N.H. Admin. Code § Saf-C 6904.01 - Fire Watch Required

(a) The state fire marshal shall require an approved fire watch when potentially hazardous conditions or a reduction in a life safety feature exists due to the following factors, which shall include:

(1) Type of performance, display, exhibit, contest or activity;

(2) Impairment to a fire protection feature; and

(3) Number of persons present.

(b) The owner, agent or lessee shall employ one or more qualified persons as standby fire personnel, to be on duty at a required event, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. Prior to the start of the performance or event, the standby fire personnel shall inspect the fire equipment or appliances provided, to ensure that they are in the proper place and in good working order.

(c) Standby fire personnel shall keep diligent watch for any fire(s) during the period of time the location is open to the public and during the performance and take appropriate measures for the extinguishment of any fire(s) that may occur.

(d) Standby fire personnel shall be subject to any orders of the authority having jurisdiction at all times and shall be identifiable and on duty during the following periods of time:

(1) When the location is open to the public;

(2) While the performance or event is being conducted; and

(3) Until normal operating conditions have been resumed, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction.

(e) All standby fire personnel shall have a means of communicating or transmitting an alarm in the event of a fire or other emergency.

(f) The operator shall provide the fire watch with the following equipment:

(1) At least 2 multipurpose dry chemical fire extinguishers with a minimum 10-A 60 B:C rating; and

(2) Two pressurized water fire extinguishers.

(g) Events utilizing a singe stage shall be required to have a minimum of 3 qualified standby fire personnel assigned to the display in the following manner:

(1) One standby fire fighter assigned stage "left";

(2) One standby fire fighter assigned stage "right"; and

(3) One standby fire fighter, familiar with the particular pyrotechnic display, assigned to the operator.

(h) Events utilizing more than one stage shall be required to have a minimum of 2 additional standby fire personnel assigned to each additional stage. Portable fire extinguishers, as set forth in (f) above, shall be provided for each additional stage.

(i) The premises where pyrotechnic effect or flame effect materials or devices are handled, used or stored shall be maintained in a neat and orderly condition and shall be free of any condition that might create a fire hazard.

(j) Immediately after each performance and prior to the removal of any property related to the performance, the standby fire personnel shall verify with the operator that all devices have been fired. Any unfired pyrotechnic effect or flame effect materials or devices shall be disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(k) Notwithstanding any other rule to the contrary, the state fire marshal shall have the right to increase or reduce the number of standby fire personnel for any event utilizing pyrotechnic effects or flame effects before a proximate audience, performers or support personnel, if after reviewing the application, he/she determines that such an increase or reduction of standby fire personnel is in the best interest of public safety.

(l) The operator shall contact the local fire official and the state fire marshal's office at least 10 business days prior to the event to confirm what fire or life safety measures are required.

Notes

N.H. Admin. Code § Saf-C 6904.01

(See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 6900) #10067, eff 12-29-11