[SML] Room limits

[Stephen Litterst]

On 6/2/19 7:05 PM, Glenn Hoit via Stagecraft wrote:
> Hello listers,
> 
> Recently, at one of our sister high schools, a complaint was filed to 
> the local fire department about how many patrons were being allowed into 
> the facility. The school was cited, and in the ensuing discussion the 
> following questions were raised:
> 
>   * 1)  Is the "maximum number allowed" that is posted on the wall only
>     referencing the number in the audience, or does that number include
>     audience + actors + tech?

Ultimately, the AHJ is the one to answer this question.  We have a 
multi-use space where we have fixed seating, benches against the walls, 
and no fixed stage.  We have lengthy discussions with our fire marshal 
about just how many people are allowed in the room.

>   * 2). Is the maximum number allowed determined by the number of
>     physical seats in the Hall?

Again, based on conversations with my fire marshal, the answer is, "it 
depends."  Fixed seats is a good starting point, but egress is the true 
determiner.  If you have appropriate egress, your AHJ might allow for 
standing-room patrons.

Steve L.


-- 
Stephen Litterst            Technical Operations Supervisor
litterst at udel.edu           Mitchell Hall
302/831-0601                University of Delaware