I'm not sure if there's anyone out there who doesn't like a good celebration. When it comes to running a business, hosting a special event is just the thing to generate excitement and enthusiasm. Running a promotion can really drive new business as well as pull together a team of employees. There are lots of details that need to be considered for a special business event among the public, and on that list should be how you will prepare for a safe celebration, including fire safety. Any time the public gathers, fire safety - and flameproofing in particular - needs to be considered. Your event may have temporary sets and props, and even these materials need to be properly fireproofed. Today's discussion will center around the rules regarding flameproofing for temporary scenery, decorations, and structures.
When planning a special event, a business owner needs to consider how their temporary scenery will be flameproofed. As per FDNY regulations, materials being used in this situation must be inherently non-combustible; otherwise, they are required to be soaked in or sprayed with fire retardants. There are some special situations where the fire commissioner may decide to give an exemption. The following criteria must be met if he is to consider this type of exemption: #1: The business owner needs to submit a report from a nationally recognized lab that states the items used for temporary scenery were already determined non-combustible or they were properly treated with flameproofing chemicals. A valid flameproofing company can issue you a certificate stating the same thing, and that would be acceptable, also. #2: The scenery that is to be erected for the special attraction will be up for less than 30 days. #3: The business owner would need to prove that it would be an extreme hardship for him to produce an affidavit regarding the non-combustibility of the items in use or demonstrating that they were correctly fireproofed.
There are also particular rules pertaining to temporary decorations for special events. The regulations in this scenario are fairly similar to the regulations for temporary scenery. There are a few deviations, however. Whiles rules #2 and #3 apply here as well, in the case of rule #1, a testing report that indicates that the decorations have passed the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) 701 Test 1 (e.g. for fabrics, drapes, window treatments, curtains, single-layer fabrics, etc.), or Test 2 (e.g. for tarps, plastic films, tents, awnings, and vinyl-coated fabrics) would be acceptable as well.
Finally, there are special regulations pertaining to temporary structures. As in the other cases, there are situations when the fire commissioner can use his judgment and decide to grant an exemption for flameproofing requirements. As stated previously, the general requirement is an affidavit that shows that the items being used for the event have been treated with flame repellents or are inherently non-combustible. However, if he chooses, a fire commissioner might also allow a report from a nationally known laboratory or a certificate from a reputable flameproofing outfit if all of the following criteria apply: #1 The report or certificate demonstrates clearly that the materials are non-combustible, they're deemed flame-resistant because they've been treated with flame repellent #25, or they have a Class-A flame-spread rating. # 2: The temporary structures will be in use for 30 days or less. #3 The person applying for the event permit can demonstrate that is would cause him unnecessary hardship to secure the needed affidavit.
While events are fun to plan and generate a lot of excitement, the importance of public safety cannot be overstated. Fire safety often isn't even on the radar because fires are so infrequent; however, it is the careful attention to fire safety that makes fires such a rarity. Even for short-term events and celebrations, business owners need to give fire safety and flameproofing temporary structures, decorations, and scenery the same attention they would give their permanent structures.
Here at Certified Flameproofing, our mission is to keep the public safe from fire. We are able to flameproof your temporary scenery, decorations, and structures as well as all of your permanent artistic enhancements. Please call us today to discuss your needs and receive a free, no-obligation estimate: 800-590-5530.