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64
All conduits used as receptacles for conductors shall be constructed
of durable material and of ample strength to resist any pressure
due to heavy traffic or other forces to which they may be expected
to be subjected.
Where the conductors in any conduit are not continuously insulated,
adequate precautions shall be taken to ensure that no accumulation
of water shall take place in any part sufficient to raise the
level of the water into contact with the conductors.
All conduits for conductors constructed in streets in which gas mains
are also laid shall be efficiently protected against an accumulation
of gas.
All street boxes shall be efficiently protected against an accumulation
of gas or water, and their covers so secured that they cannot be
opened except by means of a special appliance.
Upon careful consideration of all the circumstances, the
Vestry could come to no other conclusion than that these
Regulations had been disregarded by the Company, and in
view of the disastrous results likely to arise if an explosion
under the surface of the street were to occur in a crowded
thoroughfare like Piccadilly, when the roadway was
thronged with vehicles and the footway with pedestrians,
the Vestry requested the Board of Trade to hold an Inquiry
into the matter.
An Inquiry was accordingly held on the 3rd November
by Major Cardew, R.E., Electrical Adviser to the Board of
Trade, and on the 18th of the same month the Board
forwarded to the Vestry the following copy of Major
Cardew's Report:—
[Copy].
Report on an Inquiry into the causes of two explosions which have
recently occurred in the Conduits carrying the mains of the St.
James's and Pall Mall Electric Light Company, Limited, and on
precautions necessary to prevent similar accidents in future.