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45
Sanitary accommodation!, etc-o in shops
Certificates of Exemption
tinder Section 38 of the Shops Act, 1950, the Council may grant
a certificate exempting a shop from the provision of suitable and
sufficient water closet accommodation if they are satisfied that by
reason of restricted accommodation or other special circumstances
affecting the shop it is reasonable that such a certificate should be
in force, and that suitable and sufficient sanitary accommodation is
otherwise conveniently available„
The Council have decided that in those shops where members of
both sexes are employed, separate sanitary conveniences for each sex
should be required if the number of employees exceeds four, but if the
number is less than four, one sanitary convenience should be regarded as
suitable and sufficient, provided that the door of the convenience is
fitted with a proper lock or fastener on the internal side, and an
automatic indicator shows on the external side of the door whether the
apartment is engaged or vacant.
During the year 1958, no exemption certificate under the
Shops Act was granted in respect of the provision of sanitary accommodation.
Similarly, under the Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955> exemption
may now be granted in food shops in respect of the provision of constant
water supply, washhand basins with hot and cold water, cupboard or locker
accommodation for outdoor clothing and facilities for washing food and
equipment, if such provision cannot reasonably be required.
During 1958, two exemption certificates were issued under the
Food Hygiene Regulations in respect of washing facilities in food shops.
SUPERVISION OF FOOD SUPPLIES
Food and Drugs Act, 1955.
This Acts which came into operation on 1st January, 1956,
is now the principal Act for controlling the composition, labelling,
fitness and hygienic handling of food.
Food Hygiene Regulations, 1955 to 1957.
These Regulations are the principal instruments for
enforcing good food hygiene practice in foodshops. Their title
emphasises the changing trend whereby a national policy is developing
along the lines of clean food handling to safe food®
The Regulations replace the former Section 13 of the Food and
Drugs Act, 1938, and whilst they may be thought capable of varying
interpretation, they constitute a considerable improvement.
A brief summary of the main requirements is as follows :-
Reauirements affecting food handlers
Persons handling food must -
(a) keep their hands and clothing clean;
(b) cover open cuts and abrasions with a water-proof
dressing;
(c) refrain from spitting?