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The Schedule also describes certain tests to be employed in
ascertaining whether guards comply with the standard laid down.
There is, however, a provision in Regulation 5 that heating
appliances, other than imported appliances, which were manufactured
before the date of the coming into operation of the
Regulations and not fitted with the requisite guard may be sold
or let until the end of September, 1954.
In view of this provision, there appeared to be little point
in carrying out any inspections or tests before the end of the
year, and the officers of the Public Health Department therefore
confined their activities in this matter to the preparation of a
card index of premises where heating appliances are sold or
exposed for sale in order to facilitate the administrative arrangements
for ensuring compliance with this new legislation.
Accidents in the Home.
Following the publication of the Report of the Interdepartmental
Committee, the Home Office issued copies to
Local Authorities with a Circular suggesting that advice on this
subject might well be effectively disseminated by Medical
Officers of Health and other public health workers, and could
be included in any general publicity on the prevention of illness,
etc.
Accordingly, some notes on this subject were included in the
Council's Booklet on the Health and Social Services in the
Borough when it was re-printed and brought up to date. One of
the exhibitions which it is customary to arrange on evenings
when the Council meets was also devoted to this subject, the
material being kindly loaned by the Crusader Insurance Company.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1951.
The Rodent Control Staff continued to wage a vigorous
campaign against rats and mice during the year. The following
is a summary of their work during the past three years:—
1951 1952 1953
No. of complaints received 1,383 1,383 1,370
No. of inspections 2.709 2.802 2.391
No. of operators' calls 20,257 21,473 19,340
No. of private premises baited 1,427 1,484 1,280
No. of business premises baited 216 281 183
No. of pre-baits laid 49,898 39,884 31,101
No. of poison baits laid 23,886 16,959 16,040
In 48 cases where the rat infestation was suspected to be
due to defective drains, such drains were tested and in 22
instances positive results were obtained.