Archive of E-Zine Articles

Fire Marshals, Convention Centers and Tradeshow Flame Proofing

Volume 4, Article III, April 6, 2009

There are aspects of trade show logistics that may take you by surprise.  One of these is the prevention of fire, and restrictions that prepare the emergency response staff in the event that there is a fire.  Let's take a look at these briefly so that you will be prepared to comply with the Fire Marshal's requirements.

1)  Flame retardant materials and fire proofing.  First there is no such thing as fire proof.  Under the right conditions, all materials will burn.  However, most materials can also be made flame retardant.  Fire codes vary, however, demand that your booth be constructed of flame retardant materials as the Fire Marshal will....and if they don't like what they see, the fire marshal does have a right to demand fire certificates for each of the materials used for your booth's construction.  If purchased from a trade show display company, most fabric parts of the booth will come complete with these certificates. 

Fabrics which are not flame proofed may be made so by companies specializing in applying the proper chemicals.  In today's world, almost all materials may be made fire retardant.  Check that your company of choice will provide you with a flame proofing certificate and carry this certificate with you to all of the shows where you will use this fabric.

2)  Storage.  A)  In general, when in an in-line booth, you are not allowed to store any materials between your booth and the booth behind yours.  In most cities, the fire marshal requires that this area be left empty as a space for emergency access in the event of a fire.  This is because the electrical service for the inline exhibits in each display area is run in this space, in the middle of the row, between the booths.  Also, the electrical wires in this area heat up.  If flammable materials are stored here, there is always a chance that they will catch fire.

B)  The fire marshal often requires a gap of 9" be left at the back of each exhibit in a row.  Two exhibits back to back leave a total of 18" between them.  This is a large enough gap for electrical wiring to cool adequately, and for an emergency personnel to access this area in the event of a fire.

Note:  Even when constructing a larger exhibit, it is a good idea to make the exhibit 9" narrower and / or 9" shorter than your rented exhibit space.  In the event that the trade show floor plan is changed, and your island booth is put side to side or back to back with another exhibit, you will still be able to provide the 9" gap that the fire marshal requires.

3)  Smoke Detectors and fire extinguishers.  The fire marshal may require smoke detectors in any enclosed areas including closets.  The fire marshal may also require fire extinguishers in various areas around the booth.  These are relatively easy to purchase and install on-site.  Be careful to note the Type of the fire extinguisher being specified as different types of extinguishers put out different types of fires.

4)  Enclosed areas.  Enclosed areas which will contain people are often required to have sprinkler systems installed.  It is our recommendation to do everything to eliminate these areas since the installation of sprinkler systems is a very expensive adaptation at all trade show venues in the United States.  Mandatory requirements for sprinkler systems start with as few as 10 square feet of enclosed space and range up to 400 square feet before sprinkler systems are required.  In general, if the exhibit roof or overhead panels eliminate the ability of water from the convention center sprinkler system to reach the floor of the convention center, than the contained space will require its own sprinkler system.  Upper decks, or double decks on exhibits are usually not considered to impede the exhibit hall sprinkler systems.  Tents that are waterproofed for outdoor use usually are considered to impede the building sprinkler systems.

5)  Hard-sided exhibits.  Egress from hard-sided exhibits must be kept in mind.  In general make sure that your exhibit allows any attendee to exit the contained space by walking no more than 50 feet to the nearest exit.  The main entrance may be augmented by use of emergency only fire exits.  These extra exits will also allow for more convenient booth construction (I&D) and merchandising before and after the show.

Special note: Attendees of trades shows at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) - Fire Marshal has banned some types of Halogen light bulbs

Since the beginning of 2003, no un-sealed halogen bulbs may be used in the Las Vegas Convention Center or LVCC.  Un-sealed light bulbs are all bulbs where the installer comes into direct contact with the bulb.  Sealed bulbs have a bulb contained within a secondary outer housing.  Unsealed bulbs have been banned as they have caused many fires within this exhibition hall.  See your exhibitor manual for a detailed explanation supported with pictures as compiled by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority - LVCVA.