I have created a fire risk review for a museum which will be trialling a sleepover, where youth groups (scouts, guides etc) attend organised events during the evening then sleep on the floor amongst the exhibits. in my day, we camped in muddy fields and had an open air ensuite steel bucket for 25 of us to aim at. But not any more. It seems they expect an air conditioned space with double glazing and flushing loos and not a tent in sight!

 To be honest, it really is a good idea to get kids interested. I have been asked to help on the night, but I cannot assist as I am washing my hair  ;) 

I am relatively satisfied to have captured the necessary fire safety management and infrastructure issues and I will be preparing safety briefings for staff, volunteers and those responsible for leading groups.  But one thing bugs me - what sort of things might kids bring with them that might cause a fire safety issue?

Kids will be permitted mobile phones (as they will want to take photos and the museum wants social media coverage for marketing reasons). Devices such as  iPads or laptops will not be permitted. Electronic games will not bellowed and the most controversial control measure will be,  phone charging will not be allowed - except for group leaders where staff will take them away from the museum floor for charging. No vapes and obviously no smoking materials or alcohol are permitted on site.

So what have I missed? The museum has very little control about what is bought in inside the back packs and sleeping bags, so is there likely to be a surprise I havent considered?

Has anyone been to such an event? 

I am sure the kids will be incredibly well behaved at all times - but I must plan for the most feral yobs intent on creating a problem. 

This is a tricky question. You can never tell how a randomly chosen group of young people might behave. Usually they are ok but sometimes …. Once we had a group of wannabee lawyers that is people who you would think would were responsible and a bit dull. We let them loose in a forensics lab where there behaviour was awful and they were rude to staff who were trying to stop them from hurting themselves. Their host described them as feral.

One issue is what do you do if it is decided that the young people have gone too far. You might want to send them home, but this is the middle the night and their parents/guardians are probably in bed. So you are stuck with them until the next day!

Hi Messey, have you considered informing the FRS of the numbers involved, despite all your fire prevention you never know.

You could organise a film show for them, A Night at the Museum springs to mind ha ha.

I was going to suggest Power Banks could be allowed for charging mobiles, will there be a Leader awake through the night.

Small battery Tea Lights would be acceptable if necessary for the atmospheric situation.

Why don't they use tents for the experience.

I hope everything goes well, good luck.

Thanks very muchto everyone for your input. I am much obliged 

Toe: Tea light candles + sleeping bags + excited kids??? Unbelievable isnt it?  I will check on light sources as I dont know what is planned and hadnt considered that

FS101: Yes, I will let the fire service know. Partly for the local station as they will not expect a night time occupancy, but mainly to ensure that a full attendance is given to a fire alarm activation (This fire service only attend sleeping risks - which of course the museum isnt) 

Ian Bell: How dare you imply as a kid I smuggled alcohol (Olde English cider) in - for example - to the local Boy's Club Disco, every Saturday night  50 years ago ;)