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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.
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.
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 plants, laundries
In collaboration with the Chief Engineer's Department many plants under this heading
were examined and 20 steam raising plants were regularly visited. Six softener plants and
14 hot water systems were tested periodically and 10 others from time to time. One of
the particular problems on which investigation continued during the year was the
growth of sulphate-reducing bacteria in hot water installations. Experiment with
bactericides has showed that bacteriostatic conditions could be achieved by dosing with
acriflavine at a concentration of 15 parts per million. Experiments are being continued
with cheaper material.
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.
Miscellaneous
Advice was given on a variety of other matters not included in the previous sections of
the report, and the following are mentioned as examples :
(a) A study was made, in collaboration with the Parks Department, of the use
of tree wound dressings. Tests with trees of different genera showed that the composition
recommended was effective in sealing wounds and preventing the growth
of harmful organisms without having any adverse effect on the trees.
(b) An investigation was continued on the protection from corrosion of underground
storage tanks through their electrical connexion with blocks of magnesium
metal buried in the surrounding clay.
(c) Recommendations were made as to the choice and properties of materials for
various purposes such as peat and soil for horticulture, chemicals for cleaning leather
cloth and typewriters, heat insulating materials for boiler systems and anti-freeze
solutions.
The Scientific Adviser and his deputy served on a wide variety of committees
and welcomed a number of distinguished visitors and organised parties to the
laboratories.
The staff numbered 59, and comprised 26 graduates, 28 ancillary staff, and 5 in the
clerical section.
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