London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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City of London 1902

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for London, City of ]

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86
In a large number of cases the W.C. accommodation was in a very defective
condition : in 26 cases the W.C. either opened or ventilated directly into the
kitchen.
In one case the lobby of the W.C. was found to be used for the storage of
meat, and in all cases where the W.C. opened directly into the kitchen a
similar condition, of course, obtained, though not in so marked a degree.
In a number of instances hoods have been fixed over gas stoves and led
into a flue for ventilation. In 18 of the kitchens inspected, gas only was
used in the process of cooking; and where it is possible to use gas only it is
advisable, and would most effectively assist in dealing with the smoke
problem.
As a very special interest attaches to the condition of the kitchens of
Restaurants, &c., the following table of defects, &c., found on inspection, is
added: —

WORKPLACES (KITCHENS OF RESTAURANTS).

Details.Totals.
Number of kitchens inspected155
Kitchens on top floor30
Kitchens in basement76
Gas only used for cooking18
Licensed to sell Beer, Wines, &c.64
Workers employed:—Male497
„ „ Female693
Kitchens badly ventilated3
Walls and ceiling dirty45
Floor defective20
W.C's opening or ventilating into kitchen26
W.C's without ventilation, or insufficiently ventilated12
W.C's without light13
W.C's used by both sexes13
W.C's provided for use of Customers:—Male5
„ „ „ „ Female5
W.C. pans dirty24
Interior of W.C's dirty6
Flushing apparatus to W.C's out of order7
Doors of W.C's defective5
Seats of W.C's defective2
Drains defective9
Sinks defective29
Cisterns not covered18
Cisterns needing cleansing22
Receptacles for refuse defective39