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TENTS AND AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

SECTION F-2001.0 GENERAL

 F-2001.1 SCOPE: All tents, air-supported, air-inflated and tensioned membrane structures, requiring a permit pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.7, shall comply with this chapter. An air-supported structure is a structure wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure, and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area.

 F-2001.2 Deleted

 F-2001.3 INSPECTION: The entire tent or membrane structure system shall be inspected at regular intervals, but not less than four times per year, to determine that the installation complies with the Uniform Construction Code listed in Chapter 44 and is maintained in accordance with NFPA102 listed in Chapter 44.

 F-2001.4 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION: The owner of the tent or air-supported structure shall file a maintenance inspection report every three months. The inspection report shall verify that the structure has been inspected and serviced by a representative of the manufacturer of the structure.

 F-2001.5 ANCHOR INSPECTION: All anchors shall be inspected regularly, and any fabric damage shall be repaired immediately to prevent more extensive damage.

 F-2001.6 FABRIC INSPECTION: The fabric envelope shall be inspected regularly, and any fabric damage shall be repaired immediately to prevent more extensive damage.

 F-2001.7 All membrane or air supported structures shall be constructed of flameresistive materials or materials treated to render the material flameresistant in a manner approved by the fire official/marshal. The membrane material shall be either noncombustible as defined in Section F-202.0 or flame resistant conforming to NFPA 701 listed in Appendix 3-A, incorporated herein by reference.

 F-2001.8 An affidavit or affirmation shall be submitted to the fire official/marshal and a copy retained on the premises on which the membrane or air-supported structure is located, attesting to the following information relative to the flameresistance of the fabric: 

1.      The names and address of the owners of the membrane or air-supported structure;

2.      The date fabric was last treated with flame resistant solution;

3.      The trade name or kind of chemical used in treatment;

4.      The name of the person or firm treating the material; and,

5.      The name of the testing agency and test standard by which the fabric was tested.

 SECTION F-2002.0 FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

 F-2002.1 COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS: COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS: Hay, straw, shavings or similar combustible materials shall not be located within any tent or air-supported structure containing an assembly occupancy, except the materials necessary for the daily feeding and care of animals. Sawdust and shavings utilized for a public performance or exhibit shall not be prohibited, provided the sawdust and shavings are kept damp. Combustible materials shall not be permitted under stands or seats at any time. The areas within, and adjacent to the tent or air-supported structure, shall be maintained clear of all combustible materials or vegetation that will create a fire hazard within 20 feet (6096 mm) from the structure. All combustible trash shall be removed at least once a day from the structure during the period the structure is occupied by the public.

 F-2002.2 EXPOSED FLAMES: Gasoline, gas charcoal or other cooking device or any other unapproved open flame shall not be permitted inside or located within 20 feet

(6096 mm) of the tent or air-supported structured.

 F-2002.3 SPOT LIGHTING: Spot or effect lighting shall only be by electricity, and all combustible construction located within 6 feet (1829 mm) of such equipment shall be protected with approved noncombustible insulation not less than ¼-inch (6 mm) thick.

 F-2002.4 SAFETY FILM: Motion pictures shall not be displayed in tents or air-supported structures unless the motion picture film is safety film.

 F-2002.5 CLEARANCE: There shall be a minimum clearance of at least 3 feet

(914 mm) between the fabric envelope and all contents located inside the air-supported structure.

 F-2002.6 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating, or two portable fire extinguishers 2-A rating each, shall be provided in all tents or air-supported structures.

 SECTION F-2003.0AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

 F-2003.1 INFLATION PRESSURE: Operating pressure shall be maintained at the design pressure specified by the manufacturer.

 F-2003.2 DOOR OPERATION: During thigh winds exceeding 50 miles per hour

(80 kph) or in snow conditions, the use of doors in air-supported structures shall be controlled to avoid excessive air loss. Doors shall not be left open.