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and such articles as cannot be submitted to the action of steam; it is
provided with a Ligner's apparatus for the generation of formaldehyde
gas.
A Drying Boom, 23 ft. 6 ins. by 16 ft. 6 ins., containing drying
horses and a mangle.
A Bottle Washing Boom, fitted with sinks, washing machine and
special shelving.
Separate Bath Boom, Lavatory and Mess Boom accommodation is
provided for the Staff.
Store Rooms in Basement.
A special and separate department is provided for the reception and
cleansing of verminous persons. The verminous clothing is placed in
air-tight receptacles between the two Bath Booms and the "Infected"
Chamber, and from thence placed in the Disinfectors and returned from
the "Disinfected" side to the Bath Booms, the departments being
connected by a basement passage.
Apparatus and Machinery.—The Steam Disinfecting Apparatus is
that know as the "Alliot and Baton," made by Manlove, Alliot and Co.
Two are provided, both having been removed from the Council's other
stations. The apparatus has an oval chamber, 7 ft. long, 6 ft. high, and
3 ft. 7 ins. wide internally, with double walls forming a jacket round,
and steel framed doors at each end. The object of the jacket is to heat
the contents of the disinfecting cylinder before the steam is turned in
to prevent condensation and to assist in drying the contents after the
steam has been withdrawn.
Articles to be disinfected pre placed inside the apparatus, and the
air is extracted. This is to facilitate the penetration of the steam which
is subsequently admitted under a pressure of 20 lbs. and at a temperature
of 259° Fahr. After the articles have been subjected to this for a
sufficient period, the steam is allowed to escape and a second vacuum
obtained, this being broken in its turn by hot pure air.
Articles which are partially or wholly made with leather or furs,
silks, letters, &c., cannot be subjected to steam without damage. These
may be treated in the same machine either with dry heat alone or with
formaldehyde gas. A special appliance is provided for the introduction
of this gas, which may also be used in conjunction with steam.
To each apparatus is attached a Recording Fressure Gauge, fitted
with a chart on which a diagram of every operation is automatically
registered. These charts are preserved, and afford a means of ascertaining
the treatment to which the articles have been subjected.
Articles of clothing, bed liuen, or which have been soiled with
discharges, require to be soaked in cold water and washed before
exposure to steam, which would fix any stain. A washing machine has