Bureau of Fire Prevention

Training Program for Fire Department Detail Officers

Harry J. Hallgring Jr.Chief of Department

Credits

RI State Fire Marshal’s OfficeRI Fire AcademyProvidence Fire DepartmentNewport Fire Department Bureau of

Fire PreventionNFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

Reasons for the TrainingTragedy occurs, creates change.As the on-site professionals YOU

need to know exactly what to do in the event of an emergency.

The public and the building managers will look to you in their time of need.

Your actions will be a major contributor to saving lives.

Fires at U.S. Clubs and Dance HallsApril 13, 1928 - West Plains, Mo.,

40 dead, dance hall (explosion). Cause – Undetermined

April 23, 1940 - Natchez, Miss., 198 dead, Rhythm Night Club dance hall. Cause – undetermined

Nov. 28 1942 - Boston, Mass., 491 dead, Cocoanut Grove Supper club. Cause – Undetermined

More Incidents

June 24, 1973 - New Orleans, 32 dead, Upstairs Bar. Cause – Arson

June 30, 1974 - Port Chester, NY., 24 dead,Cause – Arson

Oct. 24, 1976 - Bronx, NY., 25 dead, Puerto Rican Social club. Cause – arson

May 28 1977 - Southgate, KY., 164 dead, Beverly Hills supper club. Cause – arson

Even More….

March 25, 1990 - Bronx, NY., 87 dead, Happy Land Social Club. Cause – Arson

Feb. 20, 2003 - West Warwick, RI., 100 dead, Station Night Club. Cause – under investigation

Goals & Objectives To enable Detail personnel to understand

their duties, as well as the Ordinances of the City of Newport and the General Laws of Rhode Island Explain Why Firefighters are at the detail

Present General building design features To ensure proper enforcement

Why? To protect the public from needless tragedy

Present information as to how to correct a potential problem

Whom to contact for help

Know the Basics

How Fire Works

Firefighter Purpose

The main purpose of a Fire Detail is to maintain the Public Fire Safety at the venue.

The firefighter shall maintain a visible presence at all details

Comprehensive Fire Safety Act of 2003

Created a new category of public assembly venue

Requirements for announcements, sound cessation and firefighter on duty

Designated crowd control managerCreation of administrative warrants

to force compliance with inspection requests

Instituted “tickets” for violations of the fire code & stiffer fines Process still being worked out

What type of Buildings are we talking about?

Assembly Occupancies An occupancy used for a gathering of 50

or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation or similar uses, or…

Any occupancy used as a special amusement building regardless of occupant load▪ NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code

Special Amusement Buildings A Special Amusement Building Concentrated

Occupancy [SAB/CO] place of assembly shall mean a Class A, B or C place of assembly

with a maximum occupancy calculated on the basis of less than fifteen square feet (15 sq. ft.) per person and for which there is either a license issued pursuant to R.I.G.L. Chapter 3-7 (Retail Licenses) or there is entertainment or there are both a liquor license and entertainment.

Detailed Firefighters

Uniformed Firefighter(s) Required at: All places of occupancy greater than

1,000 Occupancy load between 300 and 1,000

of less concentrated use Occupancy load between 50 and 1,000

of concentrated use Occupancy load between 50 and 1,000

of concentrated or less concentrated use being utilized for activities of unusual hazard

Pre-Event Procedures

Must be on approval list through State Fire Marshal’s office Which Means?

Gather event inspection checklist and the pre-plan for your location

Arrival Time

Arrive 30 minutes ahead of the event to provide time for building walk-through

Check-in with proper authority: event coordinator / building manager

Perform inspection checklist Check sheet to be provided

Detail Uniform as specified by Chief’s Office Radio and EMS kit

Initial Size-up Familiarize yourselves with all

fire protection features, and with the condition of exits

Exits Unlocked and unblocked Fire Extinguisher locations Radio box or pull station location

(if applicable) Pre-plan from specific venue

provided by building owner or manager

Firefighter Duties

Shall patrol the entire area of the tent during the time it is occupied.

Ensure that overcrowding is not permitted

Aisles and exits are kept to be kept open

Enforce the no smoking rules are observed

Checklist Review

The Following Items Should Be Inspected While Performing Your Checklist…

Maximum Occupancy/Capacity Occupancy/Capacity signs posted and

visible Every assembly occupancy room without fixed

seating must have occupant load posted Employees must be aware of the

occupancies of each floor, room and level There must be a system to count and keep

track of occupancy in each area

Employees & ManagementEmployees should be trained in

duties they are to perform in an emergency.

Should be trained how to notify the Fire Department (activate alarm system).

Employees need to know locations of all exits and how to direct patrons to nearest exit.

Egress

Means of Egress Continuous & unobstructed way of

travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way consisting of three separate & distinct parts1. Exit Access2. The Exit3. Exit Discharge

Egress: Exit Access

No Furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall obstruct exits, access thereto, egress there from, or visibility thereof

No obstruction by railings, barriers, furniture or other objects are allowed

Every door and principal entrance required to serve as an exit shall be obvious and direct

Egress: The Exit

All exit doors open in direction of egress travel

Open / close easily and unobstructedExit doors free of hold-open devices

(ex. wedges, straps, etc.)All exit doors inspected and not

locked, bolted or otherwise fastened, preventing egress

Egress: Exit Discharge

Exits shall terminate directly at a public way or at an exterior exit discharge

Means of egress shall be illuminated continuously during the time that the conditions of occupancy require the means of egress be available for use

Egress Floor Plan

Showing occupant load, seating diagram and location of the exits should be on site

Must be signed and approved by Assistant Deputy State Fire Marshal

Alarm Systems: Fire Alarm PanelFire alarm panel – Tells you where the alarm has been

activatedOnly to be reset when scene has

been deemed clearMust have current inspection stickerLook for trouble or other alarms

Alarm Systems: Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors – Commercial

buildings: Must be hard wired with battery backup

Must not be blocked by anything, including dust, cobwebs or paint

Power light must be active – steady blink

Alarm Systems: Heat DetectorsHeat detector – Used where smoke detectors too

sensitiveRated for different temperaturesUsually mounted on ceiling

Alarm Systems: Horn & StrobeHorn / Strobe – Notification to building occupants of

fire by sound and strobe lightWill only stop when alarm panel is

resetMust not be blocked or covered

Pull Stations

Located near exit doorsDifferent operations but same ideaCheck to make sure not obstructed

or unable to function

Exit Signs

All places of assembly must have lighted signs

Must remain lit during power outageSigns must be lit and visible for all

main egress’

Emergency Lighting

All places of assembly must have working emergency lighting.

Can be checked by test button or central box.

Portable Extinguishers Must never be blocked Have marking sign above Properly mounted and

located near exits Inspection tag will tell you

when the last inspection was.

Indicator gauge will tell you if the extinguisher is in proper working order (Green area).

Extinguishers for Commercial KitchensAutomatic extinguishing systems

must be in place in all kitchens If necessary can be operated

manuallyKnow actuator location and how to

use it

Additional Items…

Other items on checklist that you are not sure about… ask!

Bureau of Fire Prevention

TentsGrandstandsAir-Supported StructuresSpecial Events

Overview

Definition: Tent Membrane Structure Grandstand

Permit ProcessDetail Duties

Special Situations/EventsTentsCircus, Carnival, Large Crowd Events

Definition Tent

NFPA 101: “a temporary structure, for covering of which is made of a pliable material that achieves its support by mechanical means such as beams, columns, poles, or arches, or by rope or cables, or both.”

Membrane Structure “a building or portion of a building

incorporating an air-inflated, air-supported, tensioned membrane structure”.

Grand stand A structure that provides tiered or stepped

seating

Special Venues: Tents

Questions to ask… Number of people attending? (Needed

for permit) Flame resistant certificates from tent

manufacturer Will there be a stage in the tent? Will cooking or heating devices be used?

Tents

Number of people attending will be provided by permit

Egress must be maintainedTent must not take up more than

75% of premisesArea within and 10 feet around tent

must be free of debris and ground growth Exception: approved animal bedding

Tents: Safety Concerns

Flammable liquids or gases▪ Must be stored at least 10’ away from tents▪ Must not be refueled within 5’ of tent area▪ Propane tanks must be secured from falling

over, strapped to a stationary object or staked to ground

Tents: Safety Concerns

Electrical▪ Switches & fuses must be in approved

enclosures▪ Cables on ground traversed by public must be

in trenches or approved covers▪ Generators must be no less than 5 feet away

and protected by fencing, enclosure or approved means

Other Considerations

NO SMOKING Exit signs for all egress, Lit for night

events Emergency alarm or notification system

must be provided Fireworks or unauthorized open flames

are prohibited in any tent or temporary membrane structure

Egress shall meet the same requirements as that for enclosed structures

Special Venues – Circus, Carnivals, Large Crowds

23-28.19-15 Detail of Firefighters Uniformed firefighters required for all

circuses, carnivals or other exhibitions where large crowds assemble

Detail must familiarize themselves with all fire protection facilities and fire prevention features & exits

Detail shall patrol the entire area during the time it is occupied

Special Venues – Circus, Carnivals, Large CrowdsSpecial police officers or

firefighters should see that overcrowding is not permitted

Aisles and exit ways are kept open

No smoking rules are observed

Permit Process

No tent exceeding 120 sq. ft. (10x12) shall be erected, without a license (building permit)

Licenses shall not be issued for more than 30 days.

Any tent exceeding 400 sq. ft. require fire department approval and an on-site inspection: Building department, police department When used for more than 200 persons

Inspection Requirements

• Schematic of tent size, location, use, and seating plan

• Stage plan• Date of set up, date & time of event, break down• Flame resistant documentation, decorations• Exit lighting, and emergency lighting• Propane tanks properly spaced, secured, protected• Fire extinguishers• Electrical equipment (and protection)• Generators• All combustible debris and vegetation clear for 10 ft

surrounding tents

Regulations NFPA 1 – Uniform Fire Code NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code

NFPA 102 – Standard for Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures

NFPA 30 – Flammable and Combustible Liquids

NFPA 54 – National Fuel Gas Code

NFPA 58 – Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code

Smoking Regulations

Signs prohibiting smoking shall be prominently displayed at all entrances.

Frequent announcements regarding no smoking shall be made

Non-combustible containers shall be provided at all entrances for cigar or cigarette butts, and a uniformed attendant shall be stationed at locations to advise patrons of the no smoking regulation

Means of Egress

Capacity of 100 or more: 2 exitsCapacity >500: minimum 9 ft in

widthExits not over 75 ft apart

Poles between 8 -10 ft apart

Aisles

Aisles Width: Minimum 44” apartRows (between): Minimum 12” ?

Protective Equipment

Fire Extinguishers

Crowd Management

Assembly Occupancy: exceeding 1000 One (1) trained manager for every 250

occupants▪ Not inclusive of religious services (not

exceeding 2000 occupants)▪ May be reduced due to sprinkler system

Festival Seating

Special Requirement Uniformed firefighters shall be detailed to

all circuses, carnivals, or other exhibits where large crowds assemble. All tents with a capacity of 1000 or more

persons shall have a minimum of two (2) uniformed fire fighters and any additional when deemed necessary by the Chief

All tents with a capacity of 301- 1000 shall have a minimum of one (1) uniformed fire fighter and any additional when deemed necessary by the Chief

All tents with a capacity of 50 - 300 shall have a minimum of one (1) uniformed fire fighter when deemed necessary by the Chief.▪ This provision may be waived by the Chief

Firefighter Duties

Seating If seating is provided, no standing in

aisles is permitted (site managers should enforce, however firefighters have a duty to clear the aisle).▪ Not applicable to Ushers, police, other

workers Any person violating this provision may

be fined up to $500.00▪ Police enforcement

Candles Lighted candles in

all places of assembly shall be protected by a proper enclosure manufactured for that specific purpose No open or

unprotected flame

YES NO

Where is it?

Vent pipe?

Bureau of Fire Prevention

Fire Works Displays

Fireworks Displays

Watch for unsafe handling and storage

Watch assistants for ability to use extinguishers or other safety equipment

All personnel involved in the display must wear proper PPE Safety Glasses, Long-sleeved shirt, long-

pants made of 100% cotton, leather or equivalent fabric

Fireworks Displays

Immediate notification must be made if any of the following occur: Injury to any person resulting from the

display of fireworks Fire or damage to property resulting

from the display of fireworks Unsafe or defective pyrotechnic products

used or observed

During the Event

Continue to enforce all items on checklist

Pay special attention to corridors and exits

Watch for unplanned events in performance

If violations observed: Correct them immediately If problem, Notify Deputy Chief on-duty Ask Police Officer at the event to help

enforce, if necessary

If an Emergency occurs…

RescueAnyone in immediate danger.

If this should require more than a few seconds to accomplish, the alarm should be sounded immediately

Emergency (continued)

Sound Alarm! Sounding the building Fire Alarm

followed by communication to dispatch via portable radio

Give exact location & description of the situation(Building name & address)

Floor number Area Details of emergency Occupancy at time of fire

Emergency (continued)

Confine the Fire Restrict fire to certain areas by closing

doors and cutting off further fuel or oxygen

Performed as you leave the area to sound alarm and direct patrons out

Evacuate the building! Direct all people to the exit Ensure that staff are following the Egress

Plan

Post Event (Non-Emergency) Remain at your posted location until all

guests have left or until hazardous items are properly disposed of

Note any issues or concerns on your event checklist

Report safety concerns to Assistant Deputy State Fire Marshal

Upon Completion of the Detail Violations and/or questions shall be

forwarded to the Fire Marshal’s Office through the Deputy Chief’s Office

RememberJob #1

Safety of event participants and guests

Objects can be replaced but lives cannot

Questions & Answers