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normally attract a large number ofvisitors.(b) There has been a large increase in thenumber of customer population patronisingcommercial premises in recent years (someof these buildings were built as long asmore than 15 years ago) whereas a similarfactor is not found in the case ofresidential/industrial premises.(c) The segregation of the places betweenworking staff and customers in thecommercial buildings (which is normallyrequired for security reasons) compromisesthe means of escape therein. Again, thisproblem is not found in the case ofresidential/industrial premises.5.42 As regards industrial premises, the FSD waspreviously making arrangements with the Labour Departmentto conduct joint visits to such buildings not protectedby sprinkler system. These buildings were mainly plannedand built before 1973. During such visits, an advisoryletter (sample copy at Annex XXXXXIII) was served to eachfactory proprietor advising them to review and enhancethe fire protection measures in particular, theretrofitting of sprinkler installation for theirpremises. (The main reason for identifying the buildingsbuilt before 1973 was, according to the FSD, thatsprinkler system was not normally required as one of themandatory FSI provisions for all industrial buildings atthat time. According to FSD's records, there are about6,450 units in 420 factory buildings identified.)5.43 The above visits commenced in September 1995and were completed in May 1996. According to theassessment of the FSD, the general response to thiscampaign had not been positive. At the conclusion ofthis campaign, a total of 4,188 advisory letters had beenissued and 51 telephone enquiries received. The enquirieswere mainly on whether the retrofitting of sprinklersystem was mandatory or otherwise as well as the generalarrangements of a sprinkler system.-78 -