How safe are our multiplexes?

How safe are our multiplexes?
By: Manju Shettar Date: 2009-06-10 Place:Bangalore



MiD DAY goes around the cinema halls to find out if they follow safety stipulations

In the wake of a man's death at Innovative multiplex, MiD DAY decided to check out safety measures at Bangalore's multiplexes.



Hot flick: The fire at the Innovative Multiplex on May 27 was reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit. The blaze killed a canteen worker pics/Ramesh HS

A canteen worker died of fire injuries on May 27, following which the Innovative was closed for repair. The fire was reportedly caused by an electrical short circuit.

During our reality check, we found all multiplexes claiming that they had first aid kits, but when we asked the security guards, they couldn't tell where it was kept.

Our other findings:

PVR Cinemas
This multiplex in Forum mall has fire extinguishers with gas cartridges and emergency exits. It has no water or sand buckets, but its cartridges were in place. Each screen has two emergency exits. The mall has no safety net in case a child falls from one of the upper floors into the lobby, but the parapet is covered with fibreglass and looks tall enough for children not to topple over.

Inox
This multiplex inside Garuda Mall has fire extinguishers and a safety net, fixed soon after a child fell from an upper floor and died two years ago.

Innovative
This multiplex, which caught fire recently and is now being repaired, has four screens. Every hall has four soil buckets, four water buckets and four emergency exits. Paramedics visit the multiplex once a week.

Fun Cinemas
This multiplex at Sigma mall on Cunningham Road has three screens. Every hall has two fire detectors and an emergency medical facility run by Wockardt Hospital is close by. It has emergency exits as well, but no safety net.

Fame Lido
It has fire extinguishers with cartridges, but no water or soil buckets. No safety net here either.

What they look for

When BBMP officials go inspecting, they carry a check list looking for:
>>Metal detectors
>>A safety net
>>Staff trained in fire safety measures
>>Trained lift operator
>>Well-maintained lifts
>>Adequate security guards
>>Signboards