Stage Fire Safety Construction encompasses the specific structural and operational requirements designed to contain fires within theatrical stages and protect the auditorium. According to the 1935-Miami-Dade-Building-Code_p265_284, these regulations focus on ventilation, fire separation, and egress.
Stage Ventilators
Stage ventilators are critical for exhausting heat and smoke. They must be constructed of metal or other incombustible materials and located above the highest part of the stage (p. 272). The total ventilation area must equal at least 5% of the floor area within the stage walls (p. 272). Doors must open automatically via fusible links that melt at 160°F, and manual controls via chain or wire must also be provided (p. 272). Glass in ventilators must be protected to prevent falling onto the stage (p. 272).
Proscenium Walls
The proscenium wall serves as a primary fire-separation-standards. In Group A and B occupancies, this wall must be solid masonry with not less than four-hour fire-resistive-construction-requirements (p. 273). It must extend at least 4 feet above the roof over the auditorium (p. 273). Openings in the proscenium wall are strictly limited and must be protected by one-hour fire-resistive doors (p. 273-274). In Group C occupancies, the wall may be metal studs protected by Portland cement stucco and plaster (p. 273).
Proscenium Curtains
proscenium-curtain-specifications details the requirements for the main opening. Curtains must be made of asbestos cloth reinforced with metal wire, capable of intercepting hot gases and flame for at least five minutes (p. 277). They must close in less than 30 seconds (p. 277). The operating equipment includes steel guides, counter-weights, and safety chains to ensure reliable operation during emergencies (p. 279-280).
Stage Floors and Platforms
Stage floors in Group A and B buildings must be Type I construction, except for the area back from the proscenium opening which may use steel or heavy timbers covered with wood (p. 274). All stage floors must support at least 125 pounds per square foot (p. 274). Raised platforms in assembly rooms require fire-protected walls and ceilings, and any trapped air space over 2 feet must be vented to the outside (p. 274).
Exits and Egress
egress-and-exit-standards apply to stage areas. At least one exit, 2 feet 6 inches wide, must be provided from each side of the stage opening to a street or exit court (p. 274). Exit stairs from fly galleries and dressing rooms must also be at least 2 feet 6 inches wide (p. 274).
Accessory Rooms
Dressing rooms, workshops, and storerooms must be located on the stage side of the proscenium wall and separated from each other and the stage by special or ordinary fire separation depending on the occupancy group (p. 273).