Download fire department regulations for trade show

FIRE DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS
FOR TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS
A. Inherently Fire Retardant or Flame Retardant Treatment
1. All decorations, drapes, signs, banners, plastic displays, hay, straw, moss, split bamboo and other similar materials MUST BE FLAME RETARDANT to the satisfaction of the Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal.
2. Table coverings must be flame retardant treated unless they lay flat, with an overhang no greater than 6".
3. Oilcloth, tar paper, sisal paper, nylon, orlon and certain other plastic materials cannot be made flame retardant and their use is prohibited.
4. A Certificate of Flame Resistance shall be available for review by the Fire Marshal or on file with the Fire Marshal for all decorative materials.
B. Vehicles/Internal Combustion Engines on Display
1. Any autos, trucks, motorcycles or other motorized vehicles displayed shall have their
batteries disconnected and terminals taped.
2. All motor vehicle tanks containing fuel or which have ever contained fuel, shall be furnished with locking-type gas caps or sealed with tape. The level of gas in tanks cannot exceed five gallons or one-quarter tank, whichever is less.
3. Garden tractors, chain saws, power plants and other gasoline-powered equipment shall be safeguarded in a similar manner.
4. All autos, trucks and vehicles of any kind must show the location on the Fire Department-
approved floor plan 14 days prior to the show date.
C.Combustibles
1. Literature on display shall be limited to reasonable quantities. Reserve supplies shall be kept in closed containers and stored in a neat and compact manner.
2. No cardboard boxes or any combustible materials may be stored on top of or near any electrical wiring in the spaces behind the backwall drapery (booth) or behind any display.
D.Obstructions
1. Aisles designated on approved show floor plans shall be kept clean, clear and free of obstructions. Booth constructions shall be substantial and fixed into position in specified areas for the duration of the show. Chairs, easels, signs and demonstration areas shall not be placed beyond booth areas into aisles.
2. All aisles must be maintained at a minimum of 10 feet in width or unless otherwise
approved on floor plan.
3. All fire prevention and fire fighting equipment in all public assembly areas shall have easy and unobstructed accessibility.
FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR EXHIBITS
Effective: January 1, 2013
The following are the Los Angeles City Fire Department's (LAFD) minimum requirements for
shows and exhibits in the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC). No variance or alternate
method of compliance shall be permitted from these requirements unless a written request is
submitted and approved in writing by the Fire Inspector. All requests for Fire
Permits/Variances must be submitted at least 20 days prior to the event.
Plans
Exhibits containing enclosed rooms, multi-level structures, dynamic or moving elements,
display materials that may affect the manner in which persons can exit from inside the booth,
or exhibits that are 400 square feet or larger are required to send in 2 sets of the following
types of plans/drawings: Plan view, elevation views, perspective views (isometric), drawings
detailing paths of egress from the booth, covered area plan, and structural drawings as
required in the LACC - Exhibit Structure & Building Permit Information. See “Los Angeles
Convention Center – Information Regarding Covered Areas” and “Los Angeles Convention
Center - Exhibit Structure & Building Permit Information” for more details.
Department of Building and Safety Permit Requirements
All electrical equipment used or exhibited must be approved by Underwriter’s Laboratories or
by the Department of Building and Safety Electrical Test Lab.
All natural gas appliances shall be of an approved type (i.e., A.G.A., U.L., or Gas Mechanical
Lab), and shall be installed according to Los Angeles Building Department Plumbing Code.
Outdoor tents or cloth structures for temporary use that exceed 450 square feet require
approval from the LAFD and a Building Permit form the Department of Building & Safety.
Please send plans/drawings to Fire Inspector.
LAFD Special Permits are Required in Order to:
Display and operate any heater, barbecue, heat producing device, open flame device,
candles, lamps, lanterns, torches, or other form of ignition.
Display or operate any electrical, mechanical, or chemical device that is deemed
hazardous by the LAFD.
Use or store flammable liquids, compressed gases, or other hazardous materials. When
approved, the quantities shall not exceed 10 gallons used only for maintenance purposes
and the operation of equipment when stored in approved containers and at approved
locations. Storage in excess of 10 gallons that is used for maintenance purposes and
operations of equipment shall be inside approved hazardous materials cabinets.
LIQUEFIED FLAMMABLE GAS is PROHIBITED inside any building.
Display a motor vehicle or internal combustion engine.
Operate any videotaping, television broadcasting, still photographic, or motion picture
photographic equipment of commercial of professional purposes.
Additional Requirements
Exit aisles and exit doorways, as designated on approved show plans, shall be kept clear
and unobstructed. Chairs, tables, easels, signs, display items, exhibit structures, etc.
shall not extend beyond the booth area into exit aisles.
No exit door shall be locked, bolted, or otherwise fastened or obstructed at any time an
exhibit building is open for business.
There shall be no obstruction blocking exit ways from the building to a public way, such
as automobiles parked in front of doorways, barricades placed across sidewalks, or any
similar obstruction.
A clear access aisle of at least 3 feet shall be provided to all fire protection appliances,
fire alarm boxes, and sprinkler valves.
Exit ways shall not be obstructed by drapes or similar obstruction, unless such
obstructions are on sliding rings and the color contrasts with the adjacent drapes, walls,
or booths.
Exit signs shall be clearly visible at all times. Drapes, signs, or other similar obstruction
shall not cover them.
Booths
Covered booths having a cover at least 100 square feet, but NOT exceeding 750 square feet,
shall be protected within by a smoke detector, which sounds a local alarm.
Covered booths within West Hall AB or South Hall G-K, exceeding 750 square feet shall be
protected by a LAFD-approved automatic fire sprinkler system. These systems must be
installed under permit from the Department of Building and Safety and the LAFD. All portions
of the sprinkler system, including the “sprinkler riser” which supplies the water service to the
booth, must be installed within the borders of the respective booth space. No portion of the
sprinkler system, or any structures or barricades that protects said system, are allowed in
any portion of an aisle. Sprinkler systems cannot be installed in any other areas of the
building. See “Los Angeles Convention Center – Information Regarding Covered Areas” for
more details.
Vehicles/boats on display that are FOR SALE as part of the particular type of show may not
require sprinkler systems. Contact LAFD for permit and approval.
The total amount of covered area allowed in any separate space such as an exhibit hall, or
public space is 10% of the total usable space. See “Los Angeles Convention Center –
Information Regarding Covered Areas” for more details.
Exhibitor booths are prohibited in corridors or lobbies.
Booths that exceed 750 square feet of space with enclosed perimeter walls will require at
least 2 separate exits. Additional exits may be required on a case-by-case basis. Capacity
will be computed at 15 square feet per person.
Registration Pre-Function Areas
Booth areas/exhibits are prohibited in all public areas except those authorized by LACC
management and with LAFD permit. Pre-function areas will be utilized for social interaction
and pre-registration of attendees prior to attending or entering exhibits and meeting
functions. The required width for all exits through pre-function spaces will be maintained
without obstruction.
Combustible Decorations
All decorations, including, but not limited to drapes, table cloths that hang 6 inches below the
edge of the table, signs, banners, acoustical materials, cotton, hay, paper, straw, moss, split
bamboo, wood chips, wood less than 1/4 inch in thickness (or fiberboard less than 3/8 inch in
thickness), foam core, etc., shall be flame retardant treated. Glass or otherwise inherently
fire retardant cloth may be used without being flame retardant treated. Exhibitors shall
present a California State Fire Marshal certificate of flame-retardant treatment or a sample of
material for a field test upon request of the Fire Inspector. Material failing the field flame test
must be treated by a California State Fire Marshall Certified Flame Retardant Application
contractor, or the material must be removed from the building(s).
Field flame test: A strip of material shall have a flame applied for approximately 12 seconds.
The flame shall then be removed. The material should self extinguish within 2 seconds and
not drip in flames.
Oilcloth, tar paper, sisal paper, nylon, orlon, and certain other plastic materials, cannot be
made flame retardant. Their use is prohibited.
Combustibles
Literature on display shall be limited to reasonable quantities. Reserve supplies shall be kept
in closed containers and stored in a neat and compact manner.
Projection Equipment
Projection equipment using electric arc or Xenon bulbs for illumination shall be installed
under written permit from the LAFD with the approval of the Department of Building and
Safety.
General Exhibit Hall Fire Regulations
The show or exhibit will not be permitted to be open to the public until all identified
hazards have been alleviated.
Special restrictions may be required to monitor and control hazardous conditions and
operations not specifically covered by the above.
Additional fire protection equipment may be required. It shall be accessible, visible, and
ready for immediate use.
LACC is a non-smoking building. Smoking is prohibited in all areas.
The use of welding or cutting equipment for “demonstration” requires a written permit
from the LAFD. The use of liquid flammable gas as a fuel source is prohibited.
Welding as related to exhibit construction, fabrication, repair, etc. is not allowed
anywhere inside the exhibit halls or other interior spaces. Any such work requiring
welding must be done outside the facility in a location determined and approved by the
Fire Inspector. Licensed Fire Sprinkler contractors are allowed to use approved torches
to solder copper pipe connections of automatic fire sprinkler systems inside the halls.
The demonstration or use of equipment using flammable liquid fuel in buildings is
prohibited.
Combustible liquids shall be used only under permit from the LAFD. They shall be stored
or dispensed from an U.L. - approved safety can.
All exits, hallways, and aisles leading from the building or tents are to be kept clear and
unobstructed at all times.
No exit door shall be locked, bolted, or otherwise fastened or blocked at any time an
exhibit building is open for business.
Liquefied flammable gases are prohibited inside buildings.
Rubbish, trash, and waste shall be removed from buildings at the end of each working
day. Metal cans shall be provided for metal cuttings, and cuttings shall be kept separate
from ordinary combustibles.
All electrical wiring shall be installed as per Los Angeles Building Dept. Electrical Code.
Provide and maintain approved fire extinguishing equipment in all special areas as
designated by the LAFD.
All sprinklers, standpipe hose cabinets, and fire alarm pull boxes shall be kept clear and
unobstructed at all times.
Cylinders of compressed gas, both combustible and non-combustible, shall be installed
only by permit from the LAFD, and shall be half-charged and firmly secured in an upright
position.
Exit signs shall be clearly visible.
Flammable liquids shall be used only outside under permit from the LAFD. It shall be
stored or dispensed from an U.L. - approved safety can with a maximum of 1-day usage
or 1 gallon, whichever is less, per booth.
All appropriate local, state and federal guidelines shall be followed to appropriately
dispose of all hazardous waste materials.
Where combustible material cannot be removed from the area of operations, another
person, competent in the use of fire extinguishing equipment, shall be assigned the duty
of preventing or extinguishing any accidental fire that may occur during such operations.
For additional information, please call: Fire Prevention Bureau, Central Public Assembly
(213) 485-6050 and/or LACC Fire Inspector at (213) 741-1151 ext 5370.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY GUIDELINES
Effective January 1, 2013
The following guidelines have been established with respect to General Assembly
Events at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC).
1. Sound Levels
There are sound level requirements for all licensed areas at LACC. Sound levels
established must be strictly adhered to when playing amplified music/sound within a
meeting room and/or exhibit hall. State law dictates that decibel levels be no more
than 90 dcbs for public events.
LACC additionally reserves the right to require events using amplified music/sound
to implement mitigation measures in order for sound to be confined within their
licensed space. Failure to adhere to established guidelines can result in the
amplification system to be powered down and/or disconnected until compliance is
met.
2. Group Food Service
LACC prohibits the bringing and dispensing of food and beverage products for group
consumption. Barbeques, propane heaters and similar heating devices are strictly
prohibited in all areas including parking structures. It must be further noted that
LACC prohibits the selling of food and beverage items for public consumption.
LACC will supplement exterior food areas with additional seating and trash
receptacles when available for patron dining.
3. Escalator Monitoring
LACC requires groups with children (12 years and under) to assume monitoring of
escalators utilized for the convenience of the event. Children are to be refrained
from playing on escalators, and contributing to unsafe practices including running,
jumping, sitting, laying, climbing backwards and other behavior considered unsafe
and detrimental to the safety of the child. Please consult with your Event Manager
for further guidance.
In the absence of event monitors, LACC reserves the right to monitor escalators with
LACC Security Officers and invoice events at the prevailing published rates.
For any questions regarding General Assembly Guidelines, please contact Event Services at
(213) 741-1151, Extension 5360 and ask to speak with your assigned Event Manager.
INDUSTRIAL LIQUID & CHEMICAL
MSDS INFORMATION FORM
Effective January 1, 2013
The Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) require that the delivery, handling, and
removal of all industrial liquids or chemicals be accomplished in a proper and safe manner, and that a Material Safety
Data Sheet (MSDS) be submitted for any industrial liquids or chemicals that are brought into the LACC. All containers are
to have permanent labeling from the manufacturer identifying the name, and related information of the industrial liquid or
chemical. Further, the containers are to be properly labeled with the name & booth number of the exhibit. Exhibitors are
also required to keep a copy of the MSDS in their booth as well. One of the primary reasons for submitting the forms and
keeping a copy in the booth is to have instant “accurate information” regarding the necessary steps for treatment in the
event that persons come in contact with the respective liquid or chemical (i.e., inhalation, splashed into eyes, face, or
other parts of the body, etc.). Furthermore, in the event of a spill, fire, etc., the responding personnel must know
immediately what liquids or chemicals are involved.
Liquids and/or chemicals that can cause harm or injury to personnel and/or the building from exposure thereto (classified
as “Hazardous”) are NOT allowed at the LACC. In addition, liquids and/or chemicals that are flammable are NOT allowed
within any of the exhibit halls or interior spaces of the LACC without written approval from the Fire Inspector. Under
certain controlled and approved conditions, the Fire Inspector may allow small quantities of a flammable liquid to be used
in the exhibit hall. To request a Fire Permit for the conditional use of flammable liquids/chemicals, please fax a letter to
the “Fire Inspector” at (213) 765-4266. Be sure to include details about the type of liquid requested for use, why you need
it, the duration of use, what provisions you plan on taking to safeguard against fire, and the quantity you propose to use.
Please fill in the information required below and fax this form along with the MSDS to the LACC, Building Superintendent
at (213) 765-4267. If using more than two different types of liquids/chemicals, please use another sheet to list the
additional liquids/chemicals.
Required Information
Show Name: ______________________ Booth # ____________ Name of exhibiting firm: __________________
Name of contact person(s) responsible for use of Liquid/Chemical: ____________________________________
Company name of contact person responsible for use of Liquid/Chemical: _______________________________
Phone: ______________________ Fax: _____________________ E-mail: _____________________________
Name of Liquid/Chemical: ___________________________________________________________________
What is Liquid/Chemical used for? _____________________________________________________________
What is the frequency and duration of use? ______________________________________________________
What is the quantity of Liquid/Chemical in the booth: __________________________________ Pints / Gallons.
Name of Liquid/Chemical: ___________________________________________________________________
What is Liquid/Chemical used for? ______________________________________________________________
What is the frequency and duration of use? ______________________________________________________
What is the quantity of Liquid/Chemical in the booth: __________________________________ Pints / Gallons.
Please contact the Building Superintendent in charge of Show Operations at (213) 741-1151, Ext. 5609 for further information.
FOGGERS AND LASERS INFORMATION
Effective January 1, 2013
Exhibitors planning to use hazer/fog machines or lasers must obtain approval from the
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Inspector. Requests must be in writing and must
include the numbered information listed below each heading. Also listed below are rules and
procedures for using the respective equipment at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC).
Hazer/Fog Machines
1. A written scope of the project detailing the desired effect, the level of effect (heavy, moderate,
light), and the proposed dates, times, and duration of each period of operation/ performance
2. Drawings showing placement of machines and areas targeted for effect
3. Quantity of machines and type (model) of machines
4. Name of fogging agent (liquid/chemical/gas) and description of the container the agent
comes in (1-gallon bottle of Roscoe DF-50, 100lb canister of liquid Nitrogen, etc.)
5. A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the fogging agent and/or any other liquid or gas to
be used
The LAFD requires that a test be performed to assure the level of fog created will not affect the
building’s fire/smoke detection system. Arrangements must be made at least 48 hours in
advance to schedule a test. Projects found to affect the fire/smoke detection system “may” be
approved depending on circumstances, overall affect on the system, and the exhibitor’s ability to
meet conditions outlined by the Fire Inspector. Projects affecting the system that are approved
will be subject to LACC labor charges to work on or adjust the fire/smoke detection system, and
related charges for hiring a Fire Inspector to monitor the project.
Foggers/hazers must use fogging agents that are non-toxic and present no harmful effects.
Fogging agents and the respective use thereof shall be such that no oily residue is deposited on
carpet or other walking surfaces that could potentially cause slip & fall hazards, or be deposited
on any of the surfaces of the building.
If pressurized containers/vessels are approved for use, containers must be protected from
physical damage and secured from falling or overturning. The quantity of containers allowed in
the exhibit hall or meeting room shall be determined by the Fire Inspector (generally no more than
one days use). Additional containers must be stored outside of the facility in a designated area.
Exhibitors must make arrangements with the Freight contractor for storage and delivery of
containers. Deliveries must be made during NON-show hours.
Exhibitors and production staff are responsible for operating foggers/hazers; in accordance with
all federal, State, and local laws & codes, within manufacturers specifications, within the
parameters of the Fire Inspector’s approval and within the requirements set forth in this
document.
Lasers
1. A written scope of the project describing the desired effect, level of effect, dates/times and
duration of each period of operation/performance
2. Drawings indicating the placement (location) of lasers, mirrors and the entire path and target
area of the beams
3. Quantity of machines and type (model) of machines
4. Electrical service required for each machine (volts, amps, and phase)
5. Method of cooling (self cooling, water cooled, Nitrogen cooled, etc.)
6. Name of any liquid/chemical/gas proposed for use, description of the container it comes in,
and the respective Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
7. Name of company and person(s) certified to operate the laser(s), as well as a copy of their
FDA laser operation certificate
The LAFD requires that a demonstration be conducted to evaluate the laser production prior to
the opening of the show. Arrangements must be made at least 48 hours in advance to schedule
a demo.
Lasers, mirrors, and other related equipment must be placed in approved locations and targeted
in such a manner that prevents the laser beams from coming in contact with any personnel.
Lasers are prohibited from targeting any area in which persons may be present such as LACC
catwalks, meeting rooms, elevated platforms, etc.
Lasers requiring large volumes of water for cooling may be required to use a recirculation system
to conserve water.
If pressurized containers/vessels are approved for use, containers must be protected from
physical damage and secured from falling or overturning. The quantity of containers allowed in
the exhibit hall or meeting room shall be determined by the Fire Inspector (generally no more than
one days use). Additional containers must be stored outside of the facility in a designated area.
Exhibitors must make arrangements with the Freight contractor for storage and delivery of
containers. Deliveries must be made during NON-show hours.
Exhibitors and production staff are responsible for operating lasers; in accordance with all
Federal, State, and local laws & codes, within manufactures specifications, within the parameters
of the Fire Inspector’s approval and within the requirements set forth in this document.
For questions and/or more information please contact:
Tom Fields
Building Superintendent
Show Operations
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 741-1151 Ext. 5609
Fax: (213) 765-4267
Email: [email protected]
Clinton Pruiet
Fire Inspector
Public Assembly
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 741-1151 Ext. 5370
Fax: (213) 765-4266
Email: [email protected]