CROWD MANAGEMENT - FIRE PREVENTION CODE REQUIREMENTS

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As a accepted practice, we recognize that employers are responsible for providing safe workplaces for their employees. The Fire Prevention Code Requirements for Crowd Management extends it's responsibility beyond employees to visitors. We are required to provide a trained crowd manager whenever a gathering exceeds 250 persons and to provide an additional trained crowd manager for every 250 occupants.

If we take a two pronged approach to compliance, we first attend to assemblies arranged and managed by our administrators and second to outside groups who use our buildings under our Use of Facilities program.

Some Maryland schools districts require all administrators obtain Crowd Manager Certification to meet the requirements established in the code, [101:12.7.6.2; 101:13.7.6.2] , and to lawfully support school assemblies of more than 250 students. Most Maryland school districts require outside groups to estimate the number of attendees. If the number exceeds 250, the group is required to present evidence that a trained crowd manager will be present.

Naturally, the next hurdle is securing a Certified Crowd Manager.

For more information on Crowd Management/Crowd Management training, visit www.crowdmanagers.com. A Maryland authorized course is provided in cooperation with the Maryland State Fire Marshall and several county and municipal Fire Marshals. There are also a number of web-based resources available.