Mobile X-ray Theatres for Coal Board
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TWO self-contained X-ray theatres i on Bedford S.B. passenger chassis have recently been delivered to the Durham and Scottish Divisions of the National Coal Board by Adams and Gibbon, Ltd., St. Thomas Street, New castle upon 'Fyne, I. Built by the suppliers at a total cost of about El 1,000, each of the units comprises a fuliy equipped theatre, darkroom and office.
Each body is 22 ft. 6 in. long, 8 ft. wide and 7 ft. 10 in. high inside, and is I ramed in hardwood and panelled on the outside with 18g. aluminium sheet. Interior panelling is Formica with a bird's eye walnut pattern.
Located immediately behind the
enclosed cab is the darkroom, which includes ri its appointments a workbench, concealed wash-basin, cupboards, film-processing equipment and a drying cabinet. Giving particular attention to the ventilating facilities of this compartment, the bodybuilders have provided shutters in the bulkhead.
In the theatre, which is separated. from i he darkroom by a lead-lined partition incorporating a heavy sliding door, there arc writing facilities, two wardrobes and thermostatically controlled heating units, as well as the X-ray equipment.
Adequate ventilation in this section is ensured by two extractor units in the roof and one over the door leading to the darkroom.
The radiographer's office is provided at the rear of the vehicle. Lead-lined material also separates this from the theatre.
Strip lighting is provided in the theatre, the darkroom being fitted with roof lamps as well as special lighting for use during developing. Natural light is provided by eight toughened-glass roof-quarter lights.
A Bedford A2 chassis, provided by Adams and Gibbon with 12-14-seat bodywork; has been supplied to accompany each outfit on its tour of the coalfields.