Fire Curtain - Code Question

[MNicolai]

Is there any existing fire code in circulation that states fire curtains should be closed each night a theatre is dark?

Our building & grounds supervisor and arts center manager got a hold of a book about schools and theatres they seem to be recognizing as legal fire codes; I haven't seen the book yet but it sounded like a Dr. Doom book, but I didn't think his book seemed that code-oriented.

Now they're going to ask our rigger if they need to, and how they would modify the fire curtain system so that it could be manually raised and lowered without having to hand crank it up and down. Let's face it, our system was designed to come crashing down, and attempts to raise it to be slow and futile. However, they're recognizing this book as legal code. I told the arts center manager that I think that's a book that is not legal code, and info in it merely firm suggestions. However, he said the tone of the book was that it was intended as code, but I brought up NFPA as an example, that even though NFPA has to be adopted and that simply because it's written in a book doesn't mean that a given area acknowledges it. He said he'd bring the book in for me to look at, but I think they've scared themselves unreasonably into spotting a school theatre safety book and immediately assuming it to be a legally-adopted code that they are in violation of. I have seen no theatres though where the fire curtain is intended to be raised manually via something less a PITA than the hand crank that is so convenient it could be used each and every day.

Additionally, the suggestion seems a little odd, as fire curtains are intended to prevent smoke and fire from spreading into the audience so quickly that they do not have time to evacuate, but who is it protecting if the theatre is dark?

[derekleffew]

Interesting question. Old textbooks I have state that in the UK, code requires that "proper operation of the fire curtain (The Iron) be demonstrated to the audience." Thus it is down as the audience enters, and raised just before each performance. I've asked for confirmation on this previously, unsuccessfully.

I know of no US code requiring a fire curtain be in the closed position [edit: Wrong! NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 13.4.5.7.6.3. (G). See below.], but it's a good idea to exercise the apparatus on a regular interval to ensure it will perform as expected in an emergency. An added benefit is that the fire curtain may be used to secure either the stage or the auditorium, or even to allow both spaces to be used for different purposes simultaneously.

Here are the applicable codes, courtesy of I. Weiss:

• UBC
• SBCCI
• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
• BOCA BASIC
• BOCAI/BOCA National

As always, final determination will be made by the AHJ, and practices will vary by region.

...our system was designed to come crashing down...

"Controlled descent" is a better term, I think. Most modern Fire Curtains incorporate a Dash Pot, specifically to prevent "crashing down."

[cprted]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Interesting question. Old textbooks I have state that in the UK, code requires that "proper operation of the fire curtain (The Iron) be demonstrated to the audience." Thus it is down as the audience enters, and raised just before each performance. I've asked for confirmation on this previously, unsuccessfully.

An old English stage hand told me about that once. Theatre companies would sell adds on the fire curtain for extra revenue. No first hand knowledge on my part however.

[fredthe]

I haven't read Dr. Doom's book, but several theaters I've worked in kept the fire curtain down when the theater was otherwise not in use. Among other things, it can keep random people from wandering into the pit in a dark theater

If your fire curtain isn't designed to be frequently raised and lowered, but the management feels that it should be, perhaps it's time to ask for an upgrade to a motorized system. (The fact that it is a hand crank may in itself be a danger).

As an aside, the height of the fly gallery in our theater renovation was limited to 49', because in Montgomery County, MD you need a fire curtain if it's over 50' (or so we were told, I haven't personally checked the codes.)

-Fred

[willbb123]

I have never heard of doing it every night. But I see how it could make sense. Its always nice to have a "just in case" back up plan.

We have a motorized fire curtain. We bring it in regularly during the winter, during long load ins to keep the warm air in the house.

[techguy57]

The easiest way to find out is contact your local Fire Marshall, or if you can't find out who that is, at least contact the local fire chief. Codes often vary by city and/or state and can even be covered by a local ordinance. For example, our local fire marshall won't let us put flip down door stops on our auditorium doors. He says it can be an issue for responders, though I'm not sure I see how.

Regardless, I find that it has been beneficial for me to have a rapport with the local fire authorities. They have been extremely helpful and understanding. They even helped me get a fire alarm system contractor to get his butt moving and get a problem fixed!

[doctrjohn]

The Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, does have language on "Proscenium Curtains" (13.4.5.7). Specifically, 13.4.5.7.4 requires them to be in the closed position except for performances, rehearsals, etc. Unfortunately I am looking at the 2003 version at the moment, so there may be additional/different language in the 2009 version. Obviously, as with any other model code, it is up to the local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) to decided how they wish to interpret said code, and how/if they want to enforce it. There are also stated exceptions in the code including, but not limited to, deluge/water systems. If this is something you are concerned about it could be worth talking to your AHJ outside of a normal inspection (IE: non adversarial, information gathering, make sure we are all on the same page before there is an issue/question). I have found that most AHJ's like to be consulted, or used as a reference, and that establishing a relationship, and demonstrating an active interest in safety, can make the inspection process easier (especially if there are questions, problems or concerns).

Best,
John

[DaveySimps]

I agree with what others have state, ultimately this is up to your AHJ. Mine requires that we bring it down each night before leaving the facility. I have read the Dr. Doom book and think it is great. However, the statements in the book are not necessarily code. I do believe, however, that most of them are really great ideas that more people should try to incorporate into their operational practices.

~Dave

[MNicolai]

Mind you, I'm still not sure that this is Dr. Doom's book that we're talking about, but that's what came to mind first when the ACM was telling me about this.

[derekleffew]

It appears doctrjohn is absolutely correct, at least in 2005 in CT. From this document: www.ct.gov/dps/lib/dps/office_of_state_fire_marshal_files/code-files/2005_ct_state_fire_safety_code.doc -

13.4.5.7.6.3. (G) Curtain Position. All proscenium curtains shall be in the closed position, except during performances, rehearsals, or similar activities.

I wonder how many users actually abide by this? See here for poll.

From Practical Health and Safety Guidelines for School Theater Operations, Dr. Randall W. A. Davidson. Risk International Publishing, 2005, pages 407-8:

Fire Safety Curtain

20. The fire safety curtain, which is a major component in the total fire protection system in the performing space, shall be maintained in keeping with Life Safety Codes and Uniform Building Standards, fire prevention codes, ANSI standards, and state fire codes. It shall be kept in the "down" position whenever the stage is not in use, i.e. except during productions and rehearsals.

21. The fire safety curtain can be in the up position when there are rehearsals, and it shall also be up during productions. Otherwise, it shall be kept in the down position, and it shall fully seal to the stage floor and close off the proscenium opening. All mechanical elements and the integrity of the fire curtain and its system shall be fully operable at all times.