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six feet and this criticism also held good for surfaces of equipment and fittings
above this height. There would appear to be considerable scope for the more
widespread use of vacuum cleaners in commercial premises, and for the adoption
of regular cleaning and decorating programmes.
Overcrowding. (Sec. 5)
The number of premises found to be overcrowded was less than anticipated.
Where necessary occupiers were advised to reduce the number of employees in
particular rooms. Employees were, however, often under the impression that they
were individually entitled to 40 square feet of floor space or 400 cubic feet of air
space (depending on ceiling height).
Temperature. (Sec. 6.)
Thermometers were either absent or not conspicuously dispayed in a large
number of premises. On the whole, heating difficulties were confined to shops
where doors were continually being opened and shut.
Ventilation. (Sec. 7.)
In some instances, windows normally capable of being opened had been fixed
shut for security reasons. Partitioning of large offices gave rise to some problems
and natural ventilation had, in some cases, to be augmented by mechanical means.
Traffic noise in the busier thoroughfares necessitated the complete closure and
double glazing of some windows and mechanical means of ventilation had to be
adopted in certain premises.
Lighting. (Sec. 8.)
A wide variety of lighting conditions was encountered, ranging from single
naked filament lamps hanging from ceilings to modern well designed installations.
Where conditions were found to be poor, occupiers were advised as to the
standards recommended by the Illuminating Engineering Society. The publication
of the British Lighting Council's Certified Scheme should prove to be of
considerable assistance to occupiers of smaller premises.
Sanitary Accommodation and Washing Facilities (Sees. 9 & 10.)
Where insufficient accommodation and facilities were found, occupiers were
advised to take steps to meet the requirements which were to come into
force on 1.1.66. Deficiencies mainly comprised lack of cleanliness and maintenance
of equipment, e.g. flushing cisterns. In the case of washing facilities, failure to
provide running hot or warm water was often due to lack of maintenance to
water heaters already provided. Soap, clean towels or other means of hand drying
were occasionally not provided. The standard of cleanliness tended to be lower in
buildings in multiple occupation where facilities were in common use.
Floors, Passages & Stairs. (Sec. 16)
Worn floor coverings, badly maintained stairs, absence or inadequacy of
handrails were often seen, and there appeared to be a general lack of awareness of
results which may stem from inattention to these matters. Notices were served
where necessary. Every opportunity was taken to emphasize the dangers to
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