IS IT SAFE?

Cromwell Argus, Volume L, Issue 2647, 10 November 1919, Page 7

IS IT SAFE?

The making of a gas-mask is a very delicate matter, and a great responsibility rests on the workers, for the tiniest leak or the smallest imperfection may result in the death of the soldier who is ultimately dcstined ( to wear it.

Not that there is much chance of such a thing happening, however, for the system of inspection is very thorough. Each part, no matter how minute or seemingly unimportant, is carefully examined before it is sent to the worker ; and after the mask is finally completed it is taken to one of a row of little dark closets, which look exactly like a dark-room, for final inspection. This is performed under a powerful electric light by women who have been chosen for the purpose because of their exceptionally good- eyesight. With all this care there does not seem to be one chance in a million that an imperfect gas-mask can be shipped from the factory. Nevertheless, before being issued to the troops, every individual mask is subjected to a last conclusive test by being actually worn in a room filled with poison gas of a strength and density many times greater than that which is likely to be met with in any circumstances on the battlefield.