Fire Safety Regulations in Theatres
The fire safety curtain may be the most visible piece of fire safety equipment in a theatre, but actually, it plays just a small part in meeting fire safety regulations.
Fire safety procedures in theatres
Theatre owners are responsible for the safety of customers at all times while they are on the premises. As for any building where a lot of people are gathered in a confined space, it is vital to ensure that the theatre is fitted with all the necessary fire safety equipment and that procedures are in place to manage the situation in the event of a fire occurring. Procedures should include an emergency evacuation plan so that patrons can quickly be escorted from the building to a safe place.
In order to comply with fire safety legislation, the theatre owner or manager must conduct a fire risk assessment and keep a written record of it. This applies to any theatre which is licensed or employs at least five people. The assessment needs to identify all fire hazards and risks to people. This is then used to identify the action needed to mitigate risks. The assessment is not a one-off process. It needs to be reviewed regularly and repeated whenever there is a risk that it might be out of date, for example, if regulations are updated.
Fire resistant doors in theatres
Fire safety equipment needed in a theatre includes fire extinguishers, signage and emergency lighting to identify escape routes and specialist fire doors and fire exits. At Enfield Speciality Doors we supply a range of fire-resistant interior doors which are designed to contain a fire for a specified period and effectively allowing customers some time to leave the premises safely. Specialist intumescent strips can be fitted which expand when they get hot and create a seal between the frame and the door. This helps to limit the movement of smoke and stifles the supply of oxygen.
Many theatres are housed in historic buildings, so there is the additional consideration of trying to protect the heritage of the building, while complying with the requirements of fire safety legislation. We can fit customised frames and doors to suit your requirements, helping you to retain the historical integrity of the building without compromising on the safety of your patrons.
Enfield Doors
Our team of experts is always on hand to guide you and give you sound and pragmatic advice based on years of experience and successful installations.
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