Section 1: Fire Risks and Preventative Measures

The primary strategy for fire prevention is the systematic separation of flammable materials from ignition sources.

Housekeeping and Storage Effective housekeeping reduces the likelihood of fire and prevents escape routes from becoming obstructed. Combustible waste should be kept in suitable containers and removed regularly. Skips and wheeled bins must be secured in compounds to prevent arsonists from moving them against structures; skips should be at least 6 metres away from any structure.

Storage management is critical. Retail areas are often well-maintained, but storage areas can become neglected. To reduce risk:

• Store excess materials in dedicated, monitored areas away from the public.

• Avoid vertical stacking of materials like rolls of cardboard, which allows fire to spread rapidly upwards; horizontal stacking is preferred.

• Keep outdoor storage, pallets, and vehicles away from temporary buildings, stages, and fire exits.

• Clear waste and dry vegetation to prevent the spread of outdoor fires to structures.

Dangerous Substances Highly flammable liquids (e.g., petrol for generators) present a severe risk as their vapours can travel long distances to ignition sources. Only a daily supply—up to 50 litres—should be kept in a fire-resisting cabinet or bin; larger amounts require a dedicated store.

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) must be stored upright in secure, well-ventilated locations away from ignition sources and corrosive materials. All gas piping should be made of rigid material wherever practicable. Fireworks and pyrotechnics require rigorous pre-planning and must be stored in secure, ventilated, fire-resistant enclosures. A clear policy should prohibit the public from bringing flares or fireworks into the venue.

Equipment and Machinery Machinery must be maintained by competent persons to prevent friction, overheating, or electrical faults. Key measures include:

• Heating: Fixed convector or fan heaters are preferred; portable fuel-burning heaters should only be used in public areas in exceptional circumstances if supported by the FRA.

• Cooking Processes: Siting cooking near combustibles should be avoided. Ductwork requires regular cleaning to prevent grease fires, and deep fat fryers should have automatic temperature cut-offs and fire suppression systems.

• Electrical Safety: Faulty equipment is a leading cause of accidental fires. Portable equipment should undergo Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), and fixed installations must be inspected by competent engineers.

Restricting Fire Spread The materials used in structures significantly affect fire growth.

• Tents and Marquees: All fabric should meet fire performance standards (e.g., BS 7837). Flame-retardant treatments may need periodic renewal if the fabric is exposed to weathering.

• Air-Supported and Pneumatic Structures: These are vulnerable to collapse if fire damages the membrane at a high level, reducing internal pressure. Reliability of air supply systems and flame-retarded materials are essential.

• Insulated Core Panels: Damage to the metal skin of these panels must be repaired immediately to prevent fire from exposing the combustible core.

Arson and Special Needs Arson prevention involves well-lit perimeters, secure storage for flammables, and regular rubbish removal. Owners must also anticipate the needs of disabled persons, providing ramps for wheelchair users and developing Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) to ensure everyone can leave safely.

Section 2: Fire Detection and Warning Systems

The purpose of these systems is to alert occupants quickly enough to allow safe evacuation before routes are compromised.

System Types In small, simple events, a shout of "fire" or a manual gong or air horn may suffice. Larger or complex venues require:

• Electrical Warning Systems: These include manual call points (break-glass boxes) positioned at exits so that no one travels more than 45 metres to reach one.

• Public Address (PA) Systems: These are often the most effective way to provide explicit instructions and direct evacuation at large sites.

• Automatic Fire Detection (AFD): Necessary for lone workers, unoccupied areas (storerooms), or as a compensatory feature for extended travel distances.

Testing and Maintenance A responsible person must supervise the system. MCPs should be tested weekly, and professional servicing by a competent person is required every six months. Electrical systems must have a backup power supply capable of operating for 24 hours and sounding the alarm for 30 minutes.

Section 3: Firefighting Equipment and Facilities

Portable Extinguishers Extinguishers tackle small fires in their early stages. For standard (Class A) risks like wood or paper, provide one water-based extinguisher for every 200m² of floor space in enclosures, with a minimum of two per floor.

• Siting: They should be on escape routes near exits, with a maximum travel distance of 30 metres to reach one.

• Types: Water (red), Foam (cream), CO2 (black), and Class F (canary yellow) for deep fat fryers.

• Maintenance: Monthly visual checks by staff and annual professional maintenance are required.

Fixed Systems and Fire Points Large sites should provide fire points—highly visible locations containing equipment like standpipes with hose reels, or water tanks and buckets.

Facilities for Firefighters Owners must ensure fire engines can approach within a reasonable distance.

• Fire Lanes: Must have a minimum road width of 3.7m, gate width of 3.1m, and be capable of carrying a 12.5 tonne vehicle.

• Access: Fire lanes should be kept clear of parked cars and be within 50m of any part of the event.

• Information: Provide the fire service with site plans showing access routes, hydrants, and high-risk areas upon arrival.

Section 4: Escape Routes and Strategies

The goal is for all occupants to reach a place of total safety unaided.

Risk-Based Approach The adequacy of escape routes is judged by three principles: escape time, capacity, and travel distance.

• Higher Risk Areas: (e.g., structures with high densities of people or flammables) require faster evacuation. Outdoor escape times should be less than 5 minutes. Indoor travel distances are limited to 12m (single route) or 25m (multiple routes).

• Normal Risk Areas: Typical outdoor areas where escape time is 5 to 10 minutes. Indoor travel distances are 18m (single route) or 45m (multiple routes).

• Lower Risk Areas: Unrestricted outdoor areas where escape time can be up to 10 minutes. Indoor travel distances can extend to 25m (single route) or 60m (multiple routes).

Specific Marquee Requirements In marquees or tents, travel distance is more critical: 6.5m for a single exit and 18m when more than one route is provided. Exit widths must be at least 1.05m. A single exit is suitable for up to 60 people; more than 60 require at least two independent exits.

Design and Management

• Inner Rooms: These require a vision panel, a 500mm ceiling gap, or AFD in the access room to warn occupants. Occupancy is limited to 60 people.

• Doors: Final exit doors must open in the direction of travel and be easily openable without a key.

• Seating and Gangways: In seated areas, gangways should be at least 1.05m wide. No seat should be more than seven seats away from a gangway. Temporary seating must be secured in lengths of 4 to 12 seats.

• Assembly Areas: These must be defined outside the event boundary, be of sufficient size, and not obstruct emergency access.

Section 5: Emergency Escape Lighting

Emergency lighting is required for internal windowless routes or if the venue is used during darkness.

• Coverage: It must illuminate each exit door, corridors, intersections, firefighting equipment, and alarm call points.

• Duration: Systems should normally operate for 3 hours.

• Maintenance: Perform a monthly function test and an annual full discharge test.

Section 6: Signs and Notices

All safety signs must be pictograms; text-only signs are not compliant.

• Placement: Signs should be positioned so that an escaping person always has the next sign in sight along the route.

• Notices: "Fire Action" notices should be posted at call points and in staff assembly areas (canteens). Fire doors must be labelled "Fire door - keep shut".

Section 7: Management, Training, and Recording

Record Keeping If employing five or more people, you must legally record the significant findings of the FRA, including hazards, preventative measures, and the emergency plan. A log book should track all maintenance and testing of fire safety systems.

Emergency Plans A written plan should cover warning procedures, evacuation routes, staff duties, and arrangements for animals and children. Plans for large events must be co-ordinated with local authorities.

Crowd Behaviour Management must account for crowd tendencies, such as following the majority, using familiar rather than closest exits, and responding slowly to smoke if smoke effects are part of the event. High-visibility signage and clear PA announcements are vital for directing unfamiliar visitors.

Staff Training All staff and volunteers must receive induction training and regular refreshers.

• General Training: Covers alarm procedures, escape routes, and reporting to assembly points.

• Fire Marshals: Require advanced training in search procedures, human behaviour, and liaising with the fire service.

Fire Drills Drills should be held at least annually at permanent venues. They should simulate a blocked exit to test if staff can use alternative routes. Results should be recorded to identify and fix any weaknesses.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information within these pages are accurate and not misleading, LESH Consulting Ltd cannot accept any liability for any loss or liability arising from the use of any such information.