View report page

36
wool making contact with an electric battery: the material is easily ignited, for
example, by a match; (b) subsequent to a fire, a fractured oil pipe was examined as
to whether the fracture had existed before the onset of the fire ; and (c) various foam
producing compounds were assessed for their efficiency as fire extinguishers.
Steam
raising,
heating, etc.,
plants
Much consultative and advisory work was done tor both the Chief Engineers and
Architect's departments involving examinations in situ and subsequent analysis of
samples in the laboratory regarding scale formation, scale removal and corrosion
problems. The use of sodium hexametaphosphate for scale prevention and of soda ash
and quebracho or full phosphate conditioning for boiler water was extended; the
dosages were controlled by periodical analysis of the water concerned. Examples of
special cases dealt with were :—(a) corrosion of condenser tubes in a sludge vessel was
ascribed primarily to the effect of sulphate reducing bacteria in the river water and
silt producing hydrogen sulphide ; (b) a boiler scale contained an undue proportion of
oil and overhaul of the de-oiling plant was recommended.
Miscellaneous
Many other matters were dealt with of which may be mentioned :—(a) examinations
of metal plating finishes for the thickness of the nickel and chromium films : e.g.
sanitary fittings, cutlery etc.; (6) some plastic lampshades exhibited the troublesome
characteristic of attracting an abnormal amount of dust; this was found to be due to
the formation of electrostatic charges and a simple treatment was recommended to
mitigate the trouble ; (c) a method for quick cleaning of brass finger-plates on doors,
etc., was devised, using a solution of ammonia and ammonium chloride; (d) the
death of fish in an ornamental pond was ascribed to a deficiency of dissolved oxygen
due to its being used up by mud and debris ; and (e) certain statues, etc., were cleaned
by the most suitable method for each individual case.
Attention was paid to the development of new analytical methods and close
liaison was maintained with many research associations. During the year many
visitors, both from home and abroad, were welcomed to inspect the work of the
various laboratories. The library of the Chemical Branch continued to develop, and
is an essential part of its equipment.
The Chemist-in-Chief served on three committees of the Ministry of Health, two
of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and five of the British
Standards Institution. He was also a member of the Council of the Society of Public
Analysts and other Analytical Chemists. The Deputy Chemist (Dr. S. G. Burgess)
served on a Committee of the Ministry of Food and on two committees of the British
Standards Institution. A Senior Assistant Chemist (Mr. G. B. Courtier) served on a
Committee of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Publications and lectures during the year were: —(a) "Atmospheric Pollution with
particular reference to its measurement"by C. J.Regan ; (b) "The role of Chemistry
in relation to Public Health " by C. J. Regan ; (c) "Sludge dewatering by freezing
with added chemicals " by G. S. Clements, R. J. Stephenson and C. J. Regan;
(d) "Some recollections of the United States of America (Sewage treatment) " by
C. J. Regan in collaboration with W. P. Warlow of the Chief Engineer's Department;
(e) "Disposal of Sewage Sludge by composting with household refuse" by C. J.Regan
in collaboration with W. P. Warlow of the Chief Engineer's Department; and (/)
" The losses of Ascorbic Acid during the large-scale cooking of green vegetables" by
S. G. Burgess in collaboration with Mrs. M. A. Allen of the Restaurants and Catering
Department.
HEALTH SERVICE PREMISES
The work of planning new clinics and day nurseries proceeded during the year
in accordance with the Council's short-term programme for the provision of premises
urgently required. Since much of this work had been commenced shortly after the
"appointed day" under the National Health Service Act, 1946, the number of
schemes reaching an advanced stage for submission to the Ministry of Health was