London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hackney 1963

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hackney]

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61
(a) suitable and sufficient means of ventilation:
(b) reasonable temperature:
(c) suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences:
(d) suitable and sufficient means of lighting:
(e) suitable and sufficient washing facilities
(f) suitable and sufficient facilities for the taking of meals-
No contraventions were discovered during the course of the inspections
made by the Public Health Inspectors.
Exemption certificates relating to sanitary accommodation continued in
operation in respect of ten premises.
OFFICES. SHOPS & RAILWAY PREMISES ACT, 1963. This Act received Royal
Assent on 31st July, 1963 and comes into operation on dates to be determined
by the Minister of Labour.
The purpose of the Act is to make fresh provisions for securing the
health- safety and welfare of persons employed to work in office or shop
premises and certain railway premises.
The following are the main provisions of the Act:-
All premises to which the Act applies and all furniture, furnishings and
fittings, shall be kept in a clean state. No room shall be so overcrowded so
as to cause risk of injury to the health of persons working therein, and,
workrooms must be of such a size that there is 40 sq. ft. of floor space in
respect of each person, or where the ceiling is lower than 10 ft., 400 cu. ft.
A temperature of not less than 60 8°F. must be maintained in every workroom
and a thermometer is to be provided in such rooms. Ventilation either by
supplies of fresh or artificial purified air, and adequate lighting must be
provided.
Sanitary conveniences must be provided at places conveniently accessible
to employees, which must be kept clean and properly maintained, together with
proper lighting and ventilation also suitable and sufficient washing facilities,
including the supply of clean running hot and cold or warm water, and soap,
clean towels or other suitable means of cleaning and drying.
An adequate supply of drinking water and drinking vessels must be
provided also accommodation for clothing, and eating facilities. Seating
facilities must be provided, together with footrests for sedentary workers.
Other provisions relate to the maintenance of buildings, the fencing of
machinery, avoidance of exposure of young persons to danger, and for the
making of Regulations by the Minister of Labour for securing health and safety.
Special Regulations may be made by the Minister for protecting persons employed
in the premises from risk of bodily injury or injury to health arising from
noise and vibrations, and for preventing the welfare of persons from being
adversely affected thereby.
Where any premises or machinery therein are in a dangerous condition, or
any machinery plant or equipment is in such a condition that it cannot be used
without danger, or that an operation or process would cause bodily injury or
injury to health a Magistrates Court has power to put down such dangerous
conditions and practices
Detailed provision is made with regard to First Aid. means of escape in
case of fire fire prevention, the provision of fire fighting equipment and
incidental matters.