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a tendency to fit more display shelves than the shop area can
reasonably permit. The exhibition of merchandise in the gangways
aggravates the position. The law requires the provision of seats
in all rooms of a shop, for the use of females employed in the
serving of customers. This provision cannot often be complied
with due to restricted space in the shop and even if a seat is
provided it causes obstruction to the customer. The cashier's
desk, by necessity is placed near the "way out" but all too often
in a position where the cashier is in a constant draught.
The use of sanitary conveniences for the making of tea,
storage of milk and drinking vessels is not uncommon. This
undesirable practice could well be a source for the spread of
disease.
In one case which comes to mind, the only space available
for the staff to rest is in the intervening space of the water closets
provided for the separate sexes employed.
Many fires that occur in commercial buildings are attributed
to faulty electrical wiring and fittings. During the year several
instances of bare wires were found which on test were shown to
be live. In one case a mains wireless lead was draped about a
bacon cutting machine, in another several feet of lighting flex
was wrapped around an iron soil pipe suspended from the basement
ceiling. The basement contained inflammable materials.
Ventil. ion is a source of complaint particularly in modern
buildings. Temperatures in the eighties have been recorded in
rooms where the air movement has been insufficient to give
employees comfortable working conditions. In a number of
instances the original system has been made ineffective by the
erection of partitions from floor to ceiling without consideration
being given to the air ducts.
In one case, a room was partitioned off for staff use. The
room contained a cooker, an electric fire and a drip feed oil
beater. No window was provided or other means of ventilation.
There was a danger of asphyxiation to those using the room.
The mushroom growth of the Launderette has brought in
its wake the problems of ventilation, excessive moisture, the
disposal of exhaust fumes and heat. Even customers have been
heard to complain of the heat and the apparent lack of air in these
establishments.
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