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Smoke from Furnaces.
Section 3 of the Act deals with the installation of new furnaces and the requirement
that new furnaces shall be so far as possible smokeless. During the year 1964
no applications were received to instal furnaces.
PEST DESTRUCTION
Rats and Mice.
The service provided by the department is free in respect of residential premises
but work carried out at business premises is paid for by the firm concerned and is not
a charge on the rates.
Insect Pests.
Residents of the Borough are able to have insect pests identified and advice is
given as to the best methods for their eradication. Unusual specimens are sent to the
British Museum (Natural History section) for identification and I am most grateful
to them for their willing and valuable assistance.
Control of Birds.
The Local Authority are given power under Section 74 of the Public Health Act,
1961, to take steps to abate nuisances caused by the congregation in built up areas of
doves, pigeons, starlings or sparrows. No complaints were received during the year
1964.
HEALTH EDUCATION
During the year I gave a number of talks on health topics to various associations
in the Borough. Many more were given by the Chief Public Health Inspector and his
staff, and by the doctors, health visitors and nurses in all parts of the area. Where
appropriate, films and filmstrips are used; propaganda by posters and leaflets has been
continued.
GENERAL MATTERS
Shops Act. 1950.
Section 38 of this Act deals with provisions for the health and comfort of staff
employed in shops. Shop premises are required to be properly ventilated, adequately
warmed, sufficiently lighted and to have toilet and washing facilities; if the staff take
meals on the premises there must be suitable arrangements made for them.
Occasionally it happens, as in the case of a small lock-up shop, that it is impossible
for the occupier to provide a separate toilet on the premises. Provided that alternative
arrangements are made to use a nearby toilet, a certificate of exemption can be granted
from the requirements of the Act. There are 22 exemption certificates in force.
Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963.
The majority of this Act came into force on 1st August, 1964, but a general
administrative provision dealing with applications for registration, applications for fire
certificates and for exemptions came into force on 1st May, 1964.
The administration of the Act has proceeded smoothly and the technical assistant
employed specifically for this work has quickly settled down and carried out his work
in a very satisfactory manner. He has at all times the assistance of the district public
health inspectors concerned.
It is probable that about 20% OSR (1) (Registration Forms) have yet to be
returned and it is hoped eventually to take the necessary steps to obtain the return of
these forms.
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