night club retrofit n. j. a. c. 5:70 – 4. 7 night club retrofit objectives objectives define what...

Night Club Night Club RetrofitRetrofit

N. J. A. C. 5:70 – 4. 7N. J. A. C. 5:70 – 4. 7

Night Club RetrofitNight Club Retrofit

ObjectivesObjectives

Define what is a night clubDefine what is a night club What are the requirements under the What are the requirements under the

CodeCode Why where these requirements Why where these requirements

mandatedmandated How to get compliance with the CodeHow to get compliance with the Code What sections of Sub. Chapter 4 apply.What sections of Sub. Chapter 4 apply.

Night Club RetrofitNight Club Retrofit Definition:Definition:

""Use Group A-2 Use Group A-2 (night clubs(night clubs)": Include all buildings )": Include all buildings and places of public assembly, designed for use as and places of public assembly, designed for use as dance halls, nightclubs, eating and/or drinking dance halls, nightclubs, eating and/or drinking establishments, and similar occupancies, in which establishments, and similar occupancies, in which the established maximum permitted occupant load the established maximum permitted occupant load exceedsexceeds the number of seats provided by more than the number of seats provided by more than 30 percent or which affords less than 12 square feet 30 percent or which affords less than 12 square feet net area per occupant. For purposes of determining net area per occupant. For purposes of determining the net area per occupant, only the actual public the net area per occupant, only the actual public assembly room or rooms shall be considered. For assembly room or rooms shall be considered. For purposes of applying the requirements of this purposes of applying the requirements of this chapter, the nightclub chapter, the nightclub shallshall include all rooms, include all rooms, lobbies and other spaces connected thereto with a lobbies and other spaces connected thereto with a common means of egress and entrance.common means of egress and entrance.

Points in determining Points in determining whether or not an assembly whether or not an assembly

space is a nightclub space is a nightclub 1. When the maximum occupant load 1. When the maximum occupant load

exceeds the amount of seats by 30%. exceeds the amount of seats by 30%. For example, if the maximum occupant For example, if the maximum occupant load of the building is calculated at 15 load of the building is calculated at 15 square foot net per person totaling 500 square foot net per person totaling 500 occupants, the number of seats occupants, the number of seats provided would need to be at least 350 provided would need to be at least 350 or more. If there are less than 350 or more. If there are less than 350 seats, the space would be considered a seats, the space would be considered a nightclub nightclub


space is a nightclubspace is a nightclub 2. Consider whether the net square 2. Consider whether the net square

footage affords less than 12 square foot footage affords less than 12 square foot per person. The fire official must verify per person. The fire official must verify the occupant load for each assembly the occupant load for each assembly space. To determine this, any area space. To determine this, any area which is non-occupiable space must be which is non-occupiable space must be deducted from the square footage deducted from the square footage calculations, only the actual occupiable calculations, only the actual occupiable space should be used in the square space should be used in the square footage calculations. footage calculations.


space is a nightclubspace is a nightclub 2. Some examples of non-2. Some examples of non-

occupiable spaces would include: occupiable spaces would include: thickness of walls, coat rooms, thickness of walls, coat rooms, entertainment stages or platforms, entertainment stages or platforms, closets, fireplaces, pool tables, closets, fireplaces, pool tables, bathrooms or bars and the serving bathrooms or bars and the serving areas behind a bar. The fire official areas behind a bar. The fire official must start with the gross area of must start with the gross area of the building and deduct the non-the building and deduct the non-occupiable spaces or areas to occupiable spaces or areas to determine the net floor area determine the net floor area


space is a nightclubspace is a nightclub When determining the total occupant When determining the total occupant

load of the nightclub for the examples load of the nightclub for the examples above you must include all rooms, above you must include all rooms, lobbies and other spaces that share a lobbies and other spaces that share a common means of entrance and common means of entrance and egress. The fire official must verify egress. The fire official must verify the net occupant load for each room the net occupant load for each room or space that may be occupied if the or space that may be occupied if the same entrance or exits are shared same entrance or exits are shared

Night Club retrofitNight Club retrofit

Code AdoptionCode Adoption

N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.1 (b) 2N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.1 (b) 2

Use Group A-2 (nightclubs) shall be in Use Group A-2 (nightclubs) shall be in compliance with the applicable compliance with the applicable requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.7, 4.9 and requirements of N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.7, 4.9 and 4.11 effective on February 5, 2007 by 4.11 effective on February 5, 2007 by February 5, 2009. February 5, 2009.


N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.3 N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.3 Relationship to Uniform Construction CodeRelationship to Uniform Construction Code (a) 1 - A building or portion thereof of Use Group (a) 1 - A building or portion thereof of Use Group

A-2 nightclub shall be required to conform to the A-2 nightclub shall be required to conform to the more restrictive requirements established by this more restrictive requirements established by this subchapter subchapter unlessunless the building is in full the building is in full compliance with the Building Officials and Code compliance with the Building Officials and Code Administrators National Building Code, 1990 Administrators National Building Code, 1990 edition or a later edition of the building sub-code edition or a later edition of the building sub-code of the Uniform Construction Code, of the Uniform Construction Code, andand possesses possesses a valid certificate of occupancy. a valid certificate of occupancy.


N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.3 N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.3 Relationship to Uniform Construction Relationship to Uniform Construction

CodeCode

(a) 2 - A variation issued in writing pursuant to (a) 2 - A variation issued in writing pursuant to the Uniform Construction Code in connection the Uniform Construction Code in connection with the construction of a building shall remain with the construction of a building shall remain in force and effect provided that all of the in force and effect provided that all of the conditions of the variation continue to be met conditions of the variation continue to be met and shall not be reversed or modified for and shall not be reversed or modified for purposes of establishing compliance with this purposes of establishing compliance with this subchapter. subchapter.


Requirements:Requirements: N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.7 (Fire Suppression N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.7 (Fire Suppression

System)System)

N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.9 (Automatic Fire Alarms)N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.9 (Automatic Fire Alarms)

N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.10 (Manual Fire Alarms)N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.10 (Manual Fire Alarms)

N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.11 (Means of Egress)N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.11 (Means of Egress)

Night Club Night Club retrofitretrofit

Why are these Why are these requirements requirements mandated?mandated?

Historic Night Club FiresHistoric Night Club Fires

Boston, Nov. 28, Boston, Nov. 28, 1942.1942.

Coconut Grove Coconut Grove 492 people killed492 people killed Deadliest night club Deadliest night club

fire in U. S. historyfire in U. S. history Smoke rises from Smoke rises from

the fire raging the fire raging through the through the Cocoanut Grove Cocoanut Grove nightclub. nightclub.


Occupant load 460Occupant load 460

People inside approx. People inside approx. 1,0001,000

In five minutes, In five minutes, flames had spread to flames had spread to the main clubroom the main clubroom and the entire and the entire nightclub was ablaze nightclub was ablaze


Natchez, MS. Aprl. Natchez, MS. Aprl. 23, 1940 23, 1940

Rhythm Night ClubRhythm Night Club

209 people killed209 people killed

The second The second deadliest night club deadliest night club fire in U. S. history fire in U. S. history

Historic Night Club FiresHistoric Night Club Fires Southgate, Ky. May 28, Southgate, Ky. May 28,

19771977

Beverly Hills Supper Beverly Hills Supper Club Club

164 people killed 164 people killed

Third deadliest night Third deadliest night club fire in U.S. historyclub fire in U.S. history

Many of whom became Many of whom became jammed in exit doors as jammed in exit doors as they tried to escapethey tried to escape

Historic Night Club FiresHistoric Night Club Fires West Warwick, RI. West Warwick, RI.

Feb. 20, 2003Feb. 20, 2003

The Station Night ClubThe Station Night Club

100 people died (96 100 people died (96 during incident)during incident)

The fourth deadliest The fourth deadliest night club fire in U. S. night club fire in U. S. historyhistory


Occupant load 300Occupant load 300

462 people inside 462 people inside

4 exits4 exits

The building was The building was involved inside of involved inside of three minutes three minutes


New York City, NY. New York City, NY. Mar 22, 1990Mar 22, 1990

Happy Land Social Happy Land Social ClubClub

87 people killed87 people killed

Fire Suppression SystemFire Suppression System

N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.7 Fire Suppression N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.7 Fire Suppression SystemSystem (a) All buildings of Use Group A-2 (a) All buildings of Use Group A-2

(nightclubs) or portions thereof when (nightclubs) or portions thereof when separated in accordance with (1) below separated in accordance with (1) below shallshall be equipped throughout with an be equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system installed automatic fire suppression system installed in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code where any of the Construction Code where any of the conditions in (a)1, 2 or 3 below exist:conditions in (a)1, 2 or 3 below exist:


4.7-(a) 1-4.7-(a) 1- The A-2 (nightclub) Use or portion The A-2 (nightclub) Use or portion

thereof is located on a floor other than thereof is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge. For purposes the level of exit discharge. For purposes of applying this paragraph, the level of of applying this paragraph, the level of exit discharge shall be defined as exit discharge shall be defined as having all exits discharging not more having all exits discharging not more than five feet above, nor more than two than five feet above, nor more than two feet below, the adjacent grade feet below, the adjacent grade


4.7 – (a)2. The building or portion thereof 4.7 – (a)2. The building or portion thereof has an occupant load of 300 or more has an occupant load of 300 or more i. Voluntarily limiting occupant load in a i. Voluntarily limiting occupant load in a

space that will accommodate a greater space that will accommodate a greater number shall not be permitted for purposes of number shall not be permitted for purposes of determining whether suppression is required. determining whether suppression is required. The nightclub space itself may be reduced to a The nightclub space itself may be reduced to a size such that the occupant load calculated in size such that the occupant load calculated in accordance with Table 5:70-4.11(f)3 at accordance with Table 5:70-4.11(f)3 at 5:70-4.11(f)3 is fewer than 300 (f)3 is fewer than 300


If this option is chosen, then the If this option is chosen, then the following conditions shall apply: following conditions shall apply: (1) The nightclub space shall be (1) The nightclub space shall be

separated from other portions of the separated from other portions of the building through the use of one hour building through the use of one hour fire resistance rated assemblies fire resistance rated assemblies constructed in accordance with the constructed in accordance with the building sub code of the U. C. C.building sub code of the U. C. C.


(2)(2) Opening protective's constructed in Opening protective's constructed in accordance with the building sub-code accordance with the building sub-code shall be required for all openings shall be required for all openings between accessory use areas and the between accessory use areas and the nightclub space. For purposes of nightclub space. For purposes of applying these requirements, accessory applying these requirements, accessory use areas shall include, but not be use areas shall include, but not be limited to, all back of house spaces, limited to, all back of house spaces, storage rooms, offices, kitchens and storage rooms, offices, kitchens and coatrooms. Accessory use areas shall not coatrooms. Accessory use areas shall not include any assembly spaces include any assembly spaces

Fire Suppression SystemFire Suppression System (3)(3) No openings shall be permitted between any No openings shall be permitted between any

non- non- accessory use areas and the accessory use areas and the nightclub nightclub

(4)(4) The separated, non-accessory portions of the The separated, non-accessory portions of the building shall not contain any building shall not contain any

assembly usesassembly uses (5)(5) The means of egress serving any separated, The means of egress serving any separated,

non-non- accessory portions of the building and accessory portions of the building and the means of the means of egress serving the nightclub egress serving the nightclub shall be totally shall be totally independent of one independent of one another another

(A)(A) Exception: Means of egress shared between a Exception: Means of egress shared between a nightclub and a separated, non-accessory space shall be nightclub and a separated, non-accessory space shall be permitted for nightclubs located in buildings of Use Group R-1 permitted for nightclubs located in buildings of Use Group R-1


4.7(a) 34.7(a) 3 The building or portion thereof exceeds 5,000 The building or portion thereof exceeds 5,000

square feet. square feet.

4.7(a) 44.7(a) 4 The automatic fire suppression system shall be The automatic fire suppression system shall be

tied to the performance sound system and to the tied to the performance sound system and to the house lights in such a way that activation of the house lights in such a way that activation of the fire suppression system mutes the performance fire suppression system mutes the performance sound system and restores the intensity of sound system and restores the intensity of illumination to that required by N.J.A.C. 5:70-illumination to that required by N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.1l(i)2 4.1l(i)2

Automatic Fire AlarmsAutomatic Fire Alarms

N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.9 Automatic Fire N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.9 Automatic Fire AlarmsAlarms

4.9(a)4.9(a)

An automatic fire alarm system shall be An automatic fire alarm system shall be installed as required below in accordance installed as required below in accordance with the New Jersey Uniform Construction with the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Code


4.9(a) 94.9(a) 9

In all buildings or portions thereof of In all buildings or portions thereof of Use Group A-2 (nightclubs) with an Use Group A-2 (nightclubs) with an occupant load of 100 or more that are occupant load of 100 or more that are not otherwise required to have an not otherwise required to have an automatic fire suppression system. automatic fire suppression system.


4.9(a) 9 i4.9(a) 9 i If the alarm is activated by smoke If the alarm is activated by smoke

detectors, it shall be activated by either two detectors, it shall be activated by either two cross-zoned smoke detectors within a single cross-zoned smoke detectors within a single protected area or a single smoke detector protected area or a single smoke detector monitored by an alarm verification zone or monitored by an alarm verification zone or an approved equivalent method and the an approved equivalent method and the smoke detectors shall be of a type designed smoke detectors shall be of a type designed to reduce the possibility of false to reduce the possibility of false notifications based on the conditions notifications based on the conditions present in the area protected present in the area protected


4.9 (a) 9 ii4.9 (a) 9 ii

The automatic fire alarm system shall The automatic fire alarm system shall be tied to the performance sound be tied to the performance sound system and to the house lights in such a system and to the house lights in such a way that activation of the fire detection way that activation of the fire detection system mutes the performance sound system mutes the performance sound system and restores the intensity of system and restores the intensity of illumination to that required by illumination to that required by N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.11(i)2. N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.11(i)2.

Manual Fire AlarmsManual Fire Alarms

N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.10N.J.A.C. 5:70 – 4.10 4.10 (a) - A manual fire alarm system, 4.10 (a) - A manual fire alarm system,

designed and installed in accordance designed and installed in accordance with the Uniform Construction Code, with the Uniform Construction Code, shall be required shall be required

4.10 (a) 3 - In all buildings required to 4.10 (a) 3 - In all buildings required to have an automatic fire alarm system in have an automatic fire alarm system in accordance with accordance with 5:70-4.9, except …, except …

Means of EgressMeans of Egress N.J.A.C. 4.11 Means of EgressN.J.A.C. 4.11 Means of Egress

4.11(f)4.11(f) The capacity of means of egress in each story shall be The capacity of means of egress in each story shall be

sufficient for the occupant load thereof.sufficient for the occupant load thereof. 4.11(f) 3 4.11(f) 3

The maximum permitted occupant load of a given The maximum permitted occupant load of a given space shall be determined by dividing the floor area space shall be determined by dividing the floor area for a given use by the occupant load factor in Table for a given use by the occupant load factor in Table 5:70-4.11(f)3.5:70-4.11(f)3.

i.i. Except in Use Group A-2 Except in Use Group A-2 (nightclubs), the occupant load may be equal to the (nightclubs), the occupant load may be equal to the total number of occupants for whom exit capacity total number of occupants for whom exit capacity is provided as determined by (f)1 above. The is provided as determined by (f)1 above. The resulting total occupant load shall not exceed one resulting total occupant load shall not exceed one occupant per five square feet of net floor area over occupant per five square feet of net floor area over the entire usethe entire use..

Means of EgressMeans of Egress

4.11(g)4.11(g) All buildings of Use Group A with an All buildings of Use Group A with an

occupant load of 100 or more shall be occupant load of 100 or more shall be provided with a main entrance capable provided with a main entrance capable of serving as the main exit with an of serving as the main exit with an egress capacity for at least one-half the egress capacity for at least one-half the total occupant load. The remaining exits total occupant load. The remaining exits shall be capable of providing two-thirds shall be capable of providing two-thirds of the total required exit capacity. of the total required exit capacity.


4.11(g) 14.11(g) 1 For Use Group A-2 (nightclubs), the main For Use Group A-2 (nightclubs), the main

exit and at least one remaining exit shall be exit and at least one remaining exit shall be placed a distance apart equal to one-half placed a distance apart equal to one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal the length of the maximum overall diagonal distance of the area served in buildings not distance of the area served in buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system and one-third the fire sprinkler system and one-third the maximum overall diagonal distance of the maximum overall diagonal distance of the area served in buildings or portions thereof area served in buildings or portions thereof that are equipped throughout with an that are equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system. automatic fire sprinkler system.


4.11(g) 24.11(g) 2 Use Group A-2 (nightclub) buildings or Use Group A-2 (nightclub) buildings or

portions thereof with an occupant load portions thereof with an occupant load of more than 300 shall have a main of more than 300 shall have a main entrance capable of serving as the main entrance capable of serving as the main exit with an egress capacity for at least exit with an egress capacity for at least two-thirds of the total occupant load. two-thirds of the total occupant load. The remaining exits shall also be The remaining exits shall also be capable of providing two-thirds of the capable of providing two-thirds of the total required exit capacity total required exit capacity


4.11(i)4.11(i)

All means of egress shall be provided All means of egress shall be provided with artificial illumination with artificial illumination


4.11(i) 3i4.11(i) 3i

The lighting of exits, aisles, auditoriums The lighting of exits, aisles, auditoriums and other assembly spaces shall be and other assembly spaces shall be controlled from a location inaccessible controlled from a location inaccessible to unauthorized persons. to unauthorized persons. Supplementary control shall also be Supplementary control shall also be provided in the motion picture provided in the motion picture projection room or lighting booth, if projection room or lighting booth, if any. any.


4.11(i) 3ii4.11(i) 3ii

In assembly spaces, illumination shall In assembly spaces, illumination shall be restored automatically to the level be restored automatically to the level required by (i)2 above upon activation required by (i)2 above upon activation of the fire suppression or fire alarm of the fire suppression or fire alarm system. system.

Common QuestionsCommon Questions

1- Does the regulation apply to 1- Does the regulation apply to social clubs, fire houses, elks social clubs, fire houses, elks lodge, church halls, etc.? The lodge, church halls, etc.? The rooms within these rooms within these establishments may fall into the establishments may fall into the nightclub definition on a day-nightclub definition on a day-by-day basis or weekly basis by-day basis or weekly basis depending on their seating for a depending on their seating for a particular event.particular event.

AnswerAnswer The definition is based upon net area The definition is based upon net area

per occupant and thus limits the per occupant and thus limits the applicability of the requirement. Only applicability of the requirement. Only nightclubs and not all eating and nightclubs and not all eating and drinking establishments are covered. drinking establishments are covered. The requirements for nightclub fire The requirements for nightclub fire safety must apply equally to all safety must apply equally to all establishments that meet the establishments that meet the definition of nightclub regardless of definition of nightclub regardless of whether the space is used for a whether the space is used for a different purpose at different times of different purpose at different times of the day.the day.

Answer Con’tAnswer Con’t

If the established maximum If the established maximum permitted occupant load exceeds the permitted occupant load exceeds the number of seats provided by more number of seats provided by more than 30 percent than 30 percent oror there is less than there is less than 12 square feet net area per 12 square feet net area per occupant, then it is a nightclub and occupant, then it is a nightclub and the rules apply.the rules apply.

QuestionQuestion How is the interconnection of lights How is the interconnection of lights

and sound to the alarms being and sound to the alarms being handled for a facility that uses handled for a facility that uses temporary set-ups with different temporary set-ups with different power sources?power sources?

Answer:Answer: The installation would The installation would require an electrical permit under the require an electrical permit under the UCC. If the wiring/configuration is UCC. If the wiring/configuration is different every time, then they would different every time, then they would need to secure an electrical permit need to secure an electrical permit every time.every time.

The Station Club (NO The Station Club (NO Sprinklers)Sprinklers)

The Station Club (WITH The Station Club (WITH Sprinklers)Sprinklers)

Summary for NightclubsSummary for Nightclubs

SuppressionSuppression Retains the current Retains the current threshold of 300 occupants, but threshold of 300 occupants, but rescinds the existing provision which rescinds the existing provision which allows owners to limit occupancy allows owners to limit occupancy voluntarily in order to fall below the voluntarily in order to fall below the threshold. Also requires suppression threshold. Also requires suppression for all nightclubs that are not at for all nightclubs that are not at grade and for all nightclubs greater grade and for all nightclubs greater than 5,000 sq. ft. in area. than 5,000 sq. ft. in area.


House Lights and Sound SystemHouse Lights and Sound System - - Requires that the house lights and the Requires that the house lights and the performance sound system be tied to performance sound system be tied to the suppression system and to the the suppression system and to the detection system so that an activation detection system so that an activation of either of these systems would cause of either of these systems would cause the house lights to return to the the house lights to return to the required level for egress lighting and required level for egress lighting and the performance sound system to shut the performance sound system to shut down. down.


Automatic Fire DetectionAutomatic Fire Detection - Requires - Requires full automatic fire detection systems full automatic fire detection systems throughout all nightclubs with an throughout all nightclubs with an occupant load of 100 or more that do occupant load of 100 or more that do not have suppression systems.not have suppression systems.

Summary for NightclubsSummary for Nightclubs ExitsExits - Mandates that at least two thirds of the - Mandates that at least two thirds of the

required egress capacity be at the main required egress capacity be at the main entrance (or entrances) for nightclubs with an entrance (or entrances) for nightclubs with an occupant load greater than 300. (This is in occupant load greater than 300. (This is in addition to the two thirds of the egress capacity addition to the two thirds of the egress capacity required to be provided by other exits.) Also required to be provided by other exits.) Also establishes requirements for the remoteness of establishes requirements for the remoteness of exits (requirement that the exits be separated exits (requirement that the exits be separated from one another by a minimum distance.) And from one another by a minimum distance.) And calls for the occupant load to be calculated calls for the occupant load to be calculated based on the number of people the space will based on the number of people the space will hold, similar to establishing the threshold for hold, similar to establishing the threshold for the suppression system requirement. the suppression system requirement.

Summary for NightclubsSummary for Nightclubs (Use) Group Definition(Use) Group Definition - Adds a standard - Adds a standard

for identifying "high occupancy" for identifying "high occupancy" establishments to the definition of establishments to the definition of nightclub. Currently, the Uniform Fire nightclub. Currently, the Uniform Fire Code addresses only clubs with a Code addresses only clubs with a maximum permitted occupant load that maximum permitted occupant load that exceeds the number of seats provided by exceeds the number of seats provided by more than 30 percent. The proposed more than 30 percent. The proposed definition includes buildings or spaces definition includes buildings or spaces which afford less than 12 square feet net which afford less than 12 square feet net area per occupant, regardless of whether area per occupant, regardless of whether there is seating for all occupants. there is seating for all occupants.

A copy of the bulletin outlining A copy of the bulletin outlining the regulations covered in this the regulations covered in this presentation can be found at the presentation can be found at the Division of Fire Safety’s websiteDivision of Fire Safety’s website

www.state.nj.us/dca/dfs and and clicking on the link for clicking on the link for Subchapter 4 Retrofit Subchapter 4 Retrofit Regulations for NightclubsRegulations for Nightclubs

If there are any If there are any questions, you can questions, you can

contact the Division of contact the Division of Fire Safety at (609) 633-Fire Safety at (609) 633-6132 or you can submit a 6132 or you can submit a question on our website, question on our website,

using the 2006 using the 2006 International Fire Code – International Fire Code –

New Jersey Edition New Jersey Edition Question buttonQuestion button

night club retrofit n. j. a. c. 5:70 – 4. 7 night club retrofit objectives objectives define what...

Documents

maximum occupant load

assembly space

net square footage

nightclub slide

square foot net

square feet net area

number of seats

square footage calculations