ANTI-GAS PRECAUTIONS

Evening Star, Issue 22147, 30 September 1935, Page 9

ANTI-GAS PRECAUTIONS

BRITISH MERCHANT MARINE HANDBOOK ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, September 27. The latest anti-air raid precautions, a handbook of which the Government is issuing a series, deals with merchant shipping, which, according to opinions expressed, is likely to be ■ attacked by mustard or a similar persistent gas, necessitating protective clothing, such as respirators, oilskin suits, and rubber sea boots, while the ship must immediately be decontaminated, otherwise she will remain dangerous for weeks. The port authorities must appoint an anti-gas officer, who will certify the freedom of outward-bound ships and their cargoes from gas and warn shipmasters when there is a likelihood of an air attack, and thus enable necessary precautions to be taken. The handbook recommends, in the event of an outbreak of war, that ships likely to be exposed to gas attacks should be provided with canvas covers, bleach powder, paraffin, protective clothing, shower baths, and boiling facilities for decontaminating clothing.