HARBOUR BRIDGE WORK

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28013, 6 July 1956, Page 13

HARBOUR BRIDGE WORK

SAFEGUARDS FOR MEN UNDER WATER “Ttye Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, July 5. The men building the foundations of the Auckland harbour bridge are at present working in a caisson 30 feet below the seabed at a pressure of 18 pounds to the square inch above normal atmospheric pressure. He had heard some “gruesome stories” about what would happen to the men. said the project manager (Mr W. Cardno) in an address to the Royal Empire Society. He wanted to reassure his audience on that matter. The pressure in the caissons would, Mr Cardno said, ultimately be as high as 48 pounds to the square inch. But strict precautions were being observed to ensure that the men did not contract the so-called “divers’ palsy’’ or “caisson disease.” caused by nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream. A medical lock was used gradually to “depressurise” men who had completed a shift at pressures of 18 pounds or more, said Mr Cardno. The workmen. furthermore, were required to stay on the bridge site for an hour or more after emerging from the caisson. Additionally, each man wore an identity disc at all times, so that, should he become ill while off the job. he could be rushed to the air lock for treatment.

All men working under pressure were medically examined every month, he said.