B 28
CAP. 172]
Places of Public Entertainment Regulations
[1986 Ed.
[Subsidiary]
Switchboards, control apparatus, etc.
Switchboards, platforms, etc.
77. (1) Connexions to stage switchboards and other large control boards shall be readily accessible and any live conductors at the back of such boards shall be protected to the satisfaction of the licensing authority.
(2) All parts of switches and fuses, and any conductors which are alive or liable to become alive, shall be so protected that accidental contact with them is impossible:
Provided that this paragraph shall not apply to any such apparatus installed in a position which is recognized by the licensing authority as being accessible only to skilled electricians.
(3) Switch and fuse boards and other controlling apparatus shall, wherever practicable, be installed in positions inaccessible to the public. If the licensing authority agrees in writing to such apparatus being installed within reach of the public, arrangements shall be made to prevent interference by any unauthorized person. Cut-outs shall not be installed in positions where they may be visible to the assembled public.
(4) Local switching for lighting shall be avoided as far as practicable in all parts of premises accessible to the public.
(5) The rating of switches which are liable to frequent operation shall be for currents 50 per cent in excess of the maximum current of the main circuits or sub-circuits controlled.
(6) When practicable motor-starting switch gear shall be installed close to the motor controlled thereby and shall be so placed that the motor is clearly visible to the operator. Any apparatus or switch provided for speed control or for stopping shall, if installed away from the motor, be so arranged that it cannot be used as a starter.
If in any case the permission of the licensing authority in writing is given for the remote control of motors, a suitable isolating switch shall be installed close to the motor,
(7) Ironclad and other enclosed switches, other than tumbler switches, shall have the "On" and "Off" positions clearly indicated.
(8) Switches and cut-outs shall be labelled as may be considered necessary by the licensing authority, to indicate clearly the main circuits or sub-circuits which they control.
78. (1) Ample space shall be provided for the convenient operation and proper maintenance of all switch gear; any platform provided for such purposes shall be of fire-resisting construction, and the floor shall be of a non-conducting material or shall be covered with an insulating mat. Guardrails and step-ladders with handrails shall be provided where considered necessary by the licensing authority.