On Ferro-Silicon, with Special Reference to the Poisonous Gases Liable to Be Evolved Therefrom

Abstract

"The possibility of danger to life from the transport of ferro-silicon had already received attention in this country through a 'Notice to Shipowners, Shipmasters, and Shippers' issued by the Board of Trade in September 1907; but the magnitude of the risks involved in the treatment of this material and the need for more stringent regulations was strikingly demonstrated by the death of five Russian immigrants on board the s.s, Askton in December 1908, during, this ship's voyage from Antwerp to Grimsby. Inquiries made on behalf of the Local Government Board into this occurrence brought to light a number of previous accidents in connection with the transport of ferro-silicon, and after conference with the Home Office and the Board of Trade the full investigation of this. subject was placed in the hands of Dr Copeman."