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48
Type and Condition of Premises
As may be expected in a part of the Borough where industry is
scattered amongst residential property the premises occupied varied
considerably. For most part old buildings have been adapted for
the purpose required. Instances of this were buildings constructed
and probably used in the past as stables being adapted for use as
garages or monumental masons: large private houses for the manufacture
of children s hose and shop premises used for light
engineering. Generally, the alterations had been carried out so
as to give the maximum working space and buildings on the whole
were reasonably suitable for the purpose.
Larger factories such as foundries and timber merchants
appeared to have been constructed for the purpose for which they
are now being used. In many cases room for expansion was non
existent and problems arose from time to time because of the close
proximity of residential and industrial properties.
Analysis of the inspection of premises yielded the following
results
Disrepair Old but suitable Satisfactory Very good
3 30 27 6
Overcrowding
The only instance of congestion observed appeared to be due
to finished products awaiting removal. This was particularly
noticeable in firms making bulky furniture such as wardrobes and
kitchen cabinets. Generally the arrangement of machinery and work
benches seemed to have been carefully planned to avoid congestion.
Lighting
Although natural lighting was often found to be insufficient
artificial lighting was generally found to be good. Even small
firms occupying old or adapted buildings frequently had fluorescent
lighting so arranged as to give good light with absence of shadow
or glare. Many machines were observed to have individual lighting
direct on the working area. It was noticeable that managements
in some cases had given careful consideration to working amenities
such as lighting seating, height of work benches, in order to
minimise fatigue.