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Radioactivity
The Radioactive Substances Act, 1960 was passed during the
period under review and this Statute empowers the Minister concerned
to require registration of undertakings keeping and using
radioactive material and issue authorisations to dispose of radioactive
waste.
Provision is made for consultation with local authorities if it
appears that the disposal of radioactive waste is likely to involve
the need for special precautions to be taken by the local authority.
This is in line with government policy to place the control of
the sources of radioactivity with the central authority.
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 73, Brighton
Road, Purley.
The number of library books disinfected has been cut down
considerably as a result of a modification of the list of notifiable
diseases in respect of which disinfection is now considered
necessary.
Disinfestation work is now largely confined to the more
common domestic pests such as flies, ants, cockroaches and wasps.
No case of bug infestation was recorded during the year.
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 148 cases
of infestation were dealt with by the department.
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