AN INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21391, 6 February 1935, Page 12

AN INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM

♦ HELP FOR WORKERS INCREASING EFFICIENCY AND HEALTH LONDON, January 5. The "perfect factory" lies in a large building near Victoria —in sections—waiting for some enterprising person to piece it together. It is the Home Office Industrial J T uscum. Its aim is to smooth away the difficulties of employers and employed, to improve workshop and factory conditions, and in so doing increase output and general efficiency—and health. Modern science declares that noise is one of the most destructive elements in industry. Much of it is entirely unnecessary. To prove this a room has been specially built. Noise in an enclosed space is doubled by sound waves reflected from the walls and ceiling. To defeat this the ceiling is lined with a special seaweed from Nova 'Scotia, stitched inside an envelope of brown paper. This is covered with stretched canvas which can be coloured. The use of this system has proved its efficiency in lessening the harmful effects of noise. But noise is only one of the countless factors in commercial life with which the museum deals. Employers c" large staffs and factory managers are encouraged to consult the museum on any difficulties connected with their staffs. The mueum gives a practical lesson in safety precautions. The staircases leading from the gallery and basement are covered with the latest non-skid treading. In one section are grouped together samples of the most suitable clothing, fireproof and acid-proof, for employees engaged in dangerous work. For those who deal with molten metal special spats have been designed to prevent injuries from splashing. A special tight-fitting cap for girl workers to eliminate the danger from stray strands of hair catching in machinery is another feature. Face coverings are designed to protect certain workers from the effect of radiant heat. A section is devoted to canteens. Statistics again show that a little extra time and money spent in this branch has far-reaching results. An atmosphere of brightness is more important during recreation hours than the working period. Another necessity is an efficient first-aid laboratory. The way to load, and not to load, the human frame is illustrated by little models showing men and women carrying heavy trays. The wrong way clearly shows the permanent injury to health that frequently results. Special wash-basins at which a number of people can wash at the same time, shower baths and mechanical hot-air hand driers are on exhibition.