New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-27
TO STOP FACTORY f|RES|
Two Bills introduced at Albany
as Result of ASCh Disaster.
UP TO FIRE COMMISSIONER
McManus Measure Makes Him
Responsible for Enforcing
Laws-In1uiry Planned.
fBy Telegraph 10 rb. rr,bu,. 4,


Albany. May Ga bin growing out 81
conferences among labor organizations and
civic bodies. including the Citizens Union
and Citizens Committee OF Safety. follow
ing the Asch Building fire in New YORK
City, WAS introduced to-day by Senator
MchIanus. Its purpose Is To prevent fires
In factories Of first and second class cities.
II confers on the Fire Commissioner VI
such cities the duty OF enforcing all laws
and ordinances for the prevention Of fires,
securing adequate means OF exit and fire
escapes, regulating the sale. use or storage
Of combustibles and explosives and the In
stallation and maintenance Of automatic
fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing
apparatus.
Following the Asch Building fire there
seemed TO be some confusion as to whether
the State Commissioner of Labor or the
local bureau Of fire was responsible for
the conditions in the structure. This bill
puts the authority and responsibility
squarely up TO the Fire Commissioner.
Power is given the Fire Commissioner ID
make inspections, and in case OF an emer-
gency he may order the vacation or any
building. Enclosure or vessel. When the
orders Of the Commissioner for remedying
dangerous conditions are not complied with
he may secure an order for 2 survey from
the Supreme Court and the owner of the
brilding will have chance TO be heard.
II through the survey II is found that IN"
laws and ordinances are not compieo WIN
the Fire Commissioner may secure an or
der from the court. and II that Is not COM
plied with he may remedy the dangerous
conditions at the expense OF the owner
The maintenance OF buildings, Enclosures
and vessels which are perilous TO lie OF
property in case of fire. because OF non
compliance with the law. IL dcciarcu
nuisance within the meaning OF the Pena'
law ar any local code or ordinance. ihe
Fire commissioner Is directed to cause
his inspectors TO organize and cohduc'
fire drills at reasonable intervals at LEAST
orco in everv three months in buildings
,chere more than twenty-five persons are
employed at one time on any one hoo''
Retail stores and establishments having
more than a. 900 square feet OF moor space
on any floor above the ground noor' anu
owners of buildings used for manufactur'
ing PURPOSES with more than !" persons
emploved above the ground floor are re-
ouired to employ uniformed men whose
exclusive duty it shall be TO MAKE Ire
orcnt and regular inspections OF the buiio'
irgs during working hours. ana 70 nave
charge OF all fire apparatus end safe'y ap'
planes.
A., comnanion measure was introduced by
Senator Wagner. II creates n COMMISSION
to investigate the existing conditions uhuei
which manufacturing is carried on in cites
of the first class. including matters az
fecting the health and safety OF operatives
a, well as the security Of tie buildings
The commission is to consist of two Seha'
tors. three Assemblymen and four members
appointed by the Governor. II is TO report
To the Legislature on or before FEBRUARY
10. 1912 with its recommendations TOT
remedial .legisla lion. The bill approprites
$1,000.