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217
[1908
some workrooms the air is extremely vitiated. This is attributable not only to neglect to use
the existing means of ventilation—the windows being kept closed to exclude cold air and
fogs—but also to the fact that gas fumes are present, given off from the burners used for
lighting and heating. Some workrooms are apparently heated entirely by the burning of gas
jets. In this way the required reasonable temperature is maintained, without any corresponding
means of removing impurities caused by the process. The question of how a
workroom is heated is not a sanitary provision within the meaning of the Factory Act, and
consequently cannot be dealt with directly by the local inspector. Some trades also, such as
artificial flower making or box making, require gas to heat the tools or the materials used
in the process of manufacture. In many cases, too, the windows are not even opened at
meal-times, as some employees have their meals in the workrooms. It almost appears desirable
that a certain amount of ventilation, as well as means of ventilation, should be required by
law, thus definitely settling the matter, and removing the necessity for persuasion, which may
have no lasting effect. On the other hand, it is encouraging to note that this matter of bad
ventilation is not by any means universal, some workrooms being extremely well ventilated,
both during working hours and meal-times. In two workrooms lately it was noticed that the
doors had been taken away, while in another the door was fixed in such a way that it could
not be closed. In another workshop again, some panes of glass had been taken out entirely,
thus providing a constant supply of fresh air. These arrangements indicate an improvement,
though of course they have the disadvantage of producing a draught, which perhaps is the
lesser evil.
Sanitary Accommodation.—During the year 3 instances of insufficient accommodation,
127 of closets in a dirty condition, 53 of closets unsuitable or defective, and 4 instances of
accommodation not separate for sexes were found. Of these, 121 have been cfleansed and
53 repaired under my supervision, the other instances, with accompanying defects on the
same premises, being dealt with by Inspector West.
Miscellaneous Defects.—Other defects, such as defective floors, dustbins, cisterns, etc.,
were found to the number of 150. Of these, 123 had been remedied before the end of the
year. Any defects found on inspected premises which did not directly concern the workplace
have been referred to the District Inspectors, and have been dealt with by them,
together with any instances of defective or unventilated drains.
Workroom Cards.—During the year 310 workroom cards have been distributed, specifying
the cubic contents of each room, and stating the number of employees allowed during
ordinary working hours and during overtime.
Notices.—During the year, 87 intimation notices have been served (77 in connection
with workshops, and 10 in connection with factories), and 3 Statutory notices. As before,
most of the nuisances have been remedied after a verbal notice has been given, so that a
written notice has not been found necessary.
Complaints from Home Office.—One complaint was received from the Home Office
re cleansing the walls of a workshop, concerning which we had previously received no Notice
of Occupation. The work was found done, and the fact duly notified to H.M. Inspector.
I remain, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
JOSEPHINE J. BROWN,
(Sanitary Inspector of Workshops.)
P