I have a bad
habit in checking emergency exits when I go into a new place. From Theatres - almost got thrown out of 1 years ago
- to shopping centres and antique centres. Doesn't matter how large the place might be, I always check outlets first
During the last couple of years I have talked to various 'owner's about their lack of fire precautions and the difficulty that visitors might have should there be an incident. I am sure that no one wants to run a business which puts workers and visitors at risk, however: when a 'green running man' sign is above adoor, that is a Legally required emergency exit which must be open during working hours. We have found over the years that many of these 'running man' signs aren't being supported, i.e. they have added preventative things in front of the escape door, often bolted and locked. The keys are either in another part of the building or lost.
After discussion with the owners, we usually leave it a couple of months before going back to have a quiet check and in several cases, nowt has been done to protect the public. My next move is an e-mail to the local Fire Service who then take over the complaint and put actions into place; actions which are legal enforceable, with or without an incident.
Whilst we and the Fire Service realise that with particular interest in antiques access and entry points need to be protected to stop the casual person wandering in to 'lift' items and then wander way with them. I kind of feel mean
but will continue to be pro-active in order to keep people safe.
The place we were in last week hadn't made any alterations when the Fire Service went in after 5 days so an Enforcement Order has been placed on the Property.
I also worry in Deparmtnet stores that because smoke rises and public are advised to hit the floor in the event of a fire alert, those 'green running men' signs won't be visible ……….. I also come out of toilet cubicles and have difficulty finding my way back to the main shopping area due to lack of guiding arrows