Objects and Reasons.
1. The object of clause 2 of this amending Bill is to include lifts in the definition of "Building" in section 4 (7) of the principal Ordinance so that when a lift is considered unsafe it can be dealt with under sections 117 to 120 which relate to dangerous buildings.
2. The object of clauses 3, 4, 5, 14 and 15 is to make further provision for the evacuation by the occupants of premises endangered by or during the execution of building works involving the total or partial demolition of any building.
3. Clauses 3, 4, 5, 14 and 15 make certain small verbal additions to sections 4 (10), 6 (1), 6 (4) and Schedules C and D of the Buildings Ordinance 1935, to bring demolitions within their scope, and add a new paragraph to section 6 (1).
4. The effect of the new paragraph is to throw on the owner of the building the responsibility of clearing the build- ing of its occupants and to arm him if necessary with a magis- trate's order to give effect to the clearance. Penalties are provided by sections 152, 154 and 155 of the principal Ordinance.
5. Clause 6 adds certain words to section 11 of the prin- cipal Ordinance because shoring and scaffolding are used in many building works and it is essential that they should be put up and maintained in a manner necessary for the safety of the workmen engaged as well as that of passengers and the occupants of adjoining property.
6. Clause 7 adds certain words to section 42 (7) of the principal Ordinance which will enable the Chairman of the Urban Council or his deputy to sanction the use of a cockloft for other purposes than storage. Where there is no over- crowding and they are well lighted and ventilated the use of cock-lofts for sleeping purposes is not considered objection- able.
7. Clause 8 adds a proviso to paragraph (1) of section. 43 of the principal Ordinance to permit of modification of its requirements as to the dimensions of treads and risers in new staircases of existing buildings. In some cases it is found impracticable or economically impossible to erect a new staircase with a tread of nine inches and a riser of seven inches, whereas a smaller tread and higher riser would be preferable to the old staircase which it is intended to replace.
8. Section 78 of the principal Ordinance forbids the obstruction of windows in any tenement house by the erection of any structure whatever. Clause 9 of this Bill will enable the Building Authority to give permission for such obstruction in proper cases. There are cases where a rear window is to some extent obstructed by a stair partition whilst the room gets ample light and air from other sources.
" roofs
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9. Clause 10 adds the word
to section 85 of the principal Ordinance. There are instances where the substitution of a reinforced concrete roof would be beneficial from a fire fighting point of view but the substitution is not undertaken because at present it would result in the building becoming an exceptional building involving the provision of additional open space.
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