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139
Premises. The factory is constructed in three blocks, each consisting
of three floors. One block is devoted to shirt making, one to
collar making, and one to the laundry and packing rooms. A comfortable
dining room is provided for the employees, and there is a fullyequipped
kitchen from which hot meals are served. Alternatively, the
employees can have their own food warmed up prior to the dinner
hour. Each workroom runs the whole length of the block in which it
is situated. The lighting is very good; there are windows along either
side of the rooms, and on the upper floors there are skylights as well.
Artificial lighting is supplied by gas and electricity; the number of
lights and their angle of incidence should prevent eyestrain. The
workrooms are well ventilated. There are electric fans to create
moving air, air inlets placed in the walls below the windows, and all
windows can be opened. In each room the forewoman is responsible
for the maintenance of efficient ventilation ; in one room only could we
find grounds for criticism, the existing means not being efficiently used.
The necessity for a high ventilation standard in this factory is clear,
for in the pressing and finishing rooms gas irons and machines heated
by gas are used. Unless the gas flame in the iron is carefully adjusted,
so that the correct mixture of gas and air is being consumed, fumes —
carbon monoxide, etc.—are liable to be given off. To obviate this
danger, a special gas-compressing apparatus has been installed in each
room. Should any employee think that the iron is not working properly,
this has only to be notified at once, when it will be examined with a
view to readjustment. We tested many of the irons actually in use
but could detect no gas fumes.
Heating. This is effected in some parts by steam radiators, and
where no steam pipes are available, by gas radiators. An even and
comfortable temperature is maintained throughout.
General Construction. The floors of the workrooms are of wood.
The walls are painted and the ceilings whitened. There is cleanliness
everywhere. The staircases are of stone, and precautions as to prevention
of fire and means of escape are fully observed.
Sanitary Accommodation. This is arranged in blocks, a sanitary
block for each factory block; the w.c.'s, urinals, cloakrooms and
lavatories are entered from the staircase. 52 w.c.'s and 25 lavatory
basins are provided for the females; 8 w.c.'s, 4 urinals and 5 lavatory
basins for the males. Each w.c. is of modern pedestal type, and each