A person designated from the Event Management Team will be responsible for complying with all applicable requirements specified in the attached Fire and Life Safety Events Checklist. The responsible person shall be attend and be present throughout the duration of the event to assure compliance with all specified guidelines and procedures.

Determine the occupancy capacity of the space you plan to reserve for your event. The space must be large enough to accommodate the expected number of attendees. The listed occupancy capacity assumes no furnishings in the room. The use of chairs, tables, bars, stages, etc. will reduce the capacity of the event.

All decorations, wall coverings, and sound insulation must be flame retardant, as specified in the State Board of Fire Prevention Regulations and NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films. A Permit for Use of Decorative Materials must be submitted to Bates EHS prior to the event. The Permit shall specify:

1. The material has been certified as flame retardant
2. The certifying agency
3. Certification number
4. The type of occupancy that the permit is being issued for

Decorations:

1. Shall not obstruct exits, exit accesses, exit discharges, or visibility
2. Shall not be placed over exit doors or otherwise be located to conceal or obscure any exit.

Contact Bates EHS with any questions concerning the flammability of materials intended to be used in the space.

Venues which will be used for events other than it’s intended use and will have an expected attendance of 1,000 or more persons, an LFD Fire Inspector may be required. The event planner must contact Bates EHS at 6413 or 8222 at least 2 weeks before the event to review the requirements and to request a local Fire Inspector, if deemed necessary.

The cost of the LFD detail is the responsibility of the event sponsor.

The use of open flames, candles, pyrotechnical devices, or smoke machines are strictly prohibited inside any Bates College building. Persons requesting candles for religious purposes should consult with their religious advisor and be reviewed by Bates EHS.

Bates EHS recommends the use of flameless, battery operated candles be used in lieu of real candles.

In each place of assembly where seating is provided, except where seated at tables, the seating shall be arranged in an orderly manner with ample provisions made for aisles leading to exits, and no aisle forming a part of the egress system of the place of assembly shall be obstructed or encumbered. Tables arranged for dining or other purposes in places of assembly shall be located in respect to exit openings, and so space apart, that sufficient means of access to exit openings is provided. Aisles in the direction of exits shall be at least 3 feet in width. Suitable access shall be provided from all tables. Refer to NFPA 101 Section 13.2.5.5 for more detailed information.

1. Use caution when handling open flame products.
2. Use a blunt object to pry off the lid.
3. Cup hand over lid when opening can.
4. Remove excess gel from lid if it is being used as a regulator.
5. Wash fuel residue from hands.
6. Place the can underneath the chafing dish or beverage urn before lighting.
7. Place cans securely in the equipment.
8. Use a long handled match or butane lighter to light the can.
9. Use a snuffer paddle, regulator or saucer to extinguish the flame
10. Wait until the can is cool before touching.

1. Use a sharp knife to pry off the lid.
2. Use a lit can to light another can.
3. Carry lit cans.
4. Carry chaffing dishes or beverage urns with lit cans.
5. Touch cans while still hot.
6. Wear loose clothing, napkins, and tablecloths near flame
7. Allow hair to fall near the flame.
8. Use hands to extinguish the flame.
9. Blow out flame of Sterno to extinguish.

Small amounts of Sterno fuel may be stored in closed containers in a cool dry place away from sources of heat or open flames.

Larger amounts of Sterno may be stored in flammable rated cabinets in a cool dry place away form sources of heat or open flames.

1. Open all exit doors to check for proper operation and any obstructions.
2. During winter check for ice buildup around exit door and exit discharge areas.
3. Check ADA entrances to verify they are unlocked and unobstructed.
4. Confirm a minimum of 2 exits.
5. Check all fire safety equipment – fire doors, fire extinguishers, alarm activation devices, emergency lights, exit signs, sprinkler system riser access and fire alarm control panel access.
6. Check adjoining spaces for fire hazards.

1. Recheck all items from the Facility Inspection (listed above).
2. Check all paths for direct routes to exits.
3. Check that chairs are zip tied or secured by other means.
4. Check stage setup for any recognized hazard.
5. Check control booth area for any recognized hazard.

1. Groups that sponsor events in college buildings must appoint a responsible person whenever attendance at the event exceeds 100 persons. The responsible person must have training in Event Management.
2. The responsible person must notify EHS to conduct an on-site inspection and Event Safety Checklist.
3. The responsible person must contact EHS to determine if LFD is required for the event. Prior to the event EHS will schedule a meeting with team leaders along with the Fire Inspector and/or Police to discuss the details and to discuss any costs associated with the event.
4. The responsible person shall perform an inspection of the space before the start of the event using the checklist and be present throughout the duration of the event to assure compliance with the Event Fire and Safety Guidelines.
5. If food warming is required, ensure that the guidelines for the safe use of Sterno fuel gel are followed.
6. At the completion of the event, the responsible person shall complete and sign the Event Fire and Life Safety Checklist to verify that all appropriate Fire Safety Guidelines have been accomplished.

1. Assure that the set-up of tables and chairs is done in accordance with fire code specifications.
2. Complete any work orders submitted for fire safety equipment before the event commences.
3. Assure that snow and ice have been removed from all entries and exits.

Many events in Bates College spaces may require a contracted Security detail. A Security detail is required where their are more than 100 persons in attendance and alcohol is being served. The event sponsor should notify Bates Campus Safety or Bates EHS to inquire if a detail is necessary and if so, request detail on the Event Management Form. Large venues open to the public may require local police details.

1. Provide Event Management Training.
2. Schedule LFD sight visit when venue is opened to the general public. Exclusion to this rule includes Schaeffer Theater, Gomes Chapel, and Olin Arts Center.
3. Assist with crown management for significant large venues upon request.
4. Review the policy annually and update as needed.
5. Maintain a list of capacities for all assembly areas.