View report page

63
One fatality by fire was reported, in a property which had previously been dealt with under Section 16
of the Act. In this case, the door of a basement separation, previously rendered self-closing, was left in the
open position and allowed fire to spread from the basement into the staircase enclosure, trapping persons
on the top floor.
Unfortunately, there is no provision in the Housing Act 1961, whereby failure to maintain means of
escape constitutes an offence.
Premises occupied by persons applying to be registered as Child Minders and Play Groups were inspected,
and in most cases the Inspector was able to recommend registration subject to providing safeguards.
Properties for which application for mortgage or grants are made are also inspected and
recommendations made for means of escape to the Borough Valuer.
Prior to 1961, Means of Escape from Fire in residential premises was dealt with by the London County
Council, under the provisions of Section 35 of the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act 1939.
Although this section remains in force it has been largely superseded by the Housing Acts 1961 to 1969,
which give greater control over this type of premises. In 1965, the Greater London Council delegated
certain of its powers to the Boroughs to enable them to deal with conversions of residential buildings into
flats, subject to compliance with the Greater London Council Code, or after consultation with that Council.
This work has been carried out by the Borough Planning Officer, and during the past year assistance has
been given by this Department's Fire Inspectors in many cases. On the 15th December, 1970 the Council
approved the transfer of the work under Section 35 of the London Building Acts (Amendment) Act, 1939
in respect of residential premises to this Department. Between that date and the end of the year, six cases
have been dealt with.
NOISE
NOISE ABATEMENT ACT 1960
93 complaints concerning noise were received during the year. All were investigated and action taken to
abate the nuisances which related to 36 industrial premises, 33 domestic and 24 commercial premises. The
complaints in question included noise from pneumatic road drills, extract fans, compressors, industrial
works, garages, laundrettes and amplified music from clubs.
A typical complaint was that of noise from the exhaust fans of a metal plating works operating at night
in respect of which a formal notice was served in accordance with the Noise Abatement Act. Extensive
investigations were carried out by Public Health Inspectors and several noise level measurements were taken
of individual fans and combinations of fans in operation as well as the ambient noise. This involved a
number of visits by day and night. As a result of the conclusions arrived at, the firm undertook to operate
not more than two of the fans at night thus mitigating the nuisance.
Another case investigated by the Department, was a complaint of loud noise emanating from premises
being used without planning permission by an organisation as a "commune" which included a cultural
centre. The cultural activities were varied and included musical sessions which ranged from a single
instrument, followed by an instructional discussion to "pop sessions" which extended late into the night
and early hours of the morning. The occurrence of noise was not consistent in its frequency as the Centre
was used for practice sessions any evening or occasionally during the day. This entailed many late evening
visits by the Inspectors to build up a case relating to frequency, volume and times. Eventually, a Notice was
served under the Noise Abatement Act and the Public Health (Recurring Nuisances) Act, 1969, and
subsequent to meetings with leaders of the commune, activities ceased pending the decision on a planning
application.
OFFICES AND SHOPS
The Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act, 1963 and the associated Regulations protect the safety.