Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Merton]
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In the early part of the year, a circular letter was sent to occupiers
of premises where a lift or hoist was installed, drawing attention to the
Regulations which came into operation in May, 1969. Since that date,
a number of Reports of Examinations forms have been inspected, and
it has been necessary to write to a number of occupiers in respect of
lift defects. In the main passenger lifts are very well maintained.
Problems are still arising in connection with heating and ventilation
of offices and buildings where a part or entire air-conditioning plant
is installed, and it would appear that more expert planning is necessary
in this field.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949.
The following table summarises surface rodent control work which was carried out during 1969.
Number of Properties inspected as a result of | Number of Properties found to be infested by | Number of premises treated including retreat-ments | Visits made including reinspec-tions | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Notification | Survey under Act | Total | Rats | Mice | ||
1,706 | 2,368 | 4,174 | 1,170 | 284 | 1,619 | 16,716 |
The inspection and treatment of sewers was undertaken in collaboration
with the Borough Surveyor. Ten per cent, of the total
manholes in the whole sewer system were test baited, and maintenance
treatment was carried out in these, and other manholes known to be
infested, four times during the year. During 1969, 992 manholes were
baited and 248 showed evidence of rodent infestation.
The Department continued to deal with rodent treatment and
disinfestation work in Council-owned property within the Borough.
Other Pest Control Work.
During the year 1969, 515 complaints were received concerning insect pests and the following is a list of the infestations dealt with:—
Ants | 34 |
Bees | 31 |
Beetles | 28 |
Bedbugs | 46 |
Spiders | 1 |
Cockroaches | 14 |
Fleas | 56 |
Flies | 16 |
Lice | 1 |
Maggots | 23 |
Earwigs | 2 |
Mosquitoes | 27 |
Silverfish | 1 |
Slugs | 2 |
Wasps | 227 |
Woodlice | 2 |
Woodworms | 4 |