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(ix) The Heating Appliances (Fireguards) Act, 1952.
245 inspections were made of premises where heating appliances
were exposed for sale, and, as a result of these visits, 10 appliances were
found not to conform with the standards prescribed. These were withdrawn
from sale. I have to report that the appliances found not to
conform with the Act were passed by the manufacturers as complying
with the Regulations. At my request modifications have now been made
to the guards, giving greater strength, etc., and the manufacturers have
given assurances that more attention will be given in their final inspection
to ensure there will be no further breaches of the Act.
However, breaches will continue to occur, until each appliance is
separately tested before leaving the factory. Enquiries show that only
sample tests are made.
In connection with the "Guard that Fire" campaign held during
the month of November, all dealers in heating appliances were visited,
and asked to display posters in their shops, pointing out the dangers of
unguarded fires.
Legal Proceedings.
The Council authorised the following case to be taken before a
Magistrates' Court.
Offence Section Result
Heating appliances not fitted with a
guard 1 Fined £2
(x) Clean Air Act, 1956.
(a) Smoke Control Areas
Preliminary surveys have been carried out in various parts of the
district with a view to the establishment of " smoke control areas " at
some future date. Joint meetings have also been held with neighbouring
authorities to explore the possibilities of establishing joint areas.
The Council have adopted the Building Byelaw, referred to in
Section 24 of the Act, requiring the installation of approved heating and
cooking appliances, capable of burning approved smokeless fuel, in all
new buildings.
(b) Atmospheric Pollution
The Council has continued to co-operate in the scheme, conducted
by the Fuel Research Station, for recording atmospheric pollution.
A Rain Deposit Gauge is situate on the roof of the Town Hall.
This instrument is used to measure the rainfall in inches per month,
and to estimate the amount of suspended pollution in the air. in the
form of soluble and insoluble matter. A Lead Peroxide instrument is
situate at North Road, Havering. This records the amount of Sulphur
Dioxide in milligrams deposited per day on 100 sq. c.m.
These recordings are taken monthly, and the records for 1958 are
set out.
Although the rainfall during 1958 was approximately 8.71 inches
higher than in 1957, the total amount of insoluble matter deposited was
reduced by approximately 6 tons per square mile.