View report page

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 1953 the inspectors paid 381 visits to factories;
in 17 factories the attention of the management had to be drawn to contraventions
of the regulations. The inspectors also paid 143 visits to out-workers'
premises.
GENERAL MATTERS
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 1953 one exemption certificate was granted, which makes a total of 20
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
untoward happening, a post-mortem examination is required by the coroner
to ascertain the cause of death. The number of bodies admitted to the
mortuary for this purpose during 1953 was 425.
Swimming Baths and Pools.
Excellent facilities for swimming are provided at the Corporation's three
open-air baths.
Water is supplied by the Metropolitan Water Board's main, and 12 samples
for bacteriological examination were taken throughout the season, all of which
were satisfactory.
Health Education.
Continued use is made of various health education methods, including
propaganda by posters, leaflets and lectures illustrated by films or lantern slides.
Laboratory Work.
The usual arrangements were continued during the year and worked
satisfactorily. 114 samples of ice cream were obtained, and all but 8 were
satisfactory. In addition, 183 miscellaneous specimens, mainly faeces, were
submitted to the laboratory in connection with food poisoning and dysentery
enquiries.
19