§ Mr.Roseasked the Secretary of State for Employment what action he intends to take to prevent the use of a Belgian-made machine which has proved to be a danger in launderettes through explosions when overloaded.
§ Mr.John GrantThe chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that the inspection of most coin-operated launderettes and the enforcement of the Health and Safety at Work &c. Act 1974 in them is the responsibility of local authorities. Health and Safety Executive inspectors have enforcement duties only in launderettes which come within the scope of the Factories Act 1961.
Inspectors of enforcing authorities already have powers under the Health and Safety at Work &c. Act to issue notices requiring any machine which appears to them to be dangerous to be made safe or to prohibit its use, and it is understood that one local authority has issued a prohibition notice on the use of this particular machine. Incidents concerning such machines are discussed at health executive local authority (HELA) liaison committee meetings, and where necessary guidance is issued to the local authorities.
A general guidance note has also been issued to local authorities on the enforcement of the Act in launderettes.
§ Mr.Roseasked the Secretary of State for Employment whether, in the interests of safety, he will take action to prevent unaccompanied children under the age of 14 years from entering launderettes.
§ Mr.John GrantThe chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that consideration has been given to the suggestion that unaccompanied child-rent should be prohibited from entering 189W launderettes, but it is felt that such a prohibition would be difficul to enforce in practice.
At present, launderette owners and operators are required to comply with the provisions of sections 3 and 4 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and manufacturers of launderette equipment with section 6 of that Act. Compliance with these sections should ensure safety in launderettes for whoever uses them, and the Health and Safety Executive is actively pursuing this line.
A number of meetings have been held with the launderette industry to advise on satisfactory standards of safety, and advice has been given to local authorities on safety in launderettes. Further meetings are planned with the industry and there is also a formal liaison arrangement between each Factory Inspectorate area office and the appropriate local authority.