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GENERAL MATTERS
19
high bacterial quality and yet having none or so little chlorine remaining in
the water in the distribution system that there is no likelihood of chlorine tastes
being detected by consumers.
Samples of water are collected at all stages of purification at least five
times each week and are analysed by experts at the laboratories of the Metropolitan
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. 8.
Number of houses supplied by the Board :—
(a) Direct 30,070 (106,490 persons)
(b) By means of standpipes 5 (10 persons)
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH
Factories.
Most of the 353 factories in the Borough 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,
j avoidance of overcrowding, for adequate warmth and ventilation, and proper
drainage of floors. During 1952 the inspectors paid 517 visits to factories;
in 34 factories the attention of the management had to be drawn to contraventions
of the regulations. The inspectors also paid 58 visits to out-workers'
premises.
Shops.
Section 38 of the Shops Act, 1950, deals with the provisions for the
health and comfort of the staff. 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
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 1952 exemption certificates were granted, which makes a total of 19
in the Borough.