18. Fire Precautions and Safety Measures

<strong><em>General </em></strong> 18.1 Guidance on Fire Safety is contained in Chapter 15 of the Code of Practice for Safety at Sports Grounds. ¹ 18.2 Appropriate fire-fighting equipment should be provided at strategic points around the site, including backstage and temporary structures, in consultation with the Local Authority. 18.3 Additional fire-fighting equipment should be provided to deal with an outbreak of fire in electrical equipment and in temporary structures constructed for specified activity. Fire stewards should be trained in its operation and be familiar with the arrangements for calling the fire service. One fire steward should be on duty in the stage area while the public are present. Clearly defined fire points, including stage right and left, should be provided and indicated by means of notices. An adequate supply of water should be provided for the use of the fire brigade. <strong><em>Litter Control</em></strong> 18.4 On open sites, and especially at one-day concerts, the need for strict litter control requires careful consideration. The provision of bins on- site could cause a fire hazard and they could be subject to vandalism. However, robust bins should be provided adjacent to food and drink outlets. These bins, which should be securely positioned, should be emptied regularly for the duration of the event. Elsewhere, litter control is best approached by a thorough clean-up the following day. For events of a duration of more than one day a daily litter collection is essential but the above comments regarding bins still apply. <strong><em>Access for Appliances </em></strong> 18.5 The site should be arranged so as to allow for adequate means of access for fire-fighting appliances to within 50 metres of any part of a structure. Access routes should not be less than 4 metres wide, they should not have overhead structures or cables less than 4.5 metres above the ground and they should be capable of taking the weight (approx. 12 tonnes) of fire-fighting appliances in all weathers. Emergency vehicle routes within the site should be kept clear of obstructions at all times. Access to fire hydrants or other water supplies should not be obstructed or obscured. <strong><em> Fire Patrols</em></strong> 18.6 Where marquees or tents are provided responsible and adequately trained Fire Stewards should be appointed by the Promoter to carry out a regular fire patrol. They will be expected to check for possible fire hazards and to deal with any outbreak of fire pending the arrival of the fire brigade. Such person(s) should be readily identifiable. <strong><em>Arrangements for Emergencies</em></strong> 18.7 Arrangements and procedures for calling the emergency services should be planned well in advance and agreed with the Local Authority, Gardaí, and Health Board. Where necessary, additional telephone lines should be installed. The fire brigade should be called immediately to any outbreak of fire. 18.8 Contingency plans should be prepared by the statutory authorities to cater for any potential emergency situation that may arise in the area outside the concert site (particularly in the area adjacent to the concert site) by siting adequate emergency vehicles at strategic locations within the area. This is necessary because normal everyday services may not be able to enter the village, town or surrounding area due to the density of traffic. <strong><em>Reference</em></strong> 1. Code of Practice for Safety at Sports Grounds, Stationery Office, Dublin, 1996.