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Registration,— Registration of most premises is only effected
after an initial visit by the inspectors and there is still ignorance
by occupiers as to their duties in this respect, National
publicity could be valuable as a means of reminding potential
occupiers of their responsibilities in this direction,
General,— Compliance with most parts of the Act continues to be
satisfactory but many occupiers only take action to comply with
all aspects of the Act following pressure from the Local
Authority; thus systematic inspection still continues to be
necessary, and without regular visits to premises standards
would undoubtedly fall,
Planning,- During the year, particular attention has been given
to the examination of plans of proposed offices, shops and warehouses,
and many observations have been made so that the
building, or addition to the building, will comply with all relevant
legislation from the moment of occupation,
It is regretted that so much space is often devoted to the sales
area of shops, and minimal consideration is given to staff needs,
and inspectors find such conditions as assistants standing about
in passages to get a few minutes morning or afternoon break,
Most of the larger firms provide very satisfactory rest room
facilities and it is to be hoped that future legislation will insist
on at least a heated well-lit corner of the premises away from the
public being reserved for staff rest periods,
Hoists and Lifts Regulations,- Since the Regulations require an
inspection of the lift to be made at six-monthly or yearly intervals
by a competent person it would seem that, if the report on its
condition is unsatisfactory, a certificate stating the required work
had been completed should be sent to the Local Authority
following a reinspection by the competent person, It is suggested
that new proposed legislation should cover the submission of such
a report,
During the past year, the enforcement of the Act in this borough
has proceeded purposefully and considerable improvement has
again occurred in a wide variety of premises during 1972, The
following table shows the classification and number of premises
registered at the end of 1972, the number of persons employed
and the number of inspections and other visits made during the
year;-