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(c.) Ventilation.—In every room in the factory or workshop
sufficient means of ventilation must be provided and maintained.
This requirement is in almost every instance carried out. During
1908 it has only been found necessary to serve notice in one
instance for defective ventilation in a workshop, and, generally
speaking, the condition of the workshops as regards this important
requirement has been satisfactory.
(d.) Drainage of Floors in Workshops.—When wet processes are
carried on, Section 8 provides that "in every factory and workshop
where the floors are liable to be wet, sufficient means for drainage
must be provided." The class of workshop to which this section
of the Factory Act mainly applies, so far as the Borough of
Battersea is concerned, is the laundry class. In two cases (both
laundries) it was found necessary to serve notices for defective
drainage of floors, which were complied with. There are at present
40 workshop laundries in the Borough.
(e.) Provision of Sanitary Accommodation.—Section 9 of the
Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, states that "every factory and
workshop must be provided with a sufficient number of sanitary
conveniences, with separate accommodation for persons of each
sex." The Section does not apply to London, the powers of the
Metropolitan Sanitary Authorities in this respect being granted 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 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."
Every attention is paid to the enforcement of this important
requirement in respect of the factory and workshop premises in
the Borough.