 (the
principal Act)--practically included almost every occupation in the
country.
It soon became apparent that no definite clauses in any statute,
however carefully drafted and considered, could afford satisfactory
protection to health, life, and limb, in manifold and varied
industries, found not only in the large centres of manufacture, but
in almost every village or country district where a stream could be
found for driving water-wheels of corn-mills, scutch-mills, cutlery
grinding-hulls, wood-turning shops, etc., etc. Philanthropists,
medical men, scientists, trade-unionists, poor-law guardians, managers
of sick clubs, called for further protection to workers engaged in
dangerous trades, and for the remedy (as far as was possible) of the
evils arising from inhalation of injurious dusts and fumes, contact
with poisonous, chemical, and mineral substances, manufacture of white
lead, and the smelting and handling of blue lead. They pointed to
“brass-casters’ ague”; to the deadly disease known as “phossy jaw,”
prevalent amongst operatives in match-works, where yellow or white
phosphorus is used; to plumbism amongst pottery workers and hand
file-cutters; to potters’ and metal grinders’ lung ailments; and to
many other diseases of occupation too numerous to be here mentioned.
The Factory Act of 1891 provided in sections 8, 9, 10, and 11, what
was universally accepted as a legal remedy based upon principles
of humanity, moderation, and common sense. Power was given to the
Secretary of State to frame special rules and requirements as to
dangerous and unhealthy incidents of employment, the Act stating that--
“(1) Where the Secretary of State certifies that in his opinion
any machinery, or process or particular description of manual
labour used in a factory or workshop (other than a domestic
workshop), is dangerous or injurious to health, or dangerous
to life or limb, either generally, or in the case of women,
children, or any other class of persons, or that the provision
for the admission of fresh air is not sufficient, or that the
quantity of dust generated or inhaled in any factory or workshop
is dangerous or injurious to health, the Chief Inspector may
serve on the occupier of the factory or workshop a notice in
writing, either proposing such special rules, or requiring
the adoption of such special measures as appear to the Chief
Inspector to be reasonably practicable, and to meet the
necessities of the case.
“(2) Unless, within twenty-one days after receipt of the notice,
the occupier serves on the Chief Inspector a notice in writing
that he objects to the rules or the requirement, the rules shall
be established, or, as the case may be, the requirement shall be
observed.
“(3) If the notice of objection suggests any modification of the
rules or requirement, the Secretary of State shall consider the
suggestion, and may assent thereto, with or without any further
modification, which may be agreed on between the Secretary
of State and the occupier, and thereupon the rules shall be
established, or, as the case may be, the requirement shall be
observed, subject to such modification.
“(4) If the Secretary of State does not assent to any objection
or modification suggested, as aforesaid, by the occupier, the
matter in difference between the Secretary of State and the
occupier shall be referred to arbitration under this Act,
and the date of the receipt of the notice of this objection
by the Secretary of State shall be deemed to be the date of
the reference, and the rules shall be established, or the
requisition shall have effect, as settled by an award or
arbitration.”
Penalties were provided for the contravention of special rules duly
established. Schedule 1 of the Act of 1891 described in minute detail
the methods of procedure when arbitration had to be resorted to.
The list of trades scheduled as “Dangerous Trades,” together with the
series of special rules legally instituted, is appended. This list
can hardly fail to be of interest, seeing that the rules were framed
after most exhaustive and careful inquiry by experts and scientists,
whose opinions commanded respect. Year by year the practical good done
by this legislation is more fully realised, but the test of time has
shown the necessity for reconsideration of those clauses which relate
to arbitration, and proposals to meet a now recognised difficulty are
found in the Factory Bill read for the first time in the House of
Commons on Thursday, 28th March 1901.
Sections 79 to 86 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, contain
Amended Regulations as to Dangerous Trades, chiefly as to methods of
procedure in making such regulations.
HAMILTON P. SMITH.
Form 247C.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
WHITE LEAD FACTORIES.
_In these Rules “person employed in a lead process” means a person
who is employed in any work or process involving exposure to white
lead, or to lead or lead compounds used in its manufacture, or who
is admitted to any room or part of the factory where such process is
carried on._
_Any approval given by the Chief Inspector of Factories in pursuance
of Rules 2, 4, 6, 9, or 12 shall be given in writing, and may at any
time be revoked by notice in writing signed by him._
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. _New Works._--On and after 1st July 1899, no part of a white
lead factory shall be constructed, structurally altered, or newly used,
for any process in which white lead is manufactured or prepared for
sale, unless the plans have previously been submitted to and approved
in writing by the Chief Inspector of Factories.
2. _Stacks._--(_a_) Every stack shall be provided with a
standpipe and movable hose, and an adequate supply of water distributed
by a rose.
(_b_) _White Beds._--Every white bed shall, on the removal of the
covering boards, be effectually damped by the means mentioned above.
Where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Chief Inspector of
Factories that there is no available public water service in the
district, it shall be a sufficient compliance with this Rule if each
white bed is, on the removal of the covering boards, effectually damped
by means of a watering can.
3. _Chamber Process._--Where white lead is made by the Chamber Process,
the chamber shall be kept moist while the process is in operation, and
the corrosions shall be effectually moistened before the chamber is
emptied.
4. _Corrosions._--(_a_) Corrosions shall not be carried except in trays
of impervious material.
(_b_) No person shall be allowed to carry on his head or shoulder a
tray of corrosions which has been allowed to rest directly upon the
corrosions, or upon any surface where there is white lead.
(_c_) All corrosions, before being put into the rollers or washbecks,
shall be effectually damped, either by dipping the tray containing them
in a trough of water, or by some other method approved by the Chief
Inspector of Factories.
5. _Rollers._--The flooring round the rollers shall either be of smooth
cement or be covered with sheet lead, and shall be kept constantly
moist.
6. _Drying Stoves._--On and after 1st January 1901, except as
hereinafter provided--
(_a_) Every stove shall have a window, or windows, with a total
area of not less than 8 square feet, made to open, and so placed
as to admit of effectual through ventilation.
(_b_) In no stove shall bowls be placed on a rack which is more
than 10 feet from the floor.
(_c_) Each bowl shall rest upon the rack and not upon another
bowl.
(_d_) No stove shall be entered for the purpose of drawing until
the temperature at a height of 5 feet from the floor has fallen
either to 70° F., or to a point not more than 10° F. above the
temperature of the air outside.
(_e_) In drawing any stove or part of a stove there shall not
be more than one stage or standing place above the level of the
floor.
Provided that if the Chief Inspector approves of any other means of
ventilating a stove, as allowing of effectual through ventilation, such
means may be adopted, notwithstanding paragraph (_a_) of this Rule; and
if he approves of any other method of setting and drawing the stoves,
as effectually preventing white lead from falling upon any worker, such
method may be followed, notwithstanding paragraphs (_b_) and (_e_) of
this Rule.
7. _Drawing Dutch Stoves._--No person shall be employed in drawing
Dutch stoves on more than two days in any week.
8. _Deposits of dry white lead._--No dry white lead shall be deposited
in any place that is not provided either with a cover or with a fan
effectually removing the dust from the worker.
9. _Packing._--On and after 1st January 1900, the packing of dry white
lead shall be done only under conditions which secure the effectual
removal of dust, either by exhaust fans or by other efficient means
approved in each case by the Chief Inspector of Factories.
This rule shall not apply where packing is effected by mechanical means
entirely closed in.
10. The floor of any place where packing of dry white lead is carried
on shall be of cement, or of stone set in cement.
11. _Employment of Women._--No women shall be employed or allowed in
the white beds, rollers, washbecks, or stoves, or any place where dry
white lead is packed, or in other work exposing her to white lead dust.
12. _Weekly Medical Examination._--(_a_) A duly qualified medical
practitioner (in these Rules referred to as the “Appointed Surgeon”)
shall be appointed by the occupier for each factory, such appointment
to be subject to the approval of the Chief Inspector.
(_b_) No person shall be employed in a lead process for more than a
week without a certificate of fitness granted after examination by the
Appointed Surgeon.
(_c_) Every person employed in a lead process shall be examined once a
week by the Appointed Surgeon, who shall have power to order suspension
from employment in any place or process.
(_d_) No person after such suspension shall be employed in a lead
process without the written sanction of the Appointed Surgeon.
_Health Register._--(_e_) A 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 register the dates and results of his examinations of the persons
employed, and particulars of any directions given by him. The 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.
13. _Medical Attendance._--Upon any person employed in a lead
process complaining of being unwell, the occupier shall, with the
least possible delay, give an order upon a duly qualified medical
practitioner.
14. _Respirators, Overalls, Head Coverings._--The occupier shall
provide and maintain sufficient and suitable respirators, overalls, and
head coverings, and shall cause them to be worn as directed in Rule 29.
At the end of every day’s work they shall be collected and kept in
proper custody in a suitable place set apart for the purpose.
They shall be thoroughly washed or renewed every week; and those which
have been used in the stoves, and all respirators, shall be washed or
renewed daily.
15. _Dining-room, Cloak-room._--The occupier shall provide and maintain
a dining-room and cloak-room in which workers can deposit clothing put
off during working hours.
16. _Food._--No person employed in a lead process shall be allowed to
prepare or partake of any food or drink except in the dining-room or
kitchen.
17. _Sanitary Drink._--A supply of a suitable sanitary drink, to be
approved by the Appointed Surgeon, shall be kept for the use of the
workers.
18. _Lavatory._--The occupier shall provide and maintain a lavatory
for the use of the workers, with soap, nail brushes, and at least one
lavatory basin for every five persons employed. Each such basin shall
be fitted with a waste pipe. There shall be a constant supply of hot
and cold water laid on, except where there is no available public water
service, in which case the provision of hot and cold water shall be
such as shall satisfy the Inspector in charge of the district.
The lavatory shall be thoroughly cleaned and supplied with clean towels
after every meal.
There shall, in addition, be means of washing in close proximity to the
workers of each department, if required by notice in writing from the
Inspector in charge of the district.
There shall be facilities, to the satisfaction of the Inspector in
charge of the district, for the workers to wash out their mouths.
19. _Allowance of time for Washing._--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 to each worker for washing.
A notice to this effect shall be affixed in each department.
20. _Baths._--The occupier shall provide and maintain sufficient baths
and dressing-rooms for all persons employed in lead processes, with hot
and cold water, soap, and towels, and shall cause each such person to
take a bath once a week at the factory.
_Bath Register._--A bath register shall be kept, containing a list of
all persons employed in lead processes, and an entry of the date when
each person takes a bath.
This 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.
21. The dressing-rooms, baths, and w.c.’s shall be cleaned daily.
22. _Cleaning Floors._--The floor of each workroom shall be cleaned
daily, after being thoroughly damped.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
23. _Corrosions._--No person shall strip a white bed or empty a chamber
without previously effectually damping as directed in Rules 2 and 3.
24. No person shall carry corrosions, or put them into the rollers or
washbecks, otherwise than as permitted by Rule 4.
25. _Stoves._--No person shall set or draw a stove otherwise than as
permitted by Rules 6 and 7.
26. _Packing._--No person shall deposit or pack dry white lead
otherwise than as permitted by Rules 8 and 9.
27. _Weekly Medical Examination._--Every person employed in a lead
process shall present himself at the appointed times for examination by
the Appointed Surgeon, as provided in Rule 12.
28. No person after suspension by the Appointed Surgeon shall work in a
lead process without his written sanction.
29. _Respirators, Overalls, Head Coverings._--Every person engaged in--
White beds,
Emptying chambers,
Rollers, washbecks or grinding,
Setting or drawing stoves,
Packing,
Paint mixing,
Handling dry white lead,
or in any work involving exposure to white lead dust, shall, while so
occupied, wear an overall suit and head covering.
Every person engaged in stripping white beds, or in emptying chambers,
or in drawing stoves, or in packing, shall in addition wear a
respirator while so occupied.
30. _Washing._--Every person engaged in any place or process named
in Rule 29 shall, before partaking of meals or leaving the premises,
deposit the overalls, head coverings, and respirators in the place
appointed by the occupier for the purpose, and shall thoroughly wash
face and hands in the lavatory.
31. _Baths._--Every person employed in a lead process shall take a bath
at the factory at least once a week, and wash in the lavatory before
bathing; having done so, he shall at once sign his name in the bath
register, with the date.
32. _Food._--No person employed in a lead process shall smoke or use
tobacco in any form, or partake of food or drink, elsewhere than in the
dining-room or kitchen.
33. _Ventilation._--No person shall in any way interfere, without the
knowledge and concurrence of the occupier or manager, with the means
and appliances provided for the removal of dust.
34. _Reporting neglect of Rules._--The foreman shall report to the
manager, and the manager shall report to the occupier, any instance
coming under his notice of a worker neglecting to observe these Rules.
35. _False pretences._--No person shall obtain employment under an
assumed name or under any false pretence.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_Chief Inspector of Factories_.
M. W. RIDLEY,
_One of Her Majesty’s Principal
Secretaries of State_.
1st June 1899.
_Note._--These Rules must be kept posted up in conspicuous
places in the factory to which they apply, where they may be
conveniently read by the persons employed. Any person who is
bound to observe these Rules and fails to do so, or acts in
contravention of them, is liable to a penalty; and in such cases
the occupier also is liable to a penalty unless he proves that
he has taken all reasonable means by publishing, and to the best
of his power enforcing the Rules, to prevent the contravention
or non-compliance. (Factory and Workshop Act, 1891, sections 9
and 11.)
Form 249.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_AMENDED SPECIAL RULES._
PROCESSES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF PAINTS, COLOURS,
AND IN THE EXTRACTION OF ARSENIC.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
They shall provide washing conveniences, with a sufficient supply of
hot and cold water, soap, nail-brushes, and towels, and take measures
to secure that every worker wash face and hands before meals, and
before leaving the works; and, in addition to the above, sufficient
bath accommodation for the use of all persons employed in the
manufacture of Milan Red, Vermilionette, or Persian Red.
They shall provide suitable respirators and overall suits, kept in a
cleanly state, for all workers engaged in any department where dry
white lead or arsenic is used in either the manufacture or paint
mixing, and overall suits for those engaged in grinding in water or
oil, and for all workers in Milan Red, Vermilionette, or Persian Red,
wherever dust is generated.
They shall provide a sufficient supply of approved sanitary drink,
which shall be accessible to the workers at all times, and shall cause
such approved sanitary drink to be taken daily by workers in any
department where white lead or arsenic is used in the manufacture, and
shall provide a supply of aperient medicine, which shall be given to
the workers, when required, free of charge.
No food shall be eaten in any part of the works where white lead or
arsenic is used in the manufacture.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
Every person to whom is supplied a respirator or overall suit shall
wear the same when at the special work for which such are provided.
Every person shall carefully clean and wash hands and face before meals
and before leaving the works.
No food shall be eaten in any part of the works in which white lead or
arsenic is used in the manufacture.
No person shall smoke or use tobacco in any part of the works in which
white lead or arsenic is used in the manufacture.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
Under Section 9, Factory Act, 1891, any person who is bound to observe
any special rules is liable to penalties for non-compliance with such
special rules.
Form 251.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES for Works, or parts of Works in which_ LEAD,
ARSENIC, OR ANTIMONY IS USED IN THE ENAMELLING OF IRON PLATES.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. _Lavatories._--They shall provide washing conveniences, with
a sufficient supply of hot and cold water, soap, nail-brushes, and
towels, and take measures to secure that every worker wash face and
hands before meals and before leaving the works.
2. _Respirators, Overalls, Head Coverings._--They shall provide
suitable respirators, overall suits, and head coverings for all workers
employed in the processes of grinding, dusting, and brushing.
3. _Dust._--They shall adopt measures on and after the first day
of October, 1894, in the dusting and brushing processes for the removal
of all superfluous dust, by the use of perforated benches or tables
supplied with fans to carry the dust down through the apertures of such
benches or tables, the under part of which must be boxed in.
4. _Sanitary Drink._--They shall provide a sufficient supply of
approved sanitary drink, and shall cause the workpeople to take it.
5. _Medical Examination._--They shall arrange for a medical inspection
of all persons employed, at least once a month.
They shall see that no female is employed without previous examination
and a certificate of fitness from the medical attendant of the works.
They shall see that no person who has been absent from work through
illness shall be re-employed without a medical certificate to the
effect that he or she has recovered.
6. _Medical Attendance._--Upon any person employed in the works
complaining of being unwell, the occupier shall, with the least
possible delay, and at his own expense, give an order upon a doctor for
professional attendance and medicine. It is to be understood that this
rule will not apply to persons suffering from complaints which have not
been contracted in the process of manufacture.
7. _Cloak-room._--They shall provide a place or places free from
dust and damp in which the operatives can hang up the clothes in which
they do not work.
(_It is recommended that they shall provide for each female before
the day’s work begins some light refreshment, such as a half-pint of
milk and a biscuit._)
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
8. _Respirators, Overalls, Head Coverings._--Every person to whom is
supplied a respirator or overall and head covering shall wear the same
when at the work for which such are provided.
9. _Washing._--Every person shall carefully clean and wash hands and
face before meals and before leaving the works.
10. _Food._--No food shall be eaten by any person in any part of the
works except in the apartment specially provided for the purpose.
11. _False Pretences._--No person may seek employment under an assumed
name or under any false pretence.
Respirators { A good respirator is a cambric bag with or
{ without a thin flexible wire made to fit
{ over the nose.
Sanitary drink { Sulphate of magnesia 2 oz.
suggested { Water 1 gallon.
{ Essence of lemon, sufficient to flavour.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
_Note._--These Rules must be kept posted up in conspicuous places in
the factory to which they apply, where they may be conveniently read by
the persons employed.
Any person who is bound to observe these Rules and fails to do so, or
acts in contravention of them, is liable to a penalty; and in such case
the occupier also is liable to a penalty unless he proves that he has
taken all reasonable means by publishing and to the best of his power
enforcing the Rules, to prevent the contravention or non-compliance.
(Factory and Workshop Act, 1891, Sections 9 and 11.)
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
THE MANUFACTURE OF EARTHENWARE AND CHINA.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. They shall provide suitable overalls and head coverings for all
female workers employed in the dipping house or dippers’ drying room,
or in any processes of ware cleaning after the dipper, glost placing,
china scouring, ground laying or majolica painting (which overalls
and head coverings shall remain the property of the employers), and
shall make arrangements for the safe custody of all overalls and head
coverings worn by their operatives, and for the safe delivery thereof
at the works every seven days to the representatives of the laundry or
wash-house which shall be selected by the operatives, for the purpose
of washing the same. They shall also provide a place in which the above
workers can deposit clothing put off during working hours.
2. They shall not allow any persons to cook or partake of any food,
or to remain during meal times in the dipping house, dippers’ drying
room, china scouring room, glost placers’ shop, ground laying shop, or
majolica painting room.
3. In the process of towing of earthenware, they shall use fans or
other mechanical means for the removal of all dust; in the process of
scouring china, they shall, as far as practicable, use mechanical or
other efficient means for the removal of flint; and in all processes
and descriptions of manual labour, they shall, as far as practicable,
adopt measures for the removal of dust, and for the prevention of any
injurious effects arising therefrom, either by the use of mechanical
fans, ventilation, or other efficient means.
4. They shall provide brooms, brushes, and all other necessaries for
the daily sweeping of floors of workshops and of such stoves as are
entered by the workers; and for the cleansing of work-benches and of
stairs leading to workshops; and shall arrange that the floors of such
workshops and stoves are sprinkled and swept every working day, and the
scraps and dirt removed, and that work-benches and stairs are cleansed
at least once a week. The daily sweeping of floors of potters’ shops
shall be done after work has ceased for the day, unless there is some
sufficient reason to the contrary.
5. They shall provide washing conveniences and a sufficient supply
of water, soap, and nail-brushes for all workers employed in the
dipping-house or dippers’ drying-room, or in any processes of ware
cleaning after the dipper, glost placing, china scouring, ground
laying, or majolica painting, as close as is practicable to the
workshops.
6. All stoves, as well as all workshops and all parts of the factories,
shall be effectually ventilated. Regard being had to the cubic capacity
of the shops, etc., there shall be, wherever practicable, natural
ventilation by doors and windows; and careful supervision of hot air
and hot-water pipes used for heating, and of the consumption of gas.
The required ventilation shall be accomplished by mechanical or other
efficient means. The temperature of any workshop during working hours
shall not be allowed to exceed 90 degrees (Fahrenheit).
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
7. Every person employed in the places and processes enumerated in Rule
1 shall wear an overall suit or head covering when at their work, and
no such person shall remove such overall suit or head covering from the
works at which they are employed so long as they shall continue in such
employ.
8. Every person employed in the places or processes enumerated in Rule
5 shall carefully clean and wash his or her hands and face before meals
and before leaving the works.
9. Every person employed in dipping, carrying ware from the dipper,
cleaning ware after it has been dipped, glost placing, china scouring,
ground laying, or majolica painting, shall during the meal times leave
the shops in which those processes are carried on, and shall not cook
or eat any food therein at any time.
10. The measures taken by the employers for the ventilation of the
various workrooms and stoves, and for the removal of dust, shall not be
in any way interfered with by the workpeople without the knowledge and
concurrence of the employer or manager of the works.
11. Every male or female worker shall be responsible for the cleansing
of that portion of the room in which he or she is employed, and shall
see that the floors of shops and of such stoves as are entered by the
workers, are sprinkled and swept, and the dust, scraps, ashes, and dirt
be removed every day, and that the work-benches and stairs are cleansed
at least once a week. The sweeping of floors and of potters’ shops
shall be done after the working hours, unless there is some sufficient
reason to the contrary, by an adult male, employed and paid by the
workers and approved by the employer.
R. E. SPRAGUE ORAM,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
H. H. ASQUITH,
_One of Her Majesty’s Principal
Secretaries of State_.
Home Office, Whitehall
7th September 1894.
Form 254.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
THE MANUFACTURE OF EARTHENWARE AND CHINA.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. _Age._--After 1st August 1898, no person under 14 years of age,
and after 1st August 1899, no person under 15 years of age, shall be
employed in the
Dipping house, or Dippers’ drying room
or in any processes of--
Ware cleaning after the dipper,
Glost placing,
Colour dusting,
Ground laying,
Majolica painting,
Glaze blowing,
Transfer making, or
China scouring.
2. _Monthly Examination._--All women and young persons employed in the
places and processes named in Rule 1 shall be examined once a month by
the Certifying Surgeon for the District, who shall after 1st August,
1898, have power to order suspension from employment in any place or
process named in Rule 1.
No person after such suspension shall be allowed to work in any of the
places or processes named in Rule 1 without the written sanction of the
Certifying Surgeon.
3. _Health Register._--A register, in the form which has been
prescribed by the Secretary of State for use in earthenware and china
works, shall be kept, and in it the Certifying Surgeon will enter the
dates and results of his visits, the number of persons examined, and
particulars of any directions given by him. This register shall contain
a list of all persons employed in the places and processes named
in Rule 1, and shall be produced at any time when required by H.M.
Inspector of Factories or by the Certifying Surgeon.
4. _Overalls and Head Coverings._--The occupier shall provide and
maintain suitable overalls and head coverings for all women and young
persons employed in the places and processes named in Rule 1.
All overalls and head coverings shall be kept (see form 254*) in proper
custody, and all overalls shall be washed at least once a week, and
suitable arrangements shall be made for carrying out these requirements.
A suitable place shall be provided in which the above workers can
deposit clothing put off during working hours.
5. _Food._--No person shall be allowed to prepare or partake of any
food or drink, or to remain during meal times, in the dipping house or
dippers’ drying room, or in a place in which is carried on any process
named in Rule 1.
The occupier shall make suitable provision to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Inspector in charge of the district for the
accommodation during meal times of persons employed in such places or
processes (see form 254*).
6. _Dust._--After 1st January 1899, the process of--
Towing of earthenware,
China scouring,
Ground laying,
Colour dusting,
Glaze blowing, or
Transfer making,
shall not be carried on without the use of exhaust fans for the
effectual removal of dust (see form 254*).
In the process of ware cleaning after the dipper, exhaust fans shall be
used, or arrangements made for the dust to fall into water.
In all processes the occupier shall, as far as practicable, adopt
efficient measures for the removal of dust and for the prevention of
any injurious effects arising therefrom.
7. _Ventilation._--All drying stoves as well as all workshops and all
parts of factories shall be effectually ventilated to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Inspector in charge of the District.
8. _Lavatories._--The occupier shall provide and maintain sufficient
and suitable washing conveniences for all persons employed in the
places and processes named in Rule 1, as near as is practicable to the
places in which such persons are employed.
The washing conveniences shall comprise soap, nail-brushes, and towels,
and at least one lavatory (see form 254*) basin for every five persons
employed as above, and each such basin shall be fitted with waste-pipe,
and have a constant supply of water laid on by tap.
9. _Cleansing of Work-places._--The occupier shall see that the
requirements of Rule 16 are duly observed, and shall provide brushes
and all other necessaries for the purpose.
10. _Boards._--The boards used in the dipping house, dippers’ drying
room, or glost placing shop shall be cleansed every week, and shall not
be used in any other department (see form 254*).
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
11. _Monthly Examination._--All women and young persons employed in the
places and processes named in Rule 1 shall present themselves at the
appointed time for examination by the Certifying Surgeon as provided in
Rule 2.
No person after suspension by the Certifying Surgeon shall work in any
of the places or processes named in Rule 1 without the written sanction
of the Certifying Surgeon.
12. _Overalls._--Every person employed in the places and processes
named in Rule 1 shall, when at work, wear an overall suit and head
covering, which shall not be worn outside the factory or workshop, and
which shall not be removed therefrom except for the purpose of being
washed.
The overalls and head coverings, when not being worn, shall be
deposited in the place provided for the purpose under Rule 4.
Clothing put off during working hours shall be deposited in the place
provided for the purpose under Rule 4.
13. _Food._--No person shall remain during meal times in the dipping
house, dippers’ drying room, or in any place in which is carried on any
process named in Rule 1; or prepare or partake of any food or drink
therein at any time.
14. _Ventilation. Dust._--No person shall in any way interfere, without
the knowledge and concurrence of the occupier or manager, with the
means and appliances provided by the employers for the ventilation of
the workshops and stoves and for the removal of dust.
15. _Washing._--No person employed in any place or process named in
Rule 1 shall leave the works or partake of meals without previously and
carefully cleaning and washing his or her hands.
16. _Cleansing of Work-places._--The persons employed shall be
responsible for the
daily sprinkling and sweeping of the floors of workshops and of
such stoves as are entered by the workpeople; and for the
daily removal of dust, scraps, ashes, and dirt; and for the
weekly cleansing of work-benches and of stairs leading to
workshops.
Each person shall be responsible for the cleansing of that portion of
the room in which he or she is employed.
The sweeping of the floors of potters’ shops, stoves, dipping houses,
and majolica painting rooms shall be done after working hours, by
an adult male, employed and paid by the workers and approved by the
employer.
17. _Boards._--The boards used in the dipping house, dipper’s drying
room, or glost placing shop shall be cleansed every week, and shall not
be used in any other department.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
May 1898.
_Note._--These Rules must be kept posted up in conspicuous places
in the factory to which they apply, where they may be conveniently read
by the persons employed.
Any person who is bound to observe these Rules and fails to do so, or
acts in contravention of them, is liable to a penalty; and in such case
the occupier also is liable to a penalty unless he proves that he has
taken all reasonable means by publishing, and to the best of his power
enforcing, the Rules, to prevent the contravention or non-compliance.
(Factory and Workshop Act, 1891, Sections 9 and 11).
Form 254*.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
THE MANUFACTURE OF EARTHENWARE AND CHINA.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. _Age._--After 1st August 1890, no person under 14 years of age,
and after 1st August 1899, no person under 15 years of age, shall be
employed in the
Dipping house, or
Dipper’s drying room,
or in any processes of--
Ware cleaning after the dipper,
Glost placing,
Colour dusting,
Ground laying,
Majolica painting,
Glaze blowing,
Transfer making, or
China scouring.
2. _Monthly Examination._--All women and young persons employed in the
places and processes named in Rule 1 shall be examined once a month by
the Certifying Surgeon for the district, who shall, after 1st August
1898, have power to order suspension from employment in any place or
process named in Rule 1.
No person after such suspension shall be allowed to work in any of the
places or processes named in Rule 1 without the written sanction of the
Certifying Surgeon.
3. _Health Register._--A register, in the form which has been
prescribed by the Secretary of State for use in earthenware and china
works, shall be kept, and in it the Certifying Surgeon will enter the
dates and results of his visits, the number of persons examined, and
particulars of any directions given by him. This register shall contain
a list of all persons employed in the places and processes named
in Rule 1, and shall be produced at any time when required by H.M.
Inspector of Factories or by the Certifying Surgeon.
4. _Overalls and Head Coverings._--The occupier shall provide and
maintain suitable overalls and head coverings for all women and young
persons employed in the places and processes named in Rule 1.
All overalls and head coverings shall be kept by the occupier in
proper custody and shall be washed at least once a week, and suitable
arrangements shall be made for carrying out these requirements.
A suitable place shall be provided in which the above workers can
deposit clothing put off during working hours.
5. _Food._--No person shall be allowed to prepare or partake of any
food or drink, or to remain during meal times, in the dipping house or
dippers’ drying room, or in a place in which is carried on any process
named in Rule 1.
The occupier shall make suitable provision to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Inspector in charge of the District for the
accommodation during meal times of persons employed in such place or
processes, with a right of appeal to the Chief Inspector of Factories.
Such accommodation to be provided in any room or rooms on the premises
other than those referred to in Rule 13.
6. _Dust._--After 1st January 1899, the process of--
Towing of earthenware,
China scouring,
Ground laying,
Colour dusting,
Glaze blowing, or
Transfer making,
shall not be carried on without the use of exhaust fans for the
effectual removal of dust, or other efficient means for the effectual
removal of dust, to be approved in each particular case by the
Secretary of State, and under such conditions as he may from time to
time prescribe.
In the process of ware cleaning after the dipper, exhaust fans shall be
used, or arrangements made for the dust to fall into water.
In all processes the occupiers shall, as far as practicable, adopt
efficient measures for the removal of dust and for the prevention of
any injurious effects arising therefrom.
7. _Ventilation._--All drying stoves as well as all workshops and all
parts of factories shall be effectually ventilated to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Inspector in charge of the District.
8. _Lavatories._--The occupier shall provide and maintain sufficient
and suitable washing conveniences for all persons employed in the
places and processes named in Rule 1, as near as is practicable to the
places in which such persons are employed.
The washing conveniences shall comprise soap, nail-brushes, and towels,
and at least one wash-hand basin for every five persons employed as
above, with a constant supply of water laid on, with one tap at least
for every two basins, and conveniences for emptying the same and
running off the waste water on the spot down a waste-pipe.
9. _Cleansing of Work-places._--The occupier shall see that the
requirements of Rule 16 are duly observed, and shall provide brushes
and all other necessaries for the purpose.
10. _Boards._--The boards used in the dipping house, dippers’ drying
room, or glost placing shop shall be cleansed every week, and shall not
be used in any other department, except after being cleansed.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
11. _Monthly Examination._--All women and young persons employed
in the places and processes named in Rule 1 shall present themselves
at the appointed time for examination by the Certifying Surgeon as
provided in Rule 2.
No person after suspension by the Certifying Surgeon shall work in any
of the places or processes named in Rule 1 without the written sanction
of the Certifying Surgeon.
12. _Overalls._--Every person employed in the places and processes
named in Rule 1 shall, when at work, wear an overall suit and head
covering, which shall not be worn outside the factory or workshop, and
which shall not be removed therefrom except for the purpose of being
washed. All overalls and head coverings shall be washed at least once a
week.
The overalls and head coverings, when not being worn, shall be
deposited in the place provided for the purpose under Rule 4.
Clothing put off during working hours shall be deposited in the place
provided for the purpose under Rule 4.
13. _Food._--No person shall remain during meal times in the dipping
house, dippers’ drying room, or in any place in which is carried on any
process named in Rule 1; or prepare or partake of any food or drink
therein at any time.
14. _Ventilation. Dust._--No person shall in any way interfere, without
the knowledge and concurrence of the occupier or manager, with the
means and appliances provided by the employers for the ventilation of
the workshops and stoves and for the removal of dust.
15. _Washing._--No person employed in any place or process named in
Rule 1 shall leave the works or partake of meals without previously and
carefully cleaning and washing his or her hands.
16. _Cleansing of Work-places._--The persons employed shall be
responsible for the
daily sprinkling and sweeping of the floors of workshops and of
such stoves as are entered by the workpeople; and for the
daily removal of dust, scraps, ashes, and dirt; and for the
weekly cleansing of work-benches and of stairs leading to
workshops.
Each person shall be responsible for the cleansing of that portion of
the room in which he or she is employed.
The sweeping of the floors of potters’ shops, stoves, dipping houses,
and majolica painting rooms shall be done after working hours, by
an adult male, employed and paid by the workers and approved by the
employer.
17. _Boards._--The boards used in the dipping house, dippers’ drying
room, or glost placing shop shall be cleansed every week, and shall not
be used in any other department, except after being cleansed.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
October 1898.
_Note._--These Rules must be kept posted up in conspicuous places
in the factory to which they apply, where they may be conveniently read
by the persons employed.
Any person who is bound to observe these Rules and fails to do so, or
acts in contravention of them, is liable to a penalty; and in such case
the occupier also is liable to a penalty, unless he proves that he has
taken all reasonable means by publishing and to the best of his power
enforcing the Rules, to prevent the contravention or non-compliance.
(Factory and Workshop Act, 1891, Sections 9 and 11.)
Form 254A.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
MAKING TRANSFERS FOR EARTHENWARE AND CHINA.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. _Age._--No person under 15 years of age shall be employed in making
Transfers for Earthenware or China.
2. _Monthly Examination._--All women and young persons employed shall
be examined once a month by the Certifying Surgeon for the District,
who shall, after 1st May 1899, have power to order suspension from
employment.
No person after such suspension shall be allowed to work without the
written sanction of the Certifying Surgeon.
4. _Health Register._--A register, in the form which has been
prescribed by the Secretary of State for use in earthenware and china
works, shall be kept, and in it the Certifying Surgeon will enter the
dates and results of his visits, the number of persons examined, and
particulars of any directions given by him. This register shall contain
a list of all persons employed, and shall be produced at any time when
required by H.M. Inspector of Factories or by the Certifying Surgeon.
4. _Overalls and Head Coverings._--The occupier shall provide and
maintain suitable overalls and head coverings for all women and young
persons employed in rooms in which colour processes are carried on.
All overalls and head coverings shall be kept by the occupier in
proper custody and shall be washed at least once a week, and suitable
arrangements shall be made for carrying out these requirements.
A suitable place shall be provided in which the above workers can
deposit clothing put off during working hours.
It shall be a sufficient compliance with the requirements of this rule
as to head coverings if they are made of suitable glazed paper and
renewed once a week. The head coverings shall be made so as completely
to cover the hair, and to the satisfaction of the Inspector.
5. _Food._--No person shall be allowed to prepare or partake of any
food or drink, or to remain during meal times, in any place in which is
carried on the making of transfers.
The occupier shall make suitable provision, to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Inspector in charge of the District, for the
accommodation during meal times of persons employed in such places or
processes, with a right of appeal to the Chief Inspector of Factories.
6. _Dust._--Transfer making shall not be carried on without the use
of exhaust fans for the effectual removal of dust, or other efficient
means for the effectual removal of dust, to be approved in each
particular case by the Secretary of State, and under such conditions as
he may from time to time prescribe.
7. _Lavatories._--The occupier shall provide and maintain sufficient
and suitable washing conveniences for all persons employed, as near as
is practicable to the places in which such persons are employed.
The washing conveniences shall comprise soap, nail-brushes, and towels,
and at least one wash-hand basin for every five persons employed as
above, with a constant supply of water laid on, with one tap at least
for every two basins, and conveniences for emptying the same and
running off the waste water on the spot down a waste-pipe.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
8. _Monthly Examination._--All women and young persons employed shall
present themselves at the appointed time for examination by the
Certifying Surgeon as provided in Rule 2.
No person after suspension by the Certifying Surgeon shall work without
the written sanction of the Certifying Surgeon.
9. _Overalls._--Every person employed in any room in which colour
processes are carried on shall, when at work, wear an overall suit and
head covering, which shall not be worn outside the factory or workshop,
and which shall not be removed therefrom except for the purpose of
being washed. All overalls and head coverings shall be washed or
renewed at least once a week.
The overalls and head coverings, when not being worn, shall be
deposited in the place provided for the purpose under Rule 4.
Clothing put off during working hours shall be deposited in the place
provided for the purpose under Rule 4.
It shall be a sufficient compliance with the requirements of this rule
as to head coverings if they are made of suitable glazed paper and
renewed once a week. The head coverings shall be made so as completely
to cover the hair, and to the satisfaction of the Inspector.
10. _Food._--No person shall remain during meal times in any place in
which is carried on the making of transfers; or prepare or partake of
any food or drink therein at any time.
11. _Ventilation. Dust._--No person shall in any way interfere, without
the knowledge and concurrence of the occupier or manager, with the
means and appliances provided by the employers for the ventilation of
the workshops and for the removal of dust.
12. _Washing._--No person employed shall leave the works or partake of
meals without previously and carefully cleaning and washing his or her
hands.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
January 1899.
_Note._--These Rules must be kept posted up in conspicuous places
in the factory to which they apply, where they may be conveniently read
by the persons employed.
Any person who is bound to observe these Rules and fails to do so, or
acts in contravention of them, is liable to a penalty; and in such case
the occupier also is liable to a penalty, unless he proves that he has
taken all reasonable means by publishing and to the best of his power
enforcing the Rules, to prevent the contravention or non-compliance.
(Factory and Workshop Act, 1891, Sections 9 and 11).
Form 257.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
THE MANUFACTURE OF EXPLOSIVES IN WHICH DINITROBENZOLE IS USED.
1. No person to be employed without a medical certificate, stating that
he or she is physically fit for such employment.
2. An examination of the workers at their work to be made at least once
a fortnight by a Certifying Surgeon, who shall have power to order
temporary suspension or total change of work for any person showing
symptoms of suffering from the poison, or if after a fair trial he is
of opinion that any person is by constitution unfit, he shall direct
that such person shall cease to be employed.
3. A supply of fresh milk, and of any drug that the medical officer may
consider desirable, shall be kept where the workers in his opinion may
require it.
4. No meals to be taken in the workrooms.
5. There shall be provided separate lavatories for men and women,
with a good supply of hot water, soap, nail-brushes, and towels, and
whenever the skin has come in contact with dinitrobenzole, the part
shall be immediately washed.
6. Overall suits and head coverings shall be supplied to all workers in
shops where dinitrobenzole is used, these suits to be taken off or well
brushed before meals and before leaving the works, and to be washed at
least once a week.
7. Suitable respirators (capable of being washed), folds of linen, or
woollen material of open texture, or other suitable material, shall be
supplied to those workers liable to inhale dust, and the wearing of
such respirators shall be urged where the workers derive benefit from
their use.
8. Where dinitrobenzole has to be handled, the hands shall always be
protected from direct contact with it, either by the use of indiarubber
gloves (kept perfectly clean, especially in the inner side), or by
means of rags which shall be destroyed immediately after use.
9. Where dinitrobenzole is broken by hand, the instrument used shall be
a wooden bar, spade, or tool with a handle long enough to prevent the
worker’s face from coming into near contact with the material.
10. In all rooms or sheds in which the process, either of purifying,
grinding, mixing materials of which dinitrobenzole forms a part, is
carried on, efficient “cowls,” ventilating shafts, and mechanical
ventilating fans shall be provided to carry off the dust or fumes
generated.
11. Drying stoves shall be efficiently ventilated, and, when possible,
be charged and drawn at fixed times, and a free current of air shall be
admitted for some time prior to the workers entering to draw either a
part or the whole of the contents.
12. In the process of filling cartridges, the material shall not be
touched by hand, but suitable scoops shall be used, and where patent
ventilated cartridge filling machines are not used, there shall be
efficient mechanical ventilation arranged in such a manner that the
suction shall draw the fumes or dust away from and not across or over
the faces of the workers.
13. A register, in a prescribed form, shall be kept, and it shall be
the duty of a responsible person named by the firm to enter, at least
once a week, a statement that he has personally satisfied himself
that each and all of the special rules have been observed, or if not,
the reasons for such non-observance. The Surgeon to enter in this
register the dates of his visits, the results of such visits, and any
requirement made by him.
14. The “dipping” rooms to be efficiently ventilated.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
_Note._--These Rules must be kept posted up in conspicuous
places in the factory to which they apply, where they may be
conveniently read by the persons employed.
Any person who is bound to observe these Rules and fails to do
so, or acts in contravention of them, is liable to a penalty;
and in such case the occupier also is liable to a penalty,
unless he proves that he has taken all reasonable means by
publishing and to the best of his power enforcing the Rules,
to prevent the contravention or non-compliance. (Factory and
Workshop Act, 1891, Sections 9 and 11.)
Form 250.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
CHEMICAL WORKS.
1. _Uncovered Pots and Pans._--In future every uncovered pot, pan, or
other structure containing liquid of a dangerous character, shall be
so constructed as to be at least 3 feet in height above the ground
or platform. Those already in existence which are less than 3 feet
in height, or in cases where it is proved to the satisfaction of an
inspector that a height of 3 feet is impracticable, shall be securely
fenced.
2. There shall be a clear space round such pots, pans, or other
structures, or where any junction exists a barrier shall be so placed
as to prevent passage.
3. _Caustic Pots._--Caustic pots shall be of such construction
that there shall be no footing on the top or sides of the brickwork,
and dome-shaped lids shall be used where possible.
4. _Planks and Gangways._--No unfenced planks or gangways shall be
placed across open pots, pans, or other structures containing liquid
of a dangerous character. This rule shall not apply to black ash vats
where the vats themselves are otherwise securely fenced.
5. _Respirators._--Suitable respirators shall be provided for the use
of the workers in places where poisonous gases or injurious dust may be
inhaled.
6. _Lighting._--The lighting of all dangerous places shall be made
thoroughly efficient.
7. _Syringes or Wash-bottles._--Every place where caustic soda
or caustic potash is manufactured shall be supplied with syringes
or wash-bottles, which shall be enclosed in covered boxes fixed in
convenient places, in the proportion of one to every four caustic pots.
They shall be of suitable form and size, and be kept full of clean
water. Similar appliances shall be provided wherever, in the opinion of
an inspector, they may be desirable.
8. _Overalls, Bath._--Overalls, kept in a cleanly state, shall be
provided for all workers in any room where chlorate of potash or other
chlorate is ground. In every such room a bath shall be kept ready for
immediate use.
In every chlorate mill, tallow or other suitable lubricant shall be
used instead of oil.
9. _Respirators._--Respirators charged with moist oxide of iron or
other suitable substance, shall be kept in accessible places ready for
use in cases of emergency arising from sulphuretted hydrogen or other
poisonous gases.
10. _Salt Cake Departments._--In salt cake departments suitable
measures shall be adopted by maintaining a proper draught, and by other
means, to obviate the escape of low-level gases.
11. _Weldon Bleaching Powder Chambers._--Weldon bleaching powder
chambers, after the free gas has, as far as may be practicable, been
drawn off or absorbed by fresh lime, shall, before being opened, be
tested by the standard recognised under the Alkali Act. Such tests
shall be duly entered in a register kept for the purpose.
All chambers shall be ventilated, as far as possible, when packing is
being carried on, by means of open doors on opposite sides and openings
in the roof, so as to allow of a free current of air.
12. _Co-operation of Workers: Penalty._--In cases where the
co-operation of the workers is required for carrying out the foregoing
rules, and where such co-operation is not given, the workers shall be
held liable in accordance with the Factory and Workshop Act, 1891,
section 9, which runs as follows:--“If any person who is bound to
observe any special rules, established for any factory or workshop
under this Act, acts in contravention of, or fails to comply with, any
such special rule, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine
not exceeding two pounds.”
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
Form 260.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_AMENDED SPECIAL RULES for Chemical Works in which is carried on
the_ MANUFACTURE OF BICHROMATE OR CHROMATE
OF POTASSIUM OR SODIUM.
_In these Rules “persons employed in a chrome process” means a person
who is employed in any work involving contact with chromate or
bichromate of potassium or sodium, or involving exposure to dust or
fumes arising from the manufacture thereof._
_Any approval given by the Chief Inspector in pursuance of Rule 10
shall be given in writing, and may at any time be revoked by notice in
writing signed by him._
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. _Open Pans, &c., containing Dangerous Liquid._--No uncovered pot,
pan, or other structure containing liquid of a dangerous character
shall be so constructed as to be less than 3 feet in height above the
adjoining ground or platform.
This Rule shall not apply to any pot, pan, or other structure
constructed before 1st January 1899, or in which a height of 3 feet is
impracticable by reason of the nature of the work to be carried on:
provided in either case that the structure is securely fenced.
2. There shall be a clear space round all pots, pans, or other
structures containing liquid of a dangerous character, except where
any junction exists, in which case a barrier shall be so placed as to
prevent passage.
3. No unfenced plank or gangway shall be placed across any pot, pan, or
other structure containing liquid of a dangerous character.
4. _Lighting._--The lighting of all dangerous places shall be made
thoroughly efficient.
5. _Grinding, Separating, and Mixing of Raw Materials._--The grinding,
separating, and mixing of the raw materials (including chrome
ironstone, lime, and sodium and potassium carbonate) shall not be
done without such appliances as will prevent, as far as possible, the
entrance of dust into the workrooms.
6. _Batches._--“Batches,” when withdrawn from the furnaces, shall
either be placed in the keaves or vats while still warm, or be allowed
to cool in barrows or other receptacles.
7. _Evaporating Vessels._--Evaporating vessels shall be covered in, and
shall be provided with ventilating shafts to carry the steam into the
outside air.
8. _Packing and Crushing of Bichromate._--Packing or crushing of
bichromate of potassium or sodium shall not be done except under
conditions which secure either the entire absence of dust or its
effectual removal by means of a fan.
9. _Age._--No child or young person shall be employed in a chrome
process.
10. _Monthly Medical Examination. Suspension._--(_a_) The occupier
shall, subject to the approval of the Chief Inspector, appoint a
duly qualified medical practitioner (in these Rules referred to as
the Appointed Surgeon), who shall examine all persons employed in
chrome processes at least once in every month, and shall undertake
any necessary medical treatment of disease contracted in consequence
of such employment, and shall, after the 30th day of April 1900, have
power to suspend any such person from work in any place or process.
(_b_) No person after such suspension shall be employed in any chrome
process without the written sanction of the Appointed Surgeon.
_Health Register._--(_c_) A register shall be kept in a form approved
by the Chief Inspector, and shall contain a list of all persons
employed in any chrome process. The Appointed Surgeon shall enter in
the register the dates and results of his examinations of the persons
employed and particulars of any treatment prescribed by him. The
register shall be produced at any time when required by H.M. Inspectors
of Factories or by the Appointed Surgeon.
11. _Requisites for treating slight Wounds and Ulcers._--Requisites
(approved by the Appointed Surgeon) for treating slight wounds and
ulcers shall be kept at hand and be placed in charge of a responsible
person.
12. _Overalls and Respirators._--The occupier shall provide sufficient
and suitable overall suits for the use of all persons engaged in the
processes of grinding the raw materials; and sufficient and suitable
overall suits or other adequate means of protection, approved in
writing by the Appointed Surgeon, for the use of all persons engaged in
the crystal department or in packing.
Respirators approved by the Appointed Surgeon shall be provided for the
use of all persons employed in packing or crushing bichromate of sodium
or potassium.
At the end of every day’s work they shall be collected and kept in
proper custody in a suitable place set apart for the purpose.
The overalls and respirators shall be thoroughly washed or renewed
every week.
13. _Cloak-room._--The occupier shall provide and maintain a cloak-room
in which workers can deposit clothing put off during working hours.
14. _Lavatory._--The occupier shall provide and maintain a lavatory
for the use of the persons employed in chrome processes, with soap,
nail-brushes, and towels, and a constant supply of hot and cold water
laid on to each basin. There shall be at least one lavatory basin for
every five persons employed in the crystal department and in packing.
Each such basin shall be fitted with a waste-pipe, or shall be placed
in a trough fitted with a waste-pipe.
15. _Baths._--The occupier shall provide and maintain sufficient baths
and dressing-rooms for all persons employed in chrome processes, with
hot and cold water laid on, and a sufficient supply of soap and towels;
and shall cause each person employed in the crystal department and in
packing to take a bath once a week at the factory.
_Bath Register._--A bath register shall be kept containing a list of
all persons employed in the crystal department and in packing, and an
entry of the date when each person takes a bath.
The bath register shall be produced at any time when required by H.M.
Inspectors of Factories.
16. _Cleaning of Floors, &c._--The floors, stairs, and landings shall
be cleaned daily.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
17. _Batches._--No person shall deposit a “batch” when withdrawn
from the furnace upon the floor nor transfer it to the keaves or vats
otherwise than as prescribed in Rule 6.
18. _Packing and Crushing of Bichromate._--No person shall pack or
crush bichromate of potassium or sodium otherwise than as prescribed in
Rule 8.
19. _Medical Examination._--(_a_) Every person employed in
a chrome process shall present himself at the appointed times for
examination by the Appointed Surgeon as provided in Rule 10.
(_b_) After the 30th day of April 1900, no person suspended by the
Appointed Surgeon shall work in a chrome process without his written
sanction.
20. _Overalls._--Every person engaged in the processes of grinding
the raw materials shall wear an overall suit, and every person engaged
in the crystal department or in packing shall wear an overall suit or
other adequate means of protection approved by the Appointed Surgeon.
_Respirators._--Every person employed in packing or crushing
bichromate of sodium or potassium shall in addition wear a respirator
while so occupied.
21. _Washing._--Every person employed in the processes named in
Rule 20 shall before leaving the premises deposit the overalls and
respirators in the place appointed by the occupier for the purpose, and
shall thoroughly wash face and hands in the lavatory.
22. _Bathing._--Every person employed in the crystal department
and in packing shall take a bath at the factory at least once a week;
and, having done so, he shall at once sign his name in the bath
register, with the date.
23. _Neglect to be Reported._--The foreman shall report to the
manager any instance coming under his notice of a workman neglecting to
observe these Rules.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_Chief Inspector of Factories_.
M. W. RIDLEY,
_One of Her Majesty’s Principal
Secretaries of State_.
February 1900.
_Note._--These Rules must be kept posted up in conspicuous places
in the factory to which they apply, where they may be conveniently
read by the persons employed. Any person who is bound to observe
these Rules and fails to do so, or acts in contravention of them, is
liable to a penalty; and in such cases the occupier also is liable to
a penalty, unless he proves that he has taken all reasonable means by
publishing and to the best of his power enforcing the Rules, to prevent
the contravention or non-compliance. (Factory and Workshop Act, 1891,
Sections 9 and 11.)
Form No. 261.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
RED AND ORANGE LEAD WORKS.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
_Drawing._--In drawing charges of massicot, or of red lead, or of
orange lead, from the furnace they shall not allow the charges of
massicot, or of red lead, or of orange lead, to be discharged on to
the floor of the factory or workshop, but shall arrange that it be
shovelled, not raked, into waggons.
_Packing._--They shall arrange that no red or orange lead shall be
packed in the room or rooms where the manufacture is actually carried
on.
They shall arrange that no red or orange lead shall be packed in casks
or other receptacles except in a place provided with a hood connected
with a fan, or shall provide other suitable means to create an
effective draught.
_Washing Conveniences._--They shall provide sufficient bath
accommodation for all persons employed in the manipulation of red and
orange lead, and lavatories, with a good supply of hot water, soap,
nail-brushes, and towels for the use of such persons.
_Monthly Examination._--They shall arrange for a monthly visit by a
medical man, who shall examine every worker individually, and who shall
enter the result of each examination in a register book to be provided
by the said occupiers.
_Sanitary Drink._--They shall provide a sufficient supply of approved
sanitary drink for the workers.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
In cases where the co-operation of the workers is required for carrying
out the foregoing rules, and where such co-operation is not given,
the workers shall be held liable in accordance with the Factory and
Workshop Act, 1891, Section 9, which runs as follows:--
“If any person who is bound to observe any special rules
established for any factory or workshop under this Act, acts
in contravention of, or fails to comply with, any such special
rule, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not
exceeding two pounds.”
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
Form 263.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
YELLOW LEAD.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
They shall provide washing conveniences, with a sufficient supply of
hot and cold water, soap, nail-brushes, and towels.
They shall provide respirators and overall suits for the persons
employed in all dry processes.
They shall provide fans or other suitable means of ventilation wherever
dust is generated in the process of manufacture.
They shall provide a sufficient supply of Epsom salts and of an
approved sanitary drink.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
In cases where the co-operation of the workers is required for carrying
out the foregoing rules, and where such co-operation is not given,
the workers shall be held liable, in accordance with the Factory and
Workshop Act, 1891, Section 9, which runs as follows:--
“If any person who is bound to observe any special rules
established for any factory or workshop under this Act, acts
in contravention of, or fails to comply with, any such special
rule, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not
exceeding two pounds.”
Respirators { A good respirator is a cambric bag with or without
{ a thin flexible wire made to fit over the nose.
Sanitary drink { Sulphate of magnesia 2 oz.
suggested { Water 1 gallon.
{ Essence of lemon, sufficient to flavour.
B. A. WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
Form 264.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
LEAD SMELTING WORKS.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
They shall provide respirators and overall suits for the use of all
persons employed in cleaning the flues, and take means to see that the
same are used.
They shall arrange that no person be allowed to remain at work more
than two hours at a time in a flue. (A rest of half-an-hour before
re-entering will be deemed sufficient.)
They shall provide sufficient bath accommodation for all persons
employed in cleaning the flues, and every one so employed shall take a
bath before leaving the works.
They shall provide washing conveniences, with a sufficient supply of
hot and cold water, soap, nail-brushes, and towels.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
In cases where the co-operation of the workers is required for carrying
out the foregoing rules, and where such co-operation is not given,
the workers shall be held liable, in accordance with the Factory and
Workshop Act, 1891, Section 9, which runs as follows:--
“If any person who is bound to observe any special rules
established for any factory or workshop under this Act, acts
in contravention of, or fails to comply with, any such special
rule, he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not
exceeding two pounds.”
B. A. WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
Form 268.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES, only applicable to works in which_
LEAD OR ARSENIC IS USED IN THE TINNING AND
ENAMELLING OF IRON HOLLOW WARE.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
They shall provide washing conveniences with a sufficient supply of hot
and cold water, soap, nail-brushes, and towels; and take measures to
secure that every worker wash face and hands before meals and before
leaving the works.
They shall see that no food is eaten in any room where the process of
tinning or enamelling is carried on.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
In cases where the co-operation of the workers is required for carrying
out the foregoing rules, and where such co-operation is not given,
the workers shall be held liable in accordance with the Factory and
Workshop Act, 1891, Section 9, which runs as follows:--“If any person
who is bound to observe any special rules established for any factory
or workshop under this Act, acts in contravention of, or fails to
comply with, any such special rule, he shall be liable on summary
conviction to a fine not exceeding two pounds.”
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
Form 266.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_AMENDED SPECIAL RULES._
SPINNING AND WEAVING OF FLAX.
WEAVING SHEDS
(in which artificial humidity is produced).
_Ventilation._--An efficient 14-inch extracting fan shall be provided
for every 2500 square feet of floor surface, such ventilation to be
arranged to the satisfaction of the Inspector of Factories, and to be
kept in operation during working hours.
_Humidity._--In every weaving factory where artificial humidity is
produced, there shall be provided, maintained, and kept in correct
working order two sets of standardised wet and dry bulb thermometers. A
difference of at least two degrees shall be kept during working hours
between the wet and dry bulbs (_e.g._, Dry Bulb 75, Wet Bulb 73).
(1.) One set of thermometers is to be fixed in the centre and one at
the side of the factory, or in such other position as may be directed
or sanctioned by an Inspector of Factories, so as to be plainly visible
to the operatives.
(2.) The occupier or manager, or person for the time being in charge
of each factory, shall read the thermometers twice in the day, viz.,
between ten o’clock and eleven o’clock in the forenoon, and between
three o’clock and four o’clock in the afternoon, on every day that any
operatives are employed in the factory, and shall record the readings
of each thermometer at each of such times on a form provided for the
purpose for each set of thermometers, in the form and in accordance
with the regulations contained in Schedule B. of the Cotton Cloth
Factories Act, 1889, and the readings indicated at any time by the said
thermometers shall be taken to represent the actual humidity of the
room at such time.
(3.) The form in which the readings of each thermometer provided for
in sub-section (ii.) of this section are to be recorded shall be kept
hung up near the thermometers; and after being duly filled up, shall be
forwarded at the end of each month to the Inspector of the District,
and a copy shall be kept at the factory for reference.
WET SPINNING ROOMS.
_Overalls._--Where splashboards are not provided, waterproof overalls
or aprons shall be provided by the occupier for all the workers, such
overalls or aprons to be sufficient to protect the lower part of the
chest to the satisfaction of the Inspector.
_Troughs._--The lids of the troughs shall be kept in perfect repair to
check escape of steam.
_Floors._--Floors shall be kept in sound condition so as to prevent
retention or accumulation of water.
The same rules shall be adopted with respect to humidity as are
required in the weaving sheds.
WET SPINNING ROOMS AND WEAVING FACTORIES.
_Steam-Pipes._--Whenever steam is injected into any room, the pipes
conveying the same shall be jacketed with non-conducting composition to
the satisfaction of the Inspector of Factories.
ROUGHING AND SORTING AND HAND HACKLING ROOMS.
_Fans._--Exhaust fans shall be provided so as to draw the dust
forward and down from the face of the worker, unless some other
arrangement shall be found equally effective, to the satisfaction of
the Factory Inspector.
_Respirators._--Respirators shall be provided for the use of the
workers, if children or young persons, and be worn by them at work.
MACHINE HACKLING ROOMS.
Preparation and Card Rooms.
_Fans._--Exhaust fans shall be provided on the side of the room
where the machines are, and inlets provided from 6 to 7 feet from the
ground on the opposite side, unless some other arrangement of such fens
shall be found equally effective.
_Respirators._--Respirators shall be provided for the use of the
workers, if children or young persons, and be worn by them at work.
DRESSING ROOMS.
_Ventilation._--Dressing rooms must be ventilated so as to render
harmless any gas, vapour, or other impurities.
B. A. WHITELEGGE,
_Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Factories_.
M. W. RIDLEY,
_One of Her Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State_.
HOME OFFICE,
18th April 1896.
Form 270.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
FACTORIES OR WORKSHOPS IN WHICH YELLOW CHROMATE OF LEAD IS USED, OR IN
WHICH GOODS DYED WITH IT UNDERGO THE PROCESSES OF BUNDLING OR NODDLING,
WINDING, REELING, WEAVING, OR ANY OTHER TREATMENT.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
They shall provide washing conveniences, with a sufficient supply of
hot and cold water, soap, nail-brushes, and towels.
They shall provide respirators and overall suits for the persons
employed in all dry processes.
They shall provide fans or other suitable means of ventilation wherever
dust is generated in the process of manufacture.
They shall provide a sufficient supply of Epsom salts and of the
sanitary drink mentioned below, or some other approved by H.M.
Inspector of Factories.
Respirators { A good respirator is a cambric bag with or without a
{ thin flexible wire made to fit over the nose.
Sanitary drink { Sulphate of magnesia 2 oz.
{ Water 1 gallon.
{ Essence of lemon, sufficient to flavour.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
Every person to whom is supplied a respirator or overall suit shall
wear the same when at the special work for which such are provided.
Every person shall carefully clean and wash hands and face before meals
and before leaving the works.
No food shall be eaten in any part of the works in which yellow
chromate of lead is used in the manufacture.
ARTHUR WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
Under Section 9, Factory Act, 1891, any person who is bound to observe
any special rules is liable to penalties for non-compliance with such
special rules.
Form 271.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
MIXING AND CASTING OF BRASS AND OF
CERTAIN OTHER ALLOYS.
_SPECIAL RULES._
Under Section 8 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1891, and Section 28
of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1895, for the processes in the mixing
and casting of Brass, Gun Metal, Bell Metal, White Metal, Delta Metal,
Phosphor Bronze, and Manilla Mixture.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. They shall provide adequate means for facilitating, as far as
possible, the emission or escape from the shop of any noxious fumes or
dust arising from the above-named processes. Such means shall include
the provision of traps or of louvre gratings in the roof or ceiling of
any shop in which such processes, or either of them, is or are carried
on; or in case of a mixing or casting shop which is situated under any
other shop, there shall be provided an adequate flue or shaft (other
than any flue or shaft in connection with a furnace or fireplace) to
carry any fumes from the mixing or casting shop, by or through any such
shop that may be situated above it.
2. They shall cause all such mixing or casting shops, whether defined
as Factories or as Workshops under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1878,
to be cleaned down and limewashed once at least within every twelve
months, or once within every six months if so required by notice in
writing from H.M. Inspector of Factories and Workshops, dating from
the time when these were last thus cleaned down and limewashed; and
they shall record the dates of such cleaning down and lime-washing in a
prescribed form of register.
3. They shall provide a sufficient supply of metal basins, water, and
soap, for the use of all persons employed in such mixing or casting
shops.
4. They shall not employ, or allow within their Factory or Workshop
the employment of, any Woman or Female Young Person, in any process
whatever, in any such mixing or casting shop, or in any portion thereof
which is not entirely separated by a partition extending from the floor
to the ceiling.
DUTIES OF PERSONS EMPLOYED.
5. They shall not partake of, or cook any food in any such mixing
or casting shop, within a period of at least Ten Minutes after the
completion of the last pouring of metal in that shop.
B. A. WHITELEGGE,
_H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories_.
July 10, 1896.
_Note._--WOMEN and PERSONS under 18 YEARS OF AGE are by the
39th section of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1878, expressly
FORBIDDEN either to TAKE A MEAL or to REMAIN in any casting shop
during the time stated on the Notice affixed in the factory
or workshop as being allowed for meals; and the obligation of
enforcing this section rests with the occupier.
* * * * *
These Rules are required to be posted up in conspicuous places in the
Factory or Workshop to which they apply, where they may be conveniently
read by the persons employed. Any person who wilfully injures or
defaces them is liable to a penalty not exceeding five pounds (Factory
and Workshop Act, 1891, section 11). Occupiers of factories and
workshops, and persons employed therein, who are bound to observe any
special rules, are liable to penalties for non-compliance with the
same. (Factory and Workshop Act, 1891, Sections 9 and 11.)
Form 272.
FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS, 1878 TO 1895.
_SPECIAL RULES._
WOOL SORTING.
DUTIES OF OCCUPIERS.
1. Bales of wool or hair shall, whenever opened for the purpose of
being sorted, be so opened by men skilled in judging of the quality and
condition of the material.
2. All Alpaca, Pelitan, Cashmere, Persian, and Camel Hair shall be
opened over a fan with a downward draught, in a room specially set
apart for the purpose, separate and distinct from any sorting-room and
from any room in which work (other than opening) is carried on.
3. Van Mohair shall be washed and sorted while damp, if sorted at all.
Persian shall be washed or disinfected as far as possible before being
sorted.