High School Grad decorating

[GPM1230]

Do anyone know of a document or checklist an inspector could give the committee when planning for the big day. We have had some major no no's being done. Trying to be pro cative here. Grads are held in the school gym.

[fire49]

Assure any fire protection systems have been inspected and are working

Assure exit signs are lit and battery back up works

Assure emergency lights are working

Do not block access to exits

Allow the width of the exit back clear of any obstructions

No homemade extension cords

No open flame of any type to include sterno

Do not hang decorations around exits or attach to door

Make sure exit doors open easily

Limit combustibles

Have a safety committee and that is their job the night of the event

Hire or get a few firefighters to volunteer to watch the place

Have emts on site


Assure chaperones know where ALL the exits are

Try to limit use of fog machines


Have a few people know how to shut down any noise making stuff, dj, band

[pasobuff]

Pretty much what he said.....

Also, if there have been problems in the past, request a meeting with the principal/staff to go over planning for the event - this should be done at least a month or two in advance, with possibly additional meetings if there are more questions/concerns.

OH - make sure the venue is BIG ENOUGH for the anticipated crowd -

[FWDbuff]

Do anyone know of a document or checklist an inspector could give the committee when planning for the big day. We have had some major no no's being done. Trying to be pro cative here. Grads are held in the school gym.

If your municipality has adopted the ICC Code Series, utilize the International Fire Code's guidelines for "SPECIAL EVENTS." A permit should be issued by the Fire Marshal and/or the Code Enforcement Officer. Have a meeting well in advance with school officials, go over your expectations (read: REQUIREMENTS!) and inform them that there will be an inspection the morning of the event, and that if your expectations are not met, they will not get the permit and they may not have the event.

[FWDbuff]

Now that I am here at work, under the 2009 IFC:

-A school gymnasium is either an A3 or an A4 use, depending on whether there is fixed seating or not. (definitions, page 22)

-Section 807 DECORATIVE MATERIALS OTHER THAN DECORATIVE VEGETATION IN NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS

-807.1 General Requirements: "In occupancies in groups A, E, I and R1 and dormitories in group R2, curtains, draperies, hangings and other decorative materials materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701 in accordance with section 806.2 or be noncombustible."

-807.1.2 Combustible Decorative Materials: "The permissible amount of decorative materials meeting the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701 shall not exceed 10% of the specific wall or ceiling area to which it is attached."

EXCEPTIONS:
-In auditoriums in group A, the permissible amount of decorative material meeting the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701 shall not exceed 75% of the aggregate wall area where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with section 903.3.1.1 and where the material is installed in accordance with section 803.4 of the International Building Code. (803.4 of the IBS discusses foam plastics and that they shall not be used as an interior finish except where allowed under section 2603.9)

Everything that Fire49 told you are excellent suggestions. In addition, if you are looking for some authoritative "meat" giving you the right to dictate what they can and cannot do (that is, if your community uses the IFC!!!!)

Section 403.2 Public Safety Plan: In other than group A or E occupancies, where the fire code official determines that an indoor or outdoor gathering of persons has an adverse impact on public safety through diminished access to buildings, structures, fire hydrants and fire apparatus access roads or where such gatherings adversely affect the public safety services of any kind, the Fire Code Official shall have the authority to order the development of, or prescribe a plan for, the provision of an approved level of public safety.

Section 403.2.1 Contents: The public safety plan, where required by section 403.2, shall address such items as emergency vehicle ingress and egress, fire protection, emergency medical services, public assembly areas and the directing of both attendees and vehicles (including parking of vehicles,) vendor and food concession distribution, and the need for the presence of law enforcement, and fire and emergency medical services personnel at the event."

Now granted, this requirement might seem a little extreme as it is more for a large fair or circus-type event, however if the School District and/or Parents are giving you a hard time, it may just be enough to throw some weight around if required.

[GPM1230]

Good info, Thanks to all.