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"Where lead, arsenic, or any other poisonous substance is used" by
Section 30, it is required that proper washing conveniences shall be
provided for persons using such poisonous substances.
Section 31 has reference to the regulation of the humidity of the
atmosphere in textile factories where the humidity is artificially produced
by steaming or other mechanical appliances.
That a reasonable temperature should be maintained in each room
where persons are employed is an obvious necessity. This is arranged
for by Section 82.
The compulsory use of fans and artificial ventilation where processes
are carried on by which any gas, vapour or other impurity is generated
and inhaled by the workers to an injurious extent is made necessary by
Section 33.
In Section 35 we find "in every place where Section 22 of the Public
Health Acts Amendment Act, 1890, is not in force, every factory or
"workshop shall be provided with sufficient and suitable accommodation
"in the way of sanitary conveniences, having regard to the number of
"persons employed in, or in attendance at the factory or workshop, and
"also where persons of both sexes are employed or intended to be
"employed, or in attendance, with proper separate accommodation for
"persons of each sex."
Section 41 makes it incumbent upon the occupier of a workshop
within twelve months from the commencement of the Act, to notify to
the Inspector for the district information as to the name of the workshop,
the place where it is situate, the address to which he desires his letters
to be addressed, the nature of the work, and the name of the person or
firm under which the business of the workshop is carried on. In default
a fine not exceeding five pounds will be incurred. Any notice so served
shall be forthwith forwarded to the Sanitary Authority of the district in
which the workshop is situate.
The Act is a useful one, and must be loyally worked in conjunction by
local authorities and the Factory Inspectors if all its possibilities are to
be utilized to the fullest extent.
In concluding this Report it is just and proper that I should
acknowledge my indebtedness to my colleagues, Messrs. Turner and
Son for their advice and co-operation on very many occasions, and also
to your Surveyor for assistance in matters pertaining to his department.
Of the loyalty and good work of my own staff I cannot speak too
highly.
A reference to the numerous Tables which make up the latter part of
the Appendix, and a perusal of the Reports with which they have
furnished me are sufficient evidence of their enthusiasm, and also of
their ability.
I have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JOSEPH LOANE.