Indoor Assembly Exhibit Checklist

Last Updated: December 3rd, 2024

Fire Prevention Practices for Exposition Events

The Lansing Fire Department, in an attempt to maintain a safe and enjoyable event has established the following Rules and Regulations to be observed by all exhibitors and vendors. These rules are derived from model fire prevention code such as NFPA 101, Life Safety Code and the International Fire Code. If you have any questions regarding these regulations, contact the Lansing Fire Marshal’s Office at 517-483-4200.

Table of Contents

1 General Precautions

  1. No display or exhibit shall be installed or operated to interfere in any way with access to any required exit or with the visibility of any required exit or required exit sign.
  2. Fire Fighting Equipment: All fire extinguishers and hose valves shall not be blocked by displays or exhibits and shall remain accessible at all times.
  3. Electrical: The use of unfused multi-plug adaptors and multi-plug adaptors and multi-plug cords is prohibited. Temporary use of extension cords is allowed unit the following conditions:
    1. Of adequate gauge (size) for the equipment being supplied.
    2. Protected from damage and not in traffic areas.
  4. Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all exhibition areas. “No Smoking” signs shall be
    posted. Smoke is allowed only in areas so designed.
  5. Compressed flammable gasses: flammable or combustible liquids, hazardous
    chemicals or materials; and Class II or greater lasers, blasting agents, and explosives shall be prohibited within exhibit halls unless approved by the Fire Department.

2 Exhibits

  1. The travel distance within the exhibit booth or exhibit enclosure to an exit aisle shall not exceed 50 ft.
  2. The upper deck of multi-level exhibits exceeding 300 square feet shall have not less than two remote means of egress.
  3. Exhibit booths shall be constructed of the following:
    1. Noncombustible of limited-combustible materials.
    2. Fire-retardant wood
    3. Flame-retardant materials
    4. Textile wall coverings, such as carpeting and similar products used as wall or ceiling finishes having a Class A flame spread rating.
  4. Draperies. Curtains and other similar loosely hanging furnishings and decorations shall be flame resistant.
  5. Acoustical and decorative mater including, but not limited to, cotton, hay, paper, straw, moss, split bamboo and wood chips shall be flame-retardant treated to the satisfactions of the fire department. Materials that cannot be treated for flame retardant shall not be used.
  6. The following shall be protected by automatic extinguishing systems:
    1. Single-level exhibit booths exceeding 300 ft2 and covered with a ceiling.
    2. Each level of multi-level booths, including the uppermost level where the uppermost level is covered with a ceiling. A single exhibit or group of exhibits with ceilings that do not require sprinklers shall be separated by a distance of not less than 10 ft. where the aggregate ceiling exceeds 300 ft2.Exception: Vehicles, boats and similar exhibited products having over 100 ft2 of roofed area shall be provided with smoke detectors acceptable to the fire department.
  7. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands, or equipment that exceeds 4 feet in width.
  8. No open flame devices or pyrotechnic device shall be used in assembly occupancy unless approved by the fire department.
  9. Open flame devices, where approved, shall be isolated from the public by at least 48 inches and shall be separated from combustible materials by at least 24 inches.
  10. Combustible materials within exhibit booths shall be limited to a one-day supply. Storage of combustible materials behind the booth shall be prohibited.
  11. The use of compressed natural gas is allowed where permitted by the fire department.

3 Vehicle Displays

  1. All GASOLINE or DIESEL fuel powered vehicles openings shall be locked and sealed in an approved manner to prevent the escape of vapors. Gasoline fuel tanks shall not contain in excess of one-quarter their capacity or contain in excess of 5 gallons of fuel, whichever is less.
  2. Fueling or de-fueling of vehicles is prohibited inside the building.
  3. At least one battery cable shall be removed from the batteries used to start the vehicle
    engine. The disconnected battery cable shall then be taped.
  4. Batteries used to power auxiliary equipment shall be permitted to be kept in service.
  5. Vehicles shall not be moved during exhibit hours.
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