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Swimming bath waters and drinking waters at residential schools were examined
and the improvised treatment of the former worked well and will be continued until
authorisation by the appropriate Ministry for the expenditure for installing automatic
treatment plants is obtained.
Instructional visits of school parties to the County Hall continued and the application
of many branches of science directly to human needs and problems was demonstrated.
Supplies
More than 2,000 samples were examined, either directly or indirectly, for this department,
and their wide range is shown by the fact that in the list of samples given in this
report they fall into about 16 groups. Particularly close liaison was maintained with
officers of all branches of the Supplies Department which facilitated discussions on
matters on which a scientific aspect could be helpful.
The foodstuffs, which are divided into 17 classes, were generally of a high standard
of quality and a careful watch on contamination from the container, preservatives and
general adulteration was maintained. All complaints on these and other purchases are
carefully investigated, new preparations assessed for potential value to the Council and
tenders assessed to ensure that the cheapest satisfactory material is recommended.
Careful attention is given to the development of synthetic detergents and new types
are examined when they become commercially available.
The field of work for this department includes paints, fuels, lubricating oils, foods,
soaps, plastics, solders, chemicals, drugs and general medical supplies.
Fire brigade
Much of the work in this field was of a consultative and advisory nature. An officer
of the branch serves on British Standards Institution Technical Committees on fire
resistance and incombustibility and the inflammability of cinematograph films.
Investigations were made of cases in which spontaneous ignition was suspected as
the cause of fire and where particular materials had caused a fire to spread rapidly.
In co-operation with Fire Brigade officers, detailed consideration has been given to
special measures needed in combating fires involving dangerous chemicals, for example,
alloys of sodium and potassium.
The fire resistance of samples of fabrics and building materials were tested and also
the fireproofing qualities of proprietory solutions applied to such materials. The use
of certain phosphonium and also titanium derivatives is being examined with interest
since the treated fabrics maintain their texture. A number of materials were tested for
suitability in the fire service ; these included chemical extinguishers, foam producing
compounds, and hoses made of woven nylon and terylene lined with polyvinyl chloride.
Steam raising, heating, etc., plants, laundries
In collaboration with the Chief Engineer's or Architect's Departments many plants
under this heading were examined. Twenty-eight steam raising plants were regularly
visited and a further 21 are to be included in the list. Six softener plants and 14 hot
water systems are tested periodically and 10 others from time to time. One of the
particular problems investigated during the year was the growth of sulphate-reducing
bacteria in hot water installations. Experiment with bactericides showed that bacteristatic
conditions could be achieved by dosing with acriflavine at a concentration of
15 parts per million. Experiments in this field are being continued.
The Council maintains 19 large laundries with commercial type equipment and
numerous small ones with domestic appliances. With the scientific staff available every
effort is made to visit these establishments, determine the efficiency of the processes and
advise on difficulties arising. Economically, this is a very important branch of the work,
in view of the value of the goods involved and the damage that can be done by incorrect
washing procedures. Special methods are often recommended, taking into account the
circumstances, equipment available, financial considerations and staff.
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