One of the things that make New York City "New York City" is the theater. As residents and workers in the city, we are proud to be home to one of the greatest theater industries in the world. As a result, many business owners have connections to performances and theater. If you happen to be a theater owner, worker or own a location where there are various types of performances, there are several flameproofing regulations that have more specific relevance and application to you. While the theater itself has both fireproofing (structural) and flameproofing (interior) regulations, there are some requirements that apply very specifically to the scenery that is used for performances.
The FDNY requires that objects that are considered ‘scenery’ must be flameproofed according to FDNY standards, if they are not inherently non-combustible already. While scenery typically is thought of in connection to theaters, it also applies to anywhere scenery might be used - places like nightclubs, catering halls or concert halls.
As per the FDNY, anything deemed as scenery needs to either be coated with or soaked in fire retardant chemicals, be inherently flame-resistant, or they need to have a Class A flame spread rating. Inclusive in this law is the room for a fire commissioner to grant an exemption if he judges that there’s already an equal measure of fire protection on site.
While the FDNY doesn’t require that flameproofing occur in a specific manner or procedure, they do recommend that the treatments are done in a certain way in order to obtain optimum effectiveness. The FDNY recommends that scenery and sets be treated with fire retardants prior to being painted or sealed. This allows the flameproofing chemicals to thoroughly penetrate the materials of the set and scenery. If the materials have already been painted, there are special flameproofing chemicals made with clear acrylic that can help the absorption of the flameproofing treatments.
Outdoor scenery and sets for outside performances also are subject to the same FDNY regulations: they must be inherently flame resistant or they must undergo flameproofing treatments. Inclusive in this special outdoor category would be canopies, curtains, fabric awnings, etc. Special effect and design materials such as clothing, tablecloths, rigging materials, etc. would be mandated for treatment as well, if they weren’t already inherently non-combustible.
It can be tricky to know what would be required of your business if you’re in the theater or performance industry, but Bronx Flameproofing is here to help. We have been a leader in the flameproofing industry for over 60 years and are thoroughly knowledgeable and familiar with all FDNY regulations. We can make sure that you are properly protected through flameproofing treatments as well as meet the requirements for the affidavits you need.
Bronx Flameproofing is here to serve you and all other businesses in the Metro NYC area and beyond, including all 5 boroughs, New Jersey, Westchester, Connecticut, and Long Island. We can answer your questions and provide you with the right information, along with a free, no-obligation quote. Please give us a call today to see how we can meet your needs: 1-800-594-0117.