asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether a substance called trichloroethylene is used in any factories or workshops in this country; whether the use of this substance could endanger the health of the workers; and, if so, what precautions, if any, are being taken in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Trichloroethylene.
49.
Trichloroethylene is used in a number of factories and workshops here. It is a volatile liquid used in the degreasing of metals and, to some extent, in the cleaning of textile fabrics.
Trichloroethylene can endanger the health of workers employed in its vicinity, if the necessary precautions are not taken. Consequently, the layout of the work place and trichloroethylene plant must be arranged so that adequate ventilation is maintained at all times. In certain operations the workers must wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus.
Enforcement of essential safety precautions is undertaken by the factory inspectors of my Department. I should like to take this opportunity of impressing on the occupiers of factories and workshops the absolute necessity to take every precaution to safeguard the health of workers coming into contact with this particular chemical. If any occupiers wish to have advice on any problem connected with this matter, I should be very glad if they would contact the factory inspectorate of my Department. The inspectors will be ready at any time to visit premises and give advice.