Fire Department Regulations

Aisles

Aisles in exhibit halls must be at least ten feet (10’) wide. Perimeter aisles must be at least ten feet (10’) from the doors in the ballrooms and fifteen feet (15’) from the doors in the exhibit halls.

Candles

Candles and open flame devices are not permitted within the PEC. Exceptions will be based on adopted International Fire Code and Department and Fire Marshal Approval.

Capacitites

Set-up capacities may vary due to additional space required for AV equipment and/or catering service. Room capacities are affected by the architectural alcoves and offsets designed within the building. Room capacities are governed by Building Code and Fire Code. The PEC does not allow any space to be set or occupied at greater capacity than approved.

Crowd Management Plan

Events expecting large attendance with hard starts may be required to collaborate with the PEC Events and Security Teams on a Crowd Management Plan.

12.1 Compressed Gases and Flammable Liquids

The use, display or storage of compressed gasses, flammable liquids, or dangerous chemicals is prohibited. Maximum tank size is less than one pound (< 1 lb.) for each appliance. Storage of additional tanks is not allowed inside the facility. All liquid petroleum (LP) gas tanks must be removed from trailers and mobile homes. If the tank is permanently installed in a vehicle for display, the tank must be completely empty.

12.2 Crate Storage

Limited crate storage is provided and confined to the area authorized by the AFD Fire Marshal. Crate storage is not allowed in the exhibit halls, meeting rooms, ballrooms, public lobby, or carpeted areas. Crate Storage in the service yard must be approved by your event coordinator and adhere to the following guidelines:

a. Storage is not permitted on or next to the loading dock/platform at any time.
b. Storage must be contained within the designated area on the service yard floor:
1. Maximum of thirty-four feet (34’) by thirty feet (30’) by twelve feet (12’) high (34’x30’x12’).
2. Maximum height of twelve feet (12’)
3. Covered with plastic and then secured to avoid water damage.
4. Protected by one (1) 2A10BC fire extinguisher provided by the Client or General Service Contractor.

Storage of loose or scrap packing materials is permitted in sealed crates only. Storage of flammable or combustible materials, mixtures, liquids, gases, hazardous or medical waste is not permitted inside the facility.

12.3 Exits

For your safety, exit doors may not be obstructed, locked, blocked, or held open, except by an approved smoke detection closing device. Items may not be placed within fifteen feet (15’) of a means of ingress or egress doorway. Exit signs may not be obstructed from view by booth, decorations or any other object or hanging materials.

12.4 Fire Regulations

The Client, service contractors and exhibitors must comply with all federal, state, and municipal fire codes that apply to a place of public assembly, as well as Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) regulations.

Fire and emergency equipment may not be blocked or obstructed under any circumstance. All fire hose connections, extinguisher cabinets and fire alarm call stations must be visible at all times.

The following are responsible for ensuring all regulations are followed: Client, exhibitor, General Services Contractors. It is a requirement for the AFD to review and approve all event preplans and floor plans.

Chains or locks may not be placed on any facility door.

All curtains, drapes, decorations and decorative or construction materials are to be non-combustible or flame retardant. Documentation affirming non-combustible or flame-retardant properties must be available on site.

Whenever, in the opinion of the AFD, it is essential for public safety in any place of public assembly, the owner, agent, or lessee shall employ one or more qualified persons, as required and approved by the AFD, to be on duty. These individuals shall be subject to the AFD’s orders and shall be in uniform and remain on duty during the times such places are open to the public.

All event floor plans require PEC approval. Your Event Coordinator will submit all floor plans to the Fire Marshal for approval. The Client is cautioned not to sell exhibit space until the Fire Marshal has approved the floor plan in an effort to avoid costly changes involving exhibitions. Fire hose cabinets, fire pull stations, aisle ways and exits may not be blocked.

Multi-level exhibits and single-level exhibits with an enclosed ceiling, vehicles, boats, and similar exhibited products having over three hundred square feet (400 sq. ft.) of roofed area must be approved in advance (see Multi Level Exhibits).

Any exhibit containing a roofed area of one hundred square feet (100 sq. ft.) or more requires a fire extinguisher to be displayed at such exhibit. Covered exhibits or displays exceeding three hundred square feet (400 sq. ft.) or multi-level displays must meet specific fire regulations (see Covered Exhibits).

12.5 Hazardous Chemicals and Materials

Hazardous chemicals and materials are not permitted into the facility without prior written approval. Toxic or hazardous materials are subject to immediate removal if the required information is not received and AFD Fire Marshal instructions are not followed. All costs associated with safe handling of materials, including insurance, are the responsibility of the Client. The exhibitor or Client must have immediate access to MSDS sheets for all chemicals brought into the PEC.

12.6 Hotwork

Hotwork for exhibits requires approval from Fire Marshal or Safety Coordinator.

12.7 Floor Plans and Exhibits

Exhibit booths or displays may not block access to fire equipment. A display or an exhibit must not be installed or operated as to interfere with access to, egress from or with the visibility of any required exit or exit sign.

12.8 Open Flames

Open flames are not permitted in the facility at any time.

12.9 Pyrotechnics

Any event that has pyrotechnics as part of its planning or production must submit a request for approval sixty (60) days prior to the first contracted date. Any use of Pyrotechnics shall comply with NFPA-1126, Federal, State and Local regulations and industry best practices.

12.10 Smoking

The PEC is a smoke-free facility. Smoking is allowed in the following designated areas only:

a. The only onsite approved smoking area for staff is a sheltered enclosure in the northeast corner of the service yard.
b. Public smoking is only permitted outside the facility and not allowed within fifty (50 ft.) feet of the facility.
c. Exhibit personnel are not allowed dock access during show hours for the purposes of smoking.
d. For purposes of this policy, electronic cigarettes are considered smoking material and are only allowed in designated areas.

12.11 Vehicles

Please coordinate all displays (gas-powered or electric) with your Security Coordinator.

Listed below are the requirements for display vehicles at ACC/PEC as determined by the City of Austin Fire Marshal’s Office:

a. Any method for rendering a display vehicle inoperable other than removal of battery cables or ignition fuses needs to be submitted to the Fire Marshal for approval.
b. A qualified person responsible for disabling the display vehicle will need to be on site during load in and able to demonstrate to the Fire Marshal or ACCD Safety staff that the vehicle starting system has been disabled.
c. Removal of the key as the only method for disabling the vehicle is NOT an approved method.
d. Any vehicles that will be connected to an inverter and powered by PEC utility power, will need to be tested AFTER it is connected to ensure that the vehicle will not start or go in to gear on inverter power.
e. Alternative fuel powered vehicles used for display require a 30-day notice and must be approved by Fire Marshal.

12.12 Welding

Welding is not permitted on PEC property at any time.