You are viewing an archived code
Every proscenium opening in a Type 1 stage shall be provided with a proscenium fire curtain complying with the requirements of paragraph (a) or with a fire protection system complying with the requirements of paragraph (b).
(a) Proscenium Fire Curtain.
(1) Materials. The curtain shall be of approved metal construction, or of wire-reinforced glass yarn fabric. An existing, approved reinforced asbestos curtain may be used when the proscenium opening does not exceed 28 feet in height.
(2) Performance Requirements. The curtain shall be so designed and constructed that for at least 30 minutes it will prevent all passage of flame and withstand without failure a temperature of not less than 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit and an air pressure normal to its surface of not less than ten pounds per square foot. When closed, the curtain shall be reasonably tight against the passage of smoke.
(3) Construction. The curtain shall overlap the proscenium opening by at least two feet at the top and 18 inches at each side, and shall slide vertically at each side within iron or steel grooves which shall have a minimum depth of 12 inches. No part of any curtain shall be supported by or fastened to combustible material.
(4) The curtain shall be so arranged and maintained that, in case of fire, it will be released automatically and instantly by an approved heat- actuated device, and will descend slowly and safely by its own weight to completely close the proscenium opening within 30 seconds, taking not over five seconds for the bottom five feet. It shall also be equipped with effective devices to permit prompt and immediate closing of the proscenium opening by manual means.
(5) Machinery. All machines and hoisting gear shall be designed in accordance with safe practice. The “American National Safety Code for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators and Moving Walks”, ANSI A17.1-1971, with its supplement ANSI A17.1b-1973, shall be considered as a guide to safe practice except as otherwise stated in this Code. Travel limit stops and room for over-travel shall be provided.
(b) Fire Protection System.
(1) The fire protection system shall consist of an opaque curtain and a deluge system.
(2) An approved opaque fabric curtain system shall be installed in the proscenium opening, so arranged that it will close both automatically and manually.
(3) A water spray deluge system shall be installed on the stage side of the proscenium opening, arranged to discharge water on the curtain and on the stage floor behind the curtain at a discharge density of not less than three gallons per minute per lineal foot of opening. Operation shall be both automatic and manual. Equipment, materials and installation shall be in conformance with Chapter 15-16. Shutoff valves shall be electrically supervised.
(4) Automatic operation of the stage fire protection system shall be by means of approved combination fixed-temperature and rate-of-rise heat detectors located throughout the stage, as approved by the fire commissioner. Manual operation shall be by means of approved electric releases on the stage and in the projection or lighting control booth. Installation shall conform to the requirements of a standard fire alarm system. In addition, a manual nonelectric release shall be provided for the curtain and for the deluge systems at readily accessible locations in the stage.
(5) Normal ventilation shall be designed to maintain an airflow from the auditorium to the stage.
(c) Abandonment of Proscenium Opening Protection. Where a Type 1 stage in an existing assembly unit has been abandoned for theatrical or similar performances, the building commissioner and the fire commissioner may jointly approve the mounting of a motion picture screen and its required sound equipment providing:
(1) All combustible stage material and equipment and scenery is removed from the stage;
(2) Where stage is provided with automatic sprinkler system, such system shall be maintained in good working condition and under pressure at all times;
(3) Present automatic stage vents to be maintained in good working condition;
(4) Proscenium curtain need not be required if a one-hour fire resistive rating noncombustible separation is provided between the space required to install the screen with its sound equipment and the balance of the stage;
(5) Such a stage shall not again be used as a Type 1 stage, unless it is brought in compliance with the present code;
(6) No portion of such stage shall be used for storage or handling of material; and
(7) The space between the screen and fire wall shall be sprinkled and vented, as called for in Chapter 15-16 of this Code.
(Prior code § 54-6.5; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-89, p. 4604; Amend Coun. J. 2-4-92, p. 12069; Amend Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 38)