§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will publish in the Official Report full details of any deaths and serious injuries which have occurred in coin-operated launderettes over the past five years.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that the details of deaths and serious injuries which have occurred in coin-operated launderettes over the past five years are not available.
§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether he plans to bring in legislation to regulate the use of coin-operated 170W launderettes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John GrantI am informed by the Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission that, at present, it is not intended to recommend the introduction of legislation relating to coin-operated launderettes. All launderettes came under the Health and Safety at Work. etc. Act 1974 on 1st April 1975, including those which were previously under the Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963. In some local authority areas Private Acts of Parliament relevant to those local authorities are in force and include requirements relative to coin-operated launderettes.
Meetings were held in 1975 and 1976 between the Health and Safety Executive and national associations representing launderette operators, machine manufacturers and distributors to explain how the early implementation of the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 is to be achieved. The industry has set up a committee to look into ways by which coin-operated machines used in launderettes may be made more safe and the discussions are continuing.