LEAFLET 9
FIRE SAFETY FOR MARQUEES TENTS AND
SIMILAR STRUCTURES IN SUPPORT OF
SOCIAL/PUBLIC EVENTS
MOD Fire Risk Management JSP 426 Vol 2
AMENDMENT RECORD
Amd No Date Text Affected Authority and Date
Initial Issue March 2013 DSEA
REVISION NOTE
This leaflet follows a similar format to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Approved Code
of Practice (ACoP) with guidance contained in boxes separating it from policy.
HISTORICAL RECORD
The leaflet was introduced in 2013.
This policy has been equality and diversity impact assessed in accordance with Departmental policy.
This resulted in a Part 1 screening only completed (no direct discrimination or adverse impact
identified) This policy is due for review in March 2016
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Leaflet 9
FIRE SAFETY FOR MARQUEES TENTS AND SIMILAR STRUCTURES IN SUPPORT OF
SOCIAL/PUBLIC EVENTS
CONTENTS
Foreword
1 Scope.
2. Introduction.
3. Duties and Responsibilities.
4. Attendants.
5. Selection of Marquees, Tents and Similar Temporary Structures.
6. Surface Linings.
7. Siting and Layout.
8. Means of Escape.
9. Lighting.
10. Fire Warning Arrangements.
11. Firefighting Equipment.
12. Decorations.
13. Heating and Cooking.
14. Electrical Installations.
15. Related Documents.
Foreword
This JSP 426 leaflet is published under the authority of the Director of the Defence Safety &
Environment Authority (DSEA) following consultation with departmental stakeholders and is to
be applied across all areas of MOD and the Armed Forces to ensure compliance with UK and
host nation legislation/standards and/or MOD policy.
1. SCOPE
1.1 The precautions and guidance contained in this leaflet are to be applied in connection
with the use of marquees, other tentage and similar structures used for social/public events
(Summer Balls, Open Days, etc).
1.2 Precautions and guidance to be applied in respect of marquees, other tentage, air
supported structures and other similar structures use for Operations and Exercises are
contained in JSP 426, Volume 2, Leaflet 10.
2. INTRODUCTION
2.1 The construction of marquees, other tents and similar structures used for social/public
events render these structures vulnerable to fire. To ensure the safest use of these
structures, this leaflet outlines the legal responsibilities, policy, duties. Further guidance to
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those planning events using such structures is provided that can be applied in a risk
proportionate manner.
3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 The Responsible Person should be in charge of, and present in, the structure during
the whole time the structure is open to the public. Should this prove to be impractical, then, a
deputy shall be nominated who is free from work that would take them away from the primary
role of safety management supervision, particularly in the event of an emergency.
3.2 The Responsible Person or an appointed persons shall ensure that suitable and
sufficient assessments of the risks of fire to the structure(s) is undertaken. A site plan of all
proposed temporary structures, activities and Fire Risk Assessments is to be forwarded to the
relevant Defence Fire Management Organisation (DFRMO) Fire Safety Specialist.
4 ATTENDANTS
4.1 Attendants are to be trained in fire safety procedures, with the DFRMO Fire Safety
Specialist consulted as appropriate. Instruction shall include a demonstration of the locations
and use of firefighting equipment provided, how to call the emergency services and safely
manage evacuation procedures. There must be competent attendants on duty during the
time that the public are in the structure/s. Attendants must have been specifically instructed
as to their responsibilities in the event of fire or other emergency. Account should be taken of
the additional responsibility created by the attendance of disabled persons.
4.2 At least one attendant, who shall not be the Responsible Person, shall be on duty for
every 250 or part of 250 persons in the structure. However, where the majority of the patrons
are under the age of 16, there shall be at least one attendant for every 50 or part of 50
persons.
4.3 The main duty of attendants is to ensure that safe conditions are maintained in the
structure. To achieve this they shall:
• Be readily recognisable.
• Ensure that no overcrowding occurs in any part of the structure.
• Keep gangways and exits clear at all times.
• Prevent persons from standing on seats or furniture.
• Be aware of any special requirements needed to ensure the safe evacuation of the
audience/patrons.
• Position themselves at the exits to assist in evacuation, before leaving the premises
themselves.
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5. SELECTION OF MARQUEES, TENTS AND SIMILAR TEMPORARY STRUCTURES
5.1 When sourcing Marquees, Tents and similar temporary structures, materials and liners
should be inherently fire retardant. The material, panels and liners shall have a label or
certification affixed to provide details of fire retardant properties and relevant BS/EN or
international equivalent standards.
6. SURFACE LININGS
6.1 All exposed surfaces of materials used in the construction of Marquees, Tents and
similar temporary structures, materials and liners should be inherently non-flammable. In
cases where this is not technically feasible, materials treated with a fire retardant solution may
be deemed acceptable 1 . Where materials used have been treated with a fire retardant
solution, records shall be maintained detailing such treatments and periodic inspections and
conditioning checks / re-treatments that are carried out in accordance with the material
manufacturer’s recommendations.
7. SITING AND LAYOUT
7.1 The site should be clear of hazards; and, in particular provide easy access and ample
open space for all the occupants of the tent(s) to get clear to a place of safety in the event of
fire. Spacing between marquees, and between tents and other similar type structures, shall
be not less than 6 metres.
GUIDANCE
Where marquees are to be sited in close proximity (within 6 metres) to a permanent
building, this will have a considerable effect on the fire safety arrangements for both
structures. In such circumstances, consultation with the DFRMO Fire Safety Specialist
will be essential.
7.2 Special care is to be taken when tentage is used for entertainment or exhibition
purposes. Under no circumstances are tents or marquees to be directly attached to
permanent buildings. If direct access from permanent buildings is required, a covered walk
way is to be provided, terminating at least 1 metre from the building.
7.3 The site must be arranged to allow for adequate means of access for firefighting
appliances to within 50 metres of any part of the structure. Access routes shall be not less
than 4 metres wide, have no overhead structure or cables less than 4.5 metres above the
ground, and shall be capable of taking the weight (about 14 tonnes) of firefighting appliances
in all weathers.
7.4 Emergency vehicle access routes within the site shall be kept clear of obstruction at all
times.
1
Fire retardant treatments shall achieve a Class 1 surface spread of flame classification as described in the current Building Regulations.
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7.5 Grass shall be cut as short as possible before the erection of tents is commenced, and
cuttings should be cleared away to a safe place.
7.6 Access to hydrants and other water supplies shall not be obstructed or obscured.
7.7 Car parks shall be provided well clear of all tents and on no account should parking be
allowed in tent lanes or roadways.
8. MEANS OF ESCAPE
8.1 All tables, seating, stalls, props and equipment must be sited to ensure that a clear
path of sufficient width is maintained at all times.
8.2 Opening flaps in the perimeter wall of the marquee are not acceptable as an alternative
to exit doors, as past experience has shown these to be inadequate. However, open sides or
large areas of open side may be considered acceptable.
8.3 The required minimum width of any final exit in relation to the number of occupants
who may have to use it should be determined by table below:
Minimum clear width of exit Number of persons
1.05 metres 1 to 160
1.65 metres 161 to 240
1.95 metres 241 to 320
8.4 An allowance must be made for the fact that one exit may be obstructed and not
available because of fire, smoke or other hazards. Exits located within a 45 degree radius
should be regarded as one exit for the purpose of calculating the number of exits required.
GUIDANCE
Final exits should be distributed evenly around the structure so that viable alternative
routes are available from all parts.
Exit routes may discharge through an adjacent room, provided that there is a clear and
direct path to a final exit.
The distance of travel from any point should not exceed 18 metres.
8.5 Exit routes, both internal and external, must be maintained free of all obstructions
caused by the superstructure of the marquee, temporary fixings, etc. Furthermore, where a
change of level has to be negotiated on any exit route, easygoing ramps shall be provided (in
preference to steps) with a maximum gradient of 1:12.
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8.6 Where necessary, illuminated safety signage shall be provided above each of the exits.
All fire safety signs shall comply with current regulations for safety signs.
GUIDANCE
Additional safety signs may prove necessary to ensure that exit routes may be followed;
however, this can only be assessed at the time of use. Signs should be conspicuously
illuminated by the normal lighting at all times when the premises are in use. Where
necessary, provision should also be made for the signs to be illuminated by the escape
lighting system to ensure visibility in the event of mains failure.
9. LIGHTING
9.1 The normal lighting should adequately illuminate all internal and external routes of exit
and be switched on at all times during the event when natural lighting is insufficient. Naked
flames are not to be used as a means of illumination.
9.2 Where necessary, emergency escape lighting shall be provided throughout the
covered areas and if necessary to those parts of the site outside the marquee which form exit
routes.
10. FIRE WARNING ARRANGEMENTS
10.1 Where necessary, a fire alarm system, incorporating facilities for public address, shall
be provided throughout the area. The system shall come into operation on the actuation of
any fire alarm call point, the positions of which are to be agreed with the DFRMO Fire Safety
Specialist. The alarm signal must consist of a distinct tone of not more than five seconds
duration, audible over the public address system, followed by a pre-recorded message,
repeated continuously until terminated at the main control.
10.2 The text of the evacuation message should be as follows, given clearly and concisely:
“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN." IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY, THE ******* MUST BE
EVACUATED. PLEASE LEAVE IMMEDIATELY BY THE NEAREST EXIT. ATTENDANTS
WILL ASSIST YOU.”
GUIDANCE
For certain uses which take place in small to moderate size structures, a simpler type of
fire alarm system may be acceptable.
The fire alarm should be tested daily before the event commences.
10.3 The Responsible Person or deputy shall ensure that the Emergency Services have
been informed and the marquee, tent or similar structure is completely cleared of persons.
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GUIDANCE
A suitable means and location for summoning emergency services should be identified
prior to the event and should be readily available at all material times. The fire services
should be called immediately to every outbreak of fire. Instructions as to the location of
and the method of calling the fire brigade should be prominently displayed.
10.4 Fire Alarm cables shall be fixed in position and where necessary protected against
mechanical damage.
11. FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT
11.1 Suitable fire extinguishers shall be provided and evenly distributed throughout the
marquee area. The precise positions for these should be determined after discussion with the
DFRMO Fire Safety Specialist when the marquee is being erected. Suitable fire
extinguishers shall be provided and sited adjacent to the main electrical switchgear for the
marquee.
11.2 Fire blankets shall be provided in a prominent position (where possible) within any food
preparation area, where cooking takes place.
12. DECORATIONS
12.1 For safety reasons the use of camouflage nets, parachutes and similar materials for
decorative purposes is prohibited. Combustible decorations are to be restricted to a
minimum. Decorations shall not be positioned where they may ignite or materially increase
the fire hazard. In particular, all decorations shall be positioned with due regard to means of
escape routes. Due regard shall also be paid to the effect of draughts.
13 HEATING/COOKING
13.1 Any form of heating or cooking to be provided within the structure must be agreed with
the DFRMO Fire Safety Specialist.
GUIDANCE
Cooking should preferably be carried out in a separate structure. Cooking appliances
should be positioned clear of tent walls, roofs and other combustible materials and
supervised at all times. They should not be left unattended whilst in use.
14. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS
14.1 All electrical wiring and apparatus shall comply with the ‘Requirements for Safety” cited
by the IEE ‘Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings (Temporary Installations);
and, so far as possible, be clear of canvas and positioned where it cannot be tampered with.
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If generators are used, they should be positioned at a safe distance outside the marquee;
clear of tents, and under the supervision of a competent person at all times.
14.2 All electrical installations are to be installed by qualified and competent persons.
15. FIRE SECURITY
15.1 When the event has finished, a thorough check of the whole area shall be made to
ensure that nothing that may present a fire hazard remains.
15.2 With the exception of authorised essential systems that must continue to operate after
normal working hours, all electrical appliances and lighting systems are to be switched off and
disconnected by nominated person.
16. RELATED DOCUMENTS
JSP 426 Vol 2:
• Leaflet 1 - Enforcement of Fire Safety Legislation.
• Leaflet 3 - Fire Safety Management Plans (FSMP).
• Leaflet 4 - Fire Risk Assessment (FRA).
• Leaflet 7 - General Fire Precautions.
• Leaflet 10 - Fire Safety for Tented Camps in Support of Operations and Exercises.
Other MOD Guidance:
• JSP 375 - Leaflet 12 - Safety when Working with Electricity and Electrical
Equipment.
• JSP 375 - Leaflet 44 - Safety Signs.
• JSP 375 - Leaflet 57 - Managing Safety at Public Events.
Legislation and Guidance:
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order and allied legislation as applicable to
MOD in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• DCLG Guidance Fire safety at Open air events and venues.
• British Standard (BS) 5438 - Methods of test for flammability of textile fabrics when
subjected to a small igniting flame applied to the face or bottom edge of vertically
oriented specimens.
• BS 7837 - Specification for Flammability Performance for Textiles Used in the
Construction of Marquees and Similar Textile Structures.
• BS 476: Part 12: - Fire tests on building materials and structures. Method of test for
ignitability of products by direct flame impingement.
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