Assembly Occupancy / Stage - guard requirements

[Care]

Hello! I will be working on a renovation for an assembly hall, for over 200 occupants, and I was wondering if the stage requires a guard? The stage is currently higher than 600mm from the adjacent walking surface; however, it is used on occasion and by employees and invited speakers.

Thank you for your help!

 

[tmurray]

You mean at the front of the stage?

I don't have access to the new OBC, but the old one exempted stages in 3.3.1.17.(1)(6)(a). Also in the national code in 3.3.1.18.(1)(5)(a).

 

[Care]

Yes, I mean in the front of the stage. Would we require any other safety measures?

 

[tmurray]

Yes, I mean in the front of the stage. Would we require any other safety measures?

From a code standpoint, nothing is coming to mind.

 

[bill1952]

The Life Safety Code requires a written plan for this condition. The number of falls from a stage is significant. I researched fires on stages and in about 20% fire service were injured when they fell off the stage. I specify a temporary guard - usually netting attached to proscenium. Most professionals erect temporary guards for set ups, etc Most of the falls I have seen or heard reported are not performers, but workers or people not usually on a stage. Worst in my memory are college presidents and trustees "touring". Warnings and instruction are helpful. And just like people are not permitted in a factory or lab or construction site at least without some protection, a stage should be treated the same.

So, the front of the stage is a code exception to guards as are openings within the stage, but a hazard that the owner should know of and be addressed.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

First off, recognize that 'stage' is a defined term in NBC.

"Stage means a space that is designed primarily for theatrical performances with provision for quick change scenery and overhead lighting, including environmental control for a wide range of lighting and sound effects and that is traditionally, but not necessarily, separated from the audience by a proscenium wall and curtain opening."

As noted, the edge of stages is exempt from guards (and tactile elements under 3.3.1.19 - NBC 2020)

Secondly a stage has its own unique Code requirements, including sprinklers, deluge sprinklers for the stage area, fire curtains, ventilation and the like. (3.3.2.14 in NBC 2020).

I went through this stuff with someone in our area who was contemplating renovating a church to create an arts centre and theatre. It stuck in my head ...

 

[cworks]

You mean at the front of the stage?

I don't have access to the new OBC, but the old one exempted stages in 3.3.1.17.(1)(6)(a). Also in the national code in 3.3.1.18.(1)(5)(a).

Yup. 2024 OBC 3.3.1.18. (5)(a) Guards do not apply to front edges of stages. Looks like the new OBC harmonized the code section with the NBC.