ALKALI ACTS

The principal alkali Act is the 26 and 27 Vict., c. 24, amended by 37 and 38 Vict., c. 43, the amended Act having come into operation in 1875. Every alkali work must be carried on so as to ensure the condensation of not le than 95% of muriatic acid evolved therein; and it must be so condensed that in each cubic foot of air, smoke, or chimney gases, escaping from the works into the atmosphere, there is not contained more than one fifth part of a grain of muriatic acid. Penalty for first conviction, £50; for second and other offences, £100, or le (26 and 27 Vict., c. 124, s. 4; 37 and 38 Vict., c. 43, s. 4). The owner of every alkali work is also bound “to use the best practicable means of preventing the discharge into the atmosphere of all other noxious gases arising from such work; or of rendering such gases harmle when discharged.” The noxious gases are defined to be sulphuric acid, sulphurous acid (except that arising from the combustion of coals), nitric acid, or other noxious oxides of nitrogen, sulphuretted hydrogen and chlorine (37 and 38 Vict., c. 43, . 5 and 8). The owner is liable for any offence against the Alkali Acts, unle he prove that the offence was committed by some agent, servant, or workman, and without his knowledge, in which case the agent, ., is liable (26 and 27 Vict., c. 124, s. 5). Every alkali work must be registered; penalty for neglect £5 per day (ibid., s. 6). Powers are given to owners to make special rules for the guidance of their workmen (ibid. s. 13).