HAR §12-45.4-94. Means of egress inspection overcrowding

Section 20.1.5.1.5 is added to read as follows: 20.1.5.1.5 Authority to Stop Performance. Overcrowding and admittance of persons beyond the approved capacity of a place of assembly are prohibited. The AHJ, upon finding overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways, or other means of egress, or upon finding a condition which constitutes an imminent danger, is authorized to cause the performance, presentation, spectacle, or entertainment to be stopped until such conditions or obstruction is corrected. [Eff ] (Auth: HRS §132-3) (Imp: HRS §132-3) (This was in the previous state fire code. It authorizes fire departments to prevent a potential hazard to life safety due to overcrowding. But this is not just overcrowding. It addresses obstructed exits or other imminent dangers, so the title was changed. Also “Menace to life” was changed to “imminent danger” to be consistent with 1.7.16 and 10.3.2 and 3.3.154.) §12-45.4-95 Assembly open flame devices and pyrotechnics general. Section 20.1.5.3, Item (1) is amended to read as follows: (1) Pyrotechnic special effect devices shall be permitted to be used on stages before proximate audiences for ceremonial or religious purposes, as part of a demonstration in exhibits, or as part of a performance, provided that all of the following criteria are met: (a) Precautions satisfactory to the AHJ are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible material; (b) Use of the pyrotechnic device complies with Section 65.3; (c) Use of pyrotechnic devices indoors shall only be allowed in buildings protected throughout with automatic fire sprinklers; and (d) Use of pyrotechnic devices indoors shall only be allowed in buildings where all fire and life safety systems are deemed appropriate as determined by the AHJ. [Eff ] (Auth: HRS §132-3) (Imp: HRS §132-3) (This amendment adds two additional requirements (c & d) in Item (1) for pyrotechnic special effects. 65.3 take you to 1126 which has requirement for approval by the AHJ to shut down which includes when systems are not deemed appropriate. There is no requirement they be used in a sprinklered building. So this is more restrictive with the sprinkler requirement.) §12-45.4-96 Assembly open flame devices and pyrotechnics fire prevention. Section 20.1.5.3 is amended by adding paragraphs (7) and (8) to read as follows: (7) When approved by the AHJ, open-flame devices may be used by performers, provided adequate precautions are taken to prevent ignition of combustible materials. Such devices shall not be used except in areas protected by an automatic sprinkler system. In addition, a minimum 20 foot clearance to the viewing audience shall be provided, or an approved barrier shall be erected to prevent accidental release onto the viewing audience. Performances with fire shall provide a plan approved by the AHJ. The plan shall address fuel use and storage, device ignition, device usage, and extinguishment procedures. (8) Portable heating equipment, not flue-connected, shall be allowed only as follows: Equipment fueled by small heat sources which can be readily extinguished by water, such as candles or alcohol-burning equipment (including solid alcohol) may be used provided adequate precautions approved by the AHJ are taken to prevent ignition of any combustible materials. [Eff ] (Auth: HRS §132-3) (Imp: HRS §132-3) (This amendment added additional requirement as a separate Item (7) to address the open flames associated with fire dancing. This provision is similar to Item (1) in the previous amendment, but fire dancing does not use pyrotechnic special effects. The beginning statement “when approved by the AHJ” could be used to prohibit the double knife event. The term “suitable non- combustible net” was changed to “approved barrier” because most nets are not non-combustible and some combustible nets could be suitable, this would also suggest a net or plexiglass as suitable barrier. “Suitable” is not a defined term, but “approved” is. “Minimum” is added to the 20 foot clearance because in some cases the AHJ may want more (think of flaming hula-hoop). The second to last sentence is revised for readability. Item (8) is for when portable heating equipment is used to fuel open flame devices. This is worded similar to 20.1.5.2.4 for cooking. “permitted” is changed to “allowed” because a permit is not required. “Satisfactory” is changed to “approved” to require approval by the AHJ. Items (7) and (8) were separate amendments in the previous state fire code; this year they were added as one amendment.)