Guidance for fire safety in Theatres and Cinemas

Section 1: Fire Risks and Preventative Measures

The foundational strategy for preventing fires is the systematic separation of flammable materials from ignition sources.

Housekeeping and Waste Management Good housekeeping is essential to lower the chance of fire and keep escape routes clear. Refuse and litter, such as programmes and food packaging, should be monitored and removed regularly, especially before and after performances. Waste should be kept in fire-resistant containers or rooms pending removal. Outside, skips and wheeled bins must be secured in compounds to prevent arsonists from moving them against the building; skips should be at least 6 metres away from any structure.

Storage Practices Poorly managed storage increases fire fuel and can hinder safety equipment. In theatres, large quantities of timber, seating, or props significantly increase hazards. To mitigate risk:

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

• Avoid using voids (including roof spaces and areas under seating) for storage; these should be sealed or kept open for inspection.

• Scenery that is not in current use should be stored in purpose-designed scenery stores with doors secured shut while the public is present.

• Large quantities of costumes and cellular foam props require storage in fire-resisting containers or rooms.

Dangerous Substances Specific precautions are required for highly flammable liquids, gases, and explosives. Flammable liquids (e.g., solvents for film repair or painting) produce heavy vapours that can travel to distant ignition sources. No more than 50 litres should be kept in a fire-resisting cabinet or bin within the work area. LPG cylinders should be kept to a minimum, stored upright in secure, well-ventilated locations in the open air. Retail areas within the building should not display more than 70kg of LPG.

Special Effects and Pyrotechnics The public should be prohibited from bringing flares or fireworks into the venue. Pyrotechnics and special effects must be handled by trained, competent personnel, used according to manufacturer instructions, and stored in secure, ventilated, fire-resistant enclosures. Real flames (including candles) should only be used if supported by a risk assessment and monitored by a trained member of staff with an extinguisher ready. Smoke effects may require temporary, controlled isolation of smoke detectors to prevent false alarms.

Equipment and Machinery Regular maintenance is vital to prevent frictional heat from loose belts, overheating from clogged ventilation, or grease buildup in extraction ducts. Heating appliances should ideally be fixed convector or fan heaters; radiant or naked-flame heaters must be properly guarded. Portable fuel-burning heaters should only be used in public areas in exceptional circumstances when the public is not present.

Electrical Safety Electrical faults are a significant cause of accidental fires. All equipment, including items brought in by visiting companies, should undergo Portable Appliance Testing (PAT). Luminaires and stage lighting that reach high temperatures must be spaced well away from combustible drapes or fitted with non-combustible guards. Main supply transformers and generators should be in dedicated fire-resisting rooms not used by the public.

Building Work and Arson Refurbishments introduce higher risks like "hot work" (welding), which must be controlled via a permit-to-work system. Arson prevention includes well-lit perimeters, secure entry points, and fitting metal letterboxes to catch burning materials.

Section 2: Fire Detection and Warning Systems

Most venues require an electrical fire warning system including manual call points (MCPs), electronic sirens, or voice alarms.

Manual and Automatic Detection MCPs should be conspicuous (red), fitted at 1.4m height, and positioned so no one travels more than 45m to reach one. Automatic Fire Detection (AFD) is necessary for unoccupied areas (storerooms), common corridors in multi-occupied buildings, or where lone workers might be trapped.

Evacuation Warnings In theatres and cinemas, staged alarms (staff alerting systems) are often beneficial. Stage 1 alerts staff via silent repeaters, pagers, or visual beacons to allow investigation before a general Stage 2 evacuation alarm is sounded. Voice alarms are effective for providing clear instructions to the public. In cinemas, the sound system should mute, and in theatres, any amplification should be over-ridden for emergency announcements.

Maintenance and Testing A named responsible person must supervise the system. Control panels should be checked daily for faults, MCPs tested weekly using a test key (sequentially testing different points), and the whole system professionally serviced every six months. Systems must have a backup power supply capable of 24-hour operation and 30 minutes of alarm sounding.

Section 3: Firefighting Equipment and Facilities

Portable Extinguishers Owners must provide extinguishers suitable for the classes of fire (A through F) present. For general Class A risks (wood, paper), provide one water-based extinguisher for every 200m² of floor space, with at least two per floor. They should be located on escape routes near exits, ideally within 30m of any point. Extinguishers require monthly visual checks and annual professional maintenance.

Fixed Systems

• Hose Reels: Appropriate for large open areas like stages or workshops but should only be used by trained staff.

• Sprinklers: Highly effective for life safety and property protection; management must have contingency plans (like extra fire patrols) if the system is shut down for maintenance.

• Drenchers: Often provided to protect the safety curtain.

Facilities for Firefighters Owners have a legal duty to maintain facilities like dry/wet rising mains, firefighting lifts, and access roads. Access roads must allow fire engines to park within 18m of building inlets. Firefighting shafts (protected lobbies and stairways) in buildings over 18m high help firefighters reach upper floors safely.

Section 4: Escape Routes

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

Design and Capacity Adequacy is judged by escape time, capacity, and travel distance.

• Widths: A 750mm wide route can accommodate 100 people in normal risk areas, while 1050mm accommodates 200.aggregate width must be sufficient after discounting the widest exit.

• Travel Distances (Normal Risk):

  • Seated areas: 15m (single direction), 32m (more than one route).

  • Other areas: 18m (single direction), 45m (more than one route).

• Seating: Fixed seats require a clear seatway of 305mm. Gangways must be at least 1.05m wide.

Structural Features

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

• Protected Stairways: These must lead directly to a final exit or via a fire-resisting route. They must be kept clear of all combustibles.

• Basements: Basements used by more than 60 people require at least two protected escape stairways.

• Stages: Separated stages must have at least two exits, one leading directly to safety through an unventilated 30-minute fire-resisting lobby. The proscenium opening should be protected by a safety curtain, tested before each performance.

Doors and Fastenings Final exit doors must open in the direction of travel and be easily openable without a key or code. Public doors should use panic bars or push pads. Any doors that must be locked open during occupancy require prominent notices stating they must be secured open.

People with Special Needs Provisions include evacuation lifts, refuges (fire-resisting waiting areas), and ramps. Refuges must lead to a protected route and not rely on the fire service for rescue. Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) should be developed for regular users, with standard PEEPs available for the public.

Section 5: Emergency Escape Lighting

Emergency lighting must illuminate escape routes, exit doors, changes in floor level, and firefighting equipment when normal lighting fails.

• Coverage: Required for internal windowless routes, toilets over 8m², and darkened auditoria.

• Duration: Systems should normally operate for 3 hours.

• Way-Guidance: Low-level photoluminescent tracks can assist those escaping through smoke.

• Testing: Maintenance includes 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.

• Positioning: Exit signs should be fixed above doors (2.0m to 2.5m height) so the next sign is always in sight along the route.

• Illumination: Signs in auditoria must be internally illuminated at all times the public is present.

• Mandatory Notices: These include "Fire door keep shut" labels and "Fire Action" notices posted at call points and in staff areas.

Section 7: Management, Training, and Recording

Record Keeping If employing five or more people or being licensed, owners must record significant FRA findings, preventative measures, and the emergency plan. A log book should track all tests (alarms, lighting) and maintenance.

Emergency Plans A written plan should cover warning procedures, how to stop live performances, evacuation routes, staff duties, and procedures for meeting the fire service. It must include arrangements for children and disabled people.

Staff Training All staff (including part-time and agency) must receive induction training and regular refreshers.

• Content: Training covers alarm recognition, evacuation procedures, the importance of fire doors, and the location of escape routes.

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

Fire Drills Drills should be held at least monthly or as determined by the FRA. They should simulate a blocked exit and include daytime and performance-time simulations. Results must be recorded to identify weaknesses in the evacuation strategy

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.