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45
Books and other articles which cannot be steam disinfected are
also treated by exposure to a formalin vapour.
Disinfestation of Verminous Rooms: Articles in the room requiring
treatment are removed for steam disinfestation. The room is
sprayed with an insecticide containing Pybuthrin and Lindane/
D.D.T., which has a prolonged residual effect. Where there is
heavy infestation, architraves and mouldings are required to be
eased for deeper penetration of the insecticide.
Control of Insect Pests: The construction of large blocks of
flats containing covered ducts taking hot water, plumbing and
drainage pipes has raised a problem of insect infestation. These
ducts form an ideal harbourage for insects which would be difficult
to deal with by normal hand spraying. A Microsol Mist
Generator is therefore used for the purpose and this apparatus,
which has a small motor unit, is capable of spraying a fine mist or
fog of insecticide to a distance of 50 feet, the mist settling on
to the surfaces of the duct and the piping contained therein.
Personal Cleansing Station
During the year, 366 treatments were given at the Council's
personal cleansing station at Sheepcote Lane to persons suffering
from scabies—199 to adults, 126 to schoolchildren, and 41 to
children under school age. In addition 50 adults, 252 schoolchildren,
and 57 children under school age were treated for
verminous conditions.
The arrangement made in 1965 with the London Borough of
Lambeth for those of their residents who require treatment to
attend the Wandsworth Personal Cleansing Station continued to
operate satisfactorily. During the year 47 treatments were given.
Laundry Service for Incontinent Persons
During the year approximately 4,000 bags, each containing about
10 lb. of soiled linen were collected, and the contents laundered
and returned to the owners. This valuable service continues to be
in great demand by old and infirm persons.
Disinfection and Laundry Services—Rationalisation
Since the formation of the London Borough of Wandsworth on
1st April, 1965, it has become apparent that the services provided
at the Council's existing disinfecting stations at Tooting and
Battersea could well be concentrated in one building. Facilities
exist at both stations for general disinfecting work and the laundering
of linen from incontinent old people. At Battersea however
there is also a personal cleansing station adjacent to the main
building offering facilities for the personal cleansing of adults
and children suffering from skin conditions, e.g. scabies and infestation.
At Tooting, the hot water and steam services are derived
from boilers which have been in use for over 60 years whereas at