SAFETY IN THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25328, 30 October 1947, Page 3

SAFETY IN THEATRES

PROPOSED STANDARD BY-LAWS Drawn up in the interests of public safety, a draft standard specification, at present-being circulated by the Standards Institute, codifies the necessary by-law requirements for fire and panic prevention in theatres. The draft bylaw provides for a fire prevention officer and an adequately trained staff in attendance at all performances. It also requires a log book to be maintained recording that regular inspectionshave been made of theatre exits, lobbies, passages, emergency lighting, projection room, fire appliances, and also that no overcrowding occurs. Further provisions cover the installation in every theatre of a satisfactory communication system; the display of exit notices and provisions against smoking. In addition the local authority is required to make regular inspections of all theatre premises. The draft provisions have been prepared by a committee representative of all the interested parties, including: local authorities, fire brigades, and appropriate Government departments. The standard by-laws will be made available to local authorities in a form suitable for immediate adoption by them as their own by-laws.