FSU Crowd Manager Training

Gerred Pogge, MPA

Legal Requirements

The Florida Fire Prevention Code requires places of assembly must have at least (1) crowd

manager or crowd manager supervisor. Where occupant loads exceed 250, additional crowd managers/supervisors may be required at the

ratio of 1 crowd manager for every 250 occupants.

Duties and Responsibilities• Crowd managers are responsible for

audience safety• Crowd managers must have a means to

communicate emergency information and alert emergency personnel

• Crowd managers must ensure a safe evacuation of the public when necessary

Fire Drill

A pre-event meeting to determine staff duties and a fire drill should be conducted with all show members in order to familiarize cast and crew with their responsibilities, location of exits, fire alarm pull stations, and fire extinguishers

Pre-event Check• Before a performance a crowd

manager, usher, or a responsible party should check the facility to ensure that all emergency exit signs are illuminated, exit doors are unlocked from the egress side, no obstructions block exit doors or paths of egress. Check for clear access to all fire safety equipment

Audible Announcement

• NFPA 101, Section 12.7.7.3 “An audible announcement shall be made or a projected image shown, prior to the start of each program that notifies occupants of the location of the exits to be used in case of a fire or other emergency.”

Fire Alarm Systems• Can be activated by

pull stations, heat/smoke detectors, or water flow from sprinkler heads.

• Alarm systems are monitored by FSU Fire Safety and FSUPD Emergency Dispatch

Sprinkler Systems• Designed to actuate

when a sprinkler head reaches a specific temperature.

• Typically only individual head over a fire will discharge

• Will activate the fire alarm when water flows through system

Fire Safety• Crowd managers and

ushers should know how to activate the building fire alarm system and alert emergency services

• Each crowd manager should be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers

In the event of a fire• Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station to

alert building occupants and FSUPD. • Direct the public towards the closest

emergency exit• Only use a fire extinguisher to put out fires if

it is safe to do so once the alarm has been activated

Directing the Public• Ensure a calm and orderly evacuation. • Give clear concise directions and use

hand motions to direct the public in the event of an emergency situation

• Close doors as you leave, make sure everyone knows there is a fire, and call for help from a safe location

• Assemble the public a safe distance away from the building and try to identify any missing individuals

Calling for help

• Always call 9-1-1 in an emergency • Call FSUPD @ 644-1234 on campus for

non-emergencies• Report fires or smoke as soon as they are

discovered• Inform emergency personnel of anyone

unaccounted for and their last know location

Fire Extinguishers• All fire extinguishers

should be checked prior to the performance to ensure they are functional and available during emergency situations

How to use an extinguisher

PASS• P- pull the pin from the extinguisher handle• A- aim the nozzle at the base of the fire• S- squeeze the handle with the palm of your

hand to discharge the unit at the fire• S- sweep the nozzle slowly back and forth at

the fire as you spray until the fire is completely out

*Always stand about ten feet away from the fire to avoid being burned

Extinguisher Label

Performing a quick check• Make sure the arrow on the gauge point

to the green “full” position and the pull pin is intact

• Visually inspect the cylinder for damage. Call FSU Fire Safety to replace damaged or missing units

• Check the nozzle for obstructions• Hold the extinguisher upside down for 1

minute to fluff the dry chemical extinguishing agent

References• Florida Fire Prevention Code 2010 Ed.• NFPA 101, Section 12.7.6 for new

occupancies and NFPA 101, Section 13.7.6 for existing occupancies

• NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code