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47
First Aid Arrangements
The provision of first aid boxes in shops is almost non-existent. The
number of accidents in shops is low, but so also is the cost of supplying and
maintaining a first aid box. The matter has been considered by the Committee
of Enquiry into Health and Welfare in Shops, and it appears likely that any
amending legislation will deal with this subject. It is important that if
and when first aid boxes are provided they should contain simple instructions
upon action to be taken in respect of accidents which might arise.
Sanitary Accommodation
In all cases sanitary conveniences are provided in accordance with the
Slops Act 1950, except where the Council have granted in rare instances exemption
certificates because restricted space makes it impossible to provide
sanitary accommodation on the premises and other conveniences are readily
available in the near vicinity.
There is no legal standard of "sufficiency" and in some cases, although
it would be difficult to prove insufficiency, conditions would be improved if
additional facilities could be provided. The restricted space available
often makes it inpossible to add to existing accommodation.
Washing Facilities
Washing facilities are provided in all shops, with the exception of those
which have been exempted by the Council. The actual facilities vary considerably
from shop to shop. In many shops there is a cold water supply only, with
a kettle and gas ring as the only means of heating it.
Although legally this may be regarded as sufficient, in many cases the
shopkeeper has been persuaded by the inspector to install an appliance for
providing a supply of hot water on tap.
The provision of soap and towel is often left to the assistants, many of
whom prefer bringing their own towel to using a communal one.
Lighting
The lighting of shops is generally good. Most shops, particularly the
larger ones, realize that good illumination is a commercial asset both as
means of attracting customers and of saving time. There is, however, room
for improvement in the lighting of store rooms and passages to avoid accidents.