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134
The requirements of the law with regard to bakehouses are
few and simple; whether they are adequate is another question:
they may be summarised as follows:—
Definition.—A "Bakehouse," a "non-textile factory," is "any place in which
are baked bread, biscuits, or confectionery, from the baking or selling of which
a profit is derived."
Sanitary Provisions.—In respect of sanitary provisions the Bakehouse comes
under the general law relating to factories and works. It is to be kept in a
cleanly state, free from effluvia arising from any. drain, privy, or other nuisance;
is not to be so over-crowded as to be injurious to the health of the workmen,
and is to be ventilated. (Sec. 3.) A Bakehouse in which there is a contravention
of this section, is deemed not to be kept in conformity with the Act, and
the occupier then becomes liable to a tine not exceeding ten pounds. (Sec. 81.)
Should the Inspector observe act or neglect in relation to sanitary matters,
involving nuisance, punishable or remediable under the law relating to public
health, but not under the Factory Act, it is his duty to give notice thereof to the
Sanitary Authority, which will then make enquiry and take such action as may
seem proper for the purpose of enforcing the law. The Inspector may for the
purpose of this section (4) take with him into the bakehouse a Medical Officer
of Health, or Inspector of Nuisances.
Cleanliness.—Sec. 33 makes provision for securing cleanliness by periodical
painting or varnishing, or whitewashing, of the bakehouse—walls, ceilings,
passages and staircases; and for cleansing of painted or varnished wood by
washing.
Sleeping Accommodation.—A place on the same level with the bakehouse may
not be used as a sleeping place if it be not effectually separated therefrom by a
partition extending from floor or ceiling, or if it has not an external glazed
window of at least nine superficial feet in area, of which at the least 1J superficial
feet are made to open for ventilation (sec. 35).
Employes.—As respects employes I need only mention that no "young
person" under 16, may be employed in a bakehouse excepting between the hours
of 5 in the morning and 9 at night, and with 7 hours at the least of rest; so
that the actual period of labour may not exceed 9 hours; and the occupier who
contravenes the section (45), becomes liable to heavy penalties (sec. 83).
Powers of entry are given to the Inspectors (sec. 68).
It may be mentioned that an Abstract of the provisions
of the Act, containing all necessary directions for the guidance
of employers and employed, has been prepared, and a
copy thereof furnished to every occupier of a bakehouse.