this is from the 1990 version
Accommodation of children in places of
entertainment
5.9 The Inquiry into the fire at Summerland Leisure Centre in
August 1973 found that parents had tended to be separated from
their children since pursuits for each were located in different places
and floors. Instead of going directly to exits, parents naturally tried
to find their children, making their way against the flow of persons
on the escape routes, thus adding to the danger. In order to
minimise the risk, if children are to be accommodated separately
from their parents or guardians in places of entertainment, the
following measures are recommended:—
(a) the accommodation for children should be at or as near
ground level as practicable (or the level at which the final
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exits discharge). In no circumstances should the accommodation
for children be: -
(i) on a floor above the level at which their parents or
guardians are accommodated unless the route of escape is
through the upper level; or
(ii) at basement level unless the children are adjacent to the
accommodation for parents or guardians;
(b) the room or enclosure for children should be adjacent to an
external wall and should not have fewer than 2 exits, one of
which should be a final exit;
(c) if the room adjoins parent accommodation, the aggregate
width at the exits from both areas, exclusive of the doors
between the room and the parents' or guardians' accommodation,
should be sufficient for the total number, ie children
plus parents, guardians and other persons; and
(d) a notice should be prominently displayed where the children
are deposited, saying that in the event of an emergency
children will be escorted by a member of staff to a named
collection point outside the building.
Note: There should also be sufficient adequately trained attendants
— see paragraphs 1.16 to 1.19.
