Research

Scope and Content Note

These records concern the commission's preparation of proposals and reports on fire hazards in stores.

The series contains: letters answering questionnaires on fire safety precautions in stores; memos regarding construction and maintenance procedures to reduce the risk of fire; lists of persons who would or would not attend a hearing on the fire hazard; lists of stores inspected and store representatives seen; printed floor plans of the Binghamton Clothing Company (in New York City) (published in Third Report of the Factory Investigating Commission, 1914); printed Senate bill to amend the Labor Law to require certain fire safety precautions; letters between the commission, architects, door manufacturers, and store proprietors regarding "panic-proof revolving doors"; Subcommittee on Definitions report on specifications for fireproof building construction; description and blueprints for "Dunne's Fire Tower" fire escape; printed general specifications for factory fire alarms, prepared by the New York State Industrial Board; and typed outline of part of the "Maintenance" section of Frances Perkins' published report on fire hazards and safety devices and exits (or lack of) in store restaurants, kitchens, factories, and workrooms.