MILLS AND OTHER BUILDINGS 165 
get out. The next story should be handled in the 
same manner and the room closed. Each floor below, 
including the basement, is handled the same way. 
Whenever the gas is generated in a basement, cellar, 
or in a room where the operator can not get out 
quickly without climbing a ladder or going up-stairs, 
great care should be taken. The lines of string lead- 
ing from the cyanide should be arranged so they can 
be cut from a point where the operator will have no 
difficulty in escaping quickly. Under no circum- 
stances should one go into a basement or other 
enclosure, unite the chemicals, and attempt to escape 
by climbing a ladder or stair. Sucha procedure would 
be exceedingly hazardous and should be avoided. 
Outside doors or other openings in buildings where 
persons are admitted should be carefully locked or 
barred, so that no one could possibly enter while the 
gas is enclosed. 
Airing the enclosure.—In buildings where large 
quantities of grain, manufactured products, or other 
materials, are stored the gas should be left, where it is 
convenient to do so, from five to twenty-four hours, or 
even longer. During this time more or less of the gas’ 
will escape, and when the doors or ventilators are opened 
great care should be taken not to inhale the escaping 
gas. The building should be left open and allowed 
to thoroughly air for half an hour or longer before 
anybody is permitted to enter it. In tight enclosures, 
such as basements and lower rooms, where free 
circulation is not available, a longer time may be 
required to eliminate the gas. In such cases extra 
precaution should be taken. If there is the slightest 
