This looks like a case of an enticing feature (stairwell banister)
rather than an unsafe feature of normal use (loose banister, worn steps,
uneven floor level across a threshold, etc). Poor judgement on at least
the part of the student who attempted to slide down it, possibly
anysupervising adults with the group as well.

It's been years since I was at CMSI (1973 exactly), but I would assume
the stairway has been there a long time. How many others have attempted
to slide down the banister? (Basically, were the staff aware of the
'temptation' of the banister from prior activity?) I tend to think not
as yet, or not often, as the museum would at least likely response with
a sign to keep of the banister, and the report made no report of it.

So, how do you anticipate stupid actions by others unless you can look
at the features of your museum with the same 'stupid' mindset and ease
of temptation? On a philosphical level, does not legal liability, if we
are assigned it, require us to be at least as stupid as those at risk?

My mother could never figure out how her two toddlers were getting into
so much stuff until one day she happened to look around while down on
her knees picking up something. At that eye level, there was just so
much stuff....

Do you 'test' a new museum by inviting the nearest juvinile detention
facility to spend the day in the building?


--
James F. Johnson
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================================================================
"In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but
the silence of our friends."- Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)



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