Public entertainment fire safety: layouts, equipment and inspections

FSD's entertainment-premises guidance covers categories including temporary venues, cinemas and theatres. Identify the activity, area and application category, then use the applicable requirements to plan equipment, layout and documents.

Collect the venue's existing approval records and proposed seating and stage layout, and list temporary additions. Ask the person coordinating the application to confirm the applicable process before seeking trade quotations.

Stages, display panels, curtains and equipment cases can obstruct exit signs or fire installations. Check the final arrangement so signs and equipment remain visible and accessible, and check again after substantial layout changes.

Make a checklist for emergency lighting, alarms, escape routes and material certificates. Agree who will handle each item and when it will be ready with the venue, organiser and contractors, allowing time for missing documents or changes.

Include equipment tests, repairs and the formal inspection in the schedule. Work back from the event date to agree site access, tests involving connected systems and the time needed to restore normal operation.

When temporary installations are removed, check whether the original fire systems were affected. Arrange for the venue representative to receive reinstatement records and any outstanding actions before the next booking.