Fire and Life-Safety Group (FLS)

Temporary Structures Policies and Procedures

Temporary Structures Policies and Procedures

Introduction:

This document was prepared to list some but not all of the requirements based on the 2006 editon of the International Fire Code. Please ensure that all the requirements of applicable codes at the time of new installations or changes to existing installations are verified and implemented.

Placement and Location of Structures:

IFC 2403.8.2 states that tents, canopies or membrane structures must not be located within 20 feet of lot lines, buildings, other tents, canopies or membrane structures, parked vehicles or internal combustion engines. For the purpose of determining required distances, support ropes and guy wires shall be considered as part of the temporary membrane structure, tent or canopy.

  Exceptions:

•  Separation distance between membrane structures, tents and canopies not used for cooking, is not required when the aggregate floor area does not exceed 15,000 square feet.

•  Membrane structures, tents or canopies need not be separated from buildings when: the aggregate floor area does not exceed 10,000 sq. ft., the floor area does not exceed the allowable area as sated by the International Building Code, required means of egress are provided for both the building and the membrane structure and fire apparatus access roads are provided.

IFC 2404.21 states that combustible vegetation must be removed from the area occupied by a tent, canopy or membrane structure, and from areas within 30 feet of the structure.

Duration of Use:

IFC 2403.5 states that temporary tents, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures and canopies shall be used for a period of not more than 180 days within a 12-month period on a single premise.

Structures and Materials:

IFC 2404.2 states that the tents, canopies and membrane structures and their appurtenances, sidewalls, drops and tarpaulins, floor coverings, bunting, combustible decorative materials and effects, including sawdust when used on floors or passageways, shall be composed of flame-resistant material or shall be treated with a flame retardant in an approved manner and meet the requirements for flame resistance.

IFC 2403.9 states that tents, canopies or membrane structures and their appurtenances shall be adequately roped, braced an anchored to withstand the elements of weather and prevent against collapsing.

Egress Requirements:

IFC 2403.12 states the following:

•  Exits must be spaced at approximately equal intervals around the perimeter, with all points 100 ft. or less from an exit.

•  All structures must have at least one exit and no fewer exits then required by Table 2403.12.2

IFC 2403.12.3 states that exit openings from tents must remain open unless covered by a flame-resistant curtain.

IFC 2403.12.4 states that doors must swing in the direction of egress travel.

IFC 2403.12.8 states that the width of exits, aisles and passageways must be maintained at all times to a public way. Guy wires, ropes and other support members must not cross a means of egress at a height of less than 8 feet.

IFC 2403.12.7 states that means of egress are to be illuminated with light having an intensity of not less than 1 foot-candle at floor level while the structure is occupied.

IFC 2403.12.6 states that exits must be clearly marked. Exit signs must be installed at required exit doorways and where ever else necessary to indicate the direction of egress when the exit serves an occupant load of 50 or more.

IFC2403.12.6.1 states that exit signs must be self-luminous, internally or externally illuminated.

Storage

IFC 2404.5 states that hay, straw, shavings or similar combustible materials must not be located within any tent, canopy or membrane structure containing an assembly occupancy, except the necessary materials for daily feeding and care of animals.

Fire Protection Requirements

IFC 2404.13 states that fire extinguishers be provided.

Fire Prevention Requirements

IFC 2404.6 states that smoking is not permitted in tents, canopies or membrane structures. NO SMOKING signs must be posted

IFC 2404.8 states that fireworks must not be used within 100 feet of tents, canopies or membrane structures.

IFC 2404.7 states that open flame or other devices emitting flame, fire or heat or any flammable or combustible liquids, gas, charcoal or other cooking device are not permitted inside or within 20 feet, unless approved by the fire marshal.

IFC 2404.19 states that generators and other internal combustion power sources must be separated from tents, canopies or membrane structures by a minimum of 20 feet.

IFC 2404.22 states that floor surfaces inside tents, canopies or membrane structures and the grounds outside and within a 30-foot perimeter must be kept clear of combustible waste. Waste must be stored in approved containers until removed from the premises.

FPFile: IFCStructures.Doc