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71
There had been a number of instances reported of occupiers burning coal in
a smoke controlled area causing the emission of smoke. At present the occupier
is guilty of an offence, yet' the merchant selling the coal is not. The Clean
Air Bill now before Parliament includes a Clause which in such cases would make
the merchant guilty of an offence.
ABOLITION OF UNNECESSARY NOISE
The year has seen much activity concerning tne abolition of unnecessary
noise from pneumatic compressors and hammers. The last five years' research
carried out by the Chief Public Health Inspector in co-operation with manufacturers,
building research stations, acoustical engineers and other interested
parties has resulted in the appearance on the market of a hydraulically operated
hammer which is capable of not only holding its own but doing work in excess of
the pneumatic hammer at a very greatly reduced noise level and nuisance level.
The power unit is of a type which may be used inside premises, there being no
obnoxious fumes emitted from the exhaust, and the noise is of such a low incidence
that a normal conversation can be carried out adjoining.
This is considered to be a major step forward in the field of noise abatement
and during the year many local authorities, who have sought advice of this
Department and have been supplied with information, have followed the example of
Hackney in incorporating the clause prohibiting the use of any roadbreaker without
being equipped with an effective silencing apparatus.
During the year some very difficult investigations were carried out considering
complaints of nuisance from factory equipment and it is encouraging to
note that the public health inspectors being well acquainted in the science of
noise in this Borough were able to cope with these most difficult problems
without having to call for advice from any outside professional organisations.
The necessity ofthepublic health inspector being in at the very beginning
of proposed factory establishments even at the planning stage cannot be overemphasised
and it is essential that very close co-operation between the Department
of Architecture and Planning, from a town planning angle at least, and the Health
Department is of vital importance.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTS
Drainage
During the year 150 plans were submitted and each one was examined and
necessary amendments made before approval was given.
The continued introduction of new materials and methods in drainage engineering
have caused constant attention to be paid by this Department in investigating
claims made by manufacturers and carrying out various tests, in order to
establish whether or not these products can be accepted in this Borough.
The policy of sealing off all disused drains in order to prevent breeding of
rats has been energetically pursued during the year as a complete insurance
against trouble in the future when new estates have been developed and there can
be no doubt as to the wisdom of adopting such a policy even though it strains the
existing labour force to the utmost.
On a large G.L.C. site a mechanical digger was used to facilitate sealing
off drains, and whilst this proved extremely useful on this particular site its
use on small sites would be impractical.
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