View report page

34
Smoke Abatement.
In my report for 1952, it was stated that one factory, where a fairly
persistent nuisance had been caused by the emission of black smoke
and grit, had ordered the conversion of their sprinkler fired boilers to
chain grate stokers. The result of this conversion was awaited with
great interest and it is, indeed, gratifying to report that the nuisance
from black smoke has been completely abated and the emission of grit
considerably reduced. This reduction in the amount of air polluting
material is reflected in the figures obtained from the Council's deposit
gauge analyses for the year. The comparative figures are shown below
in the equivalent of tons per square mile.
1950 .. 15.88 1951 .. 14.09
1952 .. 14.76 1953 .. 12.21
Towards the end of the year the Committee decided to purchase
a Lead Peroxide Instrument for determining the average distribution
of sulphur dioxide within the district. With the willing co-operation
of the United Dairies (London) Limited, this instrument was installed
on a flat roof of their premises at Church Road, Orpington, on the
first day of the new year. The amount of sulphur dioxide absorbed
by the instrument is determined by chemical analysis and it should be
possible to make some observations on the findings in the 1954 Annual
Report.
The Council is still represented on the London and Home Counties
Smoke Abatement Advisory Council and the Standing Conference of
Local Authorities which co-operates with the Department of Scientific
and Industrial Research.
Shops Act, 1950.
The hope that the high standard attained last year would be maintained
has been fulfilled. Washing facilities and sanitary accommodation
are adequate in most cases and the chief offence appears to
be the neglect in displaying Statutory forms of Notice—a very human
failing in this "paper" age.
A summary of the work carried out in 1953 is given below:—
Inspections 92
Neglect in displaying Statutory Forms 17
Contravention of Section of Act dealing with
employment of Young Persons 1
Insufficient seating for Female Assistants 1
Rodent Control.
The treatment of infestations at dwelling-houses and business
premises was maintained at approximately the same level as in the
two previous years, but there was a notable falling off in the number
of treatments required on the Council's own properties (excluding
Council houses which are included as dwelling-houses).