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The principal objects of inspection are to ascertain:—
(a) The situation of the kitchen, the condition of the floor, walls and
ceiling, the adequacy or otherwise of ventilation, &c.
(b) The accommodation for the storage of food.
(c) The number of workers employed, both male and female.
(d) The water-closet accommodation provided.
(e) The provision made for personal ablution.
(f) The number and sanitary condition of the sinks, &c.
(g) The situation and condition of water storage cisterns.
(h) The provision for the storage of refuse.
(i) The cooking processes employed.
(j) The condition of the cooking utensils, &c.
(k) The condition of the food used and stored upon the premises.
The principal defects found relate to:—
(a) Dirty floors, walls and ceilings, cisterns, &c.
(b) Insufficient ventilation.
(c) Defective water-closet accommodation.
(d) The undue emission of steam from faulty fittings.
In the early days of the inspection many defects of a structural nature were met
with in connection with drainage, ventilation, water-closet accommodation, &c., but now
the commonest defect is want of cleanliness, and although, as a whole, kitchens show a
distinct improvement as regard their general condition, whitewashing and limewashing
are still insufficiently practised. This necessary work is put off until the Inspector
comes round, instead of being regularly done, say every six months. The use of gas
for lighting purposes renders more constant cleansing necessary.
The provision of water-closet accommodation for both sexes is often a serious
difficulty, and especially so when only small numbers of workers are employed. When
businesses change ownership, or structural alterations are carried out, this question is
often lost sight of. The male members of the staff are said to be "paid to go out" to
find accommodation at public conveniences, &c. Such arrangements are not satisfactory,
and do not comply with the requirements of the Act.
In the case of water-closets used by men, the floors are sometimes found to be wet
and foul smelling owing to carelessness, the remedy for which is to cover with, or make
the floors of, some impervious material, and to insist on constant cleansing.
In some cases the water-closets are found in a dirty and untidy condition, strewn
with sodden paper, &c. The provision of boxes for paper sometimes proves a remedy.
In all restaurant kitchens it should be made a requirement that a lavatory for
hand-washing should be placed in the lobby of the convenience, and that such lavatory
should be used by the workers before they return into the kitchen.