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OFFICES, SHOPS AND RAILWAY PREMISES ACT 1963
This Act, which makes provision for the health, safety and
welfare of persons employed in offices, shops and certain railway
premises, came into operation during 1964.
Certain administrative provisions came into operation on the
1st May, 1964, including the registration of premises. Most of
the remaining provisions came into force on 1st August, 1964.
Broadly speaking, local authorities are responsible for
enforcement of the Act (with the exception of certain provisions
relating to fire prevention) in offices, shops and certain railway
premises, except those within the curtilage of 'factory premises'
as defined by the Factories Act 1961, where enforcement is the
responsibility of H.M. Factory Inspectorate.
In order to secure uniformity of action by the respective
authorities, the Minister of Labour has appointed regional
officers and circulars have been issued giving guidance on the
practical interpretation of a number of provisions of the Act.
Regulations with regard to Sanitary Conveniences and Washing
Facilities will come into operation on the 1st January, 1966,
and an Order setting out standards of first-aid equipment to be
provided and maintained, came into effect on 1st December, 1964.
Operation of the Act-General
Following the widespread advertising campaign conducted
earlier in the year through the press, radio and television,
numerous applications for registration were received. Parts III
of the registration forms were duly forwarded to the London County
Council (as the fire authority). Many premises contain offices
and shops within the same curtilage as 'factory' premises and
the resultant problems of demarcation where the 'factory'
processes are of a minor character, have been resolved by
informal discussion with H.M. District Inspector of Factories
whose willing co-operation is gratefully acknowledged.
In many instances smaller shops were found to be outside
the scope of the Act by reason of their operation by closely
related members of the same family.
Forms were delivered by hand to premises which appeared to
be within the scope of the Act. Where application had not been
made already, a further survey will be required to ensure complete
coverage of all premises affected by the Act, as it would appear
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