Presenter
Presented by Mr. O'Connor
AS AMENDED
Title
Resolution authorizing and directing the Chief of the Bureau of Fire and Chief of the Bureau of Building Inspection to initiate a comprehensive study and written report within 90 days to Council that outlines current safety regulations and compliance of the Fire and BOCA Code with respect to indoor venues that attract large crowds, including but not limited to nightclubs, concert halls and meeting facilities.
Body
WHEREAS, the tragedies that have occurred recently in Chicago and Rhode Island nightclubs have raised awareness on the need to ensure safety at large indoor venues;
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh has many indoor venues within its territory that attract large crowds on a frequent basis.
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Pittsburgh as follows:
Section 1. The Chief of the Bureau of Fire and Chief of the Bureau of Building Inspection are hereby authorized and directed to initiate a comprehensive study and written report within 90 days to Council that outlines current safety regulations and reexamine codes and compliance of the Fire and BOCA Code with respect to indoor venues that attract large crowds, including but not limited to nightclubs, concert halls and meeting facilities. Moratorium on all pyrotechnic shows until the codes are reviewed and a task force to begin immediate spot checks of every club.
The Study should focus on the following, in addition to other criteria identified as relevant by the Chiefs:
Comprehensive Review of Codes - Compliance and Enforcement
A comprehensive review of the city's current applicable laws contained in the Fire Code and BOCA Code. All laws including requirements for sprinkler systems, number and location of exit doors, announcements at shows to make clear that no open flames or smoking are allowed, where emergency exits are located, permits for overall operation, review exit arrangements, what decorations are permissible, obtaining permits for pyrotechnic displays, requiring sprinklers where pyrotechnics are used, banning indoor pyrotechnic shows in buildings that aren't required to have automatic sprinkler systems and the use of pyrotechnics, etc. should be reviewed.
Notification of Violations
Review and recommendations regarding the city's notification process of how the appropriate City of Pittsburgh Departments obtain and highlight safety-sensitive court orders so the corresponding departments will be aware of violations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A list of frequent Code offenders should be made available to Council.
Annual and Random Inspections of Facilities
Implementation of a policy to conduct annual inspections, spot checks, as well as random inspections, which may be conducted on weekends and evenings. Bureaus would consider varying the hours of the inspectors. Random inspections may be conducted at the discretion of the Bureaus or in direct response to credible complaints and tips. A practice of "dumping the club" when a nightclub seems overcrowded - evacuating everyone and counting them as they go back in should be reviewed.
Training Program
Feasibility of creating a training program requirement for all establishments, including but not limited to an emergency evacuation procedure and an emergency plan, designating staff to lead crowds to additional exits, designating staff responsible for turning on lights, making sure all exits are well lighted, are marked with a lighted sign and remain unlocked, unblocked and moving in an outward manner during all hours of operation.