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132
DISINFECTION
Articles of clothing, bedding, etc., requiring disinfection
following cases of infectious disease were collected and delivered
in specially constructed metal lined vehicles and taken to the depots
where disinfection was carried out by experienced operators.
Steam disinfecting plants are situated at the Council's Depots at
Waldo Road, Bromley, and Crofton Road, Orpington. Articles
unsuitable for treatment by steam disinfection were disinfected by
chemical means. In appropriate cases, premises, where infectious
diseases occurred, were disinfected by suitable chemical sprays
and fumigants. Disinfection of bedding was carried out on request
for hospitals in the area.
Where notifiable infectious diseases are involved, these services
are free of charge.
Similar provisions exist for disinfection on request where nonnotifiable
illness has occurred. In such cases an approved nominal
charge was made.
DISINFESTATION
Premises and articles infested by vermin and insects are also
treated by the disinfecting operators. Sixty-seven requests were
received for this service and the necessary work was carried out
on payment of the approved charges.
WASP NEST DESTRUCTION
Preparations were made early in the year to cope with calls
for help in disposing of wasp nests. Based on the experience
gained in 1966 additional and improved equipment was obtained
and additional members of the existing staff were instructed in
methods of disposal.
The season started early—the first request for assistance being
received on 1st May and thereafter calls were received with
increasing frequency during June, July, August and September.
There was a sharp drop in activity in October, the season then
being virtually over.
A total of 439 nests were destroyed—a charge of £1 per clearance
being made.
CLEAN AIR ACT, 1956
Smoke Control Areas
Continued progress was made during the year in the unspectacular
but rewarding work of surveying and establishing smoke
control areas.
The smoke control programmes as originally approved by the