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20
Paddling Pools.
Our usual investigations were made into the paddling pools at
Harrow Lodge, Harold Wood, Spring Farm, and Rainham Recreation
Ground, controlled by the Council and the results were generally
satisfactory.
Fifteen samples were taken in process of our supervision.
Disinfestation.
The prevailing practice in this regard was continued.
Rodent Control.
Increasing use has been made of the services of our Rodent
Operative. During the year his advice was requested in respect of
216 infestations and 2,379 routine and re-visits were made. During
that period he remedied 202 and 14 were under continued treatment or
observation.
It might be opportune here to utter a note of caution in respect of
the bait used in anti-rodent work. Even under controlled conditions
and when operating with the greatest care—as a local authority will
always do—it should be borne in mind that a bait which will kill rodents,
no matter how non-toxic it might appear to be, will form, to say the
least, a very poor diet for anything else, and in this connection domestic
animals-pets—come immediately to mind. I cannot emphasize too
strongly that if any bait is laid down with a view to exterminating
rodents, then the strictest precautions should be taken by the owner of
any pet to ensure that it does not interfere with or eat, the bait. This
is essential on two counts above all others, the one being that if the pet
eats the bait then the rat can't and hence the rat cannot be destroyed.
The second point is that the pet should not be subjected to gratuitous
risk.
Establishments for Massage or Special Treatment.
The Essex County Council granted licences to 9 persons during the
year authorising them to carry on establishments for massage or special
treatment. Fifteen visits were paid to these premises throughout the
year.
Heating Appliances (Fireguards) Act 1952 and Regulations 1953.
A commencement was made with the testing of certain electrical
appliances on the standards laid down by the Regulations. The result
showed that of 29 appliances tested, 10 were unsatisfactory. The
details are noted below :
Type of Test Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Probe 20 9
Strength 29 0
Flannelette 3 1
It should be explained that fireguards of an approved type were in
fact available for all but one of the appliances which failed the probe
test and the inspecting officer was informed and was quite prepared to
accept, that before any of the appliances had been sold the safeguard
would have been attached (the fires tested were in fact obtained from a
window display).