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(a) the advisability of using only certain 'Archrome' colours for exterior work,
semi-gloss and flat finishes;
(b) the decoration of Bellrock panels;
(c) the use of emulsion paints;
(d) anti-condensation paints; and
(e) the preservation of iron and steel under severe conditions, etc.
Increasing demands were made on the facilities provided by the branch for the
examination of building materials. These samples covered a wide range and included
floorings, floor sealers and polishes, plasters, building boards, fire retardants, concrete,
hardcore, slates, asphaltes and bitumen felts. A prolonged series of tests were made during
the year on many different types of floor polishes and sweeping compounds and recommendations,
which effected economy in labour, time and materials and enabled a good
non-slip floor surface to be obtained, were made for the maintenance of (i)thermoplastic
floors and (ii) wood floors. A large number of subsoil samples were examined and
recommendations made as to desirable type of cement required, having due regard to
economy and the 'aggressiveness' of the clay present towards Portland cement.
Materials for eradicating wood destroying beetles and fungi were examined and advice
given on affected sites. On the planning side, the advice of the Scientific Branch was
sought in many cases in regard to the Use Classes Order, 1950, relating to the Town
and Country Planning Act, 1947; guidance was sought as to the exact classification of
proposed industries with respect to the possible causation of nuisance and effect on the
amenities of the areas involved.
Public health
During the year, the water supplies to 25 establishments served by wells were regularly
examined. The 758 bacteriological samples, 63 chemical and 638 free chlorine tests
ensured that the water was efficiently chlorinated and at all times in satisfactory condition.
The air in the Council's vehicular tunnels under the River Thames was regularly
examined in order to ensure that carbon monoxide, nitrous fumes, lead and soot contents
remained within safe and desirable limits. The volume of motor traffic was the greatest
yet recorded but the forced ventilation was efficiently adjusted and, of 208 samples
taken, only two were above the specified limit of 250 parts per million. There was,
however, some increase in the amount of black suspended matter, which is considered
to be related to the increase in diesel-engined vehicles.
Considerable work was done during the year on air pollution; estimation was
made of total deposit tarry matter, sulphur gases and smoke in connexion with a scheme
sponsored by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. A new form of
electrically-operated automatic sampler was devised by an officer of the branch enabling
measurements to be made over six consecutive periods without attention, thereby
saving labour. This improved type of instrument is being installed at six sites. Seasonal
fluctuations were clearly marked at all sites and the overall picture showed some reduction
in the amount of sulphur dioxide present in the air as compared with recent years ;
an important factor here was the rainfall, which was unusually persistent during several
months of the year.
Other work included consideration of various types of disinfectants and the use of
quaternary ammonium compounds in washing-up water. Although the latter compounds
do reduce the bacterial content of the water being used, handhng and the condition of
the wiping cloth are very important and the recommendation of a sterilising sink
maintained at 170 degrees Fahrenheit is being continued, where possible. On questions
of industrial hygiene, problems such as discharges from factories, the hazards of certain
synthetic resin dusts, the dangers of a hair restorer and leakage of petrol vapour were
all the subject of reports.
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