TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR PLACES OF ENTERTAINMENT Association of British Theatre Technicians Chartered Institute of Environmental Health District Surveyors Association Institute of Licensing Theatres Trust The Health and Safety Executive acknowledges that these Technical Standards have been developed by an entertainment industry Standing Committee to help make improvements in building, maintaining, managing and operating places of entertainment. 30 December 2013 Entertainment Technology Press etnow.comSupporters: The ABTT, the CIEH, the DSA, the IOL and the TT have cooperated in producing technical guidance for entertainment premises. The Association of British Theatre Technicians, a registered company and charity, is an independent membership organisation setting and upholding standards in technical excellence, safety and compliance for theatre and live performance. It advocates an enlightened and flexible approach to measures for safety in places of entertainment. It encourages the application of new technical knowledge and experience to changing conditions. The Association offers advice on the operation of venues, the planning and construction of new premises and the reconstruction of existing ones. It works with its membership and supporters to develop and promote best practice in all relevant crafts and disciplines. The ABTT promotes the interests of the entertainments industry with various government departments, and in the drafting of legislation and standards. Membership is open to anyone interested in the design of places of entertainment or the production and technology of live performance. The Technical Standards form part of the Code of Practice for the Theatre Industry in the UK which the ABTT produces with the support of the Theatre Safety Committee. www.abtt.org.uk The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is at the forefront of environmental and public health. Our mission is to promote effective environmental health practice. We are a registered charity with over 10,000 members within the UK and worldwide: a chartered professional body setting standards and accrediting courses and qualifications for the education of our professional members and other environmental health and public health practitioners. A knowledge centre providing information, evidence and policy advice to local and national government, environmental and public health practitioners, industry and other stakeholders. We publish guidance notes and journals, run educational events and commission research. An advocacy organisation working to raise environmental health further up the public agenda and to promote improvements in environmental and public health policy. An awarding body providing qualifications, events and support materials on topics relevant to health wellbeing and safety to develop workplace skills and best practice in volunteers, employees, business managers and business owners. www.cieh.org The District Surveyors Association is the only organisation representing the exclusive interests of local authority building control. The organisation is split into regions of which the London District Surveyors Association is one. The DSA’s mission is to ensure that buildings are healthy, safe, sustainable and accessible for all users. It coordinates the technical application of the Building Regulations and influences new or revised regulations covering new technology, new building methods and environmental performance and provides a national marketing function to build awareness of local authority building control amongst the public, developers, designers and contractors. Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is a trading name of the District Surveyors Association. www.labc.uk.com The Institute of Licensing, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity, represents licensing practitioners in the public and private sectors. It is a leading provider of related training events, courses and conferences. Its aims are to advance the development and recognition of professional skill and competence in relation to licensing and regulatory activity. The Institute works to develop and promote quality standards within those fields, either on its own or in collaboration with other partners, such as central government bodies and professional organisations. It publishes free email Licensing Flashes as well as Licensing Circles, Licensing News. Associate Membership is open to anyone with an interest in licensing, and full Membership to those with appropriate qualifications and/or experience. www.instituteoflicensing.org The Theatres Trust is the national advisory public body for theatres. It believes that current and future generations should have access to good quality theatre buildings where they can be inspired by, and enjoy, live performance. It champions the future of live performance by protecting and supporting excellent theatre buildings which meet the needs of their communities. It does this by providing advice on the design, planning, development and sustainability of theatres, campaigning on behalf of theatres old and new and offering financial assistance through grants.TECHNICAL STANDARDS 2022 © ABTT+CIEH+DSA+IOL+TT Preface Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment The aim of this publication is to provide guidance on all aspects of the operation and management of a place of entertainment and of any performance presented therein. David Adams (1938-2020) Anyone who is assisted by this publication, or the Code or Practice for the Theatre Industry in the UK of which this is part and which is produced by the Association of British Theatre Technicians with the support of the national Theatre Safety Committee, owes a profound dept of gratitude to David Adams. David was the founding editor of these Technical Standards , first published in 2001. Without his selfless contribution of personal energy, knowledge, experience, tenacity and diligence this publication would not exist in its current form; would not have been acknowledged by the Health and Safety Executive and would not provide the common source of reference for the safe operation of Places of Entertainment and the production of performance. All who were lucky enough to collaborate with David on the production and maintenance of this volume are in no doubt of the huge contribution he made to the theatre industry in the UK. Approach Technical Standards exists in concert with the law, standards and reputable guidance providing a ‘good practice’ and pragmatic interpretation for theatre like premises or the production of live performance which seeks to assist in achieving a safe and compliant approach. Where there might seem to be a conflict of interpretation between different legal requirements or between different sources of guidance, Technical Standards seeks to offer a good practice solution by providing additional assistance and a framework for reconsideration rather than by merely reciting the relevant legislation. The Standing Committee for Technical Standards is represented on the HSE Joint Advisory Committee for Entertainment, the national Theatre Safety Committee and meets regularly with external expert advice where appropriate to ensure the document remains current. It supports and promotes the principle that good management is essential to ensuring health, safety and welfare. However, it is recognised that the task of good management should not be unduly onerous. Whenever possible this guidance relies more on solid solutions and physical arrangements rather than by placing more and more reliance on those responsible for the management of premises. Solutions which rely on simple devices rather than sophisticated equipment are to be preferred – every additional component adds the possibility of an additional fault. Whenever possible there should be more reliance on structures rather than systems that might so easily fail or on management who may well be ill- informed or overtaxed. The intention here is to help operators, managers and enforcers to understand the requirements and needs of places of entertainment. The guidance applies to existing as well as to new premises and to amateurs as well as professionals. Geoff Weaver ChairmanTECHNICAL STANDARDS 2022 © ABTT+CIEH+DSA+IOL+TT Revisions Revisions of the Technical Standards may be issued from time to time between new printed editions. Purchasers may register to receive a link providing access to the online edition which will always contain the most recent version of guidance. It is also possible to view the online version on five occasions without charge by visiting: http://www.technical-standards-for-places-of-entertainment. co.uk/#home HSE Acknowledgement The Health and Safety Executive acknowledges that these Technical Standards have been developed by an entertainment industry Standing Committee to help make improvements in building, maintaining, managing and operating places of entertainment. 30 December 2013TECHNICAL STANDARDS 2022 © ABTT+CIEH+DSA+IOL+TT Acknowledgements The Standing Committee The Standing Committee consists of members from the industry and responsible authorities who deal with matters of interpretation, subjects for inclusion and modifications in view of technical innovations. Users who wish to comment upon the document should write to: Standards c/o ABTT, 22 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0QL or by e-mail to standards@abtt.org.uk This edition of The Technical Standards was developed by the Standing Committee drawn from the Association of British Theatre Technicians, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the District Surveyors Association, the Institute of Licensing and the Theatres Trust, together with representatives from other organisations. Members of the Standing Committee were: Claire Appleby, Theatres Trust Clare Bradley, Chartered Institute of Environment Health Ron Brooks, Camden Richard Bunn, Arup Venues Pierre Chenier, Haringey Helen Clifford, Westminster David Doyle, London Fire Brigade David Draude, Technical Director, LW Theatres Ed Elbourne, Arup Venues Niall Forde, Islington Juliet Hayes, SOLT/UK Theatre Andrew Jack, London Fire Brigade Alan Lynagh, Westminster Tom Mannings, Head of Technical and Production, Mountview Trevor McIntosh, Merton Vaughan Melsom, Islington Andrew Nicholson, The Fire Surgery Julia O’Brien, Chartered Institute of Environment Health Frances Radford, The Fire Surgery Julia Sawyer, Institute of Licensing Liz Sillett, Association of British Theatre Technicians Michael Smith, Little Theatre Guild David Spink, formerly Westminster Robin Townley, Association of British Theatre Technicians* Brian Waddingham, Test Valley Geoff Weaver, formerly Islington Robert Weaver, formerly Barking and Dagenham Frank Wenzel, Poole Mark White, Association of British Theatre Technicians David Withington, City of London *Editor The Standing Committee acknowledges with thanks the assistance of Carr and Angier with the drawings. Publication history First published April 2001. Reprinted with revisions July 2001, January 2002 and January 2005. New edition June 2008. Reprinted with revisions November 2009. New edition June 2013 Reprinted with revisions 30 October 2013 and 1 March 2014 New edition June 2015 Reprinted with revisions 29 April 2016, 1 February 2017, 1 April 2017, 1 September 2018, 1 April 2019 and 1 July 2020. New edition July 2022 ISBN: 978 1 90403183 3TECHNICAL STANDARDS 2022 © ABTT+CIEH+DSA+IOL+TT A INTRODUCTION 1. Foreword 2. Technical Standards 3. Definitions and Explanations 4. References 5. Tables and Figures B SITE & GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS 1. Site 2. Access for emergency vehicles 3. Accommodation 4. Entry control 5. Access and facilities for disabled people 6. Noise control 7. Light Pollution 8. Welfare 9. Conservation of energy CMEANS OF ESCAPE 1. Horizontal escape 2. Seating and gangways 3. Vertical escape 4. Final exits and external escape routes D STRUCTURE 1. Stability 2. Barriers and guarding 3. Temporary structures E FIRE SAFETY 1. Fire separation 2. Fire resistance and finishes 3. Smoke ventilation and containment 4. Safety curtains 5. Lightning protection 6. Facilities for the fire service 7. Installations in auditoria, such as bars, merchandising kiosks & control desks F BUILDING SERVICES 1. Electrical installation 2. Lighting including emergency lighting 3. Ventilation 4. Heating and cooling 5. Water supplies and drainage 6. Crime G HYGIENE 1. Sanitary accommodation 2. Cloakrooms and changing rooms 3. Food premises 4. Drinking water supplies 5. Refuse storage and disposal HFIRE and EMERGENCY SYSTEMS 1. Communications, fire alarm and emergency warning systems 2. Fire extinguishing arrangements 3. Generators 4. Provision for first aid I unused JSIGNAGE 1. Escape route signs 2. Signs and notices, other than escape route signs K SPECIAL INSTALLATIONS and EFFECTS 1. Mechanical installations 2. Stage engineering 3. Special effects 4. Projection and rewinding rooms used for flammable film 5. Automatic control of projectors 6. Theatrical scenery & properties – fire precautions L unused MCOMMISSIONING and INSPECTION 1. Certification NTHE PRODUCTION 1. Management & managers 2. Other staff 3. Disability 4. Escape routes 5. Fire prevention and action 6. Scenery and effects 7. Pop/Music Concerts 8. Children 9. Animals ContentsTECHNICAL STANDARDS 2022 A1 Foreword © ABTT+CIEH+DSA+IOL +TT A1 Foreword COMMENTARY This book sets out the physical standards for buildings, their equipment and the good management of the premises so as to provide for the safety of the performers, staff and the public in premises used for entertainment. It is intended for the use of both the responsible authorities and licensees alike as a guide to good practice for anyone concerned with the building and maintenance of places of entertainment. The recommended Conditions and Recommendations may be enforced by various authorities under specific legislation or, in some cases, as a result of conditions laid down in accordance with the Licensing Act 2003. The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), the District Surveyors Association (DSA), the Institute of Licensing (IOL) and the Theatres Trust (TT) with valuable assistance from the Fire Service produce the Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment (referred to hereinafter as the Technical Standards .) The Technical Standards now provide advice on operational matters with the intention of assisting both users and responsible authorities. Premises used for entertainment can present special hazards caused by several factors, which may include the concentration and number of people present, an unfamiliar building, the volume of noise, the general relaxed atmosphere including the possibility of patrons being intoxicated and the use of special effects. The basic standards of construction for new premises are contained in the Building Acts and the Building Regulations. The Technical Standards offer guidance that supplements the guidance to be found in the Approved Documents (AD) to the Building Regulations . They may contain additional or more stringent Recommendations which experience has shown to be advisable to ensure that the premises remain safe. The Technical Standards are primarily intended to apply to indoor venues. However much of the advice will also apply to outdoor events. Organisers of outdoor events are referred to the Event Safety Guide for more specific guidance. The particular problems associated with air-supported structures are not considered within the Technical Standards . Whilst all due care has been taken in the preparation of this document, the Association of British Theatre Technicians, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, the District Surveyors Association, the Institute of Licensing, the Theatre Trust and the Publishers, together with their members, officers and employees cannot be held responsible for any omissions or errors contained herein nor for any damage or injury arising from any interpretations of its contents. The Standing Committee consists of members from the industry and responsible authorities who deal with matters of interpretation, subjects for inclusion and modifications in view of technical innovations. Users who wish to comment upon the document should write to: Standards c/o ABTT, 22 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0QL or by e-mail to standards@abtt.org.ukTECHNICAL STANDARDS 2022 A1 Foreword © ABTT+CIEH+DSA+IOL +TT RECOMMENDATIONS A1.01 The Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment provide guidance for all places providing entertainment, whether regulated and/or licensed. The Technical Standards are intended for indoor venues although much of the advice may also apply for outdoor events. These buildings may include: •theatres •cinemas •concert halls •nightclubs •dance halls and discos •restaurants and public houses with permanent stages and/or dance floors •premises classed as clubs with permanent stages and/or dance floors •exhibition halls and public halls where entertainment is expected to take place •parts of hotels, for example banqueting suites, where entertainment is expected to take place •arenas where entertainment is expected to take place. A1.02 Whilst the premises may not meet the specific recommendations set out in the guidance, the intended function of these Standards should be achieved. See A2. Note: These Standards may be specific requirements under legislation. A1.03The accompanying Recommendations supporting the Technical Conditions in A2 are based on current best practice and will serve as guidance both to responsible authorities and to designers, licensees and prospective licensees and managers. It is intended that the Recommendations will be revised in the light of continuing experience and new developments. A1.04 Licensees and prospective licensees, their designers and managers are advised to study the Commentaries and Recommendations as well as the Technical Conditions in A2. It is important that the Commentaries and Recommendations are taken together as an overall guide to good practice. The Recommendations offer guidance that will apply in the majority of cases. They are based on a risk assessment philosophy. A1.05It should be noted that compliance with the Recommendations is not mandatory. In individual instances the guidance given in a particular Recommendation may well be not appropriate; a designer or producer may provide different solutions that are better suited to the particular premises. Where the premises may only occasionally be used for entertainment, lower standards or alternative solutions may be acceptable provided it can be seen that the result is adequate for the premises and event. A1.06Responsible authorities have to be satisfied that taken together the proposed arrangements will fully meet the intended function of the Technical Conditions in A2 and, in the event of any dispute, may refer to the Technical Standards for Places of Entertainment in any appeal process. The Technical Standards may assist with the provision of the Operating Schedules where required under the Licensing Act 2003 and the risk assessment required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A1.07 Following the recommendations of the Technical Standards may also assist where risk assessments are required by legislation and in order to achieve good practice. Relevant legislation includes in particular the •Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 •Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 •Building Regulations 2010 plus Approved Documents (AD)TECHNICAL STANDARDS 2022 A1 Foreword © ABTT+CIEH+DSA+IOL +TT • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 as amended • Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 • Work at Height Regulations 2005 • Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 A1.08 Conservation and the conversion of existing buildings to entertainments use are encouraged where this can be achieved without compromising safety unduly. The Technical Standards indicate appropriate resolutions for common problems. A1.09 The references to the Approved Documents (AD) to the Building Regulations, British Standards and various other publications are to the current edition of the relevant document. Full details of the references are given in Section A4. Note:It is not normally necessary to bring existing construction, installations or equipment up to current standards provided the construction, installations or equipment met the standards current at the time they were provided and so long as they are not now considered unsafe. A1.10In some cases the specific Recommendations contained within the Technical Standards are more onerous or differ from those in other documents. Where this occurs, it is suggested that the Recommendations of the Technical Standards should be applied unless this were to be against legislation. A1.11 Publications in italics (roman in Commentaries) in the main text have complete references in Section A4. References to British Standards should be understood to include equivalent European Standards and in particular to any harmonised European Standards replacing cited British Standards. A1.12 References in the Technical Standards are made to the Approved Documents (AD) to the Building Regulations as adopted in England and Wales. Different regulations may apply in Scotland and in Northern Ireland. Nevertheless the guidance in the Technical Standards is considered relevant to all places of entertainment in the United Kingdom. A1.13 Users are particularly recommended to consult Section A3; this includes both definitions and explanations that should be kept in mind when reading the rest of the guidance.Next >