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21
OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER.
"Committee are of opinion that users should be made aware of
"the danger likely to result if escapes of this gas occur, either
"from defective pipes, incomplete combustion, or from want of
"proper ventilation to carry off the products of combustion and
"unconsumed gas from stoves used for cooking and heating.
"From a 'Return relating to all authorised Gas Undertakings
" 'in the United Kingdom, other than those of Local Authorities,
" 'for the year ending 31st December, 1898,' presented in
"compliance with an Order of the House of Commons, and
"dated May 16th, 1899, forwarded to the Committee by the
'Secretary and General Manager of the Gas Light and Coke
"Company, in reply to an inquiry on this subject, it appears that
"of the total quantity of gas sent out by the Company, 26 per
"cent. was unmixed with water-gas. As regards the remainder,
"73 per cent. contained a maximum proportion of 18 per cent. of
"carburetted water-gas; 12 per cent contained a maximum
"proportion of 26 per cent; 4 per cent. a maximum proportion
"of 28 per cent.; and 11 per cent. a maximum proportion of 37
"per cent.
"The Committee find that the Gas Examiners to the London
"County Council, in the weekly report submitted to them, make
"no mention of any examination being made as to the presence of
"water-gas, and on enquiry the Committee find that the Gas
"Examiners have no power to make such an examination." The
Committee therefore instructed the Public Analyst for the
District to test a number of samples of gas supplied to the
District and he subsequently reported that the quantity of watergas
present in the samples examined, did not exceed the amount
(12 per cent.) laid down as permissible by the Departmental
Committee.
A memorandum was issued by the Chief Inspector of
Factories from the Home Office, warning persons using water-gas
for gas engines and heating purposes in factories and workshops,
of its dangerous nature, and the precautions which should be
taken to see that all fittings are frequently examined, and that
effective ventilation is provided in order to carry off all fumes and
unconsumed gas.