2.12 Furniture

You are required to make sure that all upholstered seating complies with ignition sources 0 (zero) and 1 of BS 5852: Part 1 and ignition source 5 BS 5852: Part 2.

Catering tables should have a smooth washable surface either by the table itself or a plastic tablecloth that has a smooth washable surface.

Gangways in marquees used for trade shows and exhibitions should be of no less than 4 units of exit (i.e. 2.1 metres) between stands. There must be no projection into the gangway allowed to diminish its width.

Gangways in marquees used for a theatre or conference should be of no less than 2 units of exit (i.e. 1.05 metres) between rows of chairs/seating. There must be no projection into the gangway allowed to diminish its width.

Seating for any performance is to be arranged with adequate gangways to discharge to exits by the most direct route possible.

The numbers of seats in a row are not to exceed 7 where there is a gangway at only one end or by 14 where there is a gangway at both ends of the row. The above numbers may be increased up to 11 and 22 respectively when the normal seatway width of 305 mm is increased by 25 mm per single seat for one gangway, or pair of seats for two gangways.

Seats laid out in theatre style rows in marquees for more than 30 people must be either fixed in position or linked securely in rows of not less than 4 seats nor more than 12.

Where more than 250 temporary seats are to be used, they must be secured in the following manner:

– Seats to be linked together in lengths not less than 4, or more than 12.

– Rows of seats flanking gangways to be fixed to the floor. This may be achieved by use of floor bars
extending beyond the row to be fixed, to at least two adjacent rows, but not across gangways.
Floor bars are to have a cambered top surface and be no more than 25 mm in height.

Spaces beneath seating must be kept free from combustible material, especially the accumulation of combustible waste.