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Notices as to "protected persons" (i.e., children, young
persons and women) employed were sent on to the Factory
Inspectors from time to time, as required, in accordance with the
provision of section 133 of the Act, which states that "when any
woman, young person or child is employed in a workshop in which
no abstract of the Act is affixed, as by this Act required, and the
Medical Officer of Health becomes aware thereof, he shall forthwith
give written notice thereof to the Inspector for the District."
It will be noted that the above table only shows new workshops
in which "protected persons" are employed, and does not
include all new workshops registered during the year 1908.
Sanitary Condition of Workshops.
The Local Authority is the authority responsible for the sanitary
condition of workshops and workplaces in its district. Sanitary
conditions include (a) cleanliness, (b) air space, (c) ventilation,
(d) drainage of floors, (e) provision of sanitary accommodation.
For these purposes the provisions of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1891, relating to nuisances apply to all workshops supplemented
by certain additional provisions in the Factory Act:—
(a.) Cleanliness.—Every workshop and workplace must be kept
in a cleanly state and free from effluvia. Speaking generally, the
condition of the workshops in Battersea as regards cleanliness,
especially those in which female labour is employed, may be said
to be satisfactory. During the year it was found necessary to
serve 104 notices for the cleansing of workshops.
(b.) Air Space.—Workshops and workplaces must not be so
overcrowded, while work is being carried on, as to be dangerous
or injurious to the health of the persons employed. The standard
laid down under Section 3 of the Act (250 cub. ft. per head, and
400 cub. ft. during overtime) is rarely contravened in Battersea,
and during the year only 2 complaints of overcrowding have been
reported and dealt with. In the majority of the workshops in the
Borough the air space is above the standard.