|
Introduction
A place of assembly is any room or space used by 50 or more people
for religious, educational, recreational, political, social or amusement
purposes, or for the consumption of food and drink. Several fire and
life safety issues must be considered by organizers of events during
the decoration, use and operation of places of assembly.
Return to Top
Scope and Application
The New Jersey Department of Community
Affairs’ requirements for places of assembly are found in the Uniform
Fire Code and enforced by the municipal fire official. Departments and/or
event organizers are responsible for ensuring that these requirements
are met during use of any place of assembly.
Return to Top
Program Description
Occupancy Limits
Each place of assembly has a maximum occupancy limit that must not
be exceeded at any time. The limit is determined by a number of factors
including the floor space, intended use of the space (e.g., will tables
and chairs be provided or will everyone be expected to stand), and
the availability and capacity of exits. Assistance in determining
occupancy limits is available through the University
Fire Marshall of the Department
of Public Safety. The occupancy limit should be posted near the
main exit from the space. Organizers of an event should know the occupancy
limit of a space and carefully consider whether the space is adequate
during the planning stages. If there is the potential for overcrowding,
event organizers should control entry through the use of tickets or
find another space that is large enough to accommodate the anticipated
crowd size. Events should not begin if the occupancy limit of the
space has been exceeded.
Means of Egress
The "means of egress" is the continuous and unobstructed path of
travel from any point in a place of assembly to an exit or public
way (e.g., sidewalk, street, etc.). All parts of the means of egress
must be available for immediate, emergency use. Aisles and corridors
must be unobstructed. Exit doors must be unlocked. Care must be taken
to ensure that the exit discharge is also unobstructed (e.g., not
blocked by dumpsters or vehicles, no materials stored against the
exit door, all snow removed, etc.). The means of egress should be
inspected by event organizers immediately prior to any event. Any
problem with the means of egress must be resolved before the space
can be occupied.
Decorative Materials
Decorative materials include curtains, draperies, streamers, fabrics,
cotton batting, straw, hay, vines, leaves, stalks, tress and moss.
In general, decorative materials may be used only after being rendered
noncombustible. Certain types of decorative materials may be used
only with the approval of the municipal fire official.
Theater Operations
Theater operations are subject to the same requirements as other
places of assembly. However, there are numerous other considerations
involved in the production of a theatrical performance that fall outside
the scope of this section. The Theater
Operations Manual, available through the Office of Environmental
Health and Safety (EHS), provides additional safety information for
those involved in such activities.
Return to Top
Roles and Responsibilities
Return to Top
For More Information
Return to Top
Return to Health and Safety Guide Table of
Contents
|
