Fire Curtain - Code Question

[MNicolai]

Our fire inspector has come through the space a number of occasions already. A couple days ago was his most recent visit to check on where we located all of our fire extinguishers. So far, he has not mentioned anything about the fire curtain and other theatres I've worked at have never had issues with being required to have the fire curtains in.

I understand the purpose of the code, but not ever having worked in a venue where that specific section of code has been enforced, I'll admit I'm a little confused by it.

With a code like this existing, how could H&H Specialties sell brail winches specifically for fire curtains in the United States that depend on hand operation? Or is our problem that in a less messed up install, the hand operation would, in fact, not be a total PITA and go fairly quickly if not for the fact that our installers made it so that to turn the winch handle, you have to dismantle the rope lock on the first line set?

Speaking of which, since I made this post we have had the fire curtain drop in. We don't know why it did, but it did. I was working on a line set at mid stage when the FC started to drop. I've worked on FC's before, so I knew how to pull the box for the brail winch apart and setup the hand crank. Then I went to operate the crank, but the way it's installed, you can't make a full revolution with the crank because the rope lock for the first line set is in the way.

This is our setup:
http://www.hhspecialties.com/BR-1.pdf

Some angry phone calls later, we had the installer on site. He walked in, cocky, telling me how there's always a reason for the fire curtain to trip, but then couldn't find it. He tightened some springs in the brail winch, amputated the round weight from the system and walked off with it, then told us he didn't know why it had tripped.

While he was there, he took the time to inform us that the system was specifically designed to have the brail winch located where it was, including that the rope lock on the first line set would have to be removed to crank the FC back up.

I have a new rigger coming in next week for an unrelated project, but one of the topics I'll cover with him is this. Before then, I'd like to get a better idea of whether or not it's worth pursuing a redesign of our system, and what that might entail.

 

[teqniqal]

"Our fire inspector has come through the space a number of occasions already. ..... So far, he has not mentioned anything about the fire curtain and other theatres I've worked at have never had issues with being required to have the fire curtains in.

I understand the purpose of the code, but not ever having worked in a venue where that specific section of code has been enforced, I'll admit I'm a little confused by it."

If the version of the code that requires this has not yet been locally adopted, then they are not typically going to mention it. Also, many AHJ's don't understand theatres and fire curtains, so they don't know what to look for or comment upon. Eventually, the newer code will be adopted, and upgrading will be necessary. Codes like this are the MINIMUM that is required. It is OK to do better. The new code is written to promote the best practices to follow, so I recommend that facilities aspire to the newest code even if it is not yet locally adopted.

"With a code like this existing, how could H&H Specialties sell brail winches specifically for fire curtains in the United States that depend on hand operation?"

Not knowing the particulars about your installation, or the date of it, it is difficult to say. However, NFPA 80 (2010) Paragraph 20.6.2 states that:

"Fire safety curtain assemblies other than straight lift unframed fire safety curtains for proscenium openings less than 850 square feet shall be power operated."

"Or is our problem that in a less messed-up install, the hand operation would, in fact, not be a total PITA and go fairly quickly if not for the fact that our installers made it so that to turn the winch handle, you have to dismantle the rope lock on the first line set?"

From what you have told us, I'm guessing that the placement of the Braille Curtain Winch is not well coordinated with the placement of the #1 line-set locking mechanism (read: "FUBAR design"). I know that seems obvious, but I thought I would reaffirm your thoughts.

"He tightened some springs in the brail winch, amputated the round weight from the system and walked off with it, ..."

Were these the round weights that are supposed to activate the release of the braille winch brake? If so, he took your release mechanism. I'd check to see if the system still works properly.

if you would like to discuss this specific project with me further, plese feel free to contact me directly at efriend (at) teqniqal (dot) com.

 

[derekleffew]

...One must also realize that the design requirements for fire curtains have changed over the years as well, so having a curtain that cannot be manually (or electrically) operated is no longer acceptable. ...

...Eventually, the newer code will be adopted, and upgrading will be necessary. ... The new code is written to promote the best practices to follow, so I recommend that facilities aspire to the newest code even if it is not yet locally adopted. ...

You seem to be implying that facilities must be immediately updated to conform to current code regulations. Is NFPA 101 not like NFPA 70 where an installation must only meet the requirements at the time of installation (unless undergoing a significant renovation)?

While I wholeheartedly agree that codes represent the minimum current safety requirements, I think it's slightly unrealistic to expect a facility to upgrade/renovate every three years when new codes are published.

 

[MNicolai]

Our installation is Nov. 2008, so we are probably under new-er code, but maybe not the new-est. I am not aware of which codes are locally adopted; I will have to find out.

The rigger told us that the round weight was unnecessary for us. I don't recall if that was before or after he had tested the system a number of times.

And yes, you are correct that the location of the brail winch is poorly coordinated with the 1st line set. For regular operation, we'd either have to move the rope lock or move the assembly for the brail winch. I can't even imagine moving the rope lock permanently would be possible, so we're really only talking about moving the brail winch, which is probably not a small project.

Our proscenium is 22'x60' (HxW), putting us at ~1320 sq. ft., so under new code we would be required to have a motorized lift mechanism. I don't have my own copies of NFPA 80 or NFPA 101, only NFPA 70, so I don't know what the codes say about fire curtains for those codes that we are under the umbrella of. Is 850 sq. ft. a newer addendum to 2010 or has that been in effect for a few years?

 

[teqniqal]

You seem to be implying that facilities must be immediately updated to conform to current code regulations. Is NFPA 101 not like NFPA 70 where an installation must only meet the requirements at the time of installation (unless undergoing a significant renovation)?

No, I did not say that they MUST be IMMEDIATELY updated. I said that if they are making changes, significant repairs, or renovations that they should consider designing to the most current published standard, not the currently adopted standard. The newest code publication, like the newest version of a computer program, has more of the bugs fixed. That said, there are some facilities that have 30-50 year old systems that did not work well when they were originally installed; and should, for the sake of public safety, be renovated. This is a moral imparative, not a legal mandate.

... I think it's slightly unrealistic to expect a facility to upgrade/renovate every three years when new codes are published.

Agreed. However, that is all the more reason to design to, or exceed, the most currently published standard. This is so you won't be 'behind the curve' before the building even opens. Many jurisdictions are operating on three, or more, code revision cycles behind the current published code. Considering the time from when a design is published for bidding to when the facility is compled and accepted by the owner, it is possible that the design could be 10-12 years behind the current standard if it only met the requirements in-place at the time it was originally documented. I'd like to think that we (the design team and the Owner) consider the safety of the occupants to be important enough to make the faclity as safe as we can regardless of the sluggishness of the local code adoption policy.

One must also realize that it is a multitude of codes that define a building, not just the NFPA, and many of those codes also have requirements that affect the fire curtains, smoke vents, and other detection and alarm functions. This is why a good theatre consultant will work closely with the other design team members so that he communicates the rational behind his recommendations to the others, and watches the other systems designs so that they don't counter-mand the theatrical funtionality of the space. In my experience, rigging, lighting, and sound systems designed by contractors tend to be less mindful of coordination with other building systems, and they result in more awkward facilities for the end-users to work in.

Sprinkler pipes are a good example: If you turn a fire sprinkler engineer loose to design a system for a stage without any guidance or review, you will end-up with pipes running nilly-willy across loading doors, devouring prime real estate downstage, all intertwined with the rigging, and placing head-whackers across the catwalks. Same goes for HVAC duct layouts.

 

[museav]

My understanding has always been that it is up to the local jurisdiction.

That is my understanding as well. Local building codes typically include NFPA and other 'standard' codes by reference but may also add specific exemptions or additions to those. And the interpretation of the code is up to the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

There are some future changes that are difficult to predict. I understand the newest version of NFPA being introduced has some major changes regarding voice evacuation systems, apparently not only are aspects such as STI-PA requirements moved from an Appendix to the main body but there are also situations where voice announcements would be allowed to take precedence over audible fire alarms.

These two issues also tie together as local codes may not reference the latest version of national codes, I think local codes can currently reference as far back as the 2000 version of NFPA. So while applying the latest code versions during design may put you ahead of the curve, they may not actually be applicable and the local codes could skip from an earlier code version to a later version without ever referencing any versions between them.

 

[MNicolai]

That is my understanding as well. Local building codes typically include NFPA and other 'standard' codes by reference but may also add specific exemptions or additions to those. And the interpretation of the code is up to the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

There are some future changes that are difficult to predict. I understand the newest version of NFPA being introduced has some major changes regarding voice evacuation systems, apparently not only are aspects such as STI-PA requirements moved from an Appendix to the main body but there are also situations where voice announcements would be allowed to take precedence over audible fire alarms.

These two issues also tie together as local codes may not reference the latest version of national codes, I think local codes can currently reference as far back as the 2000 version of NFPA. So while applying the latest code versions during design may put you ahead of the curve, they may not actually be applicable and the local codes could skip from an earlier code version to a later version without ever referencing any versions between them.

The weird thing about audible horns as fire alarms is that they are subjectively noticeable. In this day and age, in a new building with horns and strobes, you'd never have a problem figuring out what's going on, but what will those horns sound like in thirty years?

I worked in an old school last November for a haunted house project. We took over the entire school, which some sections of date back to the 1930's. We had several FA problems as a result. On one night, which the fire department described as a freak accident, the glass plate for one of those old "Break Glass" pull stations (I guess it technically wouldn't be a pull station) slid out of the frame, releasing pressure on the button, causing the alarm to go off. The building was occupied with several hundred paying customers at that point, so it was no small alarm.

However, the audible alarms in the building weren't horns, they were buzzers. It took a couple minutes even for event management staff members like me to figure out what was going on because it sounded like a loud vacuum cleaner, and the buzzers didn't even all start at the same time. In some rooms they started over 30sec later than they started in others. As soon as we knew what was going on, we started to flip on lights everywhere and escort patrons out. That was easier said than done because many of the patrons thought the buzzers were part of the haunt and didn't understand it was a real alarm, even as I came up to them, fire extinguisher and bright flashlight in hand, waving them towards the exits.

We were allowed to be in there because the fire alarms were technically operational and were up to code, at least what the code was when the building was completed, but from a moral standpoint, those buzzers should, at the very least, be replaced with strobes and horns if occupancy is to remain.

It's almost surprising that there isn't a legal obligation for buildings to update to at least some of the basic new fire codes after a certain amount of time. It may be legal for that building to be at least 40 years behind the curve, but it certainly doesn't make it safe. (I hesitate to say a full 70 years only because I imagine that at some point they did update the system, but I would only be making a guess.)

 

[museav]

It's almost surprising that there isn't a legal obligation for buildings to update to at least some of the basic new fire codes after a certain amount of time. It may be legal for that building to be at least 40 years behind the curve, but it certainly doesn't make it safe. (I hesitate to say a full 70 years only because I imagine that at some point they did update the system, but I would only be making a guess.)

I believe the local codes and ordinances also determine what has to be immediately implemented, what updates relate to certain work, what is 'grandfathered', etc.

The thing to keep in mind may be that what you have with NFPA, NEC, the International Code Council, ISO, IEC, ANSI, etc. are organizations and associations creating suggested codes and standards. These are not entities having the authority to enact or enforce those codes or standards. For example, here in Georgia the IBC (International Building Code), IFC (International Fire Code), NEC, etc. are referenced at the State level in the The Official Code of Georgia Annotated, but all with amendments. A County may reference the State codes but also add further amendments and a Municipality might reference the County Codes with additional amendments. That's why you have to check the local codes and not just NFPA, IFC, NEC, etc.

 

[billn]

edited to make some operational corrections

> While he was there, he took the time to inform us that the system was specifically designed to have the brail winch located where it was, including that the rope lock on the first line set would have to be removed to crank the FC back up.

He lied to you. There is no way that would happen - the drawings from the manufacturer do not show such a setup. Someone screwed up, probably the installer.

> I have a new rigger coming in next week for an unrelated project, but one of the topics I'll cover with him is this. Before then, I'd like to get a better idea of whether or not it's worth pursuing a redesign of our system, and what that might entail.

Is there room to move the winch along the back side of the proscenium wall, where it belongs? It may require a redesign, but I would get someone else to do it. The release line length and weight combination may be important. It looks like that weight may act as the force required to slow the curtain during the last 8 feet of travel. The winch and pedestal are very heavy - use care in moving it.

> The rigger told us that the round weight was unnecessary for us. I don't recall if that was before or after he had tested the system a number of times.

Why would you believe him, when he has already lied to you? If my understanding of the system is correct, that weight provides the tension to partially engage the drum brake engaged during the last 8 feet of curtain travel.

I don't see any place in the winch box where there would be springs. The drum is locked by the brake caliper. And that should not even have an adjustment - since it is weight operated.

My personal opinion is that you need to obtain a new rigger, as soon as possible, to take care of problems in your facility. I would not trust this one at all.

I suspect he shortened the release lines to make the lines provide the necessary 12+ pounds of pull on the release line, which keeps the brake fully engaged.

Have you tested the curtain since he was there - from both sides? Does it slow down starting a 8 feet above the floor?

Call the manufacturer and ask THEM if the weight can be freely omitted.

 

[MNicolai]

Here's the update I have on this.

We have found ourselves a new ETCP certified rigger (our previous was was ETCP as well), and he used to be a JR Clancy and H&H distributor/installer. Now he does freelance rigging. He's inspected our entire rigging system for the measly price of $450, and within the next two weeks he will provide us with a lengthy (7+ pages, plus photos of all of issues) report on problems with the systems, ordered by seriousness. Each problem on his list will include a quote for the price to fix it.

After the inspection he did tell us that if we had all of the work performed at once, it would probably take him at least a full week and a half straight. He said we do not have any critical safety concerns that require immediate attention.

Amongst other things (many, other things), he will be moving the location of the brail winch, as well as possibly redoing the entire fire curtain. There are number of issues he said we can take care of on our own, that are smaller problems, but that's hardly to say there isn't a large amount of work we would need him to perform.

Our new rigger went freelance and incorporated just around the time the building was being designed. His first major bid on a project was our venue; he ended up coming in second, probably because he deliberately deviated from bid spec on a number of issues that did not makes sense to him (aka, the same problems that don't make sense now) The school district who owns the venue has learned a valuable lesson on spending extra money to get it done right the first time.

It's not much of a stretch to say we're not far from having a majority of our rigging systems rebuilt.

 

[derekleffew]

Glad your issues are being addressed Mike.

One point I'd like to make: Being an ETCP-Certified rigger does NOT, necessarily, qualify an individual to be a rigging inspector. In fact, many certificants would not perform such an inspection due to liability reasons. But they would know whom to recommend. Likewise, I'm sure there are some? rigging inspectors who are not ETCP-Certified.

 

[MNicolai]

A rigging contractor is in today to work on our FOH catwalk. He's the guy we had inspect our fire curtain. His inspection report says, in no uncertain terms, that our fire curtain could be tripped at any moment because the round weight that's supposed to keep tension in the lines was originally installed on the wrong side of the stage. So even before the first contractor removed it, it wasn't doing it's job.

His report is being filed with the district to request a swift solution.

 

[Ryan5443]

As I understand the code (in NY) there is no requirement of closing the curtain nor do you need to provide proof of "proper operation" and if we did we would be screwed as we have had occasions where we needed to raise the curtain several feet and it took well over 35 min to raise the curtain 5 feet. If we were to lower it fully we would be there forever getting it back up (there is no adapter for the odd looking gear crank.

 

[church]

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.

the theatre I worked in in the U.K. in the 70s always had the fire curtain "in" between poerformances and it was "out" thirty minutes before the performance started and "in" again thirty minutes after the the performance ended. I also remember the fire curtain having advertisements for local businesses painted on it.

 

[MPowers]

Ryan5443 wrote:

As I understand the code (in NY) there is no requirement of closing the curtain nor do you need to provide proof of "proper operation" and

Not So. below is an excerpt from NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives – 2010 Edition
[38/93 Page]

Chapter 20 - Fabric Fire Safety Curtains page 80-35

20.6.10.6* A sign shall be mounted adjacent to each fire safety curtain control station stating
the following:
NON EMERGENCY FIRE CURTAIN OPERATION ONLY

20.7 Operation of the Fire Safety Curtain Assembly.

20.7.1 General

20.7.1.1* The fire safety curtain assembly shall be closed at all times except when there is an
event, rehearsal, or similar activity.

20.7.1.2 Automatic closing shall be by gravity.

20.7.1.3 Emergency operation shall be verified by the owner every 90 days.

20.7.1.4 A signed and dated testing report shall be kept on file with the owner for review by
the AHJ as an ongoing acceptance procedure.

In other words, if your local Fire Marshall or AHJ wanted to, you could be cited for non compliance or worse.

The thing that concerns me is that if the existing fire curtain in your facility functions as described, there are some serious problems with the rigging in your facility. The really worrisome issue is that, in my experience as a rigger and rigging inspector, problems such as you describe are rarely confined to one aspect of a system but are indicative of the condition of the entire system and it's general condition, usage and maintenance. I suspect your facility is long overdue for an inspection and probably needs a considerable amount of TLC to get it into good safe working order. While I hope that every show and production is a magic carpet ride to enjoyment, education or introspection, my real concern is that every technician, stagehand, performer or person visiting our home (the stage), be safe and not in danger while doing this thing we call "Theatre". I hope you are safe, take care.

Perhaps if you show this post to your teacher or someone at the school, it might start the ball rolling to get something done. Here's wishing you luck.

 

[MNicolai]

MPowers, if you're referring to me and my facility, I believe you've hyperbolized the situation. AHJ comes through and inspects all of the time, having no issues with our fire protection systems. We have a very good relationship with them and they are not about to suddenly shut us down on code they know we are not capable of complying with because it was not in effect at the time of construction, therefore we did not the install systems we would've needed to in order to be in compliance. While our existing systems are capable of being cycled every day, it is not a practical expectation for us to do that and AHJ knows that.

While our fire curtain may accidentally get tripped at some point, in the last 28 months our facility has been open, the fire curtain has only had one accidental trip, and that was before any riggers came in to look at our system. In the twelve months since our last inspection, we've had no issues with our fire curtain.

We have a dozen-page report sitting on a bookshelf in our box office from a rigging inspection made a year ago, and we know with a reasonable amount of certainty that there is no reason to believe we have any immediate safety hazards due to our rigging systems. We are aware of several minor things that should be looked at in the next few years and some more major concerns that we'll have to deal with as the systems age over the next couple decades, but there is no reason to believe anyone is in harm's way anytime soon.

Is our fire curtain something that should probably get overhauled within the next decade? Probably. But not right now. Not a single AHJ that I know in the United States is enforcing this policy about fire curtains being closed when the theatre isn't in use. Those who even are aware that this section of code exists are not about to shut down theatres for non-compliance -- they'd be forcing them to have their fire curtain systems replaced in existing facilities. As we are aware, it is a very rare circumstance where new building and fire codes are enforced retroactively upon existing facilities. And I do not for a moment believe having the fire curtain in during off-hours makes anyone any safer. While it'd really suck to have it accidentally drop in, having it extra-sensitive isn't going to prevent it from tripping in the event of a fire -- the solder rings will still melt and the curtain will still drop into place.

Am I actively concerned at this point that it's a problem right now? No.

Do I think that anyone is put in any danger based on what I know about our rigging and fire protection systems? Not a chance.

Do I think AHJ is going to shut us down anytime in the next few years because of our fire curtain? Not really, and although at some point they may want to talk about it, they trust that we make good judgments and do a good job of self-governance. For the most part, we only have situations worth talking about when we specifically call them in, like when I was preparing to put a pool of water in our black box last summer and wanted to shine Vivid-R's in from windows in the sides of the pool -- in the end, they thought I had taken the appropriate precautions and signed off on my scenic and lighting designs.

Trust me, we're not being anywhere as reckless as you make it sound.

That said, I'm curious why the text reads:

NON EMERGENCY FIRE CURTAIN OPERATION ONLY

Because, correct me if I'm wrong, the pull-rings on either side of the stage are there specifically in case of emergencies. The system will eventually trip on its own, but it'll trip faster if someone pulls a ring off of the wall instead of having to wait for the solder links to melt.

IMO, this section of code reeks of NFPA not understanding how fire curtains have been installed in 90% of facilities, and therefore are writing codes that are absurd to enforce in existing installs. If every facility had an automated fire curtain system installed, we'd be having a different conversation, but I've never seen a fire curtain system yet that wasn't a PITA to crank back out after it's been dropped in, therefore making it impractical to regularly cycle it in and out.

 

[museav]

Not So. below is an excerpt from NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives – 2010 Edition

It is certainly worth verifying the claim that "there is no requirement of closing the curtain nor do you need to provide proof of "proper operation"". However, as discussed earlier, is what you referenced actually applicable to the situation? To start with, NFPA 80 is a Standard, so it would seem to be part of an applicable code only via several layers of reference. Then there is what version of NFPA, if any and with what amendments, is referenced in the local codes? Also, has local code forced compliance with newer codes or are the codes and ordinances from when the building was built or last renovated still applicable?

This can get complex and establishing what codes are actually applicable can be significant effort when addressing existing facilities. And that is without even getting into how the AHJ then interprets them.

 

[Sony]

IMO, this section of code reeks of NFPA not understanding how fire curtains have been installed in 90% of facilities, and therefore are writing codes that are absurd to enforce in existing installs. If every facility had an automated fire curtain system installed, we'd be having a different conversation, but I've never seen a fire curtain system yet that wasn't a PITA to crank back out after it's been dropped in, therefore making it impractical to regularly cycle it in and out.

Actually in most newer facilities it is fairly easy to reset, for instance at NNHS it's one button on the wall with a key switch, much like riding up in a genie lift. Unless a fuseable link fails there is really nothing to reseting the fire curtain more than holding a buttons for 1 minute. As far as I know almost all new facilities have a system like this as it's easier to install and maintain a line winch system than it is another counterweighted line set

 

[Ryan5443]

Ryan5443 wrote:



Not So. below is an excerpt from NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives – 2010 Edition
[38/93 Page]

Chapter 20 - Fabric Fire Safety Curtains page 80-35

20.6.10.6* A sign shall be mounted adjacent to each fire safety curtain control station stating
the following:
NON EMERGENCY FIRE CURTAIN OPERATION ONLY

20.7 Operation of the Fire Safety Curtain Assembly.

20.7.1 General

20.7.1.1* The fire safety curtain assembly shall be closed at all times except when there is an
event, rehearsal, or similar activity.

20.7.1.2 Automatic closing shall be by gravity.

20.7.1.3 Emergency operation shall be verified by the owner every 90 days.

20.7.1.4 A signed and dated testing report shall be kept on file with the owner for review by
the AHJ as an ongoing acceptance procedure.

In other words, if your local Fire Marshall or AHJ wanted to, you could be cited for non compliance or worse.

The thing that concerns me is that if the existing fire curtain in your facility functions as described, there are some serious problems with the rigging in your facility. The really worrisome issue is that, in my experience as a rigger and rigging inspector, problems such as you describe are rarely confined to one aspect of a system but are indicative of the condition of the entire system and it's general condition, usage and maintenance. I suspect your facility is long overdue for an inspection and probably needs a considerable amount of TLC to get it into good safe working order. While I hope that every show and production is a magic carpet ride to enjoyment, education or introspection, my real concern is that every technician, stagehand, performer or person visiting our home (the stage), be safe and not in danger while doing this thing we call "Theatre". I hope you are safe, take care.

Perhaps if you show this post to your teacher or someone at the school, it might start the ball rolling to get something done. Here's wishing you luck.

NFPA is NOT NY code (although I agree that we do need some safety practices in our facility). Also, our theater is new and was opened in 2004 (Arts and Athletics Center) and we recently had a scrim installed (A year or two ago) and had an inspection by IWiess. But to make things worse the administration at the district doesn't care about the facility. It seems that all tasks of preparation or maintenance, or safety seem to fall upon me. However I will check into the curtain. I know that it was an installation that was done by JRClancy. Thanks

RCF

 

[MPowers]

if you're referring to me and my facility,

Mike Nicolai, Gees, don't be so defensive! The first line of my post referred to a post by someone else, not you. Lighten up!

That said, I'm curious why the text reads: NON EMERGENCY FIRE CURTAIN OPERATION ONLY Because, correct me if I'm wrong, the pull-rings on either side of the stage are there specifically in case of emergencies.

The reference in the code refers to methods of operating the curtain in a non emergency situation. That is, on a motorized installation, pushing the button, in the case of a manually operated curtain, un-locking the purchase line and pulling on the rope. The point of the sign is to inform anyone that pushing the button or pulling the rope is not the closing method to be used in an emergency but rather pull the ring or trip the lever or ..... and then head to the nearest exit!

My biggest concern was not the questionable compliance, but rather the indication that the system was not properly maintained and serviced. As I stated, negligence in one area usually means negligence in others.

Yes, NFPA 80 is a standard, not a code or "law". It is a good standard and as an example of why it is set, is the inspection I will be performing on Tuesday. The Brail Fire Curtain at a particular facility didn't come down the last 6" and seal when the "emergency" test was performed last week. It turns out that the curtain had not been lowered in 11 months. The normal stiffness of the Zetex fabric, wadded up at the top of the proscenium for 11 months, resulted in the fire curtain itself holding the lower batten and seal above the stage floor. If the curtain had been lowered each day, and the fabric allowed to "stretch" or "hang out" it is probable that the curtain would have performed the operation test without a problem.