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47
Data for Fumigation by HCN.—continued.
Convenient.
NaCN 1-lb. to 3,000-c. ft.
HaSO4 1-pint (2-3-lbs.) S.G.18.
Water 2-pin ts.
Theoretical Operation.
Examples— 15,000-c. ft.
5-lbs. NaCN
5 pints Acid (Imp.)
10 pints Water
Actual Operation.
15,290.
5-lbs. KCN.
1½ Winc. Qts.=6 pints (Imp.)
1½ gals. (Imp.) = 12 pints.
Actual Operation.
187,000-c. ft. Two ops.
42-lbs. NaCN 42 16½lbs. NaCN 16½-lbs. 16½-lbs.
8½ Wine. Qts. 34 pints 3½ Wine. Qts. 14 pints 32.2-lbs.
8½-gals. 68 pints 3½-gals. 28 pints 35-lbs.
HYDROCYANIC ACID FUMIGATION.
Implements.—Barrel, cask, or glazedware pot of size available for frothing,
according to the magnitude of each operation, of stout material and good make,
pitched within and without, with handles for convenience since the residue has
to be removed and poured away.
Wood tray for stand for each barrel, cask or pot.
A hinged tip (with line attached for actuating) or other device for sliding
in the cyanide such as a pulley centred over barrel or tube down which dissolved
cyanide may be poured.
A set of flaring danger notices, containing words such as " Deadly Poison,"
" Prussic Acid," " Fatal to go on Board," " Fumes," in prominence.
A very authoritative officer at the shore end of one and only gangway.
A set of certificates for responsible people to sign to the effect that this, that
and every gang has been counted out of the ship before producing the gas.
A set of oxygen respirators with bottle, pressure gauge, valves, straps, breathing
bag, nose clips, etc., for complete exclusion of the wearers' lungs from the outside
world and affording an alternative atmosphere. Cotton wool nose and mouth
pads for the gang which mixes sulphuric acid and water in the barrels.
Hydrogen peroxide and ether, with injection syringe, for use in rescue work
in case of accident.
Two or three live small animals as safety indicators.
Procedure.—Warning notices are prominently displayed conveying the time
after which it will be fatal to be on board.
The ship is systematically prepared for sealing, unsealing and wind sail
ventilation, and is sealed as far as is possible at this stage.
The apparatus is suitably distributed.
The acid and water are mixed in each vessel in accordance with pre-arranged
tabulation of spaces and quantities for each portion of the operation.
The personnel is cleared from the ship and watchmen posted at gangway.
The cyanide is weighed and distributed in convenient proximity to the acid
containers in the various holds and quarters.
The working gang is cleared from the ship after seeing that running tackle is
placed and carried to the wharf for opening out the hold covers, and the signatures
of those responsible for clearance of personnel are taken.
The responsible operators (skilled men) place the cyanide in position and set
the apparatus " at full cock." These operators don the oxygen apparatus and set
the lesser cocks in operation in small quarters and finally seal these quarters and
the holds. Then finally " pull off " and leave the ship.
The ship is now deserted and under fumigation.
G