Crowd Management

Introduction

Meetings, seminars, cultural performances, and other assemblies occur on all campuses with regularity. Protecting the safety of all participants must be an integral part of the planning, preparation for, and conduct of these gatherings. In the wake of several deadly fires around the country, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) made numerous changes to the codes and standards governing safety in assembly occupancies, including tough new code provisions for fire sprinklers and crowd management in assembly venues. Assemblies are ANY occupancy where 50 or more people gather. The Uniform Fire Code NFPA 1 now requires the presence of one or more trained Crowd Managers during such events.
Scope and Application

As part of the College’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment in all campus facilities, both certain key College personnel are encouraged to get training as a Crowd Manager. A Crowd Manager is one or more persons assigned responsibility for maintaining the safety of the occupants during a gathering and implementing the evacuation plan in the event of an emergency. The number of Crowd Managers required is dependent on the number of persons assembled.

50-250 Persons: 1 Crowd Manager
251-500 Persons: 2 Crowd Managers
Every 250 Additional Persons: 1 More Crowd Manager

Primary College Event Venues That May Require Crowd Manager(s) (capacity)

Based on permitted occupancy limits, assemblies in the following College facilities may require a Crowd Manager:
Germantown Campus

PG 108 – Gymnasium ( Occupancy sign: 1637 chairs; 240 bleachers; 764 chairs w/ tables (Nov07)
HS 009 – Cafeteria
HT 113 – Globe Hall (525 fixed seats)

Rockville Campus

CC 150 – Cafeteria (seating 240 with tables/chairs)
MU 126 – Recital Hall (118 fixed seats)
PA 102 – House Theatre (500 fixed seats)
PE 119 – Large Gymnasium (1200 seated with bleachers)
PG 137A – Small Gymnasium (700 seated with folding chairs)
TA 156 – Arena (400)
Commencement Tent (3000+)

Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus

CU 146 – Main Theater (348 house, 120 balcony; all fixed seats; 579 on placard)
CU 208 – Studio Theater (116 fixed seats; 159 on placard)
FH 200 – Gymnasium
ST 106 – Student Dining (124)
ST 203 – Student Dining (184)

Roles & Responsibilities
Event Sponsor

Estimate attendance and secure appropriate venue for the event.
Designate Crowd Manager(s) to be on duty during entire time the venue is open to public for the event.

Crowd Manager

Maintain current certification.
Verify compliance with all requirements listed on the Crowd Manager Event Checklist.
In the event of a fire or other emergency, implement emergency response procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures at the College.

Training

Certification as a Crowd Manager is quick and easy. Simply take the Crowd Manager On-Line Training Program available from the Maryland State Police, Office of the State Fire Marshal. All Crowd Managers are required to complete the course and a very short multiple choice test. Once you complete the test, you can print a Certificate of Completion which is good for three years. The entire process can be completed within 30 minutes.
Key Personnel

It is recommended that employees in the following positions become certified as a Crowd Manger. This will provide a pool of Crowd Managers who may be available to serve at any given function.

Special Events Staff

Special Events Director
Events Specialist
Commencement Coordinators - Main Tent, ITV, VIP Room, Reception, Facilities, Cart

Theatre Staff

Rockville

Theatre Manager
Program Assistant
Theater Production Technicians

Takoma Park/Silver Spring

Theatre Production Manager
Theatre Front of House Manager
Theatre Production Technicians

Student Life Staff

Germantown

Director of Student Life
Club Specialist
Event Planner

Rockville

Director of Student Life
Student Life Specialist
Events Coordinator

Takoma Park/Silver Spring

Director of Student Life
Student Life Specialist

Athletics

Athletic Director
Men and Women’s Basketball Coaches
Basketball Team Managers

Swimming Pools

Swimming Pool Manager
Swimming Pool Operators

It is also recommended that employees in the following positions become certified as a Crowd Manager to increase the level of safety awareness for assemblies.

Facilities Department

Associate VP for College Facilities
Director of Facilities
Environmental Safety Coordinator
Director of Emergency Planning
Security Supervisor
Security Officer
Plant Maintenance & Operations Supervisor
Building Services Manager
Building & Grounds Maintenance Supervisor
Building and Grounds Maintenance Manager

Description

The duties of a Crowd Manager are summarized by The Crowd Manager Event Checklist developed for use before and during an assembly requiring crowd management coverage. The Checklist is shown below. A printable copy is available on our Forms page.
Crowd Manager Event Checklist

A. Checklist to be completed before an event (perform or confirm all items have been completed)

All exits are clearly marked with illuminated EXIT signs
All exit doors are tested to ensure panic hardware is operational
All exits are unobstructed and the doors operate freely
All exits are accessible with clear aisles and egress paths
Room capacity placard is properly displayed (for venues without fixed seating)
Confirm locations of all fire alarm pull stations and ensure they are visible and accessible
Complete building exterior perimeter walk to ensure:
All exits and walkways are clear of obstructions or tripping hazards
Adequate illumination where all exits discharge
All fire lanes (yellow curbs) are clear and accessible
Confirm with Facilities:
Fire alarm panel is powered up and there are no Troubles on the system
Sprinkler valves are open and there is pressure in the system
Emergency lighting will operate if power is lost to the building

B. Checklist to be completed during an event (perform or confirm all items have been completed)

Announce locations of exits at start of the event
Confirm all exit paths are accessible and free of obstructions
Educate employees and guests, as necessary, as to the importance of maintaining exits clear of obstructions
Monitor occupant load to ensure room capacity (occupant load) is never exceeded
Look for situations that could lead to challenges in the event of an emergency
Develop emergency notification plan to get everyone’s attention. Plan will include:
Person designated to quickly implement plan
Location identified where the entire room can be seen
Select a notification method(s)
Turn the lights on
Turn the music off
Public address system
Bullhorn
Other ________________________________

For More Information

For more information about this safety program, call Shawn Harrison, the Director of Public Safety and Emergency Planning, at 240-567-4292.