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48
FACTORIES.
The Factories Act of 1937, which came into force
on 1st July, 1938, is a consolidating and amending
measure and replaces the Factory and Workshop Act of
1901 and various later Acts. Broadly speaking, the Act
still requires Local Authorities to enforce various general
provisions for protecting the health of persons employed
in establishments where mechanical power is not used,
and they still must exercise special functions relative
to means of escape in case of fire, keeping records of
outworkers and prevention of homework in unwholesome
premises. The Act, however, extends their duties in
other important respects, all of which are designed for
the betterment and general welfare of employees in these
establishments.
Table XIV, in the Appendix, indicates the work
done during 1938.
SWIMMING BATHS AND POOLS.
(a) Public Open-Air Bath.
The reconstruction at the Open-Air Bath, which
included the entire reconstruction of the dressing accommodation,
provision of sun-bathing terraces, new refreshment
buffet, offices and lavatories, was completed during
the latter part of 1937, and the Bath was available
throughout the season. The basket system of clothes
storage is now in operation and foot baths are provided
for the use of bathers entering the Bath.
The fitration and chlorination plant continued to
work satisfactorily, and tests are taken twice daily to
ascertain the presence of free chlorine and to ensure that
a slight alkalinity is maintained. Samples of the water
are taken and tested at intervals for bacterial content
and such tests have shewn the quality of the water to be
entirely suitable.
(b) Privately Owned Baths.
Fourteen samples of water from privately owned
swimming baths were taken by the Department during