View report page

79
OFFICES, SHOPS AND RAILWAY PREMISES ACT, 1963
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963, makes provision for the
safety, health and welfare of persons employed in shops, offices and railway premises. The
requirements of the Act follow closely those of the Factories Act and include provisions
relating to cleanliness, overcrowding, temperature, ventilation, lighting, sanitary conveniences,
washing facilities, drinking water, seats, safety of machinery, first aid and
fire precautions.
Enforcement of the provisions of the Act is divided among a number of authorities.
In most premises covered by the Act, its general requirements are enforced by local authorities
who were already responsible for inspecting many such premises under other legislation
dealing with public health and shop closing hours. H.M. Inspectors of Factories enforce the
general provisions of the Act in certain premises which are associated with, or broadly similar
in their conditions to, factories, i.e., railway premises, fuel storage depots on railway
premises and offices in factories. They are also responsible for inspecting premises owned
or occupied by the Crown and those occupied by local authorities.
Provisions relating to fire precautions are the responsibility of the Fire Authority,
i.e., with regard to this borough's area, the Greater London Council.
In Kensington and Chelsea, inspections are carried out by the public health
inspectors.
Set out below is a summary of the number of premises registered, inspected,
notices served and work carried out during the year

Number of visits of all kinds by Inspectors
to registered premises 1,915