A Safer RWC

Thanks to S&T’s fire engineers and several event organisers it’s good to know that festivities surrounding the recent Rugby World Cup were not only fun, but safe. Michael Dixon and his team carried out fire safety reviews of temporary structures created for specific events, including the Fanzones for the RWC, Cirque du Soleil and structures erected for seasonal functions like the Winter Garden at Wynyard Quarter. These structures range from simple marquees to inflatable buildings, some with a combination of rigid and flexible coverings.

Depending on the size and type of event, most of these structures required a building consent and part of that process is a fire safety review. Fire reviews focus particularly on the occupancy numbers and egress provisions, but also look at the flammability of the fabrics used.  Some projects included temporary seating that required temporary installations of manual fire alarms, signs, or emergency lighting.  S&T’s fire engineers carry out these reviews to the building code requirements and liaise closely with the Fire Service to ensure requirements under the Evacuation Regulations are met.

Partygoers and event organisers were able to relax and enjoy the festivities thanks to the efforts of that went in beforehand to ensure the public’s safety.

For more information on conducting fire safety reviews for your future event, please contact Michael Dixon at 09 920 9500 or mdixon@stephensonturner.com.