Technical Guidance on Fire Precautions for small places of assembly

1. Fire Risks and Preventative Measures

Effective management involves separating flammable materials from ignition sources.

• Housekeeping: Combustible waste (e.g., packing materials, food wrap) should not accumulate and should be kept in fire-resisting containers. Skips should be placed at least 6 metres away from the building.

• Storage: Large quantities of combustible materials (e.g., seating, paper records) should be stored in dedicated fire-resisting cupboards.

• Dangerous Substances: Flammable liquids should be kept to a minimum; up to 50 litres may be stored in a fire-resisting cabinet. LPG storage inside should be limited to two 15kg cylinders.

• Arson Prevention: Measures include securing perimeters, lighting external areas well, and ensuring letterboxes have metal containers to catch burning materials pushed through them.

  
  

2. Fire Detection and Warning Systems

Most places of assembly require an electrical fire warning system.

• Manual Systems: In simple, single-storey halls, a shout of "fire" or a manual gong may suffice if everyone can hear it.

• Electrical Systems: More complex or multi-level buildings require manual call points (break-glass boxes) and electronic sirens. Call points should be conspicuous, red, and positioned at exits so that no one has to travel more than 45 metres to reach one.

• Automatic Fire Detection (AFD): Necessary in unoccupied areas (e.g., storerooms) where a fire could develop unobserved and threaten escape routes.

• Staff Alarms: In premises like community centres or nightclubs, staff may be alerted via pagers or visual beacons before a general alarm is sounded to allow for a managed evacuation.

  
  

3. Firefighting Equipment

Equipment is provided to tackle small fires in their early stages.

• Portable Extinguishers: For general Class A risks (wood, paper), provide one water-based extinguisher for every 200m² of floor space, with a minimum of two per floor. They should be located on escape routes near exits, and travel distance to the nearest one should not exceed 30 metres.

• Specialised Extinguishers: Carbon dioxide (black) for electrical fires, and Class F (canary yellow) for commercial kitchens with deep-fat fryers.

• Maintenance: Extinguishers must be checked monthly by staff and professionally serviced annually.

  
  

4. Escape Routes

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

• Capacity: A route width of 750mm can accommodate up to 100 people in normal risk premises, while 1050mm can accommodate 200 people.

• Travel Distances: These are benchmarks based on risk level.

  • Higher Risk: 12m (single direction), 25m (multiple routes).

  • Normal Risk: 18m (single direction), 45m (multiple routes).

  • Lower Risk: 25m (single direction), 60m (multiple routes).

• Inner Rooms: If the only escape is through another room, the "inner room" should accommodate no more than 60 people and must have a vision panel or AFD in the access room.

• Basements: Basements used by more than 60 people should have at least two protected escape stairways. Stairways from the basement should be separated from the ground floor by two 30-minute fire doors.

• Doors: Final exit doors must be easily openable without a key. For premises with members of the public, panic bars or push pads are required.

  
  

5. Emergency Escape Lighting

Emergency lighting must illuminate escape routes, exit doors, stairways, and firefighting equipment when normal lighting fails. In simple halls, borrowed lighting (e.g., street lamps) may be acceptable if it is dependable. Maintenance requires a monthly function test and an annual full discharge test.

6. Signs and Notices

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

• Directional Signs: Arrows must accompany the "running man" pictogram to lead people to the nearest exit.

• Fire Action Notices: These should be posted where staff and public frequently gather (e.g., canteens, foyers) detailing exactly what to do in an emergency.

7. Management and Training

• Records: You should maintain a log book of all tests (alarms, emergency lighting, fire drills) and maintenance carried out.

• Fire Marshals: For larger venues, appointed fire marshals require comprehensive training in search procedures, human behaviour in fire, and liaising with the Fire and Rescue Service.

• Fire Drills: These should be held at least annually. They should simulate a blocked exit to ensure staff are familiar with alternative escape routes.

  
  

8. Quality Assurance

Owners are strongly encouraged to use fire protection products and installers with third-party certification. This provides assurance that equipment is fit for purpose and that the "responsible person" has met their legal duty of care.

Special Considerations

Historic Buildings

For assembly places in listed or historic buildings (e.g., old churches), a balance must be struck between safety and preserving the building's character. Owners should consult English Heritage and building control to find reversible solutions, such as upgrading existing timber doors or using specialist fire-detection systems that do not damage historic fabric.

Temporary Structures (Marquees and Tents)

Marquees must be of proven fire performance and comply with standards like BS 7157. Long grass must be cut before erection to reduce fuel. Travel distances are more restrictive: in a marquee with multiple exits, the distance is 24m, but only 6.5m if there is only one exit. Wall flaps used as exits must be of a quick-release design and clearly marked.

Events with Public Audiences

Special precautions are needed for high-energy events like discos or performances.

• Crowd Control: Monitoring entry numbers (e.g., with clickers) is vital to prevent overcrowding that would compromise escape route capacity.

• Theatrical Risks: Pyrotechnics, lasers, and real flame (candles) should only be used by trained personnel and may require additional licensing conditions.

• Communication: A public address system that can over-ride the performance music is required to ensure instructions are heard clearly.

By following this risk-based guidance, owners and managers can create a robust safety environment that protects patrons and ensures the long-term viability of their assembly spaces.

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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.