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So far all work on Smoke Control Areas has been absorbed
into the normal routine of the Department but pro
vision has been made for the engagement of additional staff
as soon as the detailed survey of the larger areas has to
be undertaken. The detailed survey of a Smoke Control Area
includes visiting every house in the area, examining the
grates and fireplaces, deciding which are capable of burn
ing coke, what alteration or adaptation will be required
to those in regular use not already capable of doing so
and estimating the cost of the work. When considering the
question of additional staff for this work one's first
inclination is to think in terms of more Public Health
Inspectors. But when it is appreciated that apart from
such personal qualities as tact, courtesy and enthusiasm
for clean air the major part of the work involved in a detailed
survey can be done by anyone with a thorough knowledge
of flues, fireplaces and domestic heating appliances
it is clear that the field of recruitment for this temporary
job is fairly wide.
(b) Height of Chimneys
By arrangement with the Engineer & Surveyor all plans
of new buildings or extensions are passed to me for a decision
on this particular point. During the year two plans
were examined for this purpose and the proposed chimneyheight
was found to be inadequate in both cases. It has
sometimes happened that a height which would be necessary
to comply with the Clean Air Act was not acceptable on town
Planning grounds. In cases like this a form of heating is
usually adopted that either does not require any chimney at
all or one of less height than that originally proposed.
Builders and architects are now showing an increasing tendency
to discuss this matter with me before submitting
plans.
(c) New Furnaces
Under Section 3 of the Clean Air Act all new furnaces
must, so far as practicable, be capable of being operated
without emitting smoke and anyone who installs a new furnace
must notify the local authority of his intention to do
so. If the plant is installed in accordance with plans and
specifications submitted to and approved by the local
authority it is deemed to be capable of operation without
emitting smoke.
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