Gas Masks | rogergale

World War 1 Gas Masks – warning to schools

October 24th 2013

North Thanet`s MP, Sir Roger Gale, is this (Thursday) morning forwarding a warning to schools about the potential dangers of using World War One gas masks for illustrative and educational purposes.

The warning, issued by the Chairman of the All-Party Group for Occupational Health and Safety, (Jim Sheridan, MP) indicates that the antique masks can release asbestos fibres when they are pulled over faces or handles.

Commenting, Sir Roger says:

“ In commemorating the anniversary of the commencement of the first World War we are encouraging schools, colleges and history societies to put together exhibitions of WW1 material. Inevitably, the surviving artefacts will include items such as “tin hats” and, of course, gas masks.

Nobody wants to deter enthusiasm or to act as a killjoy but we are advised that there are inherent risks in the handling of antiquated technology that, with greater understanding, would not be acceptable today. “Handle with care” or, preferably not at all, would seem to be the order of the day!”