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(b) General Observations
Reports of practical operations relating to inspections are shown below under the
appropriate Section sub-heading.
Section 4 - Cleanliness
General standards continued to improve but stockrooms, passages, washrooms and
toilets at the rear of premises were often found to be neglected. In the smaller businesses,
allegedly due to lack of funds, office and shop staff have been made responsible for cleansing
work generally with poor effect. Unsatisfactory conditions in larger premises were often
attributed to difficulties in obtaining suitable cleaning staff.
Overcrowding of rooms by stock piled on floors so as to provide a danger hazard has
generally been remedied by verbal warning on the spot. Shortage of staff was the usual excuse.
Sections 6 and 7 - Temperature and Ventilation
The enforcement of these Sections requires a realistic interpretation particularly with
regard to the possibility of deterioration of stock by the maintenance of the temperature
standard set. Prosecutions against occupiers of food premises are liable to fail on these
grounds. A successful case was taken for lack of ventilation in an office built inside a
warehouse.
On one occasion, during a hot spell, a temperature of 100° Fahrenheit was recorded
inside a newly built supermarket, where the ventilating system had failed and was working in
reverse. No provision is made in the Act regarding top level temperatures although if it were
necessary to take proceedings in such a case no doubt the offence of lack of ventilation could
be substantiated.
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