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108
I. Sanitary Condition of Workshops, &c.
(a) Cleanliness. — The total number of workshops inspected
during the year was 641. The majority of these were found to be
in a cleanly condition. Others, to the number of 127, were dirty,
and notices calling for cleansing were served and complied with.
It is found that the majority of the places regarding which notices
are required, are small, and situated, many of them, in or behind
occupied houses. The larger and more modern workshops are
generally cleaner and better kept.
(b) Air Space.—All workshops are measured, the cubic capacity
calculated by the Inspector, and the number of occupants who may
occupy the premises noted. In most of the larger workshops the
air space per worker is well over the 250 cubic feet standard laid
down in Section 3 of the Act. A certain number, however, were
found to be over-crowded during the year, and while in some cases
the conditions were remedied at the suggestion of the Inspector, in
5 instances notices had to be served.
(c) Ventilation. —- This is a matter which receives a great deal
of attention. In many cases the fault, when the ventilation is
insufficient, is not want of proper inlets and outlets, but failure to
use those provided. During the year the necessity for serving
notice as to insufficient ventilation arose in 23 instances. Notice
calling for the provision of means for carrying off fumes from
gas stoves, etc., was required in 6 cases. In connection with heating
of workshops, 10 notices, and in respect of insufficient ventilation
in factories 4 notices, were sent to the Home Office.
(d) Drainage of Floors. — Attention to this matter is
especially given in cases where "wet processes" are carried on. In
Finsbury the wet processes are usually in connection with small
laundries, and there are 27 of these on the register. Notice calling
for more adequate drainage was served in respect of 3 workshops.
(e) Sanitary Conveniences. — In connection with the provision
of suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences, the standard
worked to is that laid down in the Home Secretary's Sanitary
Accommodation Order of 1903, viz., roughly 1 to 25 persons, with
separate and distinct accommodation for female workers.