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VISITORS AND STUDENTS
Visitors and students, usually medical men and public health inspectors have continued to
come from overseas for theoretical and practical instruction in and demonstration of Port Health
work. They receive instruction in as many aspects as time permits and this may range from days
to weeks, or even months. During the year visitors came from Arabia, Borneo, Ceylon, Chile,
Hong-Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Poland, Sierra-Leone, Tanganyika,
Thailand, Turkey, West Indies, and Yugo-Slavia.
Although this work must inevitably add considerably to the normal duties of the Inspectorate
and Rodent Operatives, it is accepted that port health work is both national and international in
character and its effectiveness must depend to some degree upon the efficiency of the controls
applied throughout the ports of the world.
Students taking the Diploma examination for Public Health Inspectors are required to be given
training in port health work and this instruction has been undertaken on behalf of many authorities
in the London area. Some students have already been given the necessary instructions and it is
anticipated that many more will come forward in the future.
FOOD HYGIENE (DOCK CARRIERS, ETC.) REGULATIONS, 1960
During the year every effort was made to secure compliance with the Regulations so far as
was considered reasonably practicable, but it must be acknowledged that the meat berths in the
docks and the generally accepted methods of handling meat cargoes are not condusive to hygienic
conditions. To a great extent, this has made the task of raising the standard of hygienic handling
both slow and very often difficult. Whilst it is agreed that more hygienic conditions should be
introduced the cost of carrying out the complete capital works involved and providing the necessary
equipment immediately is considered to be prohibitive. However, it is gratifying to find that
the required improvements are being introduced gradually and cleaner practices generally accepted.
There has been an appreciable improvement in the conditions of road vehicles. The older
types of vehicles and trailers with wooden linings have been progressively converted or replaced
by those which are internally sheathed with suitable metal or plastic insulation, and increased
use has been made of the larger refrigerated bulk transports.
As regards rail transport, credit is due to the Port of London Authority for the considerable
improvement in their trucks which have all been metal sheathed. There is also an increasing
tendency towards the use of portable insulated containers, which can be easily cleansed. In
addition to the provision of suitable trucks and containers, however a proper organisation for their
cleaning must be established so that the incoming rolling stock may arrive at the loading points in
a proper condition for loading meat. To this end, consistent pressure has been applied but the
desired results are not readily forthcoming. It is anticipated that the provisional plan to establish
a marshalling yard with adequate means for cleansing of the rolling stock will be implemented.
The practice of wearing protective clothing by the men engaged at the meat berths has
become firmly established. Those who handle the chilled beef wear washable caps and capes,
while those employed at the landing tables for frozen meat with stockinette covering are provided
with suitable aprons.
A 'code of practice' has been generally accepted to ensure that the quays and precincts
thereof are in a clean condition before and during the period of meat discharge from the ships and
loading into the transports. Hosing of the quays is a feature of this code.
Latrines and washing facilities have been carefully considered and reasonable provision has
been made at the selected berths, but not always to the extent required by the Regulations. Persistent
efforts are made by the Inspectorate to inculcate the need for proper facilities and hygienic
practices.
THE FOOD HYGIENE (GENERAL) REGULATIONS, 1960-1962
The annual survey of passenger-carrying launches which operate the summer services on the
River was carried out as usual during the early part of the year.
It has become accepted practice during this period of re-fitting to thoroughly cleanse and
chlorinate the fresh water storage tanks as well as the piped installation in preparation for the
summer season operations. Although these launches generally comply with the appropriate
requirements of the Regulations, there remained certain desirable features which, when brought to
the notice of the Owners, have received consideration and modifications have been made within
reasonable financial limits. There had been a steady trend to make improvements both in
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