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What is more important from the Port Health Authority's viewpoint is the domestic refuse; the
refuse from the catering department and the messrooms of the ships. By far the greater proportion
of this is composed of rejected food, scraps and preparation trimmings. Any retention
of this refuse aboard ship without proper control could be a menace to the health and environmental
sanitation of a particular ship, although the consequences of neglect could also spread
to the adjacent ships and dockside premises.
The Port of London Authority have always provided some type of refuse container within
reasonable distance of the ships alongside the quay, into which domestic refuse could be deposited
free of charges.
Those ships which for some reason have not taken advantage of this concession may be required
by the Inspector to burn the refuse in the coal-fired furnace of the ship for preference or
treat and stow it on the open deck in such a manner as to preclude the possibility of a nuisance
arising. The steady replacement of coal-fired furnaces with fuel oil burners and the motorship
has substantially reduced the scope for burning refuse aboard, while the growing sanitation consciousness
of seafarers has led them to expect a much better alternative to dumping around the
open decks.
From humble beginnings, improvements in the type of collecting points have been pursued and
adopted according to practicability. In earlier times it was customary to build an open extension
to the end of each latrine that was provided for dockers and ships' crews. This consisted of a
concrete base surrounded on three sides by a low brick wall. Into this receptacle, and unfortunately
often outside, the dockside and domestic refuse from ships was dumped to await rather
irregular collection and transport in a relatively crude manner. Many were the protests of the
Inspectors.
The collecting points were generally unsightly and exposed the refuse to the elements from the
time it was dumped until and during the loading operation into an open vehicle. Not only was
the refuse exposed to storm, but, while lying in the dock, it provided harbourage and attractive
feeding material for rodents and insect pests.
The next development was the construction of brick-built and totally enclosed types with sideloading
sliding doors and large end doors to allow access for the transport vehicle. The intention
was sound and anticipated several advantages over the open type, but the human element frustrated
the full realisation of all the objectives.
If success is to be achieved in any scheme for refuse disposal within the docks there must be
an adequate number of receptacles distributed over the area and the units located at the most
convenient places near the ships. The containers should be capable of and receive regular cleansing
and the refuse disposed of with a minimum of disturbance and human intervention. The
receptacles should be preferably mobile in order that any demands for increased capacity at a
given point may be met by an additional unit.
The latest innovation appears to satisfy most requirements. Mobile metal containers capable
of receiving about ten cubic yards of average refuse easily are dispersed around the docks and
are raised some two feet above the concrete site on which they are rested. They can be easily
loaded from the end and are regularly taken away by motor transport to the disposal incinerator,
having been replaced with a clean and empty container. When assessing the advantages of this
type, and in lighter mood, it may be claimed that should any rodents choose to harbour in the
refuse at the time of removal, they will suffer the same treatment as the refuse at the incincerator.
A painted statement on the outside of these containers advises the ships' crews that galley
refuse disposal is free of charges. No doubt experience will guide to better provisions yet and,
meanwhile, it will be necessary to encourage all concerned to use these present facilities to the
best advantage.
CIVIL DEFENCE - VISIT TO ARMY SCHOOL OF HEALTH
Your Medical Officer recommended thatyour Health Inspectors and other members of the Department,
including himself, likely to be associated with public health problems in the event of
hostilities, should be divided into two parties to attend demonstrations at the Army School of
Health on the 9th December, 1955 and the 13th January, 1956.
Your Worshipful Committee having approved of this recommendation, arrangements were made
for the members of your Department concerned to attend the School at Ash Vale, Aldershot, as
follows:—
Friday, 9th December, 1955:- Friday, 13th January 1956
1 Assistant Medical Officer The Medical Officer of Health
1 Office Staff 2 Assistant Medical Officers
8 Health Inspectors 2 Office Staff
9 Health Inspectors
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