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1. Publicity and Education.
The Act is very welcome to all concerned with the effects
of atmospheric pollution, and although it is recognised that it
by no means gives the complete answer, it is a definite step
forward. Whilst it is difficult to foresee that a substantial
decrease in atmospheric smoke will be made in a short time, it
gives many opportunities for improvement. Nevertheless, the
most important factor still remains the education of public
opinion, both as regards the industrialist and the domestic
consumer.
Efforts are being made continuously by the Officers of the
Public Health Department to disseminate information and knowledge
on this subject by means of posters, leaflets, lectures,
public meetings etc., and also by personal talks to stokers by
Public Health Inspectors when visiting industrial premises.
It is of the greatest importance that persons responsible
for tending and stoking boilers should be properly trained, and
it may be that the implementation of the Clean Air Act will
stimulate a greater interest by those concerned in the proper
training of their employees who are engaged in the fuelling of
furnaces, boiler maintenance, etc.
2. Preparation for the administration of the Act.
This Act is to come into operation on the "appointed day"
to be fixed by the Minister, but a considerable amount of preparation
is necessary in order that the Council may be in a
position to implement the provisions of the Act as soon as it
becomes operative.
On the Ist November, a survey was commenced of all the
industrial and domestic heating plants in Camberwell with an
output of 55,000 B.T.U. or over, for the purpose of compiling a
record which will include details of the number, type and rating
of furnaces, the type of fuel and fuel consumption, method of
firing, instrumentation (smoke density recorders, draught
gauges, etc.) grit and dust arresting plants, number and position
of chimneys etc. At the time of inspection, advice was offered
to the management, where necessary, with regard to any improvements
or alterations in the plant, fuel or method of use which it
was considered would be helpful in reducing to a minimum any
atmospheric pollution.
It is estimated that there are 500 such plants in the Borough,
and up to the end of December, 79 of them had been fully dealt
with by the Smoke Inspector. By the time the Clean Air Act
comes into operation, it would be desirable for the Public Health