One of the most exciting things about being in business is hosting a special event. A promotional event breaks up the monotony in running a business and adds a new buzz and interest among the community. There’s so much involved in a special event, and it’s important that all safety regulations have been followed, including fire prevention. When you’re coordinating a special event, the temporary scenery, decorations, and structures need to be treated with flame repellents in order for the event to be compliant with FDNY standards.
For your promotional event, the materials and scenery that will be used either have to be treated with fire retardants or inherently non-combustible. If a fire commissioner deems it acceptable, he may choose to give an exemption if the following are applicable:
1. A report from a nationally recognized lab is submitted, demonstrating that the items in question are inherently flame resistant or treated with flame repellents (A flameproofing company can give you a similar acceptable document).
2. The business owner can prove it would be an extreme hardship to obtain the proper affidavit.
3. The setting and scenery will be in use for less than 30 days.
There are also similar guidelines for temporary decorations for special events. As with the previous scenario, #2 and #3 are applicable. However, the difference in #1 is that a testing report can be submitted, indicating that the decorations have passed the applicable NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) test for fabrics, curtains, window treatments, single-layer fabrics or the test for tarps, tents, awnings, plastic films, and vinyl-coated fabrics.
Finally, there are some regulations that are for temporary structures. In line with decorations and scenery, an affidavit showing flame-proofing treatment or inherent non-combustibility is required. The fire commissioner is also able to exercise his authority and offer exemptions, allowing a certificate from a flameproofing company or a report from a nationally known lab if the following applies:
1. The documents demonstrate that the materials have been treated with flame repellent #25, have a Class A flame spread rating, or are inherently non-combustible
2. The structure will be set up for less than 30 days
3. The event applicant can demonstrate hardship in his acquisition for the needed affidavits
While special events are often more work and an additional load on owner and employees, the payoff is worth the effort. The extra energy put into fire safety is just what’s needed to have a safe and successful event. Even though these events are often short-term, fire safety regulations are in place for the good of everyone involved.
Bronx Flameproofing is an industry expert in all things flameproofing, and we can provide you with what you need to make sure your special event is a safe and smashing success. We can provide you with the needed affidavits and flameproofing treatments to satisfy FDNY requirements. Please call us today to discuss how we can help with our special event: 1-800-594-0117