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Concern has been expressed over the growing practice, particularly
in the northern part of the borough, of heating rooms in tenement
houses by oil heaters, and the increased danger from fire which results
from this practice.
The oil heater has rapidly gained in popularity over the past
few years and is in considerable use by the large coloured population in
North Kensington. It provides a rapid means of intensive heat at a
price lower than either gas or electricity; there is no work or expense
involved in installation; comparable heating from an efficient oil
heater is obtained at approximately half the cost of an electric fire.
Secondhand heaters can be bought very cheaply and the fuel which is
used, namely paraffin, is readily available and is usually delivered
direct to the home by the distributors. The fuel is available in
small quantities and, if necessary, a supply can easily be purchased
each day; thus for the cost of one gallon of fuel at 2/3d., a room can
be heated effectively for say 16 hours per day. There is a further
point that no difficulties in connection with gas and electricity
meters are encountered.
There are grave risks of fire from oil heaters, particularly
those manufactured before June, 1962. The fuel itself is highly inflammable
and can be stored in circumstances giving rise to danger.
The filling, if undertaken whilst the heater is alight, can also cause
accidents. Even the modified heaters which have been manufactured
since 1st June, 1962, can be knocked over and can also cause a fire if
moved whilst alight.
Since 1954, the Council have arranged, or participated in, a
number of campaigns emphasising the need for home safety precautions,
particularly when dealing with oil heaters. Various types of posters
relating to oil heater safety have been obtained and have been displayed
on posterboards about the borough; and leaflets have been made
available to the public at the public libraries and to those calling
at the Public Health Department.
During 1963, a display panel, featuring the points of safety
to be followed when using oil heaters, was obtained on loan from the
Oil Appliance Manufacturers' Association. The display panel was
exhibited at the North Kensington Branch Library and the Notting Hill
Gate Branch Library. Eight thousand copies of a leaflet entitled
"Simple Oil Heater Instructions.and produced by the Association
were also obtained. Copies of the leaflet were placed with the
panel, and were sent to the North Kensington Citizens Advice Bureau
for distribution.
MASS RADIOGRAPHY
Mass radiography is undertaken on behalf of the Minister of
Health by the Regional Hospital Boards. Kensington is included in
the area covered by the Mass X-ray Unit No.5A operated by the