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34.
HEATING APPLIANCES (FIREGUARDS) ACT, 1952.
The Heating Appliances (Fireguards) Regulations 1953, which were made in
pursuance of the above-named Act, came into force on the 1st October, 1953.
Briefly, the Regulations state that it is an offence under the Act to sell or
hire, or to offer for sale or hire in the course of a business any heating
appliances to which the Regulations apply without a guard conforming to the
prescribed standard. These Regulations require fireguards to be fitted to
gas fires, electric fires and oil heaters which are so designed that they are
suitable for use in residential premises and are of such a type that without
a guard there is a likelihood of injury by burning.
The standards of construction and fitting of guards and the tests to be
applied are set out in the Regulations. There are certain exemptions under
the Regulations but these cease to take effect after September 1954, when all
heating appliances sold or hired must be fitted with the requisite guard.
During the year the Sanitary Inspectors were requested to make certain
tests by Interested persons and numerous enquiries were made from various
people as to the requirements of the Heating Appliances (Fireguards)
Regulations.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT,1949.
RODENT INFESTATION.
The work of this important branch of Public Health was carried out by a
staff consisting of one Supervisor, one Investigator and two Operatives, under
the general control of the Chief Sanitary Inspeotor.
The main rodent infestation in the Borough is by the ship rat. A regular
system of investigation is carried out by the Investigator who makes the
initial inspection and assesses the degree of infestation. During the year
851 inspections of investigation were made. Business premises treated
totalled 101 against 109 in 1952, and dwelling houses treated numbered 443
against 742 in 1952.
The Divisional Rodent Officer of the Ministry of Agrioulture and Fisheries
has been most helpful to the officers of the Publio Health Department and when
required has always arranged for the necessary technical experts to oo-operate
in difficult cases.
It is pleasing to record that when joint action has been required where
rodent treatment has had to be carried out on properties adjoining the railroads
in the Borough, the Railway Executive officials have always given
simultaneous treatment on their properties when required.
During the year no Notices were served under the Prevention of Damage by
Pests Act, 1949.