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70
In each case it is seen that the number of colonies is much less in the treated
rooms, and markedly so after the cleaners have swept out the rooms.
The percentage attendance of the scholars and staff in the treated schools was
collected for the January-March period in the last three years, and compared with
similar figures for neighbouring untreated schools. Factors other than dust have
such a preponderating influence at this time of the year that no conclusions could
be drawn as to the part played by a less dusty atmosphere on the health of the school
population.
In the case of Stowey House open-air school, the outside pavilions are mainly
used by the children on inclement days, and for feeding and resting in, so that such
disadvantages as slipping and staining of clothes do not call for comment, while the
lessened dust from the treated floor is the important factor. The head teacher and
assistants were unanimous that there was less dust in the sheds. It might even be
suggested that the boots and shoes of the children by getting an oily film treading
from the prepared floors, would act beneficially by preventing their feet from getting
damp on leaving the sheds.
There is no doubt that the use of the dust-allaying oil definitely lessens the dust,
and produces a cleaner, sweeter and more healthy atmosphere than obtains under
the usual methods of periodical scrubbing and daily sweeping as carried out generally
in the schools.
On the other hand, a disadvantage is that the oiled floors necessitate extra care,
owing to the slippery surface, and make it impossible to use the floors to the same
extent for physical exercises owing to soiling of garments which come into contact
with the oil.
In view of the encouraging nature of the reports, it was decided to make a
much more extended experiment. In 126 departments in 56 schools the oil has
been used throughout the year 1926. At the end of the year a total of 281 departments
in 118 schools were being treated. Financially the method proves that a
saving can be effected compared with the cost of ordinary cleansing. A summary
of the opinions of the head teachers of the 126 departments has been made by the
Education Officer and is here reproduced:—
Department.
Report
improved
cleanliness.
Report
less
cleanliness.
Do not
regard
slipperiness
as
serious
drawback
Regard
slipperiness
as
serious
drawback
Do not
regard risk
of soiled
clothing as
serious
drawback.
Regard
risk of
soiled
clothing
as serious
drawback.
Consider
advantages
outweigh
disadvantages.
Consider
disadvantages
outweigh
advantages.
Wish to
continue
use of
oil.
Do not
wish to
continue
use of
oil.
Boys’ 44 1 42 3 41 1 43 2 43 2
(No opinion
expressed 3)
Girls’ 31 1 24 7 27 5 28 3 29 3
No opinion (No opinion
expressed 1) expressed 1)
Mixed 12 — 8 4 11 1 12 — 12 —
Infants’ 34 — 23 9 23 11 28 4 28 4
(No opinion (No opinion (No opinion
expressed 2) expressed 2) expressed 2)
Special 3 — 3 — 2 — 3 — 3 —
(No opinion
(expressed 1)
Totals 124 2 100 23 104 18 114 9 115 9
(No opinion (No opinion (No opinion (No opinion
expressed 3) expressed 4) expressed 3) expressed 2)
This shows that the head teachers in 115 out of 126 departments wish to continue
the new method. On the whole, there is a strong preponderance of opinion that the
two chief drawbacks (slipperiness and soiling of garments) are not serious enough
to weigh against the increased freedom from dust which is obtained. It is proposed
to extend the treatment to 100 further schools in London.