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one instance the Scientific Branch of the Greater London Council pave valuable assistance
by measuring noise levels and giving advice as to how best to remedy a nuisance
from noise and vibration caused by a printing and embossing machine.
At one factory, a long standing nuisance of vibration from a compressor was
finally remedied following extensive investigations by the firm's accoustic consultants
and putting their recommendations into effect.
Legal proceedings were taken against the owners of a supermarket in respect of
noise from a compressor used with their refrigerators, but in the meantime, work had
been carried out and the Court was satisfied that the best practical means had been
taken by the firm to abate the nuisance. The case was, therefore, dismissed.
The Borough Architect was notified if it was considered that unauthorised
industrial use was being made of premises in contravention of Town Planning
Legislation.
Pharmacy & Poisons Act, 1933
Number of listed sellers of Part II poisons other than pharmacists 159
Number of initial registrations during the year 17
Number of visits and inspections 22
Rag Flock and other Killing Materials Act, 1951
Number of premises on register (Section 2, for Upholstery) 56
Number of inspections and visits 4
Number of samples taken 3
Number of samples satisfactory 2
A sample of feathers failed to meet the requirements of the regulations in that
the total extracted matter permitted (2%) was exceeded, the sample having 2.8%. The
analyst advised, however, that the sample contained broiler chicken feathers. These
feathers from young birds were not fully matured with the result that a portion
dissolved in the test colution. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government agreed
that legal action should not be taken in such cases. The analysts are in the process
of devising new tests which should overcome this difficulty.
Consumer Protection Act 1961-Oil Heater Regulations, 1962
Again a number of fires occurred, attributed to the use of oil heaters. Publicity
as to the dangers arising from these heaters and advice on safety precautions was
continued. A public health inspector visited each case to obtain details of the oil
heater concerned and where necessary took appropriate action. Shops where oil heaters
were sold were inspected periodically and appropriate action taken.
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963
During 1966 all the requirements of the Act came into force, with the exception
of those relating to overcrowding, for which the occupiers have until 1st August, 1967,
to take remedial action.
Newly registered premises were inspected (1100 in the year) and revists. accident
investigations, complain inspections etc., carried out.
The main feature of the year's work was the detailed survey of the Borough to
establish the total number of premises to which the Act applies, and which had registered
with the Authority as required under the provisions of Section 49 of the Act.
Regist rat ion
It became apparent in the early months of the Act that many occupiers were unaware
of the need to register their premises, and all the premises to which the Act
could apply were therefore visited. As a result, many more businesses registered with
the Authority. Many occupiers had still not registered. Their premises were inspected
and action taken to bring them up to required standards but no proceedings could be
taken for failure to register in respect of premises that have been operating for more
than 12 months. Where premises were not registered it was frequently very difficult to
establish responsibility under the Act, and more difficult to determine the ownership
of the property.
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