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53
building. An upstairs workroom had a faint smell of the substance
when the wind was in the wrong direction.
(e) Thinners of various types The use of these for cleaning
hands of painters, etc. was known to be a hazard and not risked.
Dermatitis This condition of the skin was a rarity in the firms
visited.
Primary irritants such as strong acids, and alkalis were
handled., with great care. No case from this cause was recorded.
Sensitlzers It was once said that "One can become sensitive
to everything under the sun including sun". This puts in a
nutshell the liability of any person at any stage of their lives
suddenly becoming sensitive to a substance they may have been using
for 20 years or more. It is an altered reaction on the part of
the body to the substance. It begins usually with irritation of
the skin over the exposed parts and where volatile substances
are concerned the soft tissues about the eyes often swell. Common
sensitizers are primulae and other plants, nickel, mineral oiE
contaminants, antiseptics and medicated soaps.
The few cases reported to us had all left their particular
occupations where some substance had caused the sensi tivi ty. These,
in the main, were attributed to mineral greases, paraffin, cutting
oils or a mixture of them. "Barrier Creams" were widely supplied
and used.
Meals on Premises
Canteens 8 Mess Room 18 Tea only 34, No provision 6.
The 8 canteens provided excellent mid day meals and provided
for morning and afternoon tea breaks. Mess rooms provided a place
where employees could take their own midday sandwich lunch. In
those factories where no provision for meals was made sandwich
midday meals, in some instances, were eaten in the workroom.
Summary of Findings
As on the occasion of the previous survey ( 1952) the conclusions
to be stressed are:-
(1) In many factories, particularly the smaller ones, first aid
and other medical treatment is at present haphazard and unorgani sed.