Office of Environmental Health and Safety

Tent Safety

Over the years, tent fires in the U.S.,have killed many people, one of the worst accidents being the fire in the "Big Top" of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, in Hartford Connecticut on July 6, 1944. One hundred sixty seven people lost their lives on that tragic day. As a result, Connectictut enacted strict laws regulating tents used for large gatherings.

The Fire Marshall of the City of New London is responsible for enforcing tent safety regulations for all tents that are greater than 1,200 square feet:

-Tents shall be permitted on a temporary basis.
- There must be a minimum of 10 feet between stake lines of adjoining tents
- Adjacent tents must allow a means of egress from one tent to the other without interruption..
- The New London Fire Department will inspect the tent prior to the event/occupancy of the tent. A site map drawling and a detailed narrative of the activity and reason for the tent will be submitted to the Fire Inspector at the time of the request for inspection. (Submit the request to the Director of EH&S)

Every tent will require at least one portable fire extinguisher to be furnished and additional extinguishers if any cooking equipment or heat sources are operated under the tent.

Note: A permit from the New London Building Inspector's office is required for any tent larger than 100 square feet. It is the responsibility of the organization erecting the tent to obtain the permit.

A Tent rules and Guidelines Checklist should be used whenever a tent of any size is erected. Completed forms should be forwarded to the Director of EH&S.

Flame Resistance and Structure

• All tent fabric must be flame resistant. A certificate or other proof of approval by a testing laboratory is acceptable as evidence of the required fire resistance. A copy of the certificate must be posted in the tent. These certificates should be available from the tent supplier.

• Tent suppliers must be able to certify that tents have been erected in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, industry standards, and code requirements.

Floor Coverings

• The area enclosed by any tent and not less than 10 feet outside of such tent, must be cleared of all flammable or combustible material or vegetation. Prior to erecting the tent. The premises must be kept free from such flammable or combustible materials during the period for which the area is used.

• No hay, straw, shavings, or similar combustible materials are permitted within any tent unless they have been treated to make them flame retardant. A certificate or other proof of approval by a testing laboratory indicating that the material has been properly treated is acceptable as evidence. A copy of certificates must be provided to the New London Fire Inspector prior to placing the material within a tent. These certificates are available from the material manufacturer or supplier.

Exits and Occupant Load for Enclosed Tents

• Tents that have sides attached and rolled up are capable of being enclosed and must meet these requirements even if it is intended for the tent to remain unenclosed during the event.

• The number of separate exits required for enclosed tents is based on the floor area of the tent. The maximum number of occupants, called the occupant load, is also based on the floor area of the tent.

The occupant load is decreased when tables and chairs are used (banquet style) - the number of required exits remains the same because exits are based on floor area. The area of stages or other platforms are subtracted from the usable floor area.

The following basic calculation will determine the occupant load with tables and chairs:

(Example: A 50'X50' tent with a 10'X20' stage, equiped with tables and chairs: 2,500 square feet (floor area) - 200 square feet (stage area) / 15 = 153 persons

• Each exit must be provided with an exit sign. The word "EXIT" must be plainly legible in letters at least 6 inches high and with strokes not less than ¾ inch wide.

• If the tent is to be occupied after sunset, emergency lighting must be provided. The tent company is responsible for providing exit signs and emergency lighting.

• Where two or more exits are required due to tent size and/or occupant load, exit signs and emergency lights shall be powered from at least two seperate circuits.

Exit Requirements for All Tents

• The minimum width of an exit must not be less than 32 inches.

• Guy wires or guy ropes must not cross an exit at a height of less than 7 feet.

• Where tents are placed near fences or other obstructions, a clear exit path must be maintained to an area sufficiently away from the tent. Tent stakes must be railed off, capped, or covered.

Fire Protection

• One portable fire extinguisher (dry chemical ABC type) must be furnished at each exit of an enclosed tent. The college host or sponsor for the event using the tent is responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishers are provided. If necessary, arrangements for portable fire extinguishers may be made by contacting Physical Plant at x-2253.

• Smoking is prohibited in any tent.

• Pyrotechnics, open flames (including use of sterno and other food warming devices), and cooking equipment must be approved in advance by the New London Fire Inspector. Commercial cooking equipment such as grills and broilers, when used within a tent, must meet the same requirements for indoor commercial kitchens (i.e., proper ventilation, fire suppression systems). Commercial cooking operations must be protected by an approved kitchen fire suppression system.

Electrical Safety

• Electrical Installations must comply with the National Electrical code (NFPA 70).

• Electrical cords should be suitable for outside use and sufficient size to handle the electric load.

• The electrical system and equipment must be isolated from the public by proper elevation or guarding.

• All electrical fuses and switches must be enclosed in approved enclosures.

• Cables on the ground in areas travel by the public must be placed in trenches or protected by approved covers (yellow jacket etc.).

• All electrical systems must be properly grounded.

• Generators must be placed so that exhaust fumes do not enter tents and be at least 15 feet from tents.

Heating Systems

• Heaters located inside a tent shall be placed away from walkways, aisles, and means of egress.

• Heaters may be either electric or liquefied petroleum gases sources. Containers of propane shall be installed no closer 10 feet from any tent and placed away from aisles or walkways or means of egress.

• Propane tanks shall be secured in an upright position and protected from vehicle traffic.

• All propane tanks shall be labeled.

• All propane tanks shall be stored in the upright position. The heating system shall be installed in accordance with its listing.

Insurance Requirement

• Outside groups are required to provide evidence of insurance by way of certificate of insurance that names Connecticut College as coinsured for the event. Certificates of insurance must be provided to Events or to the host department.

Applicable Standards

NFPA 1, Fire Prevention Code
NFPA 101, Life Safety Code
NFPA 102, Standard for Grandstands, Folding and Telescopic Seating, Tents, and Membrane Structures
NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations
NFPA 70, National Electrical Code