Posted By Malcolm Fryer
Andrew
Briefly
0.3 M2 per person standing
0.5 M2 per person seated
I would be happy to discuss this more with you as it is an area of particular interest to me. Malcolm
More detail follows
From HSG 195
Venue capacity/occupant capacity
85 The capacity of a venue is generally dependent upon the available space for people and the number of emergency exits. The latter is the subject of a calculation involving the appropriate evacuation rate, ie width of available exit space and appropriate evacuation route.
86 Some of the site will be taken up by structures which will be unoccupied. The rest of the site will need to be considered in calculating occupant capacity even though a direct view of the entertainment may not be possible for all locations. If there are any areas where the audience does not have a reasonable view of the performance, this space should be deducted from the available area or a lesser density used in calculations. Areas which could afford partial or total cover to the audience in the event of inclement weather should be identified and the effects of audience migration to these areas considered.
87 In venues where seating is provided, the major part of the occupant capacity will be the lesser of the two figures determined by the number of seats and exit provision However, in other cases a calculation based on the acceptable occupant density should be carried out. Generally, 0.5 m2 of available floor space per person is used for outdoor music events.
88 Double-check the preliminary occupant capacity calculation and exit requirements once all initial infrastructure requirements and facilities are in place on the site design. Further detailed information on occupant capacities can be found in the chapter on Fire safety and in the publication Guide to fire precautions in existing places of entertainment and like premises.
Exit requirements
89 The exit numbers for a venue depend directly on the occupant capacity and the appropriate evacuation time for the type of structure. The publications Guide to safety at sports grounds and Guide to fire precautions in existing places of entertainment and like premises give details which relate to stadia and fixed entertainment premises - they also provide sample calculations.
87 In venues where seating is provided, the major part of the occupant capacity will be the lesser of the two figures determined by the number of seats and exit provision However, in other cases a calculation based on the acceptable occupant density should be carried out. Generally, 0.5 m2 of available floor space per person is used for outdoor music events.
88 Double-check the preliminary occupant capacity calculation and exit requirements once all initial infrastructure requirements and facilities are in place on the site design. Further detailed information on occupant capacities can be found in the chapter on Fire safety and in the publication Guide to fire precautions in existing places of entertainment and like premises.
124Means of escape is the structural means whereby a safe route is provided for people to travel from any point in a building or structure to a place of safety without assistance. Place of safety is a place in which a person is no longer in danger from fire. The occupant capacity is the maximum number of people who can be safely accommodated at the venue. In the case of standing areas at longer events there is a need to take into account 'sitting down' space for the audience and freedom of movement for access to toilets and refreshment facilities. It is essential to agree the occupant capacity with the local authority and fire authority as early as possible as the means of escape arrangements are dependent on this figure. In areas where seating is provided, the major part of the occupant capacity will be determined by the number of seats available. However, in other cases, a calculation will need to be made and this is based on each person occupying an area of 0.5 m2. The maximum number of people who can be accommodated can therefore be calculated by dividing the total area available to the audience (in m2) by 0.5. Example: an outdoor site measuring 100 x 50 m with all areas available to the audience could accommodate a maximum of 10 000 people (ie 100 x 50 m = 5000 m2 divided by 0.5 = 10 000). However, the local or fire authority may decide that for certain events the occupant capacity will need to be reduced.
If you look at Guide to Fire Precautions in Existing Places of Entertainment and Like Premises see the following link this will back up my suggestion of 0.3 M2 per person standing
http://www.cheshirefire....ng%20note%20-%20GN38.doc