Environmental Health & Safety

Guidelines for the Use of Tents

The following guidelines are based on the requirements of the University of Rochester for the use of tents on any of its properties.  Assistant in using these guidelines and meeting the requirements is available from the Environmental Health & Safety’s (EH&S) Fire Marshal’s Office.

 

 

Inspection

The EH&S’s Fire Marshal’s Office shall inspect any tent to determine compliance with this guideline.

Any violations of the NYS Fire Prevention and Building Code must be corrected prior to the use of the tent, or immediately if discovered during the event.

 

Flame Resistance and Structure

All tent fabric must be flame resistant.

A certificate or other proof of approval by a testing laboratory is acceptable as evidence of the required fire resistance.  A copy of the certificate must be provided to EH&S’s Fire Marshal’s Office upon request.  These certificates should be available from the tent supplier.

Tent suppliers must be able to certify that tents have been erected in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, industry standards, and code requirements.

 

Floor Covering

The area enclosed by any tent and not less than 10 feet outside of such tent must be cleared of all flammable or combustible material or vegetation.  Prior to erecting the tent.  The premises must be kept free from such flammable or combustible materials during the period for which the area is used.

No hay, straw, shavings, or similar combustible materials are permitted within any tent unless they have been treated to make them flame retardant.  A certificate or other proof of approval by a testing laboratory indicating that the material has been properly treated is acceptable as evidence.  A copy of certificates must be provided to the EH&S’s Fire Marshal’s Office prior to placing the material within a tent.  These certificates are available from the material manufacturer or supplier.

 

Exits and Occupant Load for Enclosed Tents

Tents that have sides attached and rolled up or are capable of being enclosed must meet these requirements even if it is intended for the tent to remain unenclosed during the event.

The number of separate exits required for enclosed tents is based on the floor area of the tent.  The maximum number of occupants, called the occupant load, is also based on the floor area of the tent.

¹ based on 7 sq ft/person

The occupant load is decreased when tables and chairs are used (banquet style) – the number of required exits remains the same because exits are based on floor area.  The following calculations will determine the occupant load with tables and chairs:

Net square footage of tent floor area/15 = occupant load with tables and chairs

Example:  The number of occupants allowed, with tables and chairs, in a 50’ x 50’ tent with a 10’ x 20’ stage.

2,500 square feet (floor area) – 200 square feet (stage area)/ 15 = 153 persons

PLEASE NOTE: These calculations are for planning purposes only and do not represent a legal capacity.  The EH&S’s Fire Marshal’s Office will provide legal capacities based on submitted set-up plans.

Each exit must be provided with an exit sign.  The word “EXIT” must be plainly legible in letters at least 6 inches high and with strokes not less than ¾ inch wide.  If the tent is to be occupied after sunset, emergency lighting must be provided.  In most cases, the tent company can provide exit signs and emergency lighting.

 

Exit Requirements for All Tents

The minimum width of an exit must not be less than 36 inches.

Guy wires or guy ropes must not cross an exit at a height of less than 7 feet.

Where tents are placed near fences or other obstructions, a clear exit path must be maintained to an area sufficiently away from the tent.

Tent stakes must be railed off, capped, or covered.

 

Fire Protection

One portable fire extinguisher (dry chemical, ABC type) must be furnished at each exit of an enclosed tent.  The University sponsor for the event using the tent is responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishers are provided.  If necessary, arrangements for portable fire extinguishers may be made by contacting the EH&S’s Fire Marshal’s Office at (585) 275-3243.  There is a charge for any fire protection equipment that is not returned.

Smoking is prohibited in any tent.

Pyrotechnics, open flames (including use of sterno and other food warming devices), and cooking equipment must be approved in advance by the EH&S’s Fire Marshal’s Office.  Commercial cooking equipment such as grills and broilers, when used within a tent, must meet the same requirements for indoor commercial kitchens (i.e. proper ventilation, fire suppression systems).

 

Electrical

The electrical system and equipment must be isolated from the public by proper elevation or guarding.  All electrical fuses and switches must be enclosed in approved enclosures.  Cables on the ground, in areas traveled by the public must be placed in trenches or protected by approved covers (yellow jackets etc.).

All electrical systems must be properly grounded.

Generators must be placed so that exhaust fumes do not enter tents.

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QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 6/28/2011. Disclaimer.