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Industrial Smoke
Until the provisions of the Clean Air Act 1956 concerning industrial
smoke come into force control continues to be exercised by
means of the Public Health Act 1937, and the Smoke Byelaws. A great
deal of unspectacular work is carried out by your officers by way of
observations on chimneys and discussions with managements in an
endeavour to reduce smoke emissions.
This work has been rewarding, but there are always likely to be
sporadic outbursts due to breakdowns in the mechanical systems or to
human frailty. For this reason your officers have to be constantly on
the alert to deal with such outbursts when they arise.
In one case during the year, the activities of a scrap metal firm were
causing emission at night. This arose from the burning of insulation
from scrap cable without sufficient air supply and not at a sufficiently
high temperature. Following discussions with the management concerning
a suitable installation for dealing with the mater the process
was discontinued.
Another case occurred in which smoke from an incir ator burning
wood waste discharged at a low level was causing nuisance to nearby
residents. The owners of the factory are planning extensions which will
include a new furnace installation. They have undertaken to give
priority to the new installation and not wait until the extensions are
completed. In the meantime other outlets for their waste material are
being sought.
One firm whose chimney has caused nuisance from the emission
of charred wood ash have had their boiler attendants trained in boiler
house practice in an endeavour to improve efficiency. The firm has
also placed an order for a dust arrestor to remove the ood ash from
the flue gases.
A chemical factory carrying out several procesaes and using a
number of boilers were called upon by statutory notice to take steps
to prevent the emission of smoke in such quantities as be a nuisance
As a result of discussions with your officers a mechanical stoker was
installed on one boiler which was successful in eliminating the smoke
nuisance.
The success of the first mechanical stoker has encouraged the firm
to go ahead with similar plans for other boilers. When the alterations
are completed the Company will require only two chimney stacks
place of nine in use hitherto.
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