Guidance for Worker's Safety in Plating Shops Circa 1890-1930

Workmen exclusively engaged in pickling objects are advised to neutralize the action of the acid upon the enamel of the teeth and the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat by frequently rinsing the mouth with dilute solution of bicarbonate of soda. Those engaged in freeing the objects from grease lose, for want of cleanliness, the skin on the portions of the fingers which come constantly in contact with the lime and caustic lyes. This may be overcome by frequently washing the hands in clean water; and previous to each intermission in the work the workman should, after washing the hands, dip them in dilute sulphuric acid, dry them and thoroughly rub them with cosmoline, or a mixture of equal parts of glycerin and water. The use of rubber gloves by workmen engaged in freeing the objects from grease cannot be recommended, they being expensive and subject to rapid destruction. It is better to wrap a linen rag seven or eight times around a sore finger, many workmen using this precaution to protect the skin from the corrosive action of the lye.

It should be a rule for every employee in the establishment not to drink from vessels used in electroplating manipulations; for instance, porcelain dishes, beer glasses, etc. One workman may this moment use such a vessel to drink from and without his knowledge another may employ it the next morning for dipping out potassium cyanide solution, and the first using it again as a drinking vessel may incur sickness or even fatal poisoning.

The handling of potassium cyanide and its solutions requires constant care and judgment. Working with sore hands in such solutions should e avoided as much as possible; but if it has to be done, and the workman feels a sharp pain in the sore, wash the latter quickly with clean water, and apply a few drops of blue vitriol solution.   (Electro-deposition of Metals, Langbein 1913)


The shop should always have an abundance of fresh air so the poisonous fumes so not pass through the worker's lungs.

The workers must wear protective gloves because cyanide causes painful sores on the hands. They are treated by dipping the sore into dilute sulfuric acid (1 to 10) and enduring the pain as long as possible. Wash the sore in warm soapy water and bind it up with a soapy rag.

Iron sulfate will neutralize the bad effects of cyanide and the nervous exhaustion caused by breathing cyanide fumes. And one must take Parrish's chemical food or a similar preparation of iron.  (Plater's Guide Book, 1891)


In 1932, a Chromium plating manual states: Chrome ulcers or chrome holes are made when a small cut comes in contact with chromium. Before this occurs, the cut should be wrapped in waterproof plaster. Wear gloves at all times.

Chromic acid affects the membranes of the nose, use lanolin ointment smeared on the face and up the nose.

Many up to date firms who have the welfare of their workers at heart have arranged for all workers in chromium plating to receive at the firms expense a pint of fresh milk daily. (Chromium Plating Manual, 1932)  

....... THANK GOD FOR OSHA !!!!