Special Event: Design Arrangement

and Construction
 SECTION 10.2.8.1 OCCUPANT LOAD

A. The occupant load permitted in any assembly building, structure, or

portion thereof shall be determined by dividing the net floor area or space
assigned to that use by the square meter per occupant as follows:

1. As assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats such as an

auditorium, place of worship, dance floor, and lodge room: sixty-five
hundredths (0.65) square meter per person.

2. An assembly area of less concentrated use such as conference room,

dining room, drinking establishment, exhibit room, gymnasium, or lounge:
one and four-tenths (1.4) square meters per person.

3. Standing room or waiting space: twenty-eight hundredths (0.28) square

meter per person.
4. The occupant load of an area having fixed seats shall be determined by
the number of fixed seats installed. Required aisle space serving the fixed
seats shall not be used to increase the occupant load.

5. Every room constituting a place of assembly and not having fixed seats
shall have the occupant load of the room posted in a conspicuous place
near the main exit from the room. Approved signs shall be maintained in
legible manner. Signs shall be durable and shall indicate the number of
occupants permitted for each room.
6. In theaters and similar places of assembly where person are admitted to
the building at times when seats are not available for them and are allowed
to wait in a lobby or similar space until seats are available, such use of
lobby or similar spaces shall not encroach upon the required clear width of
exits. Such waiting spaces shall be restricted to areas other than the
required means of egress. Exits shall be provided for such waiting spaces on
the basis of one person for each one-fourth (0.25) square meters of waiting
space area. Such exits shall be in addition to the exits specified for the main
auditorium area and shall conform in construction and arrangement to the
general rules for exits given in this division.

7. In areas not in excess of nine hundred thirty square meters (930 m2), the
occupant load shall not exceed one person in forty-six tenths square meters
(0.46 m2); in areas in excess of nine hundred thirty square meters (930
m2), the occupant load shall not exceed one person in sixty-five tenths
square meters (0.65 m2).
 SECTION 10.2.8.2 EXIT DETAILS
A. Capacity of Exits

1. The capacity of means of egress shall be in

accordance with Section 10.2.5.2 paragraph C or shall be
in accordance with succeeding paragraph for means of
egress serving theater-type seating or similar seating
arranged in rows.

2. Minimum clear width of aisles and other means of

egress serving theater-type seating, or similar seating
arranged in rows, shall be in accordance with Table 11
below.
3. The minimum clear widths shown in Table 11 shall be
modified in
accordance with all of the following:

a. If risers exceed one hundred seventy-eight millimeters

(178 mm) in height, multiply the stair width in Table 8 by
factor A, where

A = 1 + (RISER HEIGHT – 178/125)

b. Stairs without a handrail located within a seven

hundred sixty
millimeters (760 mm) horizontal distance shall be 25
percent wider
than otherwise calculated, that is, multiply by factor B =
1.25.

c. Ramps steeper than 1 in 10 slope where used in ascent

shall have
their widths increased by 10 percent, that is, multiply by
factor C =
B. Minimum Number of Exit
The number of exits shall be in accordance with
Section 10.2.5.2 para “G” of this IRR .

C. Location of Exits
1. Main Exit
Every assembly occupancy shall be provided with a
main exit. The main exit shall be of sufficient width to
accommodate one-half (1/2) of the total occupant
load, but shall be not less than the total required
width of all aisles, exit passageways and stairways
leading thereto, and shall connect to a stairway or
ramp leading to a street.
2. Other Exits
Each level of an assembly occupancy shall have
access to the main exit and an addition shall be
provided with exits of sufficient width to
accommodate two-thirds (2/3) of the total occupant
load served by that level. Such exits shall open
directly to a street or into an exit court, enclosed
stairway, outside stairway, or exit passageway leading
to a street. Such exits shall be located as far apart
and as far from the main exits as practicable. Such
exits shall be accessible from a cross aisle or a side
aisle.

D. Minimum Corridor Width

The width of any exit access corridor serving 50 or
more persons shall not be less than one hundred
twelve centimeters (112 cm).
E. Travel Distance To Exits
Exits shall be so arranged that the total length of
travel from any point to reach an exit will not exceed
forty six (46) meters in any place of assembly for
spaces not protected by approved, supervised
sprinkler system and sixty one (61) meters in areas so
protected.
F. Types of Exits
1. Exits of the specified number and width shall be of
one or more of the following types, in accordance with
the provisions of Division 5 of this Rule.
a. Doors of the swinging type leading directly outside or
through a lobby or passageway leading to the outside
of the building.
b. Horizontal exits
c. Smokeproof enclosures
d. Stairs
e. Ramps

2. Turnstiles
No turnstiles or other devices to restrict the movement
of persons shall be installed in any place of assembly in
such a manner as to interfere in any way with required
exit facilities. (See Division 5 of this Chapter for further
requirements for turnstiles).
G. Panic Hardware
An exit door from an assembly occupancy shall not be
provided with a
latch or lock unless it is panic hardware.

H. Seating, Aisles and Railings

1. Seating
a. The spacing of rows of seats from back to back shall be
not less than eighty three centimeters (83 cm), nor less than
sixty eight centimeters (68 cm) plus the sum of the
thickness of the back and inclination of the back. There shall
be a space of not less than thirty centimeters (30 cm) from
the back of one seat and the front of the seat immediately
behind it as measured between plumb lines.
b. Rows of seats between aisles shall have not more than
fourteen (14) seats.
c. Rows of seats opening onto an aisle at one side only shall
have not more than seven (7) seats.
d. Seats without dividing arms shall have their capacity
determined by allowing sixty centimeters (60 cm) per
person.
2. Aisles
Every portion of any assembly building which contains
seats, tables,
displays, equipment, or other materials shall be provided
with aisles
leading to exit as follows:

a. When serving more than sixty (60) seats; every aisle

shall be not less than nine hundred fifteen millimeters
(915 mm) when serving seats on one side only and not
less than one hundred twenty-two
centimeters (122 cm) when serving seats on both sides.
Such minimum width shall be measured at the point
farthest from an exit,
cross aisles, or foyer and shall be increased in width by
two and a
half centimeters (2.5 cm) for each meter in length toward
the exit,
cross aisles, or foyer.

b. When serving sixty (60) seats or less, aisles shall be

not less than
width of such cross aisle, foyer, or exit shall be not less than
the sum of the required width of the widest aisle plus fifty
(50%) percent of the total required width of the remaining
aisles which it serves.

d. No dead-end aisle shall be greater than six and one-tenth

meters
(6.1 m) in length. In arena or thrust stage theaters, dead-end
aisles
at the stage shall not exceed five rows beyond a cross aisle.

e. The length of travel to an exit door by any aisle shall be

not greater than forty six meters (46 m).

f. Steps shall not be placed in aisles to overcome differences

in level
unless the gradient exceeds twelve and a half (12.5%)
percent. Steps in aisles shall conform to the requirement for
stairs as to rise
end tread.

g. The gradient of sloping aisles shall not exceed twelve and

3. Railings
a. The fasciae of boxes, balconies and galleries shall
have substantial railings not less than sixty six
centimeters (66 cm) high above the floor.

b. The railings at the ends of aisles extending to the

fasciae shall be not less than seventy six centimeters
(76 cm) high for the width of the aisle, or ninety one
centimeters (91 cm) high if at foot of steps.

c. Cross aisles shall be provided with railings not less

than sixty-six (66) centimeters high.
I. Lighting and Signs

1. All places of assembly shall have exit lighting in

accordance with
Section 10.2.5.11 and signs in accordance with Section
10.2.5.12 of this IRR. All places of assembly shall be
provided with emergency lighting.

2. In every auditorium or other places of assembly where

pictures, motion pictures or other projections are made by
means of directed light, the illumination projections are
made by means of directed light, the illumination of the
floors of exit access may be reduced during such period
projection to values of not less than two ten-thousandths
(0.0002) lumen per square centimeter.
J. Exits Common to Other Occupancies

1. Places of assembly in building of other occupancy

may use exits common to the place of assembly and
the other occupancy provided that the assembly area
and the other occupancy considered separately each
have exits sufficient to meet the requirements of this
Chapter.

2. Exits shall be sufficient for simultaneous occupancy

of both the place of assembly and other parts of the
building.
 SECTION 10.2.8.3 STAGE AND ENCLOSED PLATFORM
A. Definitions
1. Enclosed Platform – is a partially enclosed portion of an
assembly room the ceiling of which is not more than one
hundred fifty five centimeters (155 cm) above the
proscenium opening of which is designed or used for the
presentation of plays, demonstrations, or other
entertainment wherein scenery, drops, decorations or other
effects may be installed or used.
2. Stage – is partially enclosed portion of an assembly
building which is
designed or used for the presentation of plays,
demonstrations, or other entertainment wherein scenery,
drops or other effects may be installed or used, and where
the distance between the top of the proscenium opening and
the ceiling above the stage in more than one hundred fifty
two centimeters (152 cm).
3. Thrust Stage – is that portion of a stage which
projects into the audience on the audience side of a
proscenium wall or opening.

4. Arena stage – is a stage of platform open on at least

three (3) sides to audience seating. It may be with or
without overhead scene handling facilities.

5. Proscenium wall – is a fire resistive wall which

separates a stage or enclosed platform from the public or
spectators' area of an auditorium or theater.
B. Every stage equipped with fly galleries, gridirons, and rigging for
movable theater-type scenery, and every enclosed platform larger
than forty six and a half square meters (46.5 m2) in area shall be
protected with the automatic fire suppression system at the ceiling,
under the gridiron, in usable spaces under the stage or platform and
in auxiliary spaces and dressing rooms, storerooms, and workshops.
When opening are provided in the stage floor for stage lifts, trap
doors or stairs, automatic fire suppression system shall be provided
around the opening at the ceiling below the stage, and baffles at
least thirty (30) centimeters in depth shall be installed around the
perimeter of the opening.
C. Every stage and every enclosed platform larger than forty six and a
half square meters (46.5 m2) shall have ventilators in or above it,
operable from the stage floor by hand and also opening by fusible links or
other approved automatic heat actuated device, or heat and smoke
actuated device, to give a free opening equal to at least five (5) percent
of the area floor of the stage or enclosed platform. Where mechanical
ventilation is provided it shall be so arranged that natural ventilation, at
least equal to the above, will be available. Make up air for mechanical
ventilation shall not be obtained from the audience (seating) areas.

D. The proscenium opening of every stage shall be provided with a fire

resistant curtain constructed and mounted so as to intercept hot
gases,flames, and smoke, and to prevent glow from a severe fire on the
stage showing on the auditorium side within a five (5) minute period. The
curtain shall be automatic closing without the use of applied power.
E. Every stage shall be provided with a fire control station located on or
adjoining the stage. The fire control station shall have the following:

1. Lights to indicate the operations of all emergency lights and power

circuits.

2. Manual operating devices to actuate automatic spray heads at

proscenium, proscenium curtain, and smoke vents.

3. Indicator light to show that the automatic fire suppression system is

operating, or sprinkler system valves are open and system is charged
with water under pressure.

4. A public address system energized from normal and emergency light

and power sources.

5. An alarm system connected to the manager's office, dressing rooms,

and auxiliary stage spaces. It shall not sound an alarm audible in the
audience or seating portion of the theater.
F. Auxiliary stage spaces such as under-stage areas, dressing rooms,
workshops and similar spaces associated with the functioning of a stage
shall comply with the following:

1. No point within any auxiliary space shall be more than fifteen and
onefourth meters (15.25 m) from a door providing access to an exit.

2. There shall be at least two (2) exits available from every auxiliary stage
space, one of which shall be available within a travel distance of twenty
three meters (23 m). A common path of travel of six meters (6m) to the
two (2) exits shall be permitted.

3. Auxiliary stage spaces shall be protected as provided under this Section.

4. No workshop involving the use of combustible or flammable paint,

liquids, or gases, or their storage shall open directly upon a stage.
G. Where approved, supervised sprinkler system is not required, the
proscenium wall of every theater using movable scenery or decorations
shall not have more than two (2) openings entering the stage, exclusive of
the proscenium opening. Such opening shall not exceed two square
meters (2 m2) each and shall be fitted with self-closing fire doors.

H. Each stage shall be equipped with a one and a half inch (38.1
millimeters) wet-standpipe equipped with at least 30 meters hose on -each
side of the stage.
 SECTION 10.2.8.4 PROJECTION BOOTH

A. Every place of assembly in which pictures are

projected from cellulose acetate, or other safety
film using electric arc, xenon, or other light
sources, which generate hazardous gases, dust,
or radiation, shall have a projection room which
complies with Section 10.2.8.17 of this IRR and
the following paragraph. This also applies to other
latest types of projection (e.g. LCD and i-MAX)

B. There shall be posted on the outside of each

projection room door and within the projection
room proper, a conspicuous sign in block letters
twenty (25) millimeters stroke stating: "Safety
Film Only Permitted in This Room."
 SECTION 10.2.8.5 DECORATIVE MATERIAL

A. No decorative material, which will ignite and allow flame to spread over
the surface when exposed to a flame test shall be allowed to be used in
places of assembly.

B. The method of test shall be as follows: the piece shall be exposed to the
flame from a common match and held in horizontal position twelve and
seven-tenths (12.7) millimeters underneath the piece, and a constant
location for a minimum of fifteen (15 ) seconds.

C. Treatments may be applied to decorative material to accomplish flame

proofing. Such treatments shall be renewed as often as may be necessary
to maintain the flame-proofed condition of the material.
 SECTION 10.2.8.6 PYROXYLIN COATED FABRIC
Use of pyroxylin coated fabrics inside places of
assembly shall be restricted as follows:

A. The nitrocellulose coating shall not exceed four

hundred thirty (430) grams for every square meter of
fabric.

B. The total surface area of fabric-complying with

paragraph “A” above shall not exceed one (1) square
meter for every four and a half (4.5) cubic meter of
room volume.

C. Where the coating exceeds forty seven (47) grams

per square meter, the total area of such fabric shall
not exceed one (1) square meter for every two and
one-fourth (2.25) cubic meter of room volume.
 SECTION 10.2.8.7 MOTION PICTURE SCREENS, STAGE
CURTAINS AND DRAPES

No motion picture screens or screen masking curtains, buntings or other

draperies shall be used unless the material is flame-proofed and will pass the
match-flame test described in Section 10.2.8.5 of this IRR.
 SECTION 10.2.8.8 PROTECTION

A. Protection of Vertical Opening

Any vertical opening shall be enclosed or protected in accordance with
Section 10.2.5.2 of this IRR.

B. Interior Finish
1. The interior finish requirements of this Section shall be in accordance
with Section 10.2.6.3 of this IRR and subject to modifications specified
therein.
2. Interior finish in all means of egress in all places of assembly shall be
Class A.
3. Interior finish in general assembly areas shall be Class A.
4. Screen on which pictures are projected shall comply with requirements
of Class A or Class B interior finish, as the case maybe.
C. Protection from Hazards
Rooms or spaces used for hazardous equipment, operations and process,
such as but not limited to rooms containing high –pressure vessels,
refrigerating machineries, large transformers, or other service equipment;
rooms or spaces used for the storage, processing or use of boilers or
furnaces, combustible supplies, hazardous materials or flammable or
combustible liquids; laundries; and maintenance shops including
woodworking and painting areas; shall not be directly located under or
abutting required exits and shall be separated from other parts of the
building by fire barriers by construction of not less than 1 hour fire
resistance rating.
D. Fire Detection and Alarm System

1. All assembly occupancies shall be provided with fire alarm system

with manual initiation, provided, however that where occupants of the
building exceed 300 persons, the initiation shall be through an automatic
detection system.

2. The required fire alarm system shall activate an audible and visible
alarm in a constantly attended receiving station within the building when
occupied for purposes of initiating emergency action.
E. Extinguishing Requirement

1. The following assembly occupancies shall be protected throughout by

an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system:

a. bars with live entertainment;

b. dance halls;
c. discotheques; and
d. assembly occupancies with festival seating.
2. Buildings containing assembly occupancies with occupant loads of
more than 300 shall be protected by an approved, supervised automatic
sprinkler system:
a. throughout the storey containing the assembly occupancy;
b. throughout all storeys below the storey containing the assembly
occupancy;
c. in case of an assembly occupancy located below the level of exit
discharge, throughout all storeys intervening between that storey and the
level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge.

3. The provisions of para “E” (1) and (2) above shall not apply to
assembly occupancies consisting of single multipurpose room of less than
1115 square meters that are not used for exhibition or display and are
not part of a mixed occupancy, all assembly occupancy with all sides
open and places of worship at the level of exit discharge with sufficient
means of egress.
 SECTION 10.2.8.9 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT

A. Elevators
Elevators shall not constitute required means of exit. When places of
assembly are more than three (3) storeys above ground level and
equipped with automatic elevators, at least one elevator shall be
designed and equipped for fire emergency use by members of the BFP,
or as may be determined by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal. Key
operation shall transfer automatic elevator operation to manual and
bring elevator to ground or first floor use by said members. The elevator
shall be situated so as to be readily accessible.

B. Air Conditioning
All air conditioning, heating, and ventilation installations shall comply
with the provisions of Division 7 of this Chapter.
C. Special Provisions for Food Service Establishments

1. All devices in connection with the preparation of food shall be installed

and operated to avoid hazard to the safety of occupants and shall be
installed and maintained in accordance with good engineering practice.

2. Cooking equipment shall be protected by automatic kitchen hood fire

suppression in accordance with NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation
Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.
 SECTION 10.2.8.10 PLAN OF EXIT WAYS AISLES

A. A plan showing the capacity and location of the exit ways and aisles
thereto shall be submitted for approval by the City/Municipal Fire Marshal,
and approved copy of such plan shall be kept prominently on display in
the premises.

B. In all theaters, nightclubs, dance halls and similar occupancies, an

audible announcement and other means of announcement shall be made
prior to the performance describing the location of exits to be used in
case of fire or other emergencies.
 SECTION 10.2.8.11 OVERCROWDING

No person shall permit the overcrowding or admittance of any person

the approved capacity of any place of public assemblage. The
City/Municipal Fire Marshal, upon finding any overcrowding condition or
obstruction in aisles, passageways or other means of egress; or upon
finding any condition which constitutes a serious menace of life, shall
cause the performance, presentation, or entertainment to be stopped
until the condition or obstruction is corrected.
 SECTION 10.2.8.12 STANDBY FIREMEN

A. The City/Municipal Fire Marshal having jurisdiction whenever in his

judgment, it is essential for public safety to deploy standby firemen in any
place of public assembly, or any other place where people congregate,
due to the number of persons, or the nature of the performance,
exhibition, display contest or activity, is authorized to detail standby
firemen at such place.

B. The said firemen shall be in uniform and remain on duty during the
time such places are open to the public, or when the activity is being
conducted. Before each performance or the start of the activity, the said
firemen shall inspect the required fire appliances provided, to see that
they are in proper place and in good working order, and shall keep diligent
watch for fires during the time such place is open to the public or such
activity is being conducted and take prompt measures for the
extinguishment of fire that may occur.
 SECTION 10.2.8.13 OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY

A. All grandstands, tents, and other places of outdoor assembly shall

comply with the requirements of NFPA Pamphlet No. 102, “Standards for
Tents, Grandstands, and Air-Supported Structures used for Public
Assembly”.

B. Grandstand and bleacher type seating may be used as indoor type

seating only when it meets with the requirements of this Division.
 SECTION 10.2.8.15 SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR EXHIBITIONS
HALLS

The requirements of underground structures and windowless buildings

used as places of assembly shall be in accordance with Division 17 of this
Chapter.
 SECTION 10.2.8.14 UNDERGROUND STRUCTURE AND
WINDOWLESS BUILDINGS
A. No display or exhibit shall be so installed or operated as to interfere in any
way with access to any required exit or with visibility of any required exit or of
any required exit sign, nor shall any display block access to fire fighting
equipment.

B. All displays or exhibits of combustible material or construction and all

booths and temporary construction in connection therewith shall be so limited
in combustibility or protected as to avoid any undue hazard of fire which
might endanger occupants before they have opportunity to use available
exits.

C. Any place of assembly used for exhibition or display purposes shall be

equipped with a complete automatic fire suppression system, when the
exhibition or display area exceeds one thousand three hundred ninety four
square meters (1394 m2). For combustible materials not on display, storage
room having an enclosure with a fire resistance rating of at least two (2)
hours and protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system shall be
provided.
 SECTION 10.2.8.16 EXISTING PLACES OF ASSEMBLY

A. Capacity Limitations
In existing places of assembly, the Chief, BFP or his duly authorized
representative may permit occupancy by number of persons not to
exceed that for which the existing exits are adequate provided that
measures are established satisfactory to the Chief, BFP or his duly
authorized representative to prevent occupancy by any greater number
of persons based on the calculated occupant load of the building.

B. INTERIOR FINISH
Provisions of Section 10.2.6.3 of this IRR shall apply in existing places of
assembly where interior finish does not conform to the requirements for
new assembly buildings.
 SECTION 10.2.8.17 PROJECTION ROOMS FOR SAFETY FILM
A. Every projection room shall be of permanent construction consistent with
the construction requirements for the Type of building in which the
projection room is located. The room shall have a floor area of not less than
seven and four-tenths square meters (7.4 m2) for a single machine and at
least three and three-fourths square meters (3.75 m2) for each additional
machine. Each motion picture projector, floodlight, spotlight, or similar piece
of equipment shall have a clear working space not less than two and one-
fourth square meters (2.25 m2).

B. Each projection room shall be at least one out-swinging, self-closing door

not less than seventy six centimeters (76 cm) wide by two meters (2 m)
high.

C. The aggregate of ports and openings for projection equipment shall not
exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the area of the wall between the
projection room and the auditorium. All opening shall be provided with glass
or other approved materials, so as to completely close the opening.
PROJECTION ROOMS
D. Projection booth room ventilation shall be not less than the following:

1. Supply Air
Each projection room shall be provided with two or more separate fresh
air inlet ducts with screened openings terminating within thirty
centimeters (30 cm) of the floor, and located at opposite ends of the
room. Such air inlets shall be of sufficient size to permit an air change
every three minutes. Fresh air may be supplied from the general building
air conditioning system, providing it is so arranged that the projection
booth will continue to receive one change of air every three (3) minutes,
when no other air is supplied by the general air conditioning system.
2. Exhaust Air
Each projection room shall be provided with one or more exhaust air
outlets which may be manifold into a single duct outside the booth. Such
outlets shall be so located as to ensure circulation throughout the room.
Projection room exhaust air system shall be independent of any other air
systems in the buildings. Exhaust air ducts shall terminate at the exterior
of the building in such a location that the exhaust system shall be
mechanically operated and of such a capacity as to provide a minimum of
one change of air every three minutes. The blower motor shall be outside
the duct system. The projection room ventilation system may also
appurtenant rooms, such as the generator room and the rewind room.
E. Each projection machine shall be provided with an exhaust duct which will
draw air from each lamp and exhaust it directly to the outside of the building
in such a fashion that it will not be picked up by supply inlets. Such a duct
shall be of rigid materials, except for a continuous flexible connector
approved for the purpose. The lamp exhaust systems shall not be
interconnected with any other system.

1. Electric Arc Projection Equipment

The exhaust capacity shall be five and two-thirds cubic meters (5.66 m3) per
minute for each lamp connected to the lamp exhaust system 134 or as
recommended by the equipment manufacturer, whichever «s greater.
Auxiliary air may be introduced into the system through a screened opening
to stabilize the arc.
2. Xenon Projection Equipment
The lamp exhaust shall exhaust not less than eight and one-half (8.5) cubic
meters per minute per lamp, nor less than that exhaust volume required or
recommended by the equipment manufacturer, whichever is greater. The
external temperature of the lamp housing shall not exceed fifty four and one-
half (54.5˚C) degrees Celsius when operating.

F. Each projection room shall be provided with rewind and film storage facilities.
G. A maximum of four (4) containers for flammable liquids not greater than
one-half liter (0.5ℓ) capacity and of a non-breakable type may be permitted in
each projection booth.
H. Appurtenant electrical equipment such as rheostats, transformers, and
generators may be located within the booth or in a separate room of equivalent
fire resistance construction.
 SECTION 10.2.8.18 OPEN FLAME

No person shall cause or permit any open

flame to be used in any place of public
assemblage, or drinking or eating establishments,
except when used in conjunction with approved
heating or cooking appliances or under a written
permit from the City/Municipal Fire Marshal
having jurisdiction.