View report page

73
The policy of the Council in insisting that all pneumatic equipment used
by them on road development and repairs is effectively silenced, the insertion
of a clause in all contracts entered into by the Council, to the effect that
all pneumatic breakers shall be effectively silenced and that the times of
operation limited unless in emergencies, has had its effect on reducing noise
in road operations throughout Hackney.
The example set by Hackney has been noted and followed by other local
authorities both in the London area and in other parts of the Country. Statutory
undertakings, even though exempt from the provisions of the Noise Abatement Act,
are co-operating and providing silencing arrangements to road breakers when used
in the Borough.
The number of noise complaints received during the year conveys little or
no indication of the amount of work involved. There are no legal standards of
noise laid down to assist those occupied in trying to limit the noise emitted
from the various types of equipment, whether they be road breakers and other
equipment used outdoors, or machinery used indoors.
The Department is equipped with the very latest types of octave band
analysers and other sound measuring equipment, and while these instruments are
invaluable in carrying out research, they are of little value in determining a
noise nuisance, for more often than not it is not the total volume of noise
which is a nuisance, but the character - for a dripping tap can be of more
annoyance to some people than the noise of a heavy machine.
Research is continuing (the Chief Public Health Inspector is much involved
in this) into an entirely new ty e of road breaking equipment, which is operated
hydraulically, and if successful will eliminate completely the noise from the
exhaust of the breakers as is the case with pneumatic equipment.
The major noise problem in Hackney is traffic noise, which is increasing
day by day, and whilst this is recognised as being a serious health hazard the
Health Department as such has no control over the legal aspect of this nuisance.
There are indications, however, that within the not too distant future, noise
standards may be made and a maximum noise standard will be defined for heavy
vehicles.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTS
DRAINAGE
During the year 161 plans were submitted and each one is examined and
necessary amendments made before approval is given.
The gradual introduction of new materials, e.g. plastic waste and soil
pipes, unglazed earthenware pipes bearing British Standard Specification, flexible
jointed pipes and many other modern innovations has necessitated a great
deal of time being devoted to determining whether such materials would in fact
be acceptable under the Drainage Byelaws.
The work of sealing off disused drains is increasing year by year as the
clearance of sites proceeds, and this throws extra work on drainage labour.
Serious consideration is being given to the employment of mechanical equipment
to do this work to relieve the manpower, and also to carry out the work
more economically.
CLEANSING, DISINFECTION AND DISINFESTATION
The bathing centre for adults, mainly the elderly, is situated in Millfields
Road, E.5. A few young children also attend this centre but schoolchildren are