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Sanitary Conveniences.
One of the most important duties of local authorities in
connection with factories, workshops and workplaces is that
of securing suitable and sufficient sanitary accommodation for
the workers. The powers of the Metropolitan sanitary
authorities in this respect, however, are not granted by section
9 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, which does not
apply to London, but by section 38 of the Public Health
(London) Act 1891, which reads as follows:—
"Every factory, workshop, and workplace, whether
erected before or after the passing of this Act, shall be
provided with sufficient and suitable accommodation in the
way of sanitary conveniences, regard being had to the
number of persons employed in or in attendance at such
building, and also where persons of both sexes are, or
are intended to be, employed, or in attendance, with
proper separate accommodation for persons of each sex."
The standard of "suitable and sufficient" sanitary
accommodation varies in different districts, some authorities
taking a much higher standard than others. On February
4th, 1903, the Home Secretary issued an Order determining
what "accommodation in the way of sanitary conveniences
provided in a factory or workshop shall be deemed sufficient
and suitable within the meaning of the said section" (i.e.,
section 9 of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901). The
Order being made under this section of the Act does not
technically apply to London, but the standard laid down in
it has been adopted in this district, and a good deal of work
is being carried out in accordance with its provisions.
The provisions of the Order are set out below:—
1. In factories or workshops where females are employed
or in attendance there shall be one sanitary convenience for
every 25 females.
In factories or workshops where males are employed or in
attendance there shall be one sanitary convenience for every
25 males: provided that—