Purpose:

To establish a set of guidelines for the plan review and inspection processes involved in ensuring compliance and safety during trade shows and/or exhibitions.

Policy:

I. Plans Submittal and Review

1. A minimum of two sets of plans and the required fee shall be submitted to the Fire Prevention Bureau for any trade show or exhibition held at assembly occupancies. Plans shall be drawn to scale with the scale indicated on the plans and should be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the start of the show or exhibition.
2. The submission of plans shall be deemed as the application process for obtaining the required Operational Permit for "Exhibits and Trade Shows". Upon review and approval of the plans, the inspector shall complete the "Exhibit and Trade Permit" form and submit it with the check to the Office Assistant IV for processing.
3. The following information shall be included on the plans:
   1. Name, address and dates of the trade show or exhibition.
   2. Locations of all exits and arrangement of aisles.
   3. Locations of display booths, exhibits, stages and any other devices, structures, etc.
   4. Location of any hazardous materials or compressed gases
4. The Fire Prevention Bureau shall retain one copy of the plans and the other copy shall be returned to the show site and provided to the building management or their designee.

II. Site Inspection

1. Prior to the opening of the show, the Fire Inspector shall conduct a walk-thru to ensure that the set-up is in accordance with the submitted plans and that applicable provisions of the North Carolina Fire Code are complied with.
2. A type 22-inspection report shall be completed at the time of the walk-thru and shall indicate any required corrections that need to be made prior to the opening of the show.
3. After approval and opening of the show, the inspector may deem it necessary to make one or more visits to the show site to ensure that public safety is being maintained.

III. Special Requirements

1. Liquid or gas-fueled vehicles, boats or other motor craft shall be allowed indoors only under the following conditions:
   1. Batteries are disconnected.
   2. Fuel in the tank(s) does not exceed one-quarter tank or 5 gallons, whichever is less.
   3. Fuel tank openings are closed and sealed to prevent unauthorized tampering.
   4. Vehicles are not de-fueled or re-fueled with-in the building
2. Use of LP-gas cylinders shall be limited to a maximum size of 2 ½ pounds and the total aggregate quantity shall not exceed 200 pounds. Readily combustible materials shall not be stored in the vicinity of cylinders during their storage or use.
3. Storage of cylinders awaiting use shall not be stored at or in any exit, aisle or area where they may impede or delay egress from the building.
4. Operations for warming of foods, cooking demonstrations and similar applications that use solid fuel burners or butane are allowed provided that they are not located where they can ignite readily combustible materials or pose an ignition hazard.