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Retail shops and wholesale warehouses continue to
produce the most accidents and sixteen of these were
reported from one distribution depot being caused mainly
by falling or slipping from or on the decks of lorries whilst
being loaded or unloaded. Although a different type of
vehicle is now coming into use, which is loaded and
unloaded by mechanised means, these are dealing with long
distance hauls, and a positive remedy for this type of
accident has not yet been found.
An unusual accident occurred in a public house which
may have escaped notification if a member of the public
had not complained to the Department of Health of the
condition of a barman's hands whilst he was handling food.
Upon investigation it was ascertained that the man, who had
had over 16 years experience, had miscalculated by many
times the concentration of a proprietary caustic compound
used for sterilising beer tanks, and as a result sustained
burns to his hands. He was still under medical treatment
but continued working, and notification of the accident
therefore had not been made.
Representations were made to the employer, and the
man eventually reported sick, when notification of the
accident was made to the department. Although the
chemical manufacturers confirmed that in the declared
concentration, no harm could result from the use of this
product, cettain precautions on its safer use were made
known to the brewers.
Machinery not adequately fenced still caused some
concern and included a bread mill; toasting machine (used
for toasting rolls for hot-dogs); waste food grinders; baling
machine; material slitting machine and slatted conveyor
belts. The last three machines had been responsible for
accidents, causing only minor injuries, and advice is being
sought on their improved fencing.
It has been found that manufacturers of some food
preparation machines are not willing to adapt the older,
but still serviceable machines to ensure compliance with the
act (which rests with the occupier of premises on which
they are used). This attitude places financial hardship on
some occupiers who may be persuaded to purchase a new
machine. In other cases a dangerous do-it-yourself
conversion may result.
Problems have occurred with regard to the space heating
of large wholesale warehouses and it is felt that an
alteration in the current legislation could improve the
situation. This matter has been raised in the narrative
report to the Department of Employment.
Noise Abatement Act 1960
The department's work in this sphere is increasing and it is
hoped that the approach to be pursued during the coming
year will produce positive standards of levels of
acceptability for noise. Without legal limits it is difficult to
decide what noise level constitutes a statutory nuisance
because virtually every person has a different level of
acceptance in respect of differing types of noise. In many
cases, "conditioning" has taken place over a period of time
and what is or has become acceptable to a person resident
in the area for a number of years, is completely
unacceptable and a source of nuisance to newcomers. This
is particularly relevant in Hounslow, where residential
premises are situated in close proximity to commercial
premises of every kind and where aircraft noise and heavy
road traffic noise are constantly heard.
At the present time, noise is becoming more and more
recognised as a potential hazard to the environment and
with this in mind the department is directing its attention
to the establishment of ambient noise levels throughout the
borough. This will provide a reference for future
developments and allow an objective assessment of
complaints of noise nuisance.
All complaints regarding noise received by the
department are investigated and where appropriate, noise
levels established with a sound level meter. During the year
63 complaints were received concerning 58 noise sources.
An analysis of complaints is as follows:—
Noisy neighbours and parties 17
Commercial premises 16
Industrial premises 5
Pneumatic drills 7
Launderettes 3
Aircraft 6
Water pumps 2
Building works 2
Ice cream chimes 1
Church bells 1
Statutory undertakers 1
Others 2
27 of these were confirmed as nuisances and were
resolved informally, in 11 cases the complaints were given
advice and no further action was taken, 2 cases are still
under observation and in the remaining 12 cases no nuisance
could be substantiated.
Services relating to housing legislation
Sub standard houses
The work of the housing team has continued during the
60