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

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Hayes and Harlington 1938

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hayes]

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5.—Shops.
Six notices were served requiring the provision of sanitary
accommodation in shops, and of these four have been complied
with. A few notices were also served in regard to temperature,
ventilation, lighting and washing facilities. Most of these have
been complied with and the remainder are receiving consideration.
Three certificates of exemption were granted during the year in
respect of sanitary accommodation.
6.—Camping Sites.
There are no camping sites in the area.
7.—Smoke Abatement.
Fifteen smoke observations and visits to factories have been
made during the year. No statutory notices were served.
8.—Swimming Baths and Pools.
The only open-air swimming bath has been demolished.
9.—Eradication of Bed Bugs.
Six Council houses were found to be infested with bed bugs and
have now been disinfested. Nine other houses were found to
be similarly infested and were dealt with by the owners.
The following method is employed for freeing infested houses.
Firstly, houses are sprayed with Vermicine or Pyagra, picture
rails, skirtings and other wood fixtures are removed and the
premises sealed and fumigated—usually with sulphur candles.
In addition, and as an added precaution, any likely places harbouring
vermin are treated with a blow lamp.
The incoming tenant of a Council house is visited to make as
certain as possible that his furniture and belongings are free
from vermin before he enters a Council house.
The work of disinfestation in Council houses is carried out
under the supervision of the Estate Manager, who employs his
own men for this purpose. In the case of other houses, the
landlord usually makes arrangements with a contractor for this
to be done.
Houses found to be infested with vermin are, as a rule, empty.
The incoming tenant is always informed that although the house
has been disinfested he may find occasional bugs appearing and
requested to notify the public health department immediately.
With the co-operation of the tenant, premises are easily cleared of
vermin.
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