Event Planning: Fire Safety
Kent Fire and Rescue Service will be interested in the following aspects of your event:
- Site plan (location and layout of your event)
- Expected crowd numbers
- Emergency evacuation procedures
- Site emergency plan
- Arrangements for instruction and training of stewards or volunteers
A fire risk assessment must also be completed to assess the risk of a fire occurring at the event, who might be affected and how this risk will be controlled. People should be able to walk to safety along a clearly recognisable route by their own unaided efforts, regardless of where a fire may break out at the venue. Carefully consider arrangements for people with disabilities.
People will often try to leave the site the way they entered. Where this is not possible because of the position of the fire or smoke, stewards should be trained to route people away from the fire to a place of safety.
Ensure that
- The number and size of emergency evacuation exits in temporary structures e.g. Marquees, big tops and security fences are sufficient for the number of people present and are distributed around the perimeter
- Exits and gateways are unlocked and staffed by stewards throughout the event; and
- All exits and gateways are clearly indicated by suitable signs, illuminated where necessary.
- Emergency vehicles can access the site
Consider
- Marquees and large tents
- Moveable structures
- Stairways
- Ramps
- Exits
- Doors on escape routes
- Fastenings on doors and gates
- Self-closing devices for doors
- Exit and directional signs
- Normal and Emergency lighting (including all external routes)
- Fire-fighting equipment
- Special risks
- Means of giving warning in case of fire (example: shout ‘Fire’ or use air horn or fire alarm system as deemed appropriate)
Comprehensive guidance on completing a fire risk assessment