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At the time the industrial provisions of the Clean Air Act came
into operation a Circular was sent to the managements of all factories
in the Borough drawing attention to the limits of smoke emission and
inviting co-operation in reducing atmospheric pollution.
Application for Exemption
An application was made to the Corporation under Section 2
of the Clean Air Act for exemption from the provisions of Section 1
of the Act regarding emission of smoke. The application was made
on the grounds that it had not been practicable to alter the installation
in use to ensure compliance with the Act.
In this particular case an oil fired furnace was being erected and
special doors were being obtained for the existing furnace.
Exemption was granted for a period of six months.
In another case an application for exemption was not approved
because it was felt that alternative arrangements could be made which
would avoid the emission of dark smoke until new equipment was
installed.
Observations
The number of observations of factory chimneys in the Borough
carried out during the year were 161. All these observations were of
thirty minutes duration and the smoke emissions were compared with
a shade chart known as a Ringelmann Chart. All Public Health
Inspectors have had practice in assessing shades of smoke using the
chart but it is rather cumbersome for everyday use so a smaller
version known as a Microringelmann is in general use as a guide.
Any excessive emission is immediately drawn to the attention of
the management of the factory concerned and advice s given on the
best methods to be used to avoid such emissions. The has frequently
resulted in the installation of new equipment.
Domestic Smoke
A conference of Local Authorities to discuss the implementation
of the Clean Air Act as it affected domestic smoke was held at Barking
Town Hall in November. Delegations from twelve local authorities
were present together with representatives of fuel distributors.
Each delegation gave information concerning the action being
taken by their respective authorities to introduce smoke control orders
and a general discussion took place on the difficulties involved.
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