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Guidelines for fire safety at

major events

Fire prevention

Guidelines no. 3

December 2010

Guidelines for fire safety at major events

Guidelines for fire safety at major events covered by the technical regu-

lations applicable to marquees, event pavilions, sales areas and camping

areas.

Fire prevention, Guidelines no. 3

Issued by:

The Danish Emergency Management Agency

Centre for Disaster Prevention

Datavej 16

DK-3460 Birkerød

Tel: 45 90 60 00

Fax: 45 90 60 60

E-mail. [email protected]

www.brs.dk

Issued: 8. December 2010

Case no: 2010/016382

December 2010 1


Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................3

2 Rules in this area.....................................................................................................4

3 Definitions and explanations .....................................................................................5

4 Planning and management .......................................................................................8

4.1 Planning...........................................................................................................8

4.2 Management and communication .......................................................................9

5 Site layout ............................................................................................................ 11

5.1 Description and drawings................................................................................. 12

5.2 Marquees and event pavilions for a maximum of 150 people. ............................. 14

5.3 Marquees and event pavilions for more than 150 people .................................... 14

5.4 Camping areas................................................................................................ 15

5.5 Sales areas..................................................................................................... 17

6 Music stages and other entertainment ..................................................................... 19

7 Fire fighting and fire-fighting equipment.................................................................. 20

8 Fireworks and other flammable devices ................................................................... 21

9 Installations .......................................................................................................... 22

10 Use of sports grounds for events ............................................................................ 23

11 Emergency plan..................................................................................................... 24

12 Building permit for tents......................................................................................... 25

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December 2010 3

1 Introduction

The purpose of these guidelines is to explain current fire protection requirements to concerts

and other events, such as events with a sitting audience, flee markets, agricultural shows

and the like, held in the open and attracting a large amount of people.

These guidelines are designed for events of the above-mentioned nature with marquees and

pavilions larger than 50 m2, camping areas for more than 150 guests staying overnight and

sales areas.

In addition, the guidelines contain specific advice and fire safety instructions for the event

organiser.

The fire prevention requirements aim to ensure sufficient free and unobstructed escape rou-

tes to allow all people present to get to safety in the event of a fire. The requirements also

aim to ensure that the risk of fires occurring and spreading is reduced as much as possible

and that there is sufficient room for rescue work and fire fighting in the event of a fire.

The municipal council (emergency services) can permit derogations from the requirements

described in these guidelines in favour of other fire protection measures (so-called technical

swaps) provided the same safety level is maintained.


December 2010 4

2 Rules in this area

The Danish Ministry of Defence:

The Danish Preparedness Act, cf. Consolidating Act no. 660 of 10 June 2009.

Executive order no. 553 of 21 June 2001 on fire protection measures for marquees, event

pavilions, sales areas and camping areas not covered by the camping regulations, issued by

the Danish Ministry of the Interior (now the Danish Ministry of Defence).

The technical regulations of 18 October 2005 on marquees, event pavilions, sales areas and

camping grounds, not covered by the camping regulations, issued by the Danish Emergency

Management Agency.

Executive order no. 212 of 27 March 2008 on operational requirements to hotels and similar

establishments, nursing homes, assembly rooms, teaching premises, day-care institutions

and shops, issued by the Danish Emergency Management Agency.

Executive order no. 160 of 26 April 1985 on bottled gas, issued by the Danish Ministry of

Justice (now the Danish Ministry of Defence).

Technical regulations on bottled gas, issued on 15 June 1985 by the State Department for

Fire Inspection (now the Danish Emergency Management Agency).

The Danish Ministry of Economic and Business Affairs:

The Danish Building Act, cf. consolidated act no. 452 of 24 June 1998.

The Danish Safety Technology Authority's executive order on high voltage current.

Executive order no. 514 of 16 October 1981 on regulations regarding gas installations (the

Executive Order on Gas). The executive order is administered by the Danish Governmental

Gas Institute (now the Danish Safety Technology Authority). Including Section B-5 of the

Executive Order on Gas regarding temporary bottled gas installations at festivals.

The Danish Ministry of Employment:

The executive order on safety signage and other forms of signage, issued by the Danish

Working Environment Service.

The executive order no. 743 of 23 September 1999 on pressurised equipment issued by the

Danish Working Environment Service, implementing Directive no. 97/23/EC of the European

Parliament and of the Council.


December 2010 5

3 Definitions and explanations

Event organiser: An individual or organisation who plans and organises the event and is

responsible for compliance with technical regulations.

Cladding, Class K1 10 B-s1, d0: Fire technical description of building material that refers

to the European classification standard EN 13501. An example of Class K1 10 B-s1,d0 [Class

1 cladding], is 9 mm gypsum board.

Cladding, Class K1 10 D-s2, d2: Fire technical description of building material that refers

to the European classification standard EN 13501. Examples of Class K1 10 D-s2,d2 [Class 2

cladding] are 9 mm chipboard, 9 mm fibreboard and 9 mm plywood board.

The Danish Emergency Management Agency: The Agency reports to The Danish Mi-

nistry of Defence.

Suitably fire-resistant: A material is considered to be suitably fire-resistant if it either

does not burn or ignites with difficulty when exposed to fire and there is minimum smoke

formation. Documentation proving that a material is suitably fire-resistant is available in the

form of an approval from the Danish Enterprise and Construction Authority (a so-called MK

approval), a test certificate from an approved testing body or an approval from responsible

authorities in other EU or EFTA countries or Turkey.

Fire separation: A structure that makes it possible to reduce the requirements to distances

between buildings or between buildings and open spaces, for example by installing a K1 10

B-s1,d0 cladding [Class 1 cladding] or K1 10 D-s2,d2 cladding [Class 2 cladding].

Camping unit: A tent, caravan, cabin or other portable structure such as campervans and

similar.

Camping area: An area in the open that is set aside for camping units and associated ser-

vice facilities such as toilets, showers and bathrooms, cooking facilities, refuse areas and

open spaces.

Caravan area: The part of the camping area where caravans, campervans, cabins and the

like are located.

Escape route: An open space that gives people an opportunity to escape to the open from

a given point in a marquee, an event pavilion or a closed or fenced-in area. Doors and other

openings (but not windows) are regarded as escape routes.

Escape route lighting: Escape route lighting comprises illuminated signs placed above or

in the immediate vicinity of exits, if relevant supplemented by constant illumination of direc-

tional signs in strategic locations. Escape route lighting must be illuminated when premises

are in use.


December 2010 6

Escape route sign: A safety sign (see fig. 1) that gives directions regarding emergency

exits and escape routes. The sign is green with a pictogram and must comply with the provi-

sions of the Danish Working Environment Service regarding safety signage in the executive

order on safety signage and other forms of signage.

Fig. 1: Escape route sign:

Event pavilion: A tent with poles and guy ropes, a steel framework or the like, used as an

assembly area.

Open space: An area set aside in camping and sales areas to prevent fires from spreading

and to provide sufficient room for rescue work and fire fighting in the event of a fire.

The open: The area where you can freely choose the further direction of your escape

(180°), and where you are safe from fires and other impending disasters.

Distance between tents: The distance between tents is measured from guy rope to guy

rope.

Cabin: A building with outer walls of a fixed material (wood, steel, etc.), erected for tempo-

rary use as accommodation for a maximum of 10 people.

Panic lighting: Lighting that is automatically switched on in the event of a power failure

and provides minimum lighting to enable people to find their way around escape routes.

Site: The entire area used for the event, including audience areas, backstage areas and ser-

vice areas.


December 2010 7

Layout plan: A plan that shows the location of chairs, benches, tables and other furniture

in marquees or event pavilions. The layout plan can be in black and white or in colour. See

also the guidelines of the Danish Emergency Management Agency on layout plans in mar-

quees and event pavilions and on tent exits dated March 2002.

Sales area: An area in the open that is set aside for sales stalls erected for temporary use.

Event pavilion: A building with outer walls of a fixed material (wood, steel, etc.), erected

for temporary use as a place of assembly.

Tent area: The part of a camping area where tents are erected.

TR: In the following, the abbreviation TR will be used to indicate the technical regulations

issued by the Danish Emergency Management Agency on marquees, event pavilions, sales

areas and camping grounds not covered by the camping regulations.


December 2010 8

4 Planning and management

In connection with major events, planning and management are two important components

of a successful event.

4.1 Planning

As set out in police regulations on the advertising of events, organisers of major events must

apply to the police for permission to hold the event well in advance - approximately 6-9

months prior to the event. The police and the municipal council (emergency services) grant a

conditional permission provided a final application is later submitted accompanied by a

description of the event and dimensioned drawings (risk assessment).

In the subsequent planning phase, it is important that the event management contacts rele-

vant authorities, including the police, the pre-hospital management and the municipal council

(emergency services). (See also Section 5 regarding ambulance routes). It is also very im-

portant to hold contact meetings with the authorities, as the authorities can provide informa-

tion about current regulations and practices within the different areas.

According to the TR, the deadline for application is 30 days, but as the emergency services

are involved in the planning phase, this should merely be a formality by the time the dead-

line for application arrives. If contact is established too late, the result may be that the event

or parts of the event cannot be carried out, as the requirements stipulated by the emergency

services cannot be complied with before the date of the event.

The description (risk assessment) attached to the application must include an assessment of

fire safety. It is necessary to take the nature of the event into account in the assessment of

the fire safety. Prior knowledge of the audience (number and behaviour) targeted by the

event is valuable information in connection with a risk assessment. Experience shows that a

particular section of the audience is associated with a particularly high-risk behaviour that

may require special measures such as confinement to a specific part of the camping area or

deployment of extra security personnel.

It is essential that the application mentions only one named organiser or manager appointed

by the organiser, as this person is responsible for complying with the TR.

If an event is of several days' duration, it can also be relevant to set aside areas for parking,

camping, cooking and other service facilities. Fire protection measures must be taken, inclu-

ding the provision of fire extinguishing equipment and possibilities for alerting the emergen-

cy services as well as the drafting of general rules for the event. The organiser's description

(risk assessment) of fire safety must be approved by the emergency services. If some of the

participants stay overnight in tents, campervans, converted buses or the like, separate areas

must generally be created for tents and caravans.


December 2010 9

In addition, it is common practice to erect sales stalls regardless of the duration of the event.

If so, sales areas must be planned and approved by the emergency services.

The fire safety description must include a description of the measures taken by the organiser

to ensure an acceptable level of fire safety. The risk assessment must describe the fire pro-

tection measures for the individual areas on the site as well as for the event area as a whole:

� Areas with marquees and event pavilions.

� Camping areas.

� Sales areas.

� Open spaces.

� Areas open to the public.

� Stages and backstage areas.

4.2 Management and communication

Good communication between the event management and the emergency services as well as

between different public authorities is also essential for the fire safety in connection with an

event.

The information given to the public and the information provided by the public to the emer-

gency services in connection with an emergency are other important elements in the asses-

sment of communication requirements and methods.

Information to the public

The emergency services must also be included when considering and preparing information

material for the public. The material can, for example, include information about the general

rules for the event, the location of fire-fighting equipment and alarm procedures.

Information to the public includes maps indicating the location of escape routes, escape rou-

te lighting, notices about general rules for the event, fire-fighting equipment, cooking facili-

ties and waste containers. Other examples are instructions regarding the use of open fire,

bans on the use of furniture and similar flammable materials and bans on the use of fire-

works in camping areas.

The public must also be informed about the location of telephones, radios and other com-

munication equipment for alerting the fire service. The public must also be told how to alert

the fire authorities, for example: "Call 1-1-2, advise what has happened, where it happened,

who you are and how many people have been injured."

Staff instruction and training

As is the case for the public, the staff must also be given information in the form of maps

showing the location of fire-fighting equipment, emergency and escape routes as well as te-

lephones, radios or other communication equipment that can be used to alert the fire ser-

vice.


December 2010 10

It is very important that the staff is aware of emergency routes, as they may need to assist

the public in escaping to safety.

The staff must also be told how to alert the fire service. In marquees and event pavilions

with room for more than 150 people, fire and evacuation instructions must be displayed in

areas where the staff come and go, describing, as a minimum, how to alert the fire service,

how to inform the staff about emergency situations and stipulating that the staff is respon-

sible for ensuring that the guests escape to safety. The staff must be informed about the

content of such instructions.

The staff must be able to use the mandatory fire-fighting equipment placed in different loca-

tions on the site and in marquees to limit the spread of the fire until the emergency services

arrive. This requires that the users are familiar with the fire-fighting equipment and its use.

The users of the fire-fighting equipment, for example security personnel in the camping

areas, must therefore be instructed in basic fire fighting, including the use of fire-fighting

equipment. The emergency services can assist in this regard.

Information to the emergency services

The emergency services must be informed how to instantly contact the organiser or the ma-

nager or other individuals in charge during the entire event.


December 2010 11

5 Site layout

During the planning phase, the organiser must decide on a suitable site for the event and

assess whether the required fire safety is in place. The assessments must take into conside-

ration the location of the site with regard to the time it will take for the emergency services

and ambulances to arrive, including the distance to local hospitals. In connection with the

assessment of ambulance routes, the organiser must remember to submit an application and

description to the pre-hospital manager as set out in Paragraph 4.1.

The use and subdivision of the site must be planned and assessed as a whole. The location

of all areas must be carefully considered. There must, for example, be sufficient areas for

rescue operations and fire fighting in all sub-areas, as well as good access routes.

It is a requirement to all areas that the escape routes must ensure that all individuals - the

public, volunteers and other staff associated with the event - must have unimpeded access

to a safe area away from a potential fire or other impending disaster.

This applies to individuals indoors, e.g. in marquees and event pavilions, as well as to indivi-

duals outdoors in enclosed areas.

In the event of an evacuation, most people choose to escape the way they entered. If this

route is blocked, an alternative escape route must be clearly indicated. Clear marking of

escape routes is therefore important.

Escape route signs must be erected at all exits from the site. The size of the escape route

signs must be such that the public can clearly see an escape route sign no matter where

they are on the site. The size of an escape route sign is determined according to the follo-

wing formula:

Reading distance = H x Z; H: the height of the sign, Z: constant (100 for an externally illu-

minated sign and 200 for an internally illuminated sign)

The size of the signs can vary according to local conditions on the site.

If the site or its sub-areas are surrounded by hedges and used after dark, all escape route

signs must be illuminated. The lighting must work for at least half an hour after a potential

power cut.

If marquees are erected on the site where many people can be assembled, the escape rou-

tes from the marquee must guarantee escape to the open.

During the event, rubbish and other flammable material must regularly be removed from the

site. See fire technical guidelines no. 29 issued by the Danish Institute of Fire and Security

Technology.


December 2010 12

Any structures of flammable material erected on the site must be approved by the municipal

council. See also Paragraph 12 of these guidelines.

Fig. 2: Examples of structures made of flammable material that require approval by the municipal council

5.1 Description and drawings

In connection with the application to the emergency services, the organiser must prepare a

description of the site and its division into different areas of use. This description must be

accompanied by dimensioned drawings.

The drawings must, as a minimum, consist of a general plan of the entire site (see fig. 3)

and detailed plans of sub-areas, the location of marquees and event pavilions, sales areas,

camping areas (including areas for tents and caravans), parking areas, stages, backstage

areas and service areas.


December 2010 13

The general site plan must show the following:

� Access roads to the site � Areas for rescue operations and fire fighting, including open spaces � The different sub-areas, including areas where marquees and event pavilions are

erected, camping areas, service areas, parking areas, stages and backstage areas � Storage areas for bottled gas for use in connection with cooking or heating, etc. � Storage of diesel for generators or heating, etc. � Specially designated areas in connection with a potential evacuation

The detailed plan of sub-areas must show the following:

� Escape routes, including the location of escape route signs � Fire-fighting equipment � Fire access roads and open spaces. � Waste containers � Storage areas for bottled gas � Fire separation.

Fig. 3: Examples of a general site plan


December 2010 14

5.2 Marquees and event pavilions for a maximum of 150 people.

The canvas of the marquee must be suitably fire-resistant.

The surfaces of walls and ceilings in event pavilions must be at least Class K1 10 D-s2, d2

[Class 2 cladding]. If canvas is used for the ceiling of an event pavilion, the canvas must be

suitably fire-resistant.

Marquees and event pavilions must have at least two exits, each at least 0.8 m wide and

with a free height of 2 m, located at opposite ends of the marquee or event pavilion. Exits

must not be concealed but must be clearly marked as exits and passable in the escape direc-

tion without requiring a key or special tools. If exits are closed by means of cord pull closu-

res or the like, the exits must be fully open during operating hours.

Escape route signs must be placed above or in the immediate vicinity of exits. The signs

must comply with the executive order on safety signage and other forms of signage issued

by the Danish Working Environment Authority.

Electrical installations must comply with the requirements in the executive order on high vol-

tage current.

5.3 Marquees and event pavilions for more than 150 people

If marquees for more than 150 people are erected, the organiser responsible for the event or

the manager of the marquee appointed by the organiser must ensure that the staff keeps a

log book in which they record their inspection of escape routes, escape route and panic ligh-

ting, fire-fighting equipment as well as the instruction of staff working in the marquee, etc.

Two or more marquees or event pavilions erected at a distance of less than 5 mfrom each

other are regarded as one marquee or event pavilion.

The canvas of the marquee must be suitably fire-resistant.

The surfaces of walls and ceilings in event pavilions must be at least Class K1 10 D-s2, d2

[Class 2 cladding]. If canvas is used for the ceiling of an event pavilion, the canvas must be

suitably fire-resistant.

When planning the location of marquees and event pavilions, the organiser must pay great

attention to the possible escape routes, not just from the actual marquee/pavilion but also

away from the marquee/pavilion into the open.

Marquees and event pavilions of more than 50 m2 for more than 150 people must be appro-

ved by the emergency services before erection on site. If tables and chairs are to be placed

in the marquee/pavilion, the application must be accompanied by a layout plan.


December 2010 15

Marquees and events pavilions are subject to the same requirements regarding escape rou-

tes and fire-fighting equipment.

Notices in marquees and event pavilions must state the maximum number of people allowed

in the marquee/pavilion. This can be done by means of an approved laid out plan or a notice

stating the maximum number of people to be given access to the marquee or event pavilion.

The width of the escape routes determines the number of people allowed in the mar-

quee/pavilion. The maximum number of people to be given access to the marquee/pavilion

must correspond to the combined width of the escape routes, measured at the narrowest

point, on the basis that one person equals 1 cm escape route. In a tent with two exits of 2 m

each, a maximum of 400 people can therefore be admitted with due consideration for the

layout of the tent.

In marquees and event pavilions, and sections of marquees/pavilions with exits, manufactu-

red after 31 December 2005, each exit must, however, have a free width of at least 1.2 m.

In addition, approved escape route and panic lighting must be installed in marquees and

event pavilions, which can operate for a minimum of 30 minutes in the event of a power fai-

lure.

Electrical installations must comply with the requirements in the executive order on high vol-

tage current.

If barriers are erected in marquees or event pavilions, for example in connection with crowd

control, it is important that the barriers do not block escape routes and that the opportuni-

ties for rescue work and fire fighting remain sufficient in the event of a fire. If barriers are

erected in the marquee/pavilion, a layout plan must be submitted for approval by the muni-

cipal council (emergency services).

5.4 Camping areas

In connection with events that involve camping, the organiser also has an obligation to ensu-

re that the necessary security personnel is available in the area at all times to ensure that

the general rules for the event are complied with. The rules stipulate, for example, that open

fires a prohibited except in approved locations and that escape routes should be kept free of

tents and other obstructions.

Camping areas must be located, laid out and used in accordance with the TR. In this con-

text, the organiser must decide on the number of people that should be allowed to stay

overnight in the areas.

A maximum of 20 people are allowed to stay overnight in marquees and other tents of more

than 50 m2.

Areas with service facilities for the public can be established in the camping areas. If sales

stalls are erected in these areas, the requirements to sales areas apply.


December 2010 16

Refuse in camping areas typically involve highly flammable materials. The organisers must

therefore prepare a plan for rubbish removal. This can be done by installing waste containers

in accordance with the instructions of the emergency services. As the area is open to the

public, it can be difficult to get people to place their rubbish in the containers. The plan

should therefore include regular cleaning of the area and removal of rubbish from the site at

least once a week.

It may also be necessary to protect the installed containers against arson.

The access to the camping areas should take into account that emergency service vehicles

must have unimpeded access to the individual areas. The design of the access routes should

therefore take into account the height, width, weight and turning radius of emergency ser-

vice vehicles.

If the tents are located at a distance of at least 3 m from each other, the maximum size of

the individual areas is 1,000 m2.

It can, however, be difficult to enforce this distance requirement of 3 m, and it is therefore

acceptable that tents are erected without a minimum distance requirement provided each

tent area does not exceed 500 m2.

In caravan areas, the distance requirement of 3 m between camping units is mandatory, and

the area cannot exceed 500 m2.

Cabins can be erected in caravan areas provided that the total floor area does not exceed 50

m2, that escape routes and rescue openings comply with the provisions set out in the Danish

Building Regulations, that each bedroom is fitted with a smoke alarm, and that only electrical

heating is used in the rooms. Cabins cannot be stacked or otherwise placed on top of each

other.

Each tent area must be surrounded by an open space of at least 5 m, always provided that

the free space must be at least 10 m if a tent area is adjacent to a cooking area.

Special cooking areas often have to be erected, as open fire is not permitted in the camping

areas. There must be at least 10 m of open space between cooking areas and surrounding

areas.

The fire protection measures in the camping areas are determined by the emergency ser-

vices.

In the camping areas, the public must be able to alert the emergency services in connection

with a fire. Telephones, radios or other forms of communication must be installed in the

camping areas and be clearly marked as agreed with the emergency services.

If the camping areas have a combined surface area of more than 50,000 m2 or if more than

2,500 people are staying overnight, the emergency services can increase the requirements to

fire prevention measures following a fire risk assessment.


December 2010 17

Examples of such requirements are:

� The preparation of an emergency plan

� Increased fire protection measures

� Further division of the camping areas

� Erection of fire watch towers overlooking camping areas

� Maximum tent sizes

� Special rules and regulations

5.5 Sales areas

Sales areas can exist in different parts of the site, for examples in music areas, camping

areas or dedicated sales areas.

The sales areas are service areas catering for the public and consist of stalls where food is

prepared as well as trading stalls.

Experience shows that cooking facilities often use bottled gas. It is therefore important to

take potential bottled gas storage areas into account in the planning phase and ensure that

the location of these storage areas complies with the distance requirements stipulated in the

technical regulations for bottled gas.

Sales areas with stalls where food is prepared must also be separated from the public, as

these areas contain a large amount of flammable paper waste.

Waste must not be placed near the sales stalls but must be deposited in the containers pro-

vided. A single waste container with a capacity of max. 1 m3 is, however, permitted at each

sales stall for small amounts of waste, including flammable materials. Waste containers must

be emptied at least once daily.

During the planning phase, the organiser must consider access conditions for vehicles that

collect waste, as these types of vehicles take up a lot of space.

To ensure a high degree of fire safety in the sales areas, the escape routes for staff and the

public must be good, and the distance requirements to waste containers and bottled gas in-

stallations and storage areas must be complied with. To maintain the high level of fire safe-

ty, it may be necessary to employ security personnel in each sales area.

The sales areas must be divided into sub-areas of max. 1,000 m2, which must be surrounded

by 10 m of wide open space. The width of the open space can be reduced to 5 m if the ex-

ternal surfaces of the sales stalls are made of at least Class K1 10 B-s1, d0 [Class 1 clad-

ding]. The width of the open space can also be reduced to 5 m on the condition that fire-

fighting equipment is provided as agreed with the emergency services.


December 2010 18

For each 50 m segment of stall frontage, there must be 3 m of wide, open space, unless fire-

fighting equipment is provided, as agreed with the emergency services.

Marquees and event pavilions of more than 50 m2 can be used as sales stalls, provided the

marquee or event pavilion in question is not used for more than 50 people.

A large amount of people normally come and go in the sales areas, and the organisers must

therefore take into account that the areas must be big enough to provide safe working con-

ditions for staff working in the stalls. The areas behind the stalls must be clearly fenced off

from the public, and all escape routes from the individual stalls must have an exit to the

areas behind the stalls.

Parking in the sales areas is not permitted except for max. two vehicles per stall. It is also

not permitted to camp or spend the night in the sales area. The emergency services can ne-

vertheless permit a maximum of two people associated with the individual stall to stay over-

night, provided a security guard is employed to do rounds in the area in accordance with the

instructions of the emergency services.


December 2010 19

6 Music stages and other entertainment

Erection of platforms, including stages and grandstands, etc. in the open for use in connec-

tion with sports events, concerts and the like are governed by the Danish Building Act. Con-

struction work cannot begin without a building permit from the municipal council (see Article

5 about the site layout).

Stages must be erected in such a way that they do not prevent access by the audience to

escape routes. Special requirements apply to the fire-resistance of the materials used for in-

door stages, including front, side and back curtains, set pieces, props and decorations. If

highly flammable materials are used, such as cotton, paper or hessian, the materials must be

fire-proofed, cf. the executive order on the operational requirements to hotels and similar

establishments, nursing homes, assembly rooms, teaching premises, day-care institutions

and shops, issued by the Danish Emergency Management Agency.

The backstage areas typically used by staff and artists must be separated from the public.

The layout of such areas can differ widely depending on the use of tents, vehicles, trucks,

etc. Consequently, it can often be difficult to get a general idea of the escape routes. The

areas are used by people who are often not familiar with local conditions, and it is therefore

recommended that escape route signs be erected with arrows clearly indicating the direction

to safe areas.

Fire-fighting equipment must be provided in accordance with the instructions of the emer-

gency services.


December 2010 20

7 Fire fighting and fire-fighting equipment

In connection with festivals and other outdoor events, the emergency services can demand

that they or others authorised by the emergency services must be present on site as fire

wardens. They can also stipulate that fire-fighting and rescue equipment must be available

on site. The costs are payable by the organiser.

Fire-fighting equipment must comply with the regulations about pressurised equipment is-

sued by the Danish Working Environment Service.

Fire-fighting equipment must be checked and inspected according to applicable rules. Fire-

fighting equipment must be placed in a visible location and be easily accessible. The locati-

ons must be signposted in accordance with the regulations on safety signage issued by the

Danish Working Environment Service.

To create the best possible conditions for extinguishing or stopping the spread of a fire, it is

necessary that the correct fire-fighting equipment be installed.

A minimum of one hand extinguisher must be placed next to electrical installations in accor-

dance with the TR.

In large marquees and event pavilions, a minimum of one manual water extinguisher or wa-

ter pressure extinguisher must be placed at escape route exits in accordance with the TR, so

that the maximum distance to the nearest manual fire extinguisher is 25 m.

In heated rooms, a manual extinguisher or a water pressure extinguisher as well as a fire

blanket must be placed at all escape route exits.


December 2010 21

8 Fireworks and other flammable devices

In the planning phase, the organiser must also pay attention to whether fireworks or other

pyrotechnic products, flammable devices or open fire will be used on the stage or outdoors

by the performers or others.

According to the Danish legislation on fireworks, fireworks fall into a number of different ca-

tegories. All fireworks designed for professional use and used for entertainment purposes,

such as stage fireworks or fireworks for outdoor use, requires permission from the local mu-

nicipal emergency services. The fireworks must be used by an approved fireworks master in

accordance with the provisions set out in the executive order on fireworks and other pyro-

technic devices issued by the Danish Safety Technology Authority. The provisions include

requirements to distance and safety.

Only an approved fireworks master can use approved New Year fireworks outside the period

1 December to 5 January. The use of approved New Year fireworks does not require permis-

sion but the local emergency services must be notified (no later than 14 days prior to the

event). According to the fireworks regulations, the emergency services can completely ban

the use of fireworks in the open in a specific area and within a specific period of time or im-

pose special conditions. It is a condition that special circumstances prevail that make it ne-

cessary to do so to reduce the risk of fire.

The organiser must therefore contact the local municipal emergency services well in advance

of the event (no later than 14 days prior to the event) if a permit for the use of fireworks is

required. If performers wish to use other effects such as gas generators to produce balls of

fire or the like, it is important that documentation be submitted well in advance on the na-

ture and safe use of these devices.

The application must state how the risk of property damage or bodily injury or nuisances to

the surroundings will be minimised. The application must also state how the organiser will

comply with the requirements to distance and safety. It is not sufficient to only indicate safe-

ty distances. Major events attract a large amount of people, and it is necessary to assess the

risks of the individual event.

Foreign fireworks masters who wish to use professional fireworks in Denmark must apply to

the Danish Safety Technology Authority prior to the event (no later than 30 days prior), cf.

the executive order on mutual recognition. The Danish Safety Technology Authority then is-

sues a fireworks master permit that the holder must be able to present to the local emer-

gency services.

According to the technical regulations issued by the Danish Emergency Management Agency

on marquees, event pavilions, sales areas and camping areas not covered by the camping

regulations, the use of fireworks is not permitted in camping areas.


December 2010 22

9 Installations

The site often has a number of different installations that are relevant for fire safety, such as

electrical, gas and water installations. In general, these installations must comply with appli-

cable rules for the area in question: Electrical installations must comply with the provisions

set out in the executive order on high voltage current, and gas installations must comply

with the provisions set out in the executive order on gas.

Bottled gas is often used for food preparation and heating of tents, etc. Event organisers

must consider the rules of the Danish Emergency Management Agency regarding the storage

and handling of bottled gas equipment (Technical Regulations for Bottled Gas). It is impor-

tant to prepare a general plan showing the location of this equipment and the storage areas

for gas bottles, as the emergency services have to give their approval.

It can also be an advantage to both the organiser and the emergency services if the same

technician approves all the equipment, as this simplifies coordination and approval.


December 2010 23

10 Use of sports grounds for events

In recent years, it has become increasingly common to use sports grounds and similar areas

for events for which they were not originally intended. This can cause problems with regard

to escape routes, for example, of which the organiser must be aware. Event organisers

should expect to have to provide a description of the event (risk assessment), as is the case

with other large events.

Sports stadiums normally have escape routes from the grandstands and it can therefore be a

problem if the lawns are used as audience areas. In these cases, organisers must pay atten-

tion to the number and width of the escape routes and the distance to the nearest escape

route.

As in marquees and event pavilions, it can be necessary to erect barriers/multi-barrier sy-

stems in connection with crowd control, for example. It is important that the barriers/multi-

barrier systems do not alter the escape routes and that there is sufficient space for rescue

work and fire-fighting in the event of a fire or general panic. If barriers are erected in a

sports stadium, it often triggers requirements for a layout plan from the municipal council

(emergency services).

Multi-barrier systems often have narrow entrances and exits to limit access to the area in

front of the stage to the number of people the area can safely accommodate. In the event of

an emergency, people in this area must be able to leave the area surrounded by the multi-

barrier system quickly and safely and get out in the open.

Larger escape route signs may be required if the lawn is used as an audience area, as the

signs must be visible from the place on the lawn that is the furthest away. The signs must

comply with the regulations on safety signage issued by the Danish Working Environment

Service, which refer to Parts 1 and 2 of DS 734. See also Paragraph 5.

The area outside the escape route exits must have sufficient space to accommodate the

number of people for which the event is designed, as bottlenecks can otherwise occur along

the escape routes. It can be an advantage to place security guards at the exits who can as-

sist people getting away from the area outside the exits. The organiser must be aware that a

stadium can accommodate a much larger number of people if the lawn is used as an au-

dience area, compared with normal use.

In addition to the problems regarding escape routes, the organiser may have to decide how

to plan entrances, exits, sales stalls, toilets, etc. to avoid too many streams of people flowing

in opposite directions, as this can complicate crowd movement and therefore cause panic.

In addition, it can be necessary to consider whether pre-hospital measures should be put in

place in connection with an event of this nature.


December 2010 24

11 Emergency plan

An emergency plan must be prepared in connection with major events to optimise prepared-

ness if undesired events occur. The emergency services may also impose such requirement.

The content of an emergency plan can vary depending on the size and nature of the event.

The most important aspect of such a plan is that it must be easy to understand and imple-

ment.

An emergency plan regarding fire could, for instance, contain the following:

� Purpose, including collaboration with relevant authorities

� Emergency service organisation

� Staff qualifications

� Alarms and communication

� Evacuation, escape routes, assembly point(s), fire-fighting and first aid equipment

� Handling of the press

� Staff training

� Drills

� Instructions


December 2010 25

12 Building permit for tents

By the Danish Enterprise and Construction Authority

An organiser who wishes to erect a tent, a platform, a stage or similar must consider

whether the Danish Building Act applies.

The Danish Building Act generally only applies to fixed buildings and structures. However,

the Danish Building Act also applies to portable structures if they are intented to be used as

fixed structures. Examples of portable structures are tents, platforms, stages, etc.

This means that if an organiser wishes to use a tent as a building and a large number of

people will be in the tent at the same time, the Danish Building Act will apply, and the organ-

iser must apply for a building permit before erecting the tent. This is set out in Section 2(3)

of the Danish Building Act

An application for a building permit must be submitted to the municipality in which the or-

ganiser wishes to erect the tent. In its assessment, the municipality will look at the safety

aspects of erecting the tent. The municipality always has to make this assessment on a case-

by-case basis. Aspects of importance in the assessment therefore include the intended pur-

pose of the structure, the number of people using the structure, and where and how the

structure will be placed in the surrounding area.

The organiser can start erecting the structure once the building permit has been issued.

However, the tent or other structure cannot be used until the municipality has issued a per-

mit for occupation and use. The municipality can check whether the tent has been erected in

accordance with the building permit. The organiser can only start using the tent after the

municipality has issued a permit for occupation and use.

If the municipality becomes aware of conditions that are in breach of the Danish Building

Act, the municipality must make sure the matter is rectified. The municipality can do so by

issuing an enforcement notice instructing the building owner to rectify the matter.

If a temporary structure has been erected and is being used without an application for a

building permit having been submitted to the municipality, the municipality can act by issu-

ing a stoppage order in accordance with the Danish Building Act. Following the issue of such

an order, the structure can only be used again once a building permit has been issued.

It is important to be aware that the Danish Building Act also applies if an owner wishes to

use a building for other purposes than those stated in the building permit. As mentioned un-

der Item 10, it is necessary to apply for a building permit if a sports stadium is to be used for

a concert and a corresponding permit has not been included in the original building permit.

Small tents and pavilions erected in private gardens in connection with weddings and other

private events do not normally fall within the scope of the Danish Building Act.

Guidelines for fire safety at major events€¦ · Guidelines for fire safety at major events 6 December 2010 Escape route sign: A safety sign (see fig. 1) that gives directions regarding

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