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44
Consumer Protection Act, 1961
Oil Heater Regulations, 1962
A considerable number of people use oil for heating and cooking perhaps due to the
economy in the price of fuel. The danger associated with the use of oil heaters has
been publicised from time to time. Used oil heaters are sometimes seen for sale without
a guard. Upon the inspector drawing the attention of the proprietor to this fact
such heaters have been withdrawn from sale and broken up.
Publicity on the risks and disposal of old oil heaters is referred to in Section F
of the Report.
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963
This Act, probably the most important measure of hygiene and safety legislation
for many years, came into effect in 1964.
In general, the Act is concerned with cleanliness, overcrowding, internal
temperature, ventilation, lighting, sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, supply
of drinking water, accommodation for clothing, office furniture, eating facilities and
common parts, such as floors, passages and stores. It also provides for the fencing of
dangerous machinery in offices, for the protection of yougg persons and for the general
supervision of people working with dangerous machines. It is also concerned with noise
and vibrations, with the prohibition of heavy work and with the provision of First Aid.
Employers are required to notify their employees of their rights under the Act.
As from the 1st May 1964, anyone intending to employ people in shops, offices or
railway premises was required to notify the Authority reeponsible for enforcing the
Act. The relevant sections of the Shops Act, 1950 enforced by the Borough Council were
repealed on the 1st August, the measure being incorporated in the new Act. Several of
the requirements cover new duties for the Oouncil's inspectors, in particular those
relating to the safety of floors, passages and stairs^ the fencing of exposed machinery,
the training and supervision of persons working at dangerous machines and the
prohibition of heavy work.
It is estimated that there are approximately 6,000 premises requiring insnection
in the first instance, although it is also estimated that a number of these are likely
to be exempt from the requirements of the Act for one reason or another.
The Public Health Committee and Oouncil approved the formation of a separate
section of the inspectorate under the Chief Public Health Inspector to carry out the
work of this Act. The staff comprised a Senior Public Health Impector assisted by
two Technical Assistants.
The Oouncil were required to submit to the Minister a report of the work done
under the Act between 1st August and the 31st December, and this was done. The
following relevant information is extracted from the report.
1.474 premises had registered under the Act and at the end of the year 1387
remained registered. Of these, 1,348 received general inspection. As a result of these
inspections 1,180 letters were sent by the Department giving details of deficiencies.
In the early stages nearly all premises were found to be below the standards prescribed
in the Act, but as occupiers became aware of the statutory requirements, an endeavour
was made to bring their premises up to the necessary standards.