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residue of free chlorine is recorded continuously by specially designed apparatus
and any variations are readjusted by alteration of the dose of chlorine by
chlorination attendants who are continuously on duty.
All new and repaired mains are disinfected with chlorine before being
restored to supply and samples of water from them are tested bacteriologically.
Jute yarn used in the packing of joints in water mains is specially sterilised
beforehand.
Samples of the water are collected at all stages of purification at least
five times each week and are analysed at the laboratories of the Metropolitan
Water Board. The results are shown in table No. 9."
Number of houses supplied by the Board:—
(a) Direct 29,907 (107,589 persons)
(b) By means of standpipes 5 (11 persons)
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH
Factories.
It is surprising that in a Borough like Twickenham there are as many as
372 factories. Most of them are engaged in light industries such as the manufacture
of electrical components, piston rings, aircraft parts, nameplates, and
bakery furniture. The number of persons employed in these factories ranges
from 500 in the largest to one or two in the smallest. All factories are visited
to see that proper sanitary accommodation is provided; those factories which
do not use mechanical power are inspected for cleanliness, avoidance of overcrowding,
for adequate warmth and ventilation, and proper drainage of floors.
During 1950 the inspectors paid 201 visits to factories; in 36 factories the
attention of the management had to be drawn to contraventions of the
regulations. The inspectors also paid 33 visits to out-workers' premises.
GENERAL MATTERS
Shops.
The Shops Act, 1934, was repealed and replaced by the Shops Act, 1950,
as from the 1st October, 1950. Section 38 of the new Act which deals with the
provisions for the health and comfort of the staff, is substantially the same as
the section of the old Act which it replaces. Shops are required to be properly
ventilated, adequately warmed, and sufficiently lighted; they have to have
toilet and washing facilities; if the staff take meals on the premises there must
be suitable arrangements. These requirements are enforced by the Local
Authority. Occasionally it happens, as in the case of a small lock-up shop, it is
impossible to provide a separate toilet on the premises. In these cases the
occupier may make an alternative arrangement to share a nearby toilet and a
certificate of exemption is granted from the requirement in the Act. During
1950 three exemption certificates were granted which makes a total of 18
in the Borough.
Mortuary.
The mortuary at Hampton, though small, is a good building. It provides
an important public service. During any year there occurs a series of cases in
which owing to either accident, sudden death, drowning in the river or other
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