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22
FACTORIES ACTS, 1937 and 1948
Visits paid to factories totalled 234 and in addition to verbal intimations
regarding small defects, 12 written notices were served and complied with. These
dealt mainly with insufficient and defective sanitary conveniences and want of
cleanliness.
Notices were received in respect of 36 Penge residents who were employed
in certain trades in their own homes, but working for occupiers of factories in
other districts. In no case was it found that work was being done in unwholesome
premises.
SMOKE ABATEMENT
During the year complaints were received of a smoke nuisance from a
factory in the district. Observations made confirmed the complaint, and as a
result the co-operation of the National Industrial Fuel Efficiency Service was
enlisted.
It was found that the nuisance arose from the mal-adjustment of the
automatic stoking apparatus whereby excessive quantities of fuel were fed into
the furnaces. The stoking apparatus was adjusted so that without any loss of
boiler efficiency the nuisance was abated. Further, as a result of this action the
firm's fuel consumption was considerably reduced.
At one factory laundry in the district plans have been made to convert
the boilers from coal to oil fuel during the year 1956.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949
Complaints numbering 313 regarding rats and mice were received from
all parts of the district and investigated.
The constant action which has been taken to destroy rodents during recent
years has caused a diminution in the severity of the infestations found in the
district and in no case was a major infestation discovered. Rats are such
prolific breeders, however, that it is in the public's interest to report to the
public health department as soon as they suspect the presence of rodents in or
about their premises. A free service is provided for the destruction of rodents
in private dwellings.
In several cases it was found that defective drains and sewers were associated
with rat infestations and the keeping of animals contributed to the number
of infestations. When considered necessary the drainage systems of premises
were tested with smoke and colour and all defects made good.
As in previous years, the foul-water sewers were treated on two occasions,
prebait and poisoned bait being laid in the manholes and side entrances. In
June 328 manholes were baited and pre-bait takes recorded in 80. The figures
for the December treatment were 329 manholes baited and prebait takes
recorded in 120.