On the section and particularly in relation to Part 3 there are references to various mechanical devices such as electric generators, motors, and rotary converters and so forth. Are these things defined anywhere or is there any obligation or need to define them?
SECTION 20.
Question proposed: " That Section 20 stand part of the Bill."
Mr. Lemass
So far no difficulties have arisen as to their definition. There seem to be certain accepted views as to what they are.
Mr. Lemass
What, for instance, is the difference between a loose and a fast pulley? I presume the inspector knows what they are.
Question put and agreed to.
Section 21 put and agreed to.
Question proposed: " That Section 22 stand part of the Bill."
Mr. Lemass
On the section, we find references to " every dangerous part of any machinery." It would seem to me that some more precise definition might be required. By whom are the decisions made that part of a machine is dangerous? How could you determine that if an argument arose between a factory manager and a factory inspector?
I suppose it could be determined in the long run by the courts.
Mr. Lemass
Dangerous in what sense? Presumably it is to the health and safety of the workman.
Yes.
Mr. Lemass
I think consideration should be given to the precise definition of that particular term.
The difficulty may be to get such a definition. That might involve us in difficulties worse than those thrown up by the description itself.
I think that in practice this term will work out all right. I think it is well known what a dangerous part really means but it might be rather impossible to define it.
Mr. Lemass
A sledge hammer is a very dangerous implement from my point of view.
This sub-section is really making provision for doing what is required by another section of the 1901 Act and is there already. I am now informed that this phrase " dangerous part of any machinery " has been in use for 75 years and has not caused any controversy.
Mr. Lemass
It is a matter of retaining it because it is in existence.
Question put and agreed to.
Sections 23 and 24 inclusive, put and agreed to.