N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 §§ 36-3.6

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 50, December 11, 2024

Section 36-3.6 - Assembly halls and other indoor places of public assembly

(a) General application. This section sets forth the requirements for assembly halls as defined herein, and any other indoor places of public assembly to which the statutory definition of place of public assembly may apply except such places as are covered by the special provisions of sections 36-3.2, 36- 3.3, 36-3.4 and 36-3.5 of this Part. It applies to both new and existing structures except as may be otherwise indicated herein.

(b) Miscellaneous requirements. All the provisions of Subpart 36-2 hereof, where applicable, shall govern the places which are the subject of this section except as enumerated in the following subdivisions.

(c) Stages. Assembly halls which have a stage as defined herein, if over 600 capacity, shall also comply with the provisions of subdivisions (d) and (e) of section 36-3.2 if hereafter constructed or converted and shall comply with the provisions of subdivisions (d) and (e) of section 36-3.3 if existing. If of 600 or less capacity, the requirements for stages of summer theatres shall apply for either new or existing places.

(d) Aisles and seating.

(1) Where the seating is in rows either on the main floor or in galleries, the seats and aisles shall be arranged as per subdivision (b) of section 36-3.2. Such seats need not be secured to the floor unless set on steps.

(2) Where the seating is not in rows, each room or space shall be so arranged that convenient access by means of aisles at least 36 inches in width will be provided to each exit. Such aisles shall not be obstructed by chairs, tables or other objects.

(e) Portable, foldable and temporary bleachers. All stands and bleachers set on the main floor shall comply with the relevant requirements of section 36-3.7.

(f) Dressing rooms. If there is no stage as defined herein but dressing rooms are provided for entertainers or others, such dressing rooms when so used shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of section 36- 3.8, "Dressing rooms of existing theatres".

(g) Fire extinguishers. In addition to the fire extinguishers called for in kitchens, stage sections and other special locations, one approved two and one-half gallon soda and acid or loaded stream extinguisher shall be provided on each floor having an area of 2,000 square feet or more. If the areas of such floors are over 2,000 square feet, additional exinguishers shall be provided at the rate of one for each additional 2,000 square feet or major fraction thereof. All extinguishers, wherever located, shall be securely mounted in prominent places and be recharged annually. They shall be tagged to show dates of such recharging and name of person doing the recharging.

(h) Bowling alleys.

(1) General. Where flammable liquids, such as pyroxylin lacquers and shellac, are used within a place of public assembly for the finishing and maintenance of pins and alleys the requirements of this subdivision shall be observed.

(2) Finishing rooms.

(i) All pin finishing involving the use of flammable liquids shall be conducted in a space separated from the remainder of the place of public assembly by walls and ceilings having a fire-resistance rating of at least one hour. The floor finish shall be of cement, concrete, tile or other non-absorbent and incombustible material and there shall be no air space in or between the finish flooring and the supporting floor beneath it. Openings in the surrounding walls to other portions of the place of public assembly shall be provided with self-closing fire doors having a fire-resistance rating of at least one hour.

(ii) Each finishing room whose area exceeds 100 square feet shall be provided with at least two means of exit remote from each other.

(3) Equipment of finishing rooms. Finishing rooms shall be equipped with exhaust ventilation which shall provide at least one air change every three minutes during and for 15 minutes after the use of flammable liquids. Exhaust ventilation shall discharge to the outer air. Wiring shall be in rigid conduit with vapor-proof lighting fixtures and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of the National Electric Code. Lathe and fan motors shall be of the enclosed type or housed-in and motor control switches shall be of the explosion-proof type. The room shall contain no heaters of the open flame or electric heating element type. Lathes and sanding or buffing machines shall be grounded. An approved 10 pound carbon dioxide extinguisher shall be provided, located adjacent to an exit door.

(4) Storage and use of flammable liquids. All flammable liquids shall be stored in original metal containers or approved safety cans having a capacity not exceeding five gallons and the maximum amount which may be kept on the premises shall not exceed 25 gallons. Dip tanks shall be provided with a close-fitting sheet metal cover controlled by an approved heat-actuated device. No refinishing of alleys or pins that involves the use of flammable liquids is permitted during occupancy of the place of public assembly by the public. No flammable liquids shall be used while machine buffing or sanding is being carried on in the same room.

(5) Smoking. Smoking is prohibited in any finishing room and a "NO SMOKING" sign shall be posted in a conspicuous place in each such room.

(i) Skating rinks. Skating rinks shall comply with all relevant provisions of this section. No skating rink shall be located so that any required exit is more than three feet above or below the surface of the ground outside the structure.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 12 §§ 36-3.6