Campus Security

Safety and Health Plan
2001

Safety Procedures for Public Assembly

General

This procedure applies to gatherings of 100 or more persons for such activities as entertainment, dining, amusement, lectures, seminars, etc.  The purpose of the procedure is to establish criteria for emergency planning and fire prevention practices to be employed by departments responsible for the public assembly events.

Emergency Planning

Departments sponsoring public assembly events shall develop an emergency plan which includes the following information:

Emergency telephone numbers
Location of all fire exits
Location of all fire extinguishers
Duties of attendants, technicians, PA announcers, stage managers, etc.
The wording of evacuation instructions given over the PA system and the specific person designated to make the announcements.
The emergency plan should be reviewed with all employees and attendants prior to the event.

Fire Alarms

In theatre and entertainment events it is preferable that fire alarms not be suddenly sounded, as this tends to cause confusion and may create panic.

Open Flame Devices

No open flame devices are to be used for ceremonies, theatrical productions, and the like, without prior approval from the Director of Safety and Security.

Christmas Trees

Live Christmas trees must not have lights, in accordance with fire regulations. Artificial trees may include lights.

Special Food Service Devices

Portable cooking devices not flue-connected are to be used only with prior approval from the Director of Safety and Security.  Candles may be used on tables for food service if securely supported on substantial non-combustible bases located in such a way as to avoid danger of ignition of combustible materials.  Candle flames must be protected.

Smoking

Lenoir-Rhyne College is smoke-free in compliance with Catawba County ordinance.

Flammable Liquids

The storage of flammable liquids in assembly areas is prohibited.

Decorations and Stage Scenery

Combustible materials must be treated with an effective flame retardant material.  Stage settings made of combustible materials likewise must be treated with flame retardant materials as indicated in the following:

Plywood, wood, particle board and like materials used for stage settings or decorations must be UL listed with a flame spread of 75 or less (class B) or be painted with fire retardant paint.
Fabrics such as draperies and curtains must be flame-treated or non-combustible, or must not exceed 10% of the wall or ceiling area.
Plastics must be UL labeled with flame spread of 75 or less, or must not exceed 10% of wall or ceiling area.
Pyroxlin plastics are prohibited.
Cardboard should be painted with fire retardant paint or must not exceed 10% of the wall or ceiling area.

Seating

Non-fixed seating arrangements for gatherings of 100 or more persons requires prior approval by the Director of Safety and Security.  Any increase in the seating capacity of assembly room with fixed seating requires similar prior approval.

Maintenance of Exit Ways

Aisles, passageways and stairways must not be obstructed of restricted by tables, showcases, or other objects.  All exit doors must remain unlocked during assembly to permit evacuation.

© 2004 Lenoir-Rhyne College