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Bryan Carroll
Member - 2 posts
Our halls of residence have a common room. To try and control the amount of parties being held we ask residents to let us know and to officially use the common room. Is there some equation for maximum numbers that can attend depending on the size of the room? Is there any other issues that need to be addressed to allow parties in a private common room - no fees asked for and no payment for hire.
Thank you
Chez Stewart
Senior Residences Manager
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Anonymous
I used to work for a Housing Association and the Fire Brigade gave us a rule of thumb of 1.2 m per person.
This was for elderly and therefore assumed that there may be some people in wheelchairs and walking frames.
It was to be calculated with all furniture assumed out of the room.
Also look at the stress calculations of the floor, we brought a floor down in our student days overloading.
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David Jones
Member - 2 posts
The Fire Certificate might also give you a maximum occupancy number, depending on when it was issued.
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Graham Jones
Member - 9 posts
Chez.
It might sound daft but have you contacted the H & S rep for the University? That person should be able to assist in assessing the ocupancy rating for the common room dependant on the use you wish to put it to i,e, dancing,dining etc.
Alternativly your local Fire Safety officer at the fire station nearest to you will assist as will the local Building control officer at the local council.
P.S Dont forget to ensure the Means of Escape are readily available for the numbers of people in the area.
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Johanna Burns
Member - 12 posts
You need to look at the publication 'Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places of Entertainment' and Like Premises, (ISBN 0 11 340907 9) which was first published by the Home Office in 1990 and again in 1996.
On page 43 it gives guidance on Occupant Load Factors related to the use of the room.The figures vary according to use and whether or not any seating is provided. For example the levels quoted are between 0.3 to 0.5sq.m per person for bar and dance areas. These all then relate to the width of the exit doors.
I hope this helps.
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