OG 3008 Tents and Air Supported structures

Issued By: FIRE PREVENTION (D. Day)
Approved By: Fire Chief William H. Mosher    
Date of Issue: 1997/03/24
Revision Date: 1999/07/15; 2008/04/30

Forms Required:    
•    FP-252 Special Events Permit
•    Special Events Electrical Installations


PURPOSE: 

To ensure structure meets life safety standards.

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure the safety and security of those using the tents and/or air supported structures. 

SCOPE:

This operating guideline applies to career and volunteer members of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

PROCEDURE: 

National Fire Code & National Building Code 2005 Editions Requirements for: Tents & Air Supported Structures and Other Types of Membrane Structures

1. All tents and air supported structures must comply with Section 2.9 of the National Fire Code and Section 3.1.6 of the National Building Code in their entirety.

2. Tent permits shall be applied for through the Fire Prevention Division, 40 Alderney Drive, 1st   Floor, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

a)    A complete set of plans is to be submitted for approval. This site plan will include measurements of the tent or air supported structure. Include distances to any other buildings or property lines and storage tanks of any type, location of exits, equipment, and outside open flame devices. The expected occupant load should also be stated on the site plan. Appropriate application fee is to be submitted at time of application. Application to be submitted no later than 10 business days prior to the event. 

b)    Only approved equipment shall be permitted on site. Unapproved equipment shall be removed at the discretion of the Fire Prevention Officer assigned.

c)    Only equipment previously agreed to will be permitted inside any tent or air-supported structure.

d)    Additional equipment may be installed after applications are made at the discretion of Fire Prevention personnel. Requests shall be made in writing.

e)    Any equipment not agreed to shall be removed from the site immediately. Failure to do so will result in the issuing of a Summary Offense Ticket.

3. Tents shall meet requirements of National Fire Prevention Association #701, “Standard Method of Fire Tests for Flame Resistant Textiles and Films” or CAN/ULC-S109M Standard for Flame Test of Flame Resistant Fabrics and films. Documentation shall be submitted stating the tent to be used meet with this standard. CPAI-84, 1980 is not a recognized standard and therefore all tents and structures treated to this standard will not be accepted. Also, any flame retardant coatings applied using an aerosol spray is not an accepted standard.

4. Smoking is not permitted in a tent or air supported structure while occupied by the public. ‘NO SMOKING’ signs are to be posted.

5. Open flame devices (Propane/Sterno. etc.) shall not be permitted in a tent or air supported structure while it is occupied by the public. All propane equipment and appliances shall be CGA. approved and installed and maintained according to plans submitted by the installer to the Propane Inspector, Nova Scotia Fire Marshal’s office.

6. Approved open flame cooking equipment shall be:

a)    Located at least 1.5 meters from any tent or air supported structure while it is occupied by the pub. 

b)    Approved electrical cooking equipment is permitted in a tent or air supported structure providing it does not create a hazard. 

c)    Approved electrical cooking equipment is permitted in tents or air supported structures providing it does not create a hazard.

7. Any electrical equipment or appliance used for food preparation producing grease laden vapors shall be protected in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Standard #96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”. This shall include installation of and exhaust hood, extraction system and fixed pipe extinguishing system. Cooking equipment not meeting National Fire Protection Association Standard #96 shall be located outside at least 1.5 meters from any tent or air supported structure.

8. Portable fire extinguishers, minimum of one (1) 5 lb multipurpose ABC type, shall be mounted in a visible and accessible location at each exit. Additional fire extinguishers may be required depending on the size of the tent or air supported structure and the equipment to be used.

9. All exits and access to exits shall be fully maintained at all times while tents are occupied by the public. Means of egress shall be installed in accordance with the National Building Code 2005.
a)    One exit at or under 150m 2 or 15m or less travel distance to exit.

b)    Two exits over 150m 2 or over 15m or more travel distance to exit.

c)    Three or more exits as per Article 3.4 National Building Code.

10. All electrical equipment and wiring shall be in a safe condition and meet the Canadian Electrical Code. All electrical equipment shall be listed (Canadian Standards Association, Underwriter Laboratory of Canada or another recognize certification label approved for use in Canada).

a)    The electrical system in a tent or air supported structure shall be maintained and operated in a safe manner.

b)    Portable electrical equipment shall be inspected for fire hazards and defects shall be corrected before a tent or air supported structure is occupied by the public.

c)    The electrical system and equipment in a tent or air supported structure including electrical fuses and switches, shall be inaccessible to the public.

d)    Cables on the ground in areas used by the public in a tent or air supported structure shall be placed in trenches or protected by covers to prevent damage from traffic.

e)    HRM Special Events Electrical Installation form will be provided to the client, if necessary, at time of submission of application. This form is to be filled out by a certified electrician. A copy is to be made available during the site inspection.

11. If interior lighting is installed, emergency lighting is required.

12. Storage of combustible materials shall not create a fire hazard. (e.g.: large amounts of straw are not permitted) Flammable materials (liquids and gases) shall not be stored in tents and air supported structures when occupied by the public.

13. Occupant loads over 1000 persons:

a)    A fire safety plan shall be submitted.

b)    An acceptable fire alarm and emergency communications systems shall be provided or alternative means acceptable to the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Service shall be taken.

c)    This may include a fire watch being designated.

d)    These people shall be familiar with all fire safety plans and the condition of exits and shall patrol the area to ensure means of egress are kept clean and that all regulations are being enforced.

14. A copy of the guideline is to be issued with all permit applications.

15. It is the responsibility of the vendors and event organizers to ensure that all requirements of the Municipal Acts and By-Laws are maintained throughout the event.

16. Domestic or residential appliances shall be permitted to be used in a temporary tent location. This policy applies to non-grease producing equipment.

17. Securely supported umbrellas may be used as sun or rain protection for outdoor cooking equipment.

18. Tent inspections shall be conducted as a team effort during regular business hours. In addition, plans submitted should not be accepted if they do not indicate sufficient exits or illustrate layout or positioning of chairs, tables or other furnishings with egress routes
 and exits clearly defined.

RELATED POLICIES/OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    OG 3009 Occupant Loads
•    OG 4016 Evacuation of Personnel at Incident
•    P-401 Safety Practices at Electrical Instillations 

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure followed for tents and air supported structures. 

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICIES:
•    National Fire Code Section 2.9, 6.1
•    National Building Code Section 3.1.6.1