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26
SECTION C.
SANITARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CIRCUMSTANCES
OF THE AREA.
Agriculture (Safety, Health and Welfare Provisions) Act, 1956.
The main object of this Act is to make provision for securing
the safety, health and welfare of farm workers and avoiding
accidents to children arising out of the use of agricultural
equipment.
No contraventions were found during the course of the year.
Atmospheric Pollution—Clean Air Act, 1956.
On the 1st June, 1958, the remaining provisions of the Clean
Air Act, 1956, came into force and after that date industrial and
commercial premises were required to operate their plants with a
minimum emission of dark smoke.
There are many light industries in the northern part of the
district, particularly in a small area at St. Mary Cray, and during
the year 174 observations and visits were made by the Public
Health Inspectors to these industrial premises but in only nine cases
was it necessary to call attention to infringements.
The district, with its many open spaces, parks and recreation
grounds, is not subject to heavy smoke pollution, particularly in
the southern part of the area which is rural in character.
The measurement of atmospheric pollution is carried out in
co-operation with the Fuel Research Station. There are two sites
in the district at which instruments are installed, one being a
Deposit Gauge for the measurement of solid matter suspended in
the atmosphere and the other a Lead Peroxide Cylinder for the
measurement of sulphur dioxide. These instruments are maintained
in co-operation with the Fuel Research Station at Greenwich
(acting under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research)
and at monthly intervals samples are analysed by the Council's
Analyst and a copy of the reports forwarded to them. Many districts
throughout the country are undertaking this work and the information
thus gathered has proved most valuable to the Department of
Scientific and Industrial Research.
The Council is represented by the Chairman of the Public
Health Committee and the Chief Public Health Inspector on the
London and Home Counties Smoke Abatement Advisory Council,
the National Smoke Abatement Society, and the Standing Conference
of Local Authorities which co-operate with the Department
of Scientific and Industrial Research.