Small switches are also made somewhat similar in design to a gas tap, for fixing just above the lamp and shade, and these are very convenient as supplementary switches to the main switch outside the door of the room; they cannot, however, be used for more than one light at a time.
Small independent cut-outs should be used in connection with each individual lamp or group of lamps, in order to add as much as possible to the security of the house. In addition to this, a magnetic cut-out should be fixed in the main circuit, by means of which the whole of the light would be automatically switched off, in the event of any dangerous excess of current passing through the wires. The cut-outs are as a rule so cheap and effective, that there is no real excuse for neglecting to use them, and under the rules of the Phœnix Fire Office, which are those chiefly worked to by the installation contractors, they have to be fixed in every circuit.
In confirmation of the above, we cannot do better than quote the following extract from the rules of the Phœnix Fire Office:—
“Any firm, by arranging to place inferior quality of work in your premises, can easily underprice firms that are more conscientious; and experience proves that inferior work is nearly certain to result in a fire breaking out sooner or later.”
Thieves and Fire. Continued from p. [110].
Shut all doors and windows immediately; every effort must be made to exclude air. By this means fire may be confined to a single room for a sufficient period to enable all the inmates to be aroused and escape; but if the doors and windows are thrown open, the draught will instantly cause the flames to increase. Moments are precious at the commencement of a fire, and not a second should be lost in tackling it. In a room a table-cloth can be so used as to smother a large sheet of flame, and a cushion, coat, or anything similar may be successfully used to beat it out. The great point is presence of mind—calmness in danger—action guided by reason and thought. In large houses buckets of water should be placed on each landing, a little salt or ammonia being mixed with the water. Always endeavour to attack the seat of a fire; if you cannot extinguish a fire, be sure to shut the door when making good your retreat. Make your way through smoke on hands and knees, keeping your face down as much as possible. A wet silk handkerchief tied over the eyes and nose will make breathing possible even in the midst of much smoke, and a blanket wetted and wrapped around the body will enable a person to pass through a sheet of flames in comparative safety.
For a chimney on fire.—Burn a handful of sulphur in the grate.
Burns.—In a serious burn, the clothes must be removed as soon as possible. If not already thoroughly wet, the injured part should be drenched with water, and the clothes cut away. Everything must be sacrificed to getting them off without pulling, as the slightest dragging will lacerate the skin. If patches of the clothing adhere and will not drop off they must be allowed to remain. Dip cloths in a thick paste of common baking soda and water, and lay them over the burnt surface, bandaging lightly to exclude the air. As soon as a dry spot appears on this dressing, wet it with the soda and water by squeezing some on it. There will be no smarting while it is saturated and the air excluded. If the feet are cold, heat should be applied. If the pulse is weak, give a little stimulant, and send for a doctor. Pain is a good sign in severe burns; it shows that there is still vitality. For slight burns, any oil is good (salad oil for preference); apply plentifully, and bandage to keep the cold out.
The Dairy. Continued from p. [167].
Bradford’s (Bradford & Co., 140, 141, 142, and 143, High Holborn, London; Salford, Manchester, and Liverpool) revolving-disc milk-pan stands are simple, substantial, portable, and utilise space, as they can be placed in line or in square—the revolving discs or tables allow of skimming each pan without moving from one position—being portable, they can be placed in the most desirable position for ventilation, and for thorough cleansing of the milkhouse walls, which fixed shelves do not admit of. Made to hold six pans. Larger sizes to order. Price (in iron) 2l. 2s.; (in wood) 3l. 3s.