Letters: August 2017

Most chemists of more mature years will recall that our infrastructure used to be advised and protected by in-house scientific services departments. We had sections in British Rail, the Central Electricity Generating Board, London Transport, Greater London Council and other larger local authorities across the country, such as water and gas boards. These sections often liaised with each other and shared testing and information. Their heads had a say at board level and contributed to preparation of safety standards. One of their prime functions was to advise on fire safety, and many carried out their own fire tests on materials of construction. They would have instantly recognised hazards when other departments were more concerned with budgets, costs, use and design.