From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Report from Imperial Chemical Industries on safety precautions for the use of chlorinated naphthalenes.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 61\1\ scan0265 | |
| Date | 13th September 1935 | |
| IMPERIAL CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED. General Chemical Group. Technical Service Department. Report No. G.C.S./6454. SUGGESTED PRECAUTIONS RELATING TO THE USE OF CHLORINATED NAPHTHALENES. The fumes of chlorinated naphthalene waxes are known to give rise, in some cases, to mild inflammation and irritation of the skin, and repeated exposure to the fumes can give rise to chlor acne. The solid wax can be handled with safety, no instances of trouble having occurred with operatives handling the wax in this form. The possible effect of the wax, when in a finely divided state, on the skin, however, cannot be overlooked. Although the mild cases yield readily to treatment, (change of job often being sufficient), it is considered advisable that operatives should be safeguarded by the adoption of simple precautions. Experience has shown that if the following be adhered to, Seekay Wax, which is a chlornaphthalene, can be used with safety. (1) The wax should not be overheated; a temperature only slightly (e.g. 10-15°C) in excess of the melting point is all that is necessary to produce a mobile liquid. (2) When the wax is used in open melting pots, hoods should be fitted with exhaust ventilation to carry fumes away. (3) Operatives should smear the exposed parts of the body with lanoline (anhydrous). (4) The hands and forearms should be cleansed with a good skin soap, e.g. Westropol, followed by cotton seed oil, after any contact with the wax. Experience has shown that personal cleanliness is a very important factor in the prevention of all types of skin affection, and, in consequence, the provision of adequate washing facilities is of great importance. CWR/EG. 13/9/1935. | ||