For club, pub, and large venue managers, the kitchen isn’t the only place fire risk lurks. Function rooms and back-of-house storage areas, though less scrutinised than the commercial kitchen, present unique and dynamic fire safety challenges that can quickly compromise your venue’s compliance and put patrons at risk.
At Promaster Protection, we understand that professional fire safety means looking beyond the obvious. As your trusted partner in Newcastle, the Central Coast, and Sydney, we help you manage the high-stakes, fast-changing risks in your public and private spaces.
Here is a checklist of hidden fire risks to address in your function rooms and storage areas.
A function room is a constantly changing environment. What was safe at 9 AM might become a severe hazard by 7 PM when tables and chairs are set up.
The Hazard:
- Temporary furniture, portable bars, screens, and even crowd flow can quickly block or narrow the path to designated fire exits.
The Solution:
- Measure and Map: Your venue’s Evacuation Plan must clearly designate fire exit routes. Ensure all setup plans and event managers strictly adhere to these maps, maintaining the minimum required clearance in hallways and near doors.
- Exit Signage: Ensure all exit signs are clearly visible and illuminated, even when temporary lighting or screens are used for an event.
- Avoid Propping Doors: Never prop open fire or smoke doors. These doors are crucial for containing smoke and fire to give patrons time to evacuate.
Function rooms rely on temporary power for entertainment, lighting, and cooking equipment (e.g., bain-maries). This temporary setup is a major source of electrical fire risk.
The Hazard:
- Overloading power boards with sound systems, stage lighting, charging stations, and display screens creates excessive heat and greatly increases the risk of a fire.
The Prections:
- No “Piggybacking”: Educate staff and external vendors on the rule: never plug one power board into another.
- Inspect Cords: Before and after every major event, inspect all temporary extension cords and power boards for signs of damage or wear. Faulty electrical equipment must be replaced immediately.
Storage rooms, which hold everything from promotional materials and excess seating to seasonal decorations, are notorious for poor housekeeping that compromises fire safety.
The Hazard:
- Flammable materials (like cardboard boxes and plastic wrapping) stacked too high or stored too close to heat sources (such as water heaters, air conditioning units, or electrical panels) provide perfect fuel for a fire.
The Solutions:
- Keep Panels Clear: All access to electrical switchboards and fire panels must be kept completely clear and unobstructed.
- Maintain Clearance: Ensure a minimum clearance below the ceiling (or sprinkler heads) to allow water from the fire suppression system to be effective.
Managing a busy public venue requires a fire protection partner with exceptional professionalism and communication. Promaster Protection delivers meticulous service that accounts for the dynamic needs of clubs and pubs, ensuring your business stays compliant and your patrons stay safe.
Contact Promaster Protection today to review your venue’s function room and back-of-house compliance ahead of your next major event.