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than double the number of cases in 1956. To make them aware of the
conditions which subject them to risk, talks are given to members of old
people's clubs. It is difficult though to get into touch with the large
numbers who cannot be reached by these means. Only two other
accidental deaths took place at home: one was an infant of two months
who died from inhalation of vomit, and another was that of a man of
60 who died as a result of burns.
Increasing attention is being focussed on the way in which accidents
from burns can be avoided, much research being carried out into rendering
clothing material and fabrics non-inflammable. The Public Health Inspectors
paid visits to premises retailing heating appliances, carrying out
tests to ensure that fireguards fitted to gas fires, electric radiators and oil
heaters are efficient as required by the Heating Appliance (Fireguards) Act,
1952, and the Regulations of 1953. They find that goods now in production
comply with the requirements, but some of the older types of electric
or gas fire do not. Some 15 defective appliances were found on the premises
of second-hand dealers. In some cases the appliance was destroyed; to
others guards were fitted.
Circular 13/57 of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government
issued 25th February, 1957, reminded local authorities of the importance
of providing suitable fixtures for fireguards in Council houses. It appears
that up to then few local authorities had installed such fixtures in Council
houses, although surveys had shown that at least fifty per cent, of burning
accidents are caused by unprotected fires. Many local authorities had
taken the view that the wide variety of fireguards made it impracticable
to provide fixtures; but the British Standards Institution had recently
produced a specification for fireguards, incorporating fixing hooks for
open fires.
There is no Home Safety Committee in the Borough. For the time
being the Public Health Committee has assumed responsibility for any
functions of the Council in the matter. A borough which is not a health
authority cannot itself set up such a committee; but it can make a grant
to assist the work of an independent Home Safety Committee. The
Council wished to become a registered member of the Home Safety Section
of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents; for a payment ot
£2 2s. Od. they would have been entitled to receive helpful literature
and to attend meetings on the subject. The Minister of Housing and Local
Government, however, was unable to give his consent to this payment.
Deaths from Suicide
The 35 deaths from suicide in 1956 were exceptional, and this years
figure of 24 (10 men and 14 women) is nearer the annual average of
Coal gas was far and away the most common method used, being chosen
by five men and six women. Poisoning was favoured more by women
than by men, four as against one. On the other hand both the deaths
from hanging and the one from shooting were of men. Strangely enough,
the one cut-throat was of a woman.
The only months in which there were no suicides were August a
September, the same months of the year as in 1956; January, with four
had the largest number of cases.