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of exits in certain classes of buildings and keeping the exits,
gangways and passageways free from obstructions (e.g. chairs,
tables, display boards and prams) whilst persons are assembled in
the building.
The means of escape from a building should be the first
consideration of those having control of commercial premises,
large shops, restaurants, multiple stores and other buildings where
persons are likely to congregate. To indicate the importance for
strict observance of the legal requirements, two instances that were
found during routine visits were as follows:—
(a) Rooms on an upper floor of a store had an emergency
escape route to the roof. The exit door was locked and
bolted in three positions. The key to the lock, usually
kept in a box fitted on the door, was missing. Several
minutes lapsed before the key was found.
(b) Another store had an enclosed emergency fire escape route
from roof to ground floor internal. Doors leading to
this escape from the various floors were obstructed by
goods, it was therefore not possible to get on or off
the escape at each floor level. Goods were also displayed
on the main staircase landings which impeded the proper
use of the stairway. On being requested to remove the
obstructions, an assistant stated that goods were always
displayed there and that in any case the emergency
Stairs were never used. How fortunate !
The Betting and Gaming Act, 1960, allows the playing of a
game commonly called "Bingo" subject to certain rules being
observed. "Bingo" is now played in every type of building,
some constructed entirely of timber, and attracts large numbers
of persons including the aged and the young.
In the passing of this Act, it seems inexplicable that no
condition was implied as to safety requirements. Generally safety
laws do not apply to clubs. However, in this connection the
Association of Municipal Corporations have drawn the Government's
attention to a serious defect in the law.
It is considered, however, that the persons organising these
games have a moral responsibility and having this in mind, a
number of buildings in the Borough were visited, when this game
was in progress, when it was found, among other matters, overcrowding
existed, no gangways were provided, exits could not be
immediately opened and were obstructed by tables and chairs.
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