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3. Ventilation.
As more and more shops are modernised, adopting the popular all glass frontage,
many shop fitters and designers appear to have no standards or guides to ensure
adequate ventilation of the shops. The designers often ignore the basic principles of
through or cross ventilation. In many of these shops a cross partition is erected to
provide storage, office or staff facilities at the rear, if, as is usually the case, the partition
is carried from floor to ceiling it forms an effective bar to any through ventilation.
In sunny weather the glass frontages tend to produce a rapid climb in internal
temperature and the lack of ventilation then becomes apparent. Several special classes
of premises seem particularly prone to this problem because the internal temperature
is augmented by other sources of heat, e.g. ladies hairdressers with a number of driers,
hot water and a higher than usual number of occupants, T.V. rental premises with a
variety of sets all operating; and small shops with high concentrations of lights or other
electrical apparatus. Premises with high security systems in operation such as jewellers
and liquor shops also tend to ensure that all openings for natural ventilation are
effectively sealed against intruders and fresh air. These conditions are, of course,
usually a requirement of the insurer but no attempt is made to provide other means of
ventilation.
Few complaints are received about ventilation from workers in offices or shops.
In some up-to-date offices with large and numerous modern style windows hardly a
single one appears to be opened. It was suggested that in offices and shops because
there is a high proportion of female staff windows tend to stay closed. The ladies it
appears tend to equate ventilation with draughts.
4. Lighting.
Generally this was found to be much improved.
Bars and restaurants attempting to achieve an intimate atmosphere by the use of
minimal or heavily shaded light sources appear to increase and the measurement of
minimum light recommended for such premises in the Ministry's circular on the subject
(0.5 lumens per sq. ft.) seems to be rather low. Under such conditions special attention
has to be paid to the condition of floor coverings and floors and the matter of possible
obstructions any of which can, and do, cause accidents. The problem is aggravated by
the fact that the staff are continually moving in and out of brilliantly lit areas of food
preparation and service (recommended minimum 15-20 lumens) and the dimly lit
restaurant areas. The eyes cannot quickly re-adjust to the altered conditions and
tripping and falling become real possibilities.
5. Sanitary Conveniences and Washing Facilities.
These are generally now satisfactory; the occasional problem arises only from the
small lock-up shop.
6. Floors.
Defective floor covering, worn nosings and treads of stairs are still by far the most
common defects found in premises.
Obstruction of floors is still prevalent, and is a problem that seems to be inseparable
from the fast turnover of goods involved in the modern shop. It is aggravated or
lessened by the efficiency of management which varies noticeably.
The repair of stone steps to the entrance of buildings of character or historical
interest, now used as offices, has aroused the opposition of some owners on the ground
that it would detract from the character of the building. There is generally a failure
on the part of owners to realise that the worn sloping step or nosings can cause a fall
and there would appear to be a need for an advisory leaflet on this matter.
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