General Special Events Fire Safety Regulations
Plans must be approved by the Upper Providence Department of Fire & Emergency Services (DFES) prior to any event set-up. Approvals are subject to final inspection by a representative of the DFES. A copy of approved plans will be kept on file with the DFES and with the event manager. No modification of the set-up shall occur once the approved plan has been established without prior written approval on the plans from the DFES. Inspections will be conducted according to the approved plans. All events shall comply with the adopted codes of Upper Providence Township, including the 2009 International Fire Code (IFC). Adopted codes are subject to change, the most current fire code can be found at https://www.uprov-montco.org/ under Chapter 80 of the Township Ordinances. The items outlined below are commonly applicable to special events, however, the list is not exhaustive and does not exempt compliance with adopted codes and standards.
Inspection of the Event
In order to maintain compliance with the provisions related to Fire and Life Safety requirements, periodic inspections shallbe conducted by a representative of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES). These inspections may include: 1. A walk-through inspection with the property manager, authorized representative, or the Events Coordinator of the Convention Center may be required during the move-in/set-up period. 2. Any violations noted shall be corrected immediately or within the agreed time frame. 3. Daily visits by the DFES (once the event has opened), as well as the township Building Inspector(s), as necessary. Cooking and motor vehicle displays will be spot checked by a representative of the DFES. Requirements will be strictly enforced. 4. During the closing (move-out) and removal of materials used in the Event, a representative of the DFES may inspect for maintenance of firefighting accessibility, i.e., exiting and fire lanes.
Standby Personnel
Whenever, in the opinion of the DFES, the safety of the public is imperiled, due to the number of the persons present or the nature of the activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall employ one or more DFES approved person(s) to perform the duties of standby personnel. If DFES personnel are used, the event will be billed at the current Township approved rates.
Stopping Event
Upon finding any overcrowded condition or obstruction in aisles, passageways, or other means of egress (exiting), or upon finding any condition which constitutes a serious menace to life, the DFES SHALL cause the performance, presentation, spectacle, or entertainment to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.
Special Considerations
All decorative material, such as, but not limited to, drapes, theater curtains, signs, banners, acoustical material, hay/straw, split bamboo, plastic cloth, canvas, cardboard, etc. shall be of non-flammable material or shall be treated and maintained in a flame retardant condition by means of an approved flame retardant solution. Single hay bale will be allowed if it is properly treated with fire retardant. Plastic cloth and certain other plastic materials, tarpaper, nylon, oilcloth, etc. cannot be rendered flame retardant and are prohibited. Flame retarding treatments may be obtained from some fire protection companies listed in the yellow pages of the phone book. Any decorative material that is not inherently or manufactured flame retardant (labeled) shall be subject to testing. Materials in violation shall be immediately removed from building
All electrical fixtures and appliances must be approved in accordance with the National Electrical Code. Only fused multi-plugadapters will be permitted. Electrical code stipulations that will be rigidly enforced include:
a) Three wire (ground) cords shall not be plugged into two (2) wire extension cords.
b) Extension cords shall not run under carpets/rugs unless designed to.
c) Grounded appliances must be plugged into a grounded receptable.
d) There shall be a three (3) foot clearance from lights to any combustible materials.
e) All electrical plugs, cords shall be free from defects. Only listed electrical devices and cords shall be allowed. Homemade items are not allowed and may be confiscated.
f) The ampacity of the extension cord shall be appropriate for the circuit and appliance(s) being supplied.
All required “EXIT” signs shall be always visible from any location in the room. Drapes, curtains or displays shall not block signs.
Exits and aisles shall be free of obstructions. Aisles shall be a minimum of 8’ wide with 10’ for the perimeter aisles in the Exhibit Halls and a minimum of 4 feet wide in Meeting rooms and Ballrooms. Booths which require 50 feet or more travel distance to reach an exit aisle shall be provided with a minimum of two (2) exits remote from each other.
All fire protection equipment (fire extinguishers, hose stations, fire alarm equipment) shall be always maintained, clearly visible, and accessible. A minimum of 3 feet of clearance shall be provided around fire extinguishers and fire hose stations.
Aggregate booth square footage totals of 400 or more square feet shall have a minimum 2A:10B:C extinguisher available. Additional fire extinguishers may be required. Fire extinguishers shall have an inspection tag on it, new or not. Extinguishersmust be readily accessible and ready for use.
The number of persons allowed to attend any show or exhibit shall not exceed the allowed occupancy limits. The total occupancy includes ALL persons in the building/space including vendors, staff, occupants standing to view or participate, fixed seating capacity, etc.
Pressurized tanks and other similar hazards shall be properly secured to prevent tipping over or damage (i.e.: helium tanks). Portable holders will be allowed.
Display of liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles, boats or other motor craft:
Vehicle batteries shall be rendered inoperable. Batteries in liquid- and gas-fueled vehicles shall be disconnected.
Batteries in electric vehicles shall be rendered inoperable by the removal of fuses or other approved methods but shall not be required to be disconnected.
Vehicles shall not be fueled or defueled within the structure.
Vehicle fuel tanks shall contain not more than one quarter of the tank capacity or 5 gallons (18.93 L) of fuel, whichever is less.
Vehicle fuel systems shall be inspected for leaks prior to the vehicle being brought into the structure.
Vehicle fuel tank openings shall be locked and sealed to prevent the escape of vapors.
Vehicles shall not be located in such a manner that they obstruct a means of egress.
Additional requirements may be determined by the DFES for each event