POISONOUS FUMES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 19 November 1937, Page 4

POISONOUS FUMES

EFFECT ON GRADER DRIVERS COUNTY COUNCIL DISCUSSION [By Telegraph—Press Association! WHANGAREI, 18th November. The question of the poisoning of grader drivers by carbon monoxide fumes arising from the exhaust of their machines was discussed by the County Council to-day when it was stated that the opinion of counsel to the New Zealand Counties’ Association had been sought on several points involved. It was reported that the senior grader driver had handed in his resignation, stating, together with his medical adviser, that he was subject to fainting fits sometimes an hour in duration, caused by monoxide poisoning. The main point the county wants cleared up is “in the case of a grader driver being physically incapacitated for any length of time as a result of injurious affection arising from his employment, is the council liable for compensation?” The council also sought opinions regarding the general effect of carbon monoxide poisoning, the length of time the poison is likely to injuriously affect the driver, the necessity of spelling drivers and finally whether there was any remedy apart from a man relinquishing his job The machines, it was stated, were Of standard design. The drivers claimed that the fumes were worse when they were engaged in cutting roads enclosed by bush. The Nelson Garrison Eand is holding a euchre tourmanet in the Rechabite Hall commencing on Monday evening next. It is hoped that the lovers of euchre will support this effort of the Band to raise funds. Good prizes are olfercd.