Division B
Acceptable Solutions

Part 2 — Building and Occupant Fire Safety

Section 2.9. Tents and Air-Supported Structures

2.9.1. General

2.9.1.1. Tents and Air-Supported Structures

1) Tents and air-supported structures shall be in conformance with the British Columbia Building Code.I

2.9.2. Materials

2.9.2.1. Flame Retardant Treatments

1) Flame retardant treatments shall be renewed as often as is required to ensure that the material will pass the match flame test in NFPA 705, “Field Flame Test for Textiles and Films.” (See A-2.3.2.2.(1) in Appendix A.)I

2.9.3. Fire Hazards and Control

2.9.3.1. Electrical Systems

1) The electrical system in a tent or air-supported structure shall be maintained and operated in a safe manner.I

2) Portable electrical systems shall be inspected for fire hazards and defects shall be corrected before the tent or air-supported structure is occupied by the public.I

3) The electrical system and equipment in a tent or air-supported structure, including electrical fuses and switches, shall be inaccessible to the public.I

4) Cables on the ground in areas used by the public in a tent or air-supported structure shall be placed in trenches or protected by covers to prevent damage from traffic.I

2.9.3.2. Combustible Materials

1) Hay, straw, shavings or similar combustible materials other than necessary for the daily feeding and care of animals shall not be permitted within a tent or air-supported structure used for an assembly occupancy, except that sawdust and shavings are permitted to be used if kept damp.I

2.9.3.3. Smoking and Open Flame Devices

1) Smoking and open flame devices shall not be permitted in a tent or air-supported structure while it is occupied by the public.I

2.9.3.4. Fire Watch

1) A person shall be employed to watch for fires when a tent or air-supported structure is occupied by more than 1 000 persons.I

2) A person employed to watch for fires as described in Sentence (1) shallI

a)be familiar with all fire safety features, including the fire safety plan as provided in conformance with Section 2.8. and the condition of exits, and

b)patrol the area to ensure that the means of egress are kept clear and that requirements of the authority having jurisdiction are enforced.

2.9.3.5. Fire Alarm System

1) Where tents and air-supported structures are designed to accommodate more than 1 000 persons, a fire alarm and emergency communication system shall be provided. (See Appendix A.)I

2.9.3.6. Blower Engines

1) Internal combustion engines used to power supplementary blowers required by the British Columbia Building Code shall be operated and maintained in conformance with Section 6.5. of this Code.I