View report page

politan Water Board. Any falling off in the quality of the water is immediately
reported to the Chief Engineer's department and remedial measures are put
into operation forthwith.
The average results of chemical and bacteriological analyses of the water
are shown in Table No. 9.
Number of houses supplied by the Board:—
(a) Direct 29,994 (106,289 persons)
(b) By means of standpipes 5 (11 persons)
Water Supplies from Wells.
During 1951 samples of water from wells in the Borough were sent for
bacteriological examination and chemical analysis. Many of the water supplies
are used for allotment purposes, but informal action was necessary where contaminated
water from wells was in use at a sports ground and at certain
dwelling-houses.
A summary of the action taken with regard to wells and underground
water supplies known to exist in the Borough shows that samples of water were
taken from 12 pumps on allotments and from wells at four houses. As a result
of the bacteriological reports, the owner in each case was requested to affix a
permanent notice to the pump stating the water was unfit for human
consumption.
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH
Factories.
It is surprising that in a Borough like Twickenham there are as many as
378 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 1951 the inspectors paid 372 visits to factories; in 68 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The Shops Act, 1934, was repealed and replaced by the Shops Act, 1950,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. 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
17