SCHOOL CLEANSING

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 12, 9 October 1917, Page 3

SCHOOL CLEANSING

« --- COMMITTEES ASSOCIATION ACTIVE WHAT IT RECOMMENDS • The report of a special committee set up to inquire into and draw' up a standard specification for school cleansing was considered at a meeting, of tho fechool Committees Association last evening. It was pointed out that at the present time schools wore only cleaned out periodically, and as a result infectious diseases were likely to spread and the health of the children and tho community generally affected. It was mentioned that the present capitation grant was in nearly every caso quite insufficient to cover even tho modified form of cleaning now in vogue. It was decided to endeavour to secure from the Education Department an increase in capitation to provide for cleaning of 'schools, as per the following schedule, which the committee recommended as a minimum specification for city schools:— Sweeping.—Rooms to be swept daily, as soon after school closing as possible, and always after sprinkling with sawdust damped with a solution of reputable disinfectant. Dusting.—All desks, chairs, and shelves to be dusted daily with dusters damped with kerosene. Scrubbing.—All woodwork, including floors, walls to five feet above floor, desks, seats, tables and window sills to be scrubbed with hot water and washing soda once every three weeks, providing that during the two weeks prior to Christmas term holidays this clause does not apply. There shall bo no modification of these provisions in regard to rooms where Standards I and II and lower classes are generally taught. Term Cleaning.—During May and September term the whole school shall be disinfected with formalin, using one pint of standard formaldehyde per room (say, 25ft. x 25ft.) solution to Jie not less than 1 in SO strength. Early in p January of the Christmas teiyii holidays all movable fittings shall bo removed to the open air and thoroughly washed and sprayed with disinfectant., The rooms' shall be scrubbed as to floors and walls where possible, and afterwards walls, floors, and ceilings sprayed with standard disinfectant solution, after which all movablo fittings are to be replaced. Doormats to he removed, fixed to a fence and thoroughly hosed. Windows, sky-lights, and light fittings to be cleaned each term holiday. Fireplaces.—Ashes from fireplaces to beremoved daily when in use and fires relaid. Grates to be lacquered at termination of cold weather.

Conveniences.—-Where water and seworage are installed soil pans to be flushed daily and scrubbed as required, but not less than once weekly with disinfectant, particularly as to edges and seats where fitted, and buildings kept clear of debris by hosing or sweeping when necessary. Urinals to be thoroughly-hosed and disinfected once per week or oftener if required. Basins to be kept clean. Gully Traps.—All gully traps to be cleared when necessary and obstructions to all fittings, drains, and traps immediately reported to chairman or headmaster as instructed.

Rubbish to be removed from school, outbuildings or grounds, and burnt and ashes placed in standard- _ receptacle to be provided by the committee. ■Where caretakers are employed, all •windows and doora to be opened at sunrise when weather permits. Grounds to be kept in order as the committee may direct. Country, Schools. Where soil pans or cesspits are used, oil provided by the committee shall be used to cover the contents when necessary. I These matters, the report added, should Ijje .brought before- the teaching profession. The committee is of opinion that the provisions of any specification can only be obtained and observed by methodical supervision, and therefore recommend that the board appoint a sanitary inspector to inspect as frequently as possible. The visits should not be according to a time schedule, and the officer should, hold a certificate from the Sanitary Institute. The common drinking utensils should also be alx>lished and inclined bubble fountains, approved by tho Health Department, should be installed in every school. The educational value of proper and systematic cleansing will, it is contended, be a factor in the formation of character and habit in tho children. |