Assembly Occupancies Fire and Life Safety Overview.

Assembly Occupancies

Fire and Life Safety Overview

Safe use of Assembly Occupancies

Definitions of Assembly Occupancies History of critical events Building design principles Built in safety and protection features Safe operation of events Assembly Occupancies checklist Discussion and Questions

Building Code Definitions

Assembly Use Groups Gathering together of persons Civic, Social, Religious, Food and Drink,

Awaiting Transportation Subdivided into five groupings “Capacity” of 50 or more persons A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5

Distinctive Use Groups

A-1, Theaters: Performing Arts, Film Usually fixed seating, Stages/Platforms A-2, Public Assembly, without Stages Nightclubs, Dancehalls, similar purposes A-3, Assembly for Entertainment,

Amusement and Recreation, no Stages Principally without fixed seating

Distinctive Use Groups

A-4, Worship or Religious Services Exclusive use for Religion purposes A-5, Outdoor Assembly Grandstands, Bleachers, Amusements

including fairs, carnivals, circus’, etc. Mixed Use arrangements may require

specific features and/or systems

Fire Prevention Regulations

Place of Assembly: A room or space containing 50 or more individuals for religious, recreational, educational, political, social or amusement purposes, or for the consumption of food or drink, including all connecting rooms or space with a common means of egress and entrance.

History of Fire Events

Common conditions and problems Overcrowding Lack of adequate exit capacity Restrictions to egress, aisle width Combustible contents and furnishings Combustible construction of structure Limited lighting, excessive sound levels

History of Fire Events

Incapacitated patrons/occupants Occupants unfamiliar with buildings Delayed alarm to fire department Fixed seating/ Loose seating Age, Infirmity, Disability: Area of Refuge Psychology/Sociology/Group behaviors Occupant reactions Firefighting

Building Design Characteristics

Non Combustible construction Fire walls, partitions and doors Stage curtains and venting systems Adequate exit capacity Limited travel distance to exits Limited heights and areas Multiple defined egress paths

Safety and Protection Features

Complete sprinkler system(s) Standpipe and fire pump systems Fire Alarm and notification system Public address capabilities Non combustible furnishings Cooking features maintenance Open flames candles


Fire doors and panic hardware Exit stairs and ramps Exterior lighting and access Portable fire extinguishers Posted occupant load Stage and Platform issues


Dead end aisles and passageways Minimum aisle widths Tables and chairs fixed and non-fixed Guards and handrails Grandstands and bleachers Exit signage and emergency lighting Hazardous Materials

Event Operations

Life Safety is Priority # 1 Control of events and occupants Emergency plans exercise and update Notification to authorities Training of personnel Commitment of the organization Apply hard learned principles

Event Operations

Fire Prevention Regulations 527 CMR available on the website Board of Fire Prevention Regulations Specific to Massachusetts Some national reference documents Mandate proper maintenance Levels of citation/violation/enforcement

Event Operations

Portable fire extinguishers Obstacles to a means of egress Pathways and exits maintained Wastes and combustible products Inside and outside storage Open flame devices NFPA 101 Chimneys and heating equipment

Event Operations

Commercial kitchen equipment Fire doors accessible and functioning Fire Lanes marked and clear Electrical components maintained Limit storage of combustibles Exterior egress snow clearing No smoking in A-1 occupancies

Event Operations

Theaters: Each theater shall formulate a plan for the protection and evacuation of all persons in the event of fire….

Plan subject to FD review and approval All employees shall be kept informed as

to their duties under such plan Plan should be reviewed and updated

Event Operations

527 CMR 10.13 Planning, Preparedness Employees shall be trained and drilled in

duties they are expected to perform Egress Plan: occupant load, seating

diagram, location of exist and aisles A-1 and A-2 requires an audible

announcement at start of program

Event Operations

Announcement in person or by recording Covers disability concerns Written program requires diagram of

egress routes and areas of rescue assistance for disabled persons

A-2 occupancy requires additional requirements including Crowd Manager

Event Operations

Crowd Manager designation At least 21 years of age Owner/operator of site or under direct

control of owner/operator Maintain exits and egress paths Ensure no overcrowding Initiate fire alarm activation

Event Operations

Direct occupants to exits Ensure employees are trained Complete a safety plan checklist Concept not new but added to code after

the Warwick nightclub fire Places responsibility on the owner and

operator to help ensure safety

Event Operations

527 CMR 10.17 Places of Assembly Assembly and education locations need

a current certificate of inspection Requires posting of occupancy #’s Multiple uses may alter occupancy #’s Overcrowding forbidden Requires stoppage of performance

Event Operations

Limitations on decorative materials Requires checking of means of egress Egress aisles at least 44” wide Signs and lighting maintained Tentage requires two permits Elevator use during fire conditions

Enforcement Options

Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 48,148,148A:Fire prevention/protection 143: Building regulations/standards Others: Electrical, Plumbing, Elevators,

Amusements, Health, Environmental Protection, Zoning, Gas and Propane

Enforcement Options

Oral discussion or warning Written notice with corrections Non-Criminal Fire Code Violation Notice Written warning 1st offense $100 per violation 2nd offense $ 500 per violation 3rd offense $1,000 per violation

Enforcement Options

24 Hour corrections violation Criminal complaint application Restraining order Violation fines return to community to

support training of code enforcement Violations can be appealed within 21

days to Hearings Officer

Right of Access to Properties

Mgl. Chapter 148, Sections 4 and 5 Regulates access to properties May enter at any reasonable hour a

building or premises to make inspections or investigations for purposes of enforcing statues and regulations

Administrative search warrant

Right of Access to Properties

Fire department has general right of access in performance of duties regarding reports of smoke, fire or hazardous conditions and under exigent circumstances.

FD also provides emergency medical and hazardous materials response

Assembly Inspection Checklist

Developed model checklist for Concord Includes most common issues Allows for site/event specifics Easy and consistent manner to review

status of building/site for compliance Complete for each event Save your records and reports

Place of Assembly Fire Safety Place of Assembly Fire Safety Inspection ChecklistInspection Checklist

Name of Building ____________________________________Name of Building ____________________________________

Building Address _____________________________________Building Address _____________________________________

Production Co. Name ____________Type of Event__________Production Co. Name ____________Type of Event__________

Event Date (s)_______________________________________Event Date (s)_______________________________________

Crowd Manager (CM)_________________________________Crowd Manager (CM)_________________________________

CM Telephone (s) ____________________________________CM Telephone (s) ____________________________________


OCCUPANTS/CAPACITYOCCUPANTS/CAPACITY 1.1 Number of occupants within legal 1.1 Number of occupants within legal

limits – check posted signslimits – check posted signs Event Location (Auditorium, Gym, Event Location (Auditorium, Gym,

Cafeteria) Cafeteria) Posted Occupancy LimitPosted Occupancy Limit

2. MEANS OF EGRESS/EXITS2. MEANS OF EGRESS/EXITS 2.1 All outside egress paths are clear: of 2.1 All outside egress paths are clear: of

snow, ice, obstructions. snow, ice, obstructions. 2.2 All inside egress paths are clear 2.2 All inside egress paths are clear

objects, furniture and trash. objects, furniture and trash. 2.3 All exit doors operate properly, are 2.3 All exit doors operate properly, are

unobstructed, open from the inside. Doors unobstructed, open from the inside. Doors are not locked from the inside or chained. are not locked from the inside or chained.

2.4 In rooms with chairs/tables, aisles 2.4 In rooms with chairs/tables, aisles must be a minimum of 44” wide for egress must be a minimum of 44” wide for egress


3. FIRE ALARMS3. FIRE ALARMS 3.1 Pull alarm stations are visible and 3.1 Pull alarm stations are visible and

unobstructed unobstructed 3.2 Fire detection and notification 3.2 Fire detection and notification

devices are not masked or covered. devices are not masked or covered.



4. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS4. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 4.1 Sufficient number of fire 4.1 Sufficient number of fire

extinguishers as required, properly extinguishers as required, properly located, accessible and ready. located, accessible and ready. Service tag within one year of event Service tag within one year of event date. Add additional extinguishers date. Add additional extinguishers for unusually high amount of for unusually high amount of combustible material present.combustible material present.

4.2 Clearance to bottom of sprinkler 4.2 Clearance to bottom of sprinkler heads is 18 inches minimum.heads is 18 inches minimum.


5. ELEVATORS5. ELEVATORS 5.1 Elevator is clear of debris and 5.1 Elevator is clear of debris and

obstructions. Do not use the elevator obstructions. Do not use the elevator when the fire alarm sounds. when the fire alarm sounds.


6. LIGHTING6. LIGHTING 6.1 Lighted exit signs operational 6.1 Lighted exit signs operational

and easily visible and easily visible 6.2 Adequate lighting to exits and in 6.2 Adequate lighting to exits and in

egress paths egress paths


7. Flame Retardant Requirements:7. Flame Retardant Requirements: (527 (527 CMR 21 and Article 9 of Ma Building Code)* CMR 21 and Article 9 of Ma Building Code)*

7.1 All scenery materials are rendered 7.1 All scenery materials are rendered flame resistant. flame resistant.

7.2 All permanent stage curtains have 7.2 All permanent stage curtains have current flame retardant certification current flame retardant certification available. available.

7.3 Platforms constructed of combustible 7.3 Platforms constructed of combustible material must be coated with approve fire material must be coated with approve fire retardant chemical or paint. retardant chemical or paint.


8. Lighting:8. Lighting: 8.1All lights are securely hung with 8.1All lights are securely hung with

secondary support. Light are not secondary support. Light are not hung by portable pipes. hung by portable pipes.

8.2 All electrical connections, wiring 8.2 All electrical connections, wiring and cabling are in accordance with and cabling are in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC).the National Electrical Code (NEC).


8. Lighting:8. Lighting: continuedcontinued 8.3 All extension cords are UL or CSA 8.3 All extension cords are UL or CSA

approved and constructed of SJ, SVT, approved and constructed of SJ, SVT, SJT, SJO, SVO, SJTW,.SO, SVO or other SJT, SJO, SVO, SJTW,.SO, SVO or other approved cable approved cable

8.4 All extension cords are not 8.4 All extension cords are not crossing egress paths. If cords must crossing egress paths. If cords must cross egress paths they are protected cross egress paths they are protected from foot traffic. Cable(s) must not from foot traffic. Cable(s) must not pose a tripping hazard.pose a tripping hazard.


9. Platforms and stages:9. Platforms and stages: *See *See

Concord Building Department AppendixConcord Building Department Appendix 9.1 Any platform or constructed 9.1 Any platform or constructed

scenery exceeding 30” in height scenery exceeding 30” in height requires a building permit and requires a building permit and guardrail system *. guardrail system *.

9.2 Stair construction must conform 9.2 Stair construction must conform to Mass Building Code *. to Mass Building Code *.


Platforms and stages:Platforms and stages: continuedcontinued 9.3 The space between the floor and 9.3 The space between the floor and

the platform does not contain the platform does not contain anything other than NEC approved anything other than NEC approved wiring used to supply platform wiring used to supply platform equipment * equipment *


10. HOUSEKEEPING10. HOUSEKEEPING 10.1 All flammable liquids stored in 10.1 All flammable liquids stored in

approved storage containers and approved storage containers and cabinets including paints and stains cabinets including paints and stains used for scenery construction. used for scenery construction.

10.2 General condition ~ area free of 10.2 General condition ~ area free of debris and obstructions. Trash is debris and obstructions. Trash is removed from the building. removed from the building.


11. MISCELLANEOUS 527 CMR 1011. MISCELLANEOUS 527 CMR 10 11.1 11.1 NO PYROTECHNICS OF ANY KIND NO PYROTECHNICS OF ANY KIND

INCLUDING CANDLESINCLUDING CANDLES 11.2 Use of fog machine requires permit 11.2 Use of fog machine requires permit

from the Concord Fire Dept. Permit from the Concord Fire Dept. Permit must be conspicuously displayedmust be conspicuously displayed

11.3 Stage fire curtain release 11.3 Stage fire curtain release mechanism unobstructed. Stage crews mechanism unobstructed. Stage crews are familiar with stage fire curtain are familiar with stage fire curtain operation. operation.


MISCELLANEOUS MISCELLANEOUS continued continued 11.4 Air or heat vents are not blocked, 11.4 Air or heat vents are not blocked,

deflected or covered. deflected or covered. 11.5 No heating devices in use including 11.5 No heating devices in use including

space heaters, hotplatesspace heaters, hotplates 11.6 Parking Lot Fire lanes are 11.6 Parking Lot Fire lanes are

unobstructed during event (12 feet wide unobstructed during event (12 feet wide minimum) minimum)

11.7 No inside tents; outside tents must 11.7 No inside tents; outside tents must have permit from the Concord Fire and have permit from the Concord Fire and Building Departments.Building Departments.


12 PRE-EVENT SAFETY 12 PRE-EVENT SAFETY INSRUCTIONS - 527 CMR 10.13 (c)INSRUCTIONS - 527 CMR 10.13 (c)

12.1 Call the fire department in the 12.1 Call the fire department in the event of any type of fire, even if event of any type of fire, even if extinguished! When calling for extinguished! When calling for Emergency Services in Concord from a Emergency Services in Concord from a cell phone call:978-318-3400 or “911”. cell phone call:978-318-3400 or “911”. Call “911” from a building phone.Call “911” from a building phone.


PRE-EVENT SAFETY PRE-EVENT SAFETY continuedcontinued 12.2 Conduct Fire drill during 12.2 Conduct Fire drill during

rehearsals and setup. Develop an rehearsals and setup. Develop an egress planegress plan

12.3 Before the event / performance 12.3 Before the event / performance starts, Crowd Manager explains to the starts, Crowd Manager explains to the audience the exit locations, egress audience the exit locations, egress plan and rescues assistance location plan and rescues assistance location for persons with disabilities. for persons with disabilities.


PRE-EVENT SAFETY PRE-EVENT SAFETY continuedcontinued 12.4 An event with a written program 12.4 An event with a written program

must contain a map of the room or must contain a map of the room or auditorium showing the exits and a auditorium showing the exits and a rescues assistance location for rescues assistance location for persons with disabilities.persons with disabilities.


List problems or concerns, noting date and List problems or concerns, noting date and timetime

Check box for additional comments on Check box for additional comments on backback

Crowd Manager Signature ___________Crowd Manager Signature ___________

Date ______________ Time______ AM/PMDate ______________ Time______ AM/PM

Questions and DiscussionQuestions and Discussion

ReferencesReferences National Fire Protection Association National Fire Protection Association nfpa.orgnfpa.org Massachusetts GovernmentMassachusetts Government mass.govmass.gov Department of Fire ServicesDepartment of Fire Services Board of Building Board of Building

Regulations/StandardsRegulations/Standards

Thank You for Attending!Thank You for Attending!

Assembly Occupancies Fire and Life Safety Overview.

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