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'Common practice' to make fire doors appeared locked, Stardust security manager tells inquest

Summary

Phelim Kinahan, who had overall responsibility for security at the Stardust, told an inquest that the policy of draping chains over fire doors was already in place when he started and was common practice in the industry. He said the locks were removed but the chain was left hanging over the barrier to make the doors appear locked. Kinahan confirmed he had worked at the Stardust for about four or five months before the 1981 blaze and had gained 12 years of hotel experience. He described the practice as standard in hotels and discos, noting that when the venue was closed the doors were locked, but when open the chain was simply thrown over the barrier. He added that he had no knowledge of how the practice was introduced and that it was assumed he knew it.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Common practice' to make fire doors appeared locked, Stardust security manager tells inquest. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 13, 1981 Other
• 2023-06-20 Publication

Why: " "There was no suggestion that the priority was people should be got out of the building because there was a fire? CNI source report

Topics

Stage Trial

Read the original CNI report