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55
Step ladders are often found in a bad state of repair. This is brought to
one's notice when accidents occur. Although regulations have not yet been
made, advice has been given for repair or replacement of step ladders when
necessary.
Washing cups and saucers in wash basins continues in some instances
(in offices and non-food shops) where there are no sinks separately allocated
for the purpose but success is being achieved in making provision for separate
sinks with hot and cold water supplies when plans for new buildings are submitted
or alterations to old buildings proposed.
Safe access to lift and water towers does not receive sufficient attention
from some architects. When approached on the subject one has met with the
remark "It's only maintenance staff using it". Economy is often wrongly
applied where there should be maximum safety.
The number of complaints respecting insufficient heating of offices and
shops grows each winter as inspection of premises continues and the provisions
of the Act become more widely known. Complaints of over-heating
during the same period were received.
One complaint was made in January that the Inspector had insisted on
a minimum temperature of 60.8°F in an office, which by an employee was
considered too high. She held that a temperature between 50°F and 54°F
was adequate. The air temperature on that date was 44°F. On the same day
a complaint was received from another office that the temperature was 80°F.
In the latter case inadequate means of ventilation in a modern office
block was found and remedied.
Insufficient lighting and defective lighting apparatus have been dealt
with and remedied in old premises particularly in water closet compartments
and passages.
During the year five cases were reported to the Town Clerk with a view
to legal action being taken:-
(1) A firm failed to provide a substantial handrail, contrary to
Section 16(1). As a result of a ietter from the Town Clerk,
a handrail was provided.
(2) A firm failed to notify an accident forthwith, contrary to
Section 48 of the Act. As a result of a letter from the Town
Clerk the Notification of Accident was received.
(3) An assurance society was not maintaining a floor construction
and floor covering in an office, contrary to Section 16(1).
As a result of a letter from the Town Clerk the work was
completed.
(4) A brewers' bottling firm was reported for failing to fence
securely the chain of a conveyor contrary to Section 17(1). An
accident had been reported and investigated. The work of protection
of the machinery required by the department was promptly
carried out and a warning letter was sent by the Town
Clerk to the company.