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31
OIL HEATER SAFETY CAMPAIGN
In recent years there has been a considerable number of accidents
involving paraffin oil heaters. These accidents have caused loss of life,
serious injury to elderly people and young children and severe damage to
property.
In view of the concern which has been expressed at the increasing
number of this type of accident, regulations have been made under the
provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1961. These regulations came
into force on the 1st June, 1962, and impose safety measures on the sale
of all new and secondhand paraffin heaters. In brief they require warning
notices to be borne by oil heaters against (i) using petrol as a fuel:
(ii) carrying the heater when alight: (iii) using the heater in unventilated
places: (iv) using the heater when it may be exposed to draughts: (v) placing
the heater where it may be knocked over; and they prescribe certain standards
of construction, design and performance with which all domestic oil heaters
not designed for use with a flue manufactured after 1st June, 1962, and
sold or held for the purpose of selling must comply. There are certain
permitted exceptions, and provisions as to inspection, testing and enforcement
are conferred upon local authorities at the expense of the local authority.
Local authorities have had their attention drawn to the fact that,
despite press, radio and television publicity, there has been little demand
from the public to have their heaters examined, and where necessary modified.
It has been stated that there may be 3½ million heaters, often in daily use,
which in many ways do not comply with present day safety standards.
In view, therefore, of the dangers inherent in old models, and in
order to publicise the need to have heaters examined, the Council at its
meeting on the 18th April, 1962, approved a recommendation from the Public
Health and Baths Committee authorising the Medical Officer of Health to
conduct an Oil Heater Safety Campaign throughout the Borough during the
late summer.
The campaign was held during the week commencing Monday, 24th September,
when various leaflets published by the London County Council and the Fire
Protection Association were distributed widely throughout the Borough to Old
People's Clubs, large firms, offices, welfare organisations, hospitals and
large blocks of flats. Distribution of literature was carried out entirely
by the staff of the Public Health Department and valuable assistance was
given by the staff of the Public Library who issued bookmarks specially
printed for the campaign. The Honorary Secretary of the Chelsea Old People's
Welfare Committee kindly arranged for all old people receiving meals-onwheels
to receive copies of the leaflets, and large posters were displayed
in prominent places all over the Borough. Two small displays were sited at
the front and rear entrances of the Town Hall and a further display was
arranged in the main entrance of the Public Library. The London County
Council also assisted by increasing their propaganda during the period of
the campaign at their clinics in the Borough and the local Press co-operated
by publishing a letter from the Chairman of the Public Health and Baths
Committee.