Starting on June 1, some bars, nightclubs, and discos will be required to follow a new state fire safety regulation, 527 CMR 10.13, which requires any operator of a bar, night club, discotheque or dance hall that holds more than 100 people to designate what will be known as “crowd managers,” or individuals that are required to ensure access to fire exits during all hours of operation.
The new regulation stems from the lack of proper internal oversight during the 2003 fire at the Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island.
In addition to ensuring access to fire exits while a facility is being used, crowd managers must also be aware of the maximum amount of people allowed within a building under local fire codes, take control of building evacuation plans, as well as check fire alarms, smoke detectors and sprinkler systems within the building on a daily basis.
The regulation does not apply to any facilities with fixed seating capacities, such as theaters.
