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Disinfection and Disinfestation.
Disinfection is carried out when considered necessary following
cases of infectious disease and otherwise on request and on
payment of a small charge.
Bedding and other clothing if possible is disinfected by
arrangement with the Wandle Valley Hospital in a steam disinfector
at the hospital. Sick rooms and other articles are disinfected
by means of formaldehyde gas or spray, and library books are
treated in a disinfecting chamber at the offices at 69, Brighton
Road, Purley.
During 1958 the following disinfections were carried out:—
Free of
cost
Upon
Payment
Total
Loads of bedding, etc.
23
6
29
Houses disinfected
40
1
41
Parcels of clothing
1
–
1
Library books
424
–
424
Disinfestation work is now largely confined to the more
common domestic pests such as flies, ants, cockroaches and wasps,
although during the year two cases of bug infestation were discovered
and received the appropriate treatment.
School canteens are sprayed annually with a liquid insecticide
to prevent fly infestation.
The use of proprietary insecticides principally of the liquid
variety and having a residual effect, is proving very effective in
dealing with all types of insect pests. During the year 111 cases of
infestation were dealt with by the department.
COMPLAINTS RECEIVED.
General disrepair and insanitary conditions 23
Dampness 17
Defective drainage systems 14
Blocked drainage systems 189
Defective drainage fittings 14
Defective W.C. pans and flushing apparatus 11
Defective service water pipes 6
Absence of, or defective dustbins 6
Accumulation of refuse, etc. 29
Rats and mice 238
Keeping of animals 5
Insect pests, etc. 33
Wasps nests 134
Smoke nuisance 16
Contaminated food 22
Unsound food 27
Flooding 30
Miscellaneous 33
Total 847
32