With restaurants, pubs and bars now entering the festive season, many businesses have erected a temporary structure such as a marquee or other structure, to aid their business.
Should you be considering or have implemented this idea, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service would advise that the responsible person for the premises takes into account the following advice:
- Ensure your fire risk assessment is reviewed, taking into account the temporary structure or marquee.
- Manage the occupancy figures for the whole premises including the structure/marquee so they do not exceed the maximum capacity for the premises.
- Have clear escape routes. The travel distances should not be excessive for anybody needing to evacuate in an emergency. This includes the travel distance within the existing main building where the structure is attached to.
- Ensure that the temporary structure/marquee does not impede or prevent other fire exit doors from opening correctly from the main building.
- Where heaters or cooking facilities are present (both gas and electric), details of how their use will be the managed must be reflected in the fire risk assessment.
- Consideration should also be given to the proximity of any decorations or other combustible material in relation to a source of prolonged heat impingement.
- Storage and use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders must be included in the fire risk assessment and codes of practice applicable to your premises type must be followed. Further guidance is available in the Dangerous Substances section of the Fire Safety Guidance document and in more detail on the Liquid Gas UK website [opens in a new window]. If you are in any doubt about how to store and use LPG safely, seek expert advice from the supplier.
- Staff fire safety training should incorporate the new area of the premises and staff should be made aware of their responsibilities in the event of a fire.
- Ensure that all fire-fighting equipment is in good working condition and has been serviced in accordance with the British Standards.
- All fire alarm systems and emergency lighting for the premises must be serviced correctly and are tested in accordance with their respective British Standards.
Further advice and information is available on our Business Safety page.