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human life. But in the hands of the inexperienced and irresponsible, Cyanide is
most dangerous not only to the fumigators themselves but to others who trust to
them for protection. So far, the business has been on a small scale in this country
and de minimis non curat lex. But, though a Port Medical Officer of Health must
remain responsible for certifying the efficiency of fumigations carried out in his
district, he ought not to have to worry as to whether the fumigators can be trusted to
handle the fumigant with safety under ship conditions. A fumigating squad should only
be permitted to use Cyanide on condition that they are led by a man with a thorough
technical knowledge of the material he is using, all its dangers, all the precautions
necessary, the action to be taken in any case of poisoning and the methods of testing
for the presence of Cyanide and their significance. Every member of the squad
should fully appreciate the danger of Cyanide and be thoroughly trained in the use
and care of gas masks and oxygen-breathing apparatus. He should have practical
training in the rescue of persons overcome in irrespirable atmospheres and their
first-aid treatment, and he should know his way about ships of all types, so that in
the most complicated passenger accommodation he may always arrange to work
towards the exit provided and never fail to find it. Such conditions may seem likely
to hamper Cyanide in competition with Sulphur, but Cyanide fumigating squads need,
and indeed should, only be small, and if the requirements for safety are neglected
fatal accidents will occur. Such accidents are to be deplored not only on account
of the loss of valuable lives but because they create in the minds of shipowners
a prejudice against the most efficient fumigant at our command.

See also Appendices XXVI., XXVII. and XXVIII.
Total includes 909 Rats not accounted for in Tables " G," " H " and " I," being a number of Rats voluntarily notified
by Private Rat Catchers as having been trapped on vessels from non-infected ports.

EATS EXAMINED— Vessels, Docks, Quays, &c 4,140
See also Appendices XXVI., XXVII. and XXVIII.