Memorial Art Gallery Fire Safety
Offsite Health Care Locations Fire Safety
Special Event Guidelines
Special Events
TENTS
RULES AND GUIDELINES
Assistance in the compliance of the University of Rochester’s requirement policy is available from the Environmental Health & Safety’s (EH&S) Fire Marshal’s Office. Phone: (585) 275-3241 or Fax: (585) 274-0001.
Inspection
The EH&S Fire Marshal’s Office shall inspect all tents to determine compliance
with this guideline. Any violations of the Fire Code or Building Code of New
York State must be corrected prior to the tent approval or immediately if discovered
during the event.
Required Permits
Any use of propane will require a permit for the propane and the tent issued by the City of Rochester Fire Department.
To obtain this permit contact City of Rochester’s Fire Marshal’s Office at (585) 428-3680.
Flame Resistance and Structure
All tents 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. Certificates are generally available from
the tent supplier. As a minimum, the certificate shall have the following:
- Name and address of the owners of the tent.
- Date the fabric was last treated.
- Trade name or kind of chemical used in treatment.
- Name of person or firm treating the material.
- Name of testing agency and test standard.
Combustible Material
The area enclosed by any tent and not less than 20 feet outside of such tent must
be cleared of all flammable, combustible material or vegetation prior to erecting
the tent and the duration of its use. No hay, straw, shavings, or similar combustible
materials are permitted within any tent unless they have been treated to make
them flame retardant and a certificate or similar proof is supplied to the EH&S
department prior to its placing. Certificates may be obtained from the manufacturer
or supplier. Combustible trash shall be removed at least once a day during the
period the tent is occupied.
Smoking
Smoking shall not be permitted in tents. "No Smoking" signs shall be conspicuously
posted.
Open or Exposed Flame
Open flame or other devices emitting flame, fire, heat or any flammable or combustible liquids, gas, charcoal
or other cooking devices shall not be permitted inside or located within 20 feet of the tent.
Lighting
Spot or effect lighting shall only be by electricity and all combustible
construction located within 6 feet of such equipment shall be protected by non-combustible
insulation.
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.
| Occupant load (floor area of tent) | Number of exits (minimum) | Minimum width/exit (inches) |
| Between 10 To 199 | ||
| Between 200 (1400 sq ft) & 499 (3493 sq ft) | ||
| Between 500 (3500 sq ft) & 999 (6993 sq ft) | ||
| More than 1000 (7000 sq ft) |
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.
Exit Signs
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 inches wide. If the tent is to be occupied after sunset, the exit sign
shall be self-illuminated or lit by emergency lighting. Emergency lighting must be provided if the tent is to be
occupied after hours. In most cases, the tent company can provide exit signs and emergency lighting. Exit signs
shall be installed at required exit doorways and where otherwise necessary as determined by the Fire Marshal to
indicate clearly the direction of egress.
Exit Requirements for All Tents
- There shall be a minimum clearance of at least 3 feet between the fabric envelop and the inside contents.
- Exits shall be spaced at approximately equal intervals around the perimeter of the tent.
- Exits shall be located such that all points are 100 feet or less to an exit.
- The minimum width of an exit must not be less than 72 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.
- Unobstructed aisles must be a minimum of 44 inches and shall increase 1 foot for each 50 persons served by such aisle at that point.
- Cooking or heating equipment shall not be located within 10 feet of an exit or combustible materials.
- Curtains used for privacy or that would block wind must comply with the NY State Fire Code section 2410.3.
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 those 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) 275-3241. There is a charge for any fire protection equipment that is not returned.
- Operations such as warming foods or cooking demonstrations (including use of sterno and other food warming devices), 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) and must be a minimum of 20’ from the occupied tent.
- LP gas containers having a capacity of 500 gallons or less shall be properly secured at least 10 feet away from the tent or any structure with the safety release valves pointed away from the tent.
- Flammable liquids shall not be used in the tent.
- Cooking: Prior approval must be obtained by the EH&S’s Fire Marshal’s Office (585) 275-3241. The area must have a minimum 20 BC rated fire extinguisher and if using a deep fryer a “K” rated extinguisher. Fire extinguishers shall show proof of inspection within the last twelve months and contain sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate.
- Appliances: Must be isolated from the public by at least four feet or a suitable barrier placed between the cooking device and the public. Cooking appliances shall be installed per the manufacturers instructions. U.L listed appliances shall have clearances of not less than 36 inches at the backsides, and 48 inches at the front.
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.
- For occupant loads of 300 or less, two separate circuits are required. For occupant loads greater than 300, one of the two circuits must be from an approved emergency system.
- Generators must be placed so that exhaust fumes do not enter tents.
- Generators must be a minimum of 20 feet from the tent and shall be fenced in.
- Portable generators shall be U.L. listed or equivalent. Vendors should have the manufacture’s written specification for each portable generator and made available to the Fire Marshal.
- Such generators shall be capable of running continuously, without refueling for the entire length of the event. Refueling a hot portable generator, or the storage of fuel on site is not permitted.
Site
Tents must be placed to provide access to fire hydrants for Fire Department vehicles and provide unobstructed ways of
travel at all times to permit prompt escape from any point of danger in case of fire.
To assist in planning, please refer to the Special Event Checklist which is available as a pdf document.
QUESTIONS? Contact the EH&S Fire Marshal's Office at (585) 275-3243 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 9/21/2004. Disclaimer.
