SCDF reminds Comex organisers to prioritise safety with massive turnout of 800,000
Some 800,000 are expected at the four-day event, which opened today.
Given the sheer numbers, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has reminded the organisers to make safety a priority.
Lynda Hong tells us more.
The exhibition was to originally occupy 330,000 square feet at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
But organisers bumped it up by another 15,000 square feet due to overwhelming response from exhibitors.
SCDF officers conducted a routine inspection of the venue just before the exhibition opened on Thursday.
It has asked the organisers to increase the number of exits at level two of the exhibition.
Adjustments to booth design and structures were also required.
General Manager of Eastern Directories, Melvin Koh, is the organiser.
"We will re-model, in terms of changing the design, like for
example, lowering the height limit of the booth which is affected to be
able to activate the water sprinkler in case of a fire. And at the same
time in the ballrooms, we have incorporated more exit points and put up
more signs in case of emergences. "
Mr Koh says these modifications will be completed before the exhibition opens its doors for a second day on Friday.
The majority of the visitors are expected over the weekend.
Some of the 200 security officers hired for the event will man various
entry points, including the new Esplanade MRT station, to re-route
visitors when digital counters register over 40-thousand visitors at any
one time.
Organisers say this is to prevent a stampede during an emergency.
-- 938Live