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17
FREE WASHING FACILITIES
For some considerable time the question of
providing "Free Washing Facilities" for members of the
public using the Council's Public Conveniences, had
been receiving the attention of the Public Health
Committee.
In 1947, when the subject was first discussed,
it was agreed by the Committee that the provision of
"free washing facilities" would be a great step towards
promoting health and hygiene In the Borough, and would
go a long way towards setting a standard both for the
general public and more particularly the "food
handlers" of the Borough. It was decided that the
Committee would recommend to the Council, at the first
opportune moment, the implementation of a scheme for
"free washing" to be provided,.
After giving this matter further consideration
it was decided, at the September meeting of the Public
Health Committee, to instal "free washing" at all the
Conveniences. These facilities to be provided by means
of absorbent paper towels and a liquid cleanser. In
deciding to use paper towels instead of electric hand
dryers, which was the original suggestion, the Committee
were influenced by the experience of the St. Marylebone
Borough Council, who were exceedingly helpful in
providing details of working costs, and of their
experience in installing "free washing" (a visit was
made to one of their busiest Conveniences to see their
system in operation).
The Committee decided that "paid washing"
(In addition to "free washing") should be kept at the
three busiest Conveniences (Walham Green, Putney Bridge
and Effie Road). It was felt that not only did the
demand justify its retention at these Conveniences,
but it was not intended that the "free washing" should
replace the "paid wash and brush up" service, but
should be additional to it, and primarily intended
for persons who, after using the W.C., required to
rinse their hands.
The work of installing the necessary fittings
was carried out by the Director of Housing and Public
Buildings' Staff, and the facilities were made
available to the public at the beginning of December,
with two exceptions, namely Walham Green (Men's)
and Gibbs Green Conveniences, where the work required
to make the necessary conversions was more extensive.