View report page

127
tool-making shop containing lathes, tool-making machines, used in
other shops. In this, the first building, there was also a storeroom.
This block was lit by windows and skylights in the roof. It was
heated by slow combustion stoves. The second block is the upper
floor of a three-storey building adjoining. The ground and first floors
belong to another firm (mentioned below). This top floor is really the
finishing department of the various component parts previously referred
to. Approximately 70 girls are employed on this floor. This was a
very fine spacious room, well lit by windows and skylights, and well
ventilated. We noticed that all dust arising from the machines at
which final polishing was taking place (in some cases grinding) was
sucked up through the terminal openings of a large Sturtevant extractor.
Each machine is supplied with a separate branch tube leading to the
extractor ; the atmosphere was quite clear. The sanitary accommodation
consisted of 4 w.c's. for females on this floor. Each was in a
separate enclosure and consisted of a pedestal wash-down w.c. of modern
construction. Each was permanently ventilated through perforated
zinc, to the open air. Four white glazed earthenware sinks of excellent
pattern were £provided, with a towel. In the workroom, as well,
there were two sinks, with taps, from which drinking water could be
obtained. The male accommodation on this floor consisted of 3 w.c's.
of the same type. All this part of the factory was heated with steam
radiators. Downstairs, in the yard, there was a small brick block
containing seven w.c's. of pedestal type ; these were clean and well
ventilated. The urinal was cement faced with tar coating.
4. Sewing Machine Works.
This firm's premises are situated on the ground and first floors of
the same building which houses the above firm. The work here consists
of assembling together the component parts of sewing machines, the
making and finishing of the cabinet work (cases), testing and sending
out the completed machine. The average output is 200 machines per
week. Messrs. Vickers, Ltd., in their works at Erith, Birmingham and
elsewhere, manufacture the separate parts.
The ground floor is occupied by stores, offices and packing rooms,
while the first floor workshops witness the assembling, fitting and testing
of the machines. On this floor there are carpenters' shops; the cabinets
are stained and polished here and the sewing machine is expedited as
the finished article. The ventilation and lighting on this floor is excel-
j2