Application of Saudi Aramco Building Code To Temporary Tents

Saudi Aramco
Safety Management Guide
Application of Saudi Aramco

Building Code to Temporary Tents
Guide Number 07-006-2013
Table of Contents
1. Purpose .................................................................................................................. 1
2. Scope ................................................................................................................... ..1
3. References & Definitions ...................................................................................... ..2
4. Introduction........................................................................................................... ..6
5. Responsibilities....................................................................................................... 6
6. Requirements of the Site and Tent Design Process .............................................. ..7
Supplements
Supplement 1: Summary Table of Temporary Tent Code Requirements ....................... 26
Prepared by the Loss Prevention Department
May 25, 2013
© Copyright 2013 Saudi Aramco. All Rights Reserved.

Application of Saudi Aramco Building Code to
Temporary Tents
CONDITIONS OF USE
No portion of this material may be reproduced, copied, or redistributed either electronically or by

any other means without the express written permission of Saudi Aramco.
This information is provided as a part of Saudi Aramco’s safety management program. The
information contained herein describes some of Saudi Aramco’s safe work practices. These
work practices, however, may not be applicable elsewhere. Saudi Aramco does not warrant the
accuracy, thoroughness, or applicability of this information and shall accept no responsibility or
liability for any use of or reliance upon the information contained herein. Saudi Aramco
expressly waives all responsibility and liability for the use of this information and no warranty is
either implied or expressed.
This information is not to be modified from its current form and may not be offered for resale or
other commercial purposes without the express written permission of Saudi Aramco.
Retention of this material shall constitute acceptance on the part of any third-party to the
Conditions of Use stated herein.
© Copyright 2013 Saudi Aramco. All Rights Reserved.

Application of Saudi Aramco Building Code Guide for Tents Date: May 25, 2013
Application of Saudi Aramco Building Code to

Temporary Tents
1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Safety Management Guide (SMG) is to define the Saudi Aramco
Building Code (SAES-M-100) requirements applicable to temporary tents and membrane
structures. The temporary use of tents is only allowed for a time period up to a maximum
of 180 days. This guide is intended to be used by contracting vendors and their designers
for the design of temporary tents and membrane structures to ensure safe, consistent and
cost-effective designs. This guide provides a detailed explanation of fire and life safety
building code requirements and operational qualifications for crowd management and
maintenance personnel.
Proponents are responsible for making this guide available to contracting tents vendors
and designers. Contracting vendors and their designers using this guide are responsible
for knowing and properly applying the design requirements of the standards referenced in
the building code and this guide. Proponents are responsible for following up and
verifying compliance with requirements with contracting vendors.
2. SCOPE
2.1 This SMG is applicable to contracting vendors and their designers for temporary
tents and membrane structures located on Saudi Aramco (SA) facilities, SA project
sites and project support facilities covered under SA Land Use Permits, as well as
any temporary tents used in support of SA events and programs for a time period
not exceeding 180 days.
2.2 Tents and membrane structures erected for a time period of 180 days or more shall
be acknowledged as permanent buildings. Permanent buildings are outside the
scope of this guide and shall fully comply with SAES-M-100, Saudi Aramco
Building Code.
2.3 This SMG covers fire and life safety building code requirements and operational
qualifications for crowd management and maintenance personnel. This SMG does
not cover strategic structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, security and
environmental/sanitary design requirements.
2.4 If there is a conflict between this SMG and requirements stated in the codes and
standards referenced in Section 3, the requirements stated in the referenced codes
and standards shall be followed.
Guide Number 07-006-2013 Page 1 of 27

3. REFERENCES & DEFINITIONS
References
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
ASTM International (ASTM or American Society for Testing and Materials)

ASTM D2859, Test Methods for Ignition of Finished Textile Floor Covering
Materials
ASTM E84, Test Methods for Surfaces Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
ASTM E136, Test Methods for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace,
750oC
International Code Council (ICC)

2009 International Building Code (IBC)
2009 International Fire Code (IFC)
Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards (SAES)

SAES-M-100, Saudi Aramco Building Code (SABC)
SAES-P-123, Lighting
Saudi Aramco General Instruction (GI)

GI 1781.001, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment
Saudi Aramco Minimum Medical Standards Requirements Manual (MMSR)
Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code (SASC)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
NFPA 17A, Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems
NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial
Cooking
NFPA 701, Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-propagation of Textiles and Films
Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL)

UL 300, Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Commercial
Cooking Equipment

Definitions
For words or terms not defined in this guide refer to Chapter 3 of the IBC or Chapter 2 of
the IFC.
3.1 Building: For purposes of this guide, a building is an enclosed structure used or
intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy, such as a house, office
building, maintenance shop, school, hospital, warehouse, etc. A building is
considered permanent in nature and applies to all occupiable structures erected for a
period of 180 days or more.
3.2 Class (for floor materials): A rating for floor materials indicating their potential for
ignition as determined by a floor radiant panel test. Floor materials are given either
a Class I (more ignition resistant) or a Class II (less ignition resistant) rating. See
IBC Section 804.
3.3 Class (for wall and ceiling materials): A letter rating (A, B or C) indicating flame
spread potential for interior wall and ceiling finish materials. Class A materials
have a flame spread index (FSI) in the range of 0-25, Class B materials have a FSI
in the range of 26-75, and Class C materials have a FSI in the range of 76-200. See
Chapter 8 of the IBC.
3.4 Combustible Materials: A material that is capable of burning. See the definition for
Non-Combustible Materials. Any material that does not meet the definition of non-
combustible is considered as combustible.
3.5 Crowd Management (CM): The systematic advanced planning for, and the
supervision of, safe and orderly movement and assembly of people including mass
gatherings and festivals. Crowd management involves the assessment of people
handling capabilities of a space prior to and during a public event. It includes
evaluation, based on information provided by the organizer and their appointed
safety manager and site designer, of projected levels of occupancy, adequacy of
means of ingress and egress, processing procedures such as ticket collection, and
expected and unexpected types of human behavior.
3.6 DOC-FF-1: A rating for floor materials containing fibers indicating they do not
have potential for ignition by a burning cigarette, as per the U.S. Department of
Commerce (DOC) FF-1-70 test. See Section 804 of the IBC and ASTM D2859.
3.7 Egress or Means of Egress (Exiting): A continuous and unobstructed path of

vertical and/or horizontal egress (exiting) travel from any point in a building to a
safe place outside and away from the building. To egress from a building means to
exit from a building.
3.8 Fire Separation Distance (FSD): The distance measured from the face of an exterior
building wall to a point between two tents/buildings or the center of the street in

front of the tent/building. This distance is measured perpendicular to the face of the
exterior wall. The FSD is important to limit the spread of fire from one
tent/building to the adjacent tent/building.
3.9 Flame Spread Index (FSI): A number that relates to how fast flame spreads across
the surface of a material. The FSI is benchmarked to standard tests using concrete
(FSI = 0, non-combustible) and red oak wood (FSI = 100). Low FSI numbers
indicate low flame spread rates and high FSI numbers indicate fast flame spread
rates. See Chapter 8 of the IBC.
3.10 Guard: A guard is a vertical barrier that prevents people from falling off raised
floors, levels, stairs or ramps. It can also be referred to as a guardrail.
3.11 Listed: Equipment, materials, construction products, building assemblies or services

that are placed on a list published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory
(NRTL) that is an independent, third-party testing organization acceptable to SA
Loss Prevention Department (LPD). Examples of listing organizations can include
but is not limited to Underwriter Laboratories (UL), Factory Mutual Global (FM
Global), Electrical Testing Labs (ETL SEMKO or Intertek), Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) or other independent and internationally recognized testing
laboratories. Independent third parties evaluate equipment and components to
acceptable standards (ASTM, UL, NFPA, ANSI); subsequent marking indicates
that the applicable standard(s) have been met. The CE mark is one that is applied
by the manufacturer or supplier, not an independent testing third party, and is not
considered an acceptable listing or labeling organization. International, third-party
testing agencies will be evaluated as equivalent to those listed on an individual basis
by LPD.
3.12 Membrane Structure: An air-inflated, air-supported, cable or frame-covered

structure as defined by the IBC and not otherwise defined as a tent. See also Tent.
See Section 2402 of the IFC.
3.13 Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL): An independent, third-party

testing facility recognized as a primarily private sector organization that provides
product safety testing and certification services to manufacturers. The testing and
certification are performed to consensus-based product safety test standards. These
test standards are issued by standards organizations, such as the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI). In the United States the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) publishes a list of NRTLs. International, third-
party testing agencies will be evaluated as equivalent to those listed on an
individual basis by LPD.
3.14 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): The NFPA is a standards

development and publication organization that produces a wide range of standards
associated with fire and life safety and system design.

3.15 Non-Combustible Materials: Materials tested according to ASTM E136 that do not
ignite when heated in a test furnace to 750oC (1,382oF) for 5 minutes. Coating or
covering materials with a thickness of 3.18 mm (0.125 an inch) or less and an
ASTM E84 FSI of 50 or less, may be applied to a structural base of non-
combustible material and considered as non-combustible (e.g., gypsum wallboard).
Otherwise, this definition is not intended to apply to laminated or coated materials
that can separate in a fire and expose combustible surfaces (e.g., wood sheathing
with a non-combustible finish). It is also not intended to apply to materials that
soften, melt or flow under heated conditions (e.g., plastics). See Section 703.4 of
the IBC.
3.16 Occupancy or Occupancy Group: A single letter designation in the IBC used to
categorize the use of a building or any area within a building. The majority of tents
are classified as either Group A, F or S as follows:
 Group A (for “Assembly”): Where people assemble or gather for activities,
events or ceremonies in larger groups.
 Group F (for “Factory-Industrial”): Where commercial cooking operations
occur.
 Group S (for “Storage”): Where materials are stored.
3.17 Occupant Load (OL): The maximum number of people allowed per the IBC to use a
floor or room and is also used to determine egress/exiting design requirements. The
OL is calculated by dividing the area of a floor or room by the Occupant Load
Factor (OLF) from Table 1004.1.1 of the IBC. The total OL for a building is the
sum of all room/area Occupant Loads.
3.18 Occupant Load Factor (OLF): The minimum area per person, which is based on the
function or use of the floor or room. See Table 1004.1.1 of the IBC.
3.19 Smoke Developed Index (SDI): A number (0-450) that relates the quantity of
smoke a material generates when it is burned. Low SDI numbers indicate low
smoke generation and high SDI numbers indicate high smoke generation. See
Chapter 8 of the IBC.
3.20 Temporary: The duration for using a structure or tent for a period of less than 180
days. See Sections 108.1 and 3103.1 of the IBC.
3.21 Tent: A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops,

constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by any manner except by air
(inflation) or by the contents it protects/covers. See also Membrane Structure. See
Section 2402 of the IFC. A tent can be temporary or permanent, depending on the
time period it remains erected.

4. INTRODUCTION
SAES-M-100, Saudi Aramco Building Code, adopts the 2009 International Building and
Fire Codes (IBC and IFC) as its reference documents. All technical requirements of
SAES-M-100 are established from the IBC and IFC with the exception of specific IBC
and IFC sections modified by SAES-M-100. The 2009 IBC and 2009 IFC apply to
temporary tents, construction of new buildings, or any modifications/renovations or
relocation of existing buildings. Most of the requirements for temporary tents can be
found in Chapter 24 of the IFC, and in Chapters 8 and 10, and Section 3102 of the IBC.
The IBC and IFC contain no explanatory notes of their requirements. Although other
handbooks and commentary books exist to explain the IBC and IFC, this SMG was
issued to explain the basic IBC and IFC requirements for designing temporary tents and
sites for Saudi Aramco. This guide is only intended to explain the critical design steps
when using the IBC and IFC and shall not replace the IBC and IFC as a reference for all
the requirements for design and construction of temporary tents and membrane structures.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 The proponent who manages the event or gathering/festival is responsible for
informing contracting vendors and designers of this SMG prior to bidding and
contracting, and making it available to them throughout their contract period. This
SMG is posted on the LPD web page (lp.aramco.com.sa) under the References tab.
5.2 Proponents and their contracting vendors are responsible for reading, understanding
and implementing codes and standards referenced in this SMG.
5.3 LPD will review and comment on tent and site design submittals based on the
quality, completion and coordination of the plans and specifications submitted.
LPD will assist proponents and contracting vendors in the application of codes and
standards referenced in this SMG. Submittals should be made to LPD area offices
at least 60 days prior to the start of the site preparation and erection of tents. This
will allow enough time for a review and comments to be given to the contracting
tent vendor and for their designs to be reviewed/corrected according to LPD
comments.
5.4 LPD can be requested to assist the proponent with inspections of the site and tent
facilities during pre-construction, construction, on-going operations and dismantling
to assist the proponent in identifying safety issues.
5.5 Proponents are responsible for the follow up and correction of compliance
comments found during ongoing reviews or inspections. Proponents are also
responsible for daily enforcement of safety requirements during the operation and
occupancy of the tents.
5.6 Proponents and their contracting vendors are responsible for providing crowd
management personnel, a maintenance technician, with responsibilities as described

at Section 6.8.1(c) and enforcing a housekeeping maintenance plan, as described at

Section 6.7.1(t).
6. REQUIREMENTS OF THE SITE AND TENT DESIGN PROCESS
6.1 Designing the layout and construction details for temporary tents on a site involves
a step-by-step process which is summarized below. Design examples are provided
to aid the designer in understanding and applying applicable parts of the code.
These steps are as follows:
 Step 1: Identify the desired tents to be erected at the site, including the total
floor areas needed for each tent.
 Step 2: Determine the Occupancy Group of each tent, which is based on how
the tent is to be used.
 Step 3: Determine the maximum occupant load and egress/exiting requirements
for each tent.
 Step 4: Develop the detail of the tent floor plans and elevations, with complete
dimensions to determine size and areas proposed, with complete dimensions to
determine size and areas proposed.
 Step 5: Define interior finish requirements and tent membrane material
requirements.
 Step 6: Define design requirements for each tent’s fire protection equipment.
 Step 7: Develop a site plot plan, which includes layout of the buildings, tents,
firewater availability and fire hydrant system layout, vehicular and emergency
apparatus access roads, etc. The site plan must include dimensions of the
structures, distances between structures, width of roads and other dimensions
necessary to determine compliance with the applicable standards.
 Step 8: Requirements for identifying and providing qualified personnel.
6.1.1 Step 1: Identify the desired tents to be erected at the site, including the total
floor areas needed for each tent. See also additional sanitary requirements
in the Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code, especially Section 01, “Water” and
Section 04, “Food Establishments”.
6.1.2 Tents erected at a site may include the following:

a) Dedicated, stand-alone, open cooking tents without side walls separate
from food serving and dining tents.
b) Assembly dining tents or other food service areas
c) Performance tents with stages.
d) Exhibit or display, recreation, mosques or other assembly area tents

e) Clinic/medical tent facilities (see the Minimum Medical Standards

Requirements [MMSR] manual).
6.1.3 The tent floor area determines the maximum number of people allowed to
occupy the tent (see Table 3A of this guide). The width (smallest horizontal
dimension) of any tent is limited to a maximum of 30.5 meters (100 feet)
due to exit travel distance limitations (see Section 6.3.5 of this guide).
6.1.4 Example minimum dining tent area for a 4,000 person site:
a) Assuming three dining shifts, a dining tent would require at least

4,000/3 shifts = 1,333 persons per shift x 1.39 m2/person (see Table 3A)
= 1,860 (rounded up) square meters of total eating area in the dining
tent(s). NOTES: See Section 6.3.3 of this guide for further explanation
of this methodology. Section 1017.4 of the IBC contains additional
requirements for minimum spacing between tables/chairs and for aisles,
which will result in additional eating area in excess of the above 1,860
m2 minimum for the dining area.
b) Cooking operations are required to occur in dedicated, stand-alone, open

cooking tents without side walls that are separate from the food serving
and dining area tents. If the cooking staff is 10 persons per dedicated
cooking tent, this means a total area of at least 10 x 18.58 m2/person
(see Table 3A) = 186 square meters is required for the cooking tent.
6.2 Step 2: Determine the Occupancy Group of each tent. In most cases the tent will be
used for the assembly or gathering of people (see Group A below). See IBC
Chapter 3, “Use and Occupancy Classification”, for the details of the requirements.
6.2.1 The IBC has categorized uses of areas into specific Occupancy Groups. The
majority of tents are classified as either Group A, F or S. There are sub-
groups to these Occupancy Groups, as indicated below:
a) Group A (“Assembly”): Where people gather for activities, events or
ceremonies in larger groups.
 Group A-1: Tents for performances with stages.
 Group A-2: Dining and food serving tents
 Group A-3: Tents used for other assembly purposes.
b) Group F Dedicated tents for commercial cooking operations.
d) Group S (“Storage”): Dedicated material storage tents with a maximum
storage height of 3.66 meters.
6.2.2 When all tents are classified according to these Occupancy Group
categories, the code requirements in the IBC for each category can be

identified (e.g., tent areas). In cases where tents are used for multiple
purposes and where occupancy classifications may change, the most
restrictive requirements of all the proposed occupancies shall apply.
6.2.3 If quantities of liquid fuel and/or hazardous materials are to be stored or

used in any building, contact the LPD for further assistance in determining
applicable code requirements.
6.3 Step 3: Determine the maximum occupant load (OL) and egress/exiting
requirements for each tent.
6.3.1 See IBC Chapter 10 or IFC Chapter 10, “Means of Egress,” and IFC,
Section 2403.12 (including IFC, Table 2403.12.2), for the details of the
requirements.
6.3.2 To determine egress requirements for a building, the maximum OL of each

tent or individual rooms in a tent must be calculated. The calculated OL is
not based on how many people actually use the floor or room, but is based
on dividing the area of the floor/room of the tent by the Occupant Load
Factor (OLF) from Table 1004.1.1 of the IBC. The OLF for typical tent
uses are provided in Table 3A
Table 3A – Area per Occupant (from IBC Table 1004.1.1)

Function/Use of
OLF or Area per Occupant *
Floor/Room
Assembly with chairs only (not fixed) 0.65 m2 (7 ft2)
Assembly with tables and chairs (e.g.,
dining/mess hall, eating area), meeting 1.39 m2 (15 ft2)
rooms and performance stages
Fixed seating areas with chairs Actual number of fixed seats
The number of people or seats is based
Benches or fixed seating areas without
on one person for each 457 mm (18
dividing arms
inches) of seating length
Classroom 1.86 m2 (20 ft2)
Exhibit or display tent 4.65 m2 (50 ft2)
Separate cooking tent 18.58 m2 (200 ft2)
Notes:
* It is important to understand that the calculated OL is to be used for

determining the maximum occupant load and exit capacity for the tent. The
corresponding OLF should not be used to determine the desired floor space

(e.g., more area may be needed for adequate movement of occupants and
function of the tent).
The maximum OL of a tent shall be posted on signs at each exterior exit

doorway. Each sign shall be in dual languages with Arabic above English.
One crowd management (CM) individual is required by the 2009 IFC for
each 250 occupants or fraction thereof of the calculated OL for exiting
requirements. The CM personnel are committed only to audience
evacuation assistance and are required at all times the tent is occupied. A
manager of this staff needs be appointed to manage the CM staff. Each CM
individual needs to have two flashlights and a handheld electric megaphone,
loud speaker or use of a public address system with an uninterrupted power
supply to command attention from the crowd and direct them to the nearest
exit. An announcement is required to be made at the beginning of
performances to identify the CM team, who need to be dressed in a
distinctive and unique colored shirt or clothing.
6.3.3 Use the tent example in Step 1 to illustrate how the OL of a dining tent is
calculated.
The correct OLF needed from the above Table 3A to determine the OL for a
dining tent with only tables and chairs is:
 1.39 m2 (15 ft2), for assembly areas with tables and chairs, meeting
rooms and stages
Therefore, the OL of the entire tent would be:

1,333 people for the dining tent eating area (1,860/1.39 = 1,333,
rounded up) 1,333 people for the entire tent.
A total of five crowd management (CM) personnel would be required for

this tent (1,333/250).
For the example of a 4,000 person site with three dining shifts, one 1,860 m2
dining tent is required to feed 1,333 people at a time.
6.3.4 The number of exits from a tent or a room in the tent depends on the
calculated OL. Two or more exits are required from each tent when the OL
of the tent exceeds 10 people. See Table 2403.12.2 of the IFC and Table 3D
below.
Table 3B – Maximum Occupant Load for a Tent or Room with One

Exit (from IFC Table 2403.12.2)

Occupancy Group Maximum Occupant Load
A, F or S 9
6.3.5 Based on the OLFs listed in Table 3A, Table 3B may be used to provide the
maximum area for a tent with a single exit depending on its function per
Table 3C.
Table 3C – Maximum Area for a Tent/Room with One Exit
Function/Use of Tent/Room Maximum Area
Assembly with chairs only (not fixed) 5.9 m2 (63 ft2) *

Assembly with tables and chairs (e.g.,
dining/mess hall, eating area), meeting rooms 12.5 m2 (135 ft2) *
and performance stages
Classroom 16.7 m2 (180 ft2) *
Exhibit or display area 41.8 m2 (450 ft2) *
* The floor area calculated from the OL for tents/rooms with the
corresponding functions is only for code requirement determination
purposes and maximum floor area allowed for a tent/room with only one
exit.
6.3.6 The next step in egress system design is to calculate the total width of
exiting required. See Section 2403.12.2 of the IFC. If an area or room
being served by one exit is equal to or less than the areas provided in Table
3C, and the travel distance to this exit from the most remote location in an
individual tent/room is less than 23 meters (75 feet), then one exit is
acceptable. Additionally, the overall total travel distance within a tent
cannot exceed 30.5 meters (100 feet). If these travel distance criteria cannot
be met, or if the OL is greater than what is allowed, then two or more exits
are required based on Table 3D.
Table 3D – Minimum Number of Exits and Exit Widths for Tents

(from IFC Table 2403.12.2)
Occupant Load Minimum Minimum Total Door
(persons) Number of Exits Width of Each Exit
10 – 199 2 1,829 mm (72 inches)

200 – 499 3 1,829 mm (72 inches)

500 – 999 4 2,438 mm (96 inches)

1,000 – 1,999 5 3,048 mm (120 inches)
2,000 – 2,999 6 3,048 mm (120 inches)
Over 3,000 7 3,048 mm (120 inches)
Each exit above will be required to have between two to four individual
door leafs that are at least 914 mm (36 inches) in width, but no more than
1,219 mm (48 inches) in width.
For the dining tent example, the number of exits required is as follows:
 Five exits from the dining/mess hall eating area (1,333 person calculated
OL for the dining/mess hall).
For reasons that will be explained later in this guide, the maximum spacing
between exit doors around the perimeter of the tent is limited to a maximum
of 30.5 meters (100 feet) due to exit travel distance limitations.
6.3.7 The total travel distance to an exterior exit door from any point in a tent is
limited to a maximum distance of 30.5 meters (100 feet). See Section
2403.12.1 of the IFC. For this reason, the maximum width or least
horizontal dimension of any tent is limited to 30.5 meters (100 feet). The
tent may be longer than this (greater dimension), but it shall not be wider
(least dimension). Also, typically the maximum spacing between exit doors
around the perimeter of a tent shall be limited to 30.5 meters (100 feet).
This travel distance limitation shall be taken into account if rooms are to be
used inside the tent to divide the total tent space into smaller spaces.
6.3.8 There are minimum dimensions and features of egress elements that must be
met regardless of the calculated egress widths indicated above. See Chapter
10 of the IBC. These minimum widths are as follows:
a) Doors: See Section 1008 of the IBC and Section 2403.12.4 of the IFC.
Minimum 914 mm (36 inches) door leaf width. Maximum 1,219 mm
(48 inches) door leaf width. Minimum 2,032 mm (80 inches) door
height. Doors shall be a side-hinged type. Single- or double-door type
doors may be used. Glass windows in doors shall be tempered safety
glass that is tested and labeled according to ANSI Z97.1, BS EN 12600
or other equivalent standard. Doors shall swing in the direction of
egress. Panic or fire exit hardware (push bar type) is required for each
exit door. The use of locks on exit doors is prohibited during public
occupancy of the tent. Interior floor surfaces of the tent shall not slope
up or down more than a one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5%)
slope. Landings shall be provided on the exterior side of each exit
doorway, with the landing width equal to the doorway width and the
landing length of 1,219 mm (48 inches). The exterior door landing shall

not slope up or down more than a one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal
(2%) slope. The interior floor and exterior landing surfaces shall be on
the same level. Door thresholds are limited to a maximum 12.7 mm
(1/2-inch) height. If the threshold height exceeds 6.4 mm (1/4-inch),
the threshold shall be beveled with a slope not greater than 1:2 (50-
percent slope). See the diagrams below which can be used as a
reference.
Minor changes in floor level due to door thresholds (ANSI A117.1, Section
303):

b) Stairs: See Section 1009 of the IBC. Tents will rarely have exterior
stairs, but raised seating areas with fixed seating in performance tents
shall be required to comply with the following requirements. Any stairs
shall have a minimum 1,219 mm (48 inches) tread width. The minimum
tread width may be reduced to 914 mm (36 inches) if the stair serves
seating on only one side of the stairway. Stair treads are required to be a
minimum of 279 mm (11 inches) deep. Stair risers (vertical height of an
individual stair) are required to be between 102 mm (4 inches) and 178
mm (7 inches), and are required to be solid (not open). Stair risers and
treads are required to be dimensionally uniform within a maximum
variance range of 9.5 mm (3/8-inch). A flight of stairs cannot have a
vertical rise greater than 3,658 mm (12 feet) between landings and shall
have a minimum 2,032 mm (80 inches) headroom height. Landings
shall be provided at the top and bottom of each stairway, with the
landing width equal to the stairway width and the landing length of
1,219 mm (48 inches). Handrails are required on one side of the
stairway along guardrails and along the center of aisle stairways to
raised seating areas (see below). Guards (e.g., guardrails) are required
for stairways and landings at a height of at least 762 mm (30 inches)
above the floor or landing. Stairs shall have a slip resistance surface as
defined by a test equivalent to ASTM D2047.
c) Ramps: See Section 1010 of the IBC. The running slope of a ramp
cannot be greater than one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8% slope),
with a cross-slope perpendicular to the ramp of one unit vertical in 48
units horizontal (2% slope). A ramp cannot have a vertical rise greater
than 2,032 mm (30 inches) between landings or levels. Ramps shall
have a slip resistance surface. Ramps with a slope exceeding 1:20 (5%)
shall be provided with handrails on both sides.

d) Handrails: See Sections 1028.13 and 1012 of the IBC. The height of
the handrail must be between a vertical height of 864 mm (34 inches)
and 965 mm (38 inches) from the stair tread nosing or ramp surface, and
must be at a uniform height. Code compliant handrails are most
commonly round with a diameter of 38 mm (1-1/2 inches), but are
allowed have a diameter ranging from 32 mm (1-1/4 inch) to 51 mm (2
inches). Refer to figure below for handrail design guidance. Where
there is seating on both sides of a raised seating aisle stairway, a handrail
shall be provided down the center of the aisle stairway at the height and
dimensions indicated above. There shall also be an additional
intermediate handrail located approximately 305 mm (12 inches) below
the main handrail. The aisle stairway handrail shall begin and terminate
on the stair risers and there shall be individual sections of handrails
instead of a continuous handrail up the entire aisle stairway. The breaks
or gaps in the handrail shall have a width between 559 mm to 914 mm
(22-36 inches) to permit crossing the aisle to seating on either side of the
aisle.
Handrail Dimension (ANSI A117.1, Section 505):
e) Guards: See Section 1013 of the IBC. Tents will rarely have exterior
stairs, but raised seating areas with fixed seats in performance tents shall
be required to have guards complying with the following requirements.
A guard is a vertical barrier that prevents people from falling off raised
floors, levels, stairs or ramps and is sometimes referred to as a guardrail.
Guards are required to be at least 1,067 mm (42 inches) high with either
a solid barrier or an open pattern barrier that prevents the passage of a
minimum 102 mm (4 inch) sphere. Handrails shall project from the
inside edge of guards along stairways and ramps and have a vertical
height between 864 mm (34 inches) and 965 mm (38 inches) from the
stair tread nosing or ramp surface. Handrails are required to have a
minimum clear distance between the inside edge of the handrail and the

wall or guard of 38 mm (1-1/2 inch). Refer to the figure below for guard
and handrail design guidance.
A Risers maximum 7 inches (178 mm), treads minimum 11 inches IBC Section 1009.3
B Handrail height 34 inches (864 mm) to 38 inches (965 mm) IBC Section 1009.11.1
C Upper handrail extension, horizontal, minimum 12 inches IBC Section 1009.11.5
D Lower handrail extension 1 tread depth on slope with stairs IBC Section 1009.11.5
E Guard height minimum 42 inches (1067 mm) IBC Section 1012.2
F Openings shall obstruct passage of 4 inch sphere (102 mm) IBC Section 1012.3
G Triangular area shall obstruct passage of 6 inch sphere IBC Section 1012.3
H Top portion of guard shall obstruct passage if 8 inch sphere IBC Section 1012.3
f) Corridors: See Section 1018 of the IBC. Corridors may be created in

tents where there are meeting rooms or classrooms. The minimum
width across corridors or hallways is 1,118 mm (44 inches), except the
width may be reduced to 914 mm (36 inches) if the corridor/hallway
serves a calculated OL of 49 or fewer people. Corridors/hallways shall
have a minimum 2,286 mm (7.5 foot) ceiling height. The total travel
distance to an exterior door of any tent is limited to a maximum of 30.5
meters (100 feet) due to exit travel distance limitations, so room layout
must consider this limitation.
g) Width of aisles for areas without fixed seating: The width of aisles
serving areas without fixed seating shall have a minimum width of 1,118
mm (44 inches) from the seating areas serving 50 people or less. Aisle
widths shall be increased by 305 mm (12 inches) for each additional 50
person occupant load they serve.
h) Tables and chairs in dining tents: Tables and chairs in dining tents
shall be arranged to provide aisles around the sides of the tent and the

tables to maintain a minimum or 914 mm (36 inches) width aisle. There

shall be a minimum 483 mm (19 inches) clear aisle between tables.
6.3.9 Adequate lighting shall be provided for egress paths. See Section 1006 of
the IBC and SAES-P-123. This may be achieved by providing individual
emergency lighting units (e.g., “Frog-eye” style lights with a battery
backup) or by providing a lighting circuit connected to an emergency
generator. Emergency power is required to operate for at least 90-minutes
in the absence of normal supplied power and to provide a minimum of 11
lux (1 foot-candle) of light measured at the egress path floor surface. A
continuous electrical supply connection is required for any tent with
emergency lighting having battery back-up power supplies (i.e., generators
may not provide the normal power to the tent with battery back-up
emergency lighting units). Without continuous power, back-up batteries
will discharge completely every time generators are turned off and not be
functional the next day. Emergency lighting devices shall be placed above
each exterior exit door and spaced no greater than every 10 meters (32.8
feet) around the perimeter of an open area tent. Emergency lighting is also
required along any corridor created in a tent by a room layout.
6.3.10 Illuminated exit signs are required above exterior exit doors and at any
change of direction in corridors leading to designated exits. See Section
1011 of the IBC. Exit signs are required to be green and white in color and
internally lit, with an emergency power supply that lasts at least 90 minutes
during a power outage. A continuous electrical supply connection is
required for any tent with exit signs having battery back-up power supplies
(i.e., generators may not provide the normal power to the tent with battery
back-up exit signs). Without continuous power, back-up batteries will
discharge completely every time generators are turned off and not be
functional the next day. Each sign shall include the word “EXIT” in dual
languages with Arabic above English. Size, illumination, directional
indicators, mounting locations, etc., shall comply with IBC Section 1011. If
emergency generators are relied upon to provide uninterrupted electrical
power to any tent (including but not limited to a food tent and/or a live
performance-theater production tent) they shall be programmed to operate in
sequence mode.
6.3.11 Interior fabric materials shall not block or cover emergency lighting units,
exit signs or exit doors.
6.3.12 Display approved evacuation plans near each exterior exit door.
6.4 Step 4: Develop the detail of tent floor plans and elevations.
6.4.1 The contracting vendor or designer shall develop a floor plan for each tent.
The total travel distance to an exterior exit door from any point in a tent is

limited to a maximum distance of 30.5 meters (100 feet). The maximum

width or least horizontal dimension of any tent is limited to a maximum of
30.5 meters (100 feet) due to exit travel distance limitations (see Section
6.3.7).
6.4.2 Tent plans shall indicate the type of construction, planned occupancy,
dimensions (in millimeters), function and size of individual rooms,
access/egress (e.g., corridors/hallways, ramps, stairs), interior and exterior
doors, furnishings, equipment, etc. Elevation dimensions shall be provided
for interior and exterior roof and ceiling profiles, doorways, and windows.
6.4.3 Actual fire testing certificates by a third-party testing laboratory are required
for all interior and exterior membrane or fabric materials.
6.4.4 There shall be a minimum clearance of at least 914 mm (3 feet) between the
fabric envelope and all contents located inside the tent. Spot lighting and
other effect lighting shall be located at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) from the tent
membrane material, or the tent membrane material shall be shielded by non-
combustible insulation at least 235 mm (9.25 inches) thick. This same
requirement applies to the lighting distances to decorative combustible
material within the tent. “NO SMOKING” signs, in dual languages with
Arabic above English, shall be placed at the entrances and every 30.5 meters
(100 feet) within the tent. No open flames or cooking is permitted within a
distance of 6.1 meters (20 feet) of any tent, except within a dedicated, stand-
alone, open cooking tent without side walls.
6.4.5 Plans shall include any of the applicable items below:
a) floor plans with each room name labeled accordingly

b) fire extinguishers
c) exit signs
d) emergency lighting
e) egress doors (with panic hardware and viewing safety glass noted)
f) windows
g) plumbing fixtures (e.g., toilets, sinks, soap dispensers), sanitary
equipment (e.g., anti-siphoning vacuum breakers)
h) water/sewer connections
i) water heaters
j) exhaust fans
k) heating and air conditioning units
l) electrical appliances (e.g., food warmers, microwaves, TVs, coffee
makers, lamps)
m) other equipment to be placed in the building.
6.4.6 Cooking equipment is not permitted in tents having public occupancy.

Cooking equipment shall be placed in dedicated tents that are used only for

cooking purposes. Show any compressed flammable or non-flammable gas

cylinders that will be present on site and how they are to be secured and
stored.
6.4.7 Drawings shall be submitted showing the means of egress for tents;
calculated occupant load; door width/height; seating capacity for any fixed
seating in performance tents; and arrangement of the seating showing aisle
dimensions, handrail details, stair details, aisle widths, and spacing between
the front edge and back edge of seating rows. All dimensions shall be
shown on the drawings in millimeters as stated above in Section 6.3.
6.4.8 Separate shop drawings shall be provided for the electrical power network,
lighting system, communication systems, TV types and connection details,
connection to utilities, architectural, structural and foundation details, etc.
6.4.9 A structural drawing and calculations from the tent supplier vendor is
required to be submitted to Consulting Services Department (CSD) stating
the tent structure is adequately roped, braced and anchored to withstand the
elements of weather and prevent collapsing. CSD or Project Inspection
Department (PID) shall inspect and approve the structural integrity and load
capacity of each tent. All electrical equipment and devices shall be UL
listed and labeled devices. All A/C units shall comply with SAES-K-001.
All electrical work shall be performed by qualified electricians. The tent
and performance electrical wiring shall be inspected and approved by an
electrical inspector from PID both before the event is open to the public and
periodically during the event if conditions warrant.
6.5 Step 5: Define the interior finish requirements and tent membrane material
requirements.
6.5.1 See Section 2404 of the IFC and Chapter 8 of the IBC. A letter shall be
submitted to DHALPD from the contracting tent vendor and a material
manufacturer’s certification test document for every fabric or membrane
material proposed for each tent. The fabric manufacturer shall document
that each material is composed of flame-resistant material that meets the
requirements of NFPA 701, including the material manufacturer’s
certification test document stating the test standard used to test the material.
Flame resistant documentation shall include all tent fabric roof coverings,
sidewalls, drops, tarpaulins, floor coverings, bunting, and any interior
combustible decorative material and effects. Any combustible items not
meeting NFPA 701 requirements shall not be used in the construction of the
tent. DHALPD/PSG will assess the equivalency of other international flame
resistance test methods according to the requirements of NFPA 701.

6.5.1 Any rigid (non-fabric or non-membrane) interior finish material used to sub-
divide the interior area of a tent requires the class rating for wall and ceiling
finish materials and shall be Class A materials as defined in the IBC.
6.5.2 Flame spread ratings of commonly used wall and ceiling materials are listed
in Table 5A.
Table 5A – Flame Spread Ratings of Wall & Ceiling Materials
Material Class
Shredded wood fiberboard (fire-retardant treated) A
Aluminum (with baked enamel finish on one side) A
Cement board A
Brick or concrete block A
Concrete A
Gypsum board (with paper surface on both sides) A
Southern pine (untreated) Not Allowed
Plywood or wood paneling (fire-retardant treated) * Not Allowed
Plywood or wood paneling (untreated) Not Allowed
Carpeting DOC-FF-1
* Thin, untreated plywood and wood paneling presents a major fire hazard.
Plywood and wood paneling, if used, shall be greater than 6.4 mm (¼-inch)
thick or shall be applied to a non-combustible backing such as minimum 13
mm (½-inch) thick gypsum wallboard (see IBC Section 803.11.4). Gypsum
wallboard or non-combustible ceiling tiles are a preferred alternative to
plywood or wood paneling for interior wall and ceiling finishes.
Hay, straw, wood shavings, saw dust or any other highly flammable material
is prohibited inside tents. Combustible materials are not permitted below
raised seating areas inside performance tents.
6.5.3 Rigid (non-fabric or non-membrane) finish materials shall have a

certification which lists the Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke
Developed Index (SDI) according to ASTM E84 or UL 723 fire tests. All
flooring material (carpet, tile, etc.) must pass the U.S. Department of
Commerce (DOC) FF-1-70 or ASTM D2859 ignition resistance test, which
is based on a cigarette-type ignition source. The use of foam plastic
materials as decorations or in any other application is prohibited.
6.6 Step 6: Define design requirements for each tent’s fire protection equipment,
which are typically only portable fire extinguishers.

6.6.1 See Chapter 9 and Section 904.11 of the IFC, “Fire Protection Systems”, for
the details of the requirements.
6.6.2 Kitchen Hood Fire Extinguishing System:
a) Kitchen hood extinguishing systems are not required for temporary

tents. They are required for permanent tents.
b) Every kitchen shall have a Type K fire extinguisher(s) within 3 to 9

meters (10 to 30 feet) of cooking appliances. See Section 904.11 of the
IFC and NFPA 96. Also see Section 6.6.3(d) of this SMG.
c) Section 904.11 of the IFC shall only apply if cooking equipment and
exhaust systems having a UL 300 listed and labeled kitchen hood
extinguishing systems are installed. If a kitchen hood extinguishing
system is installed, it shall meet NFPA 17A and UL-300 wet-chemical
kitchen hood fire extinguishing system requirements as required for
Type I kitchen hood exhaust systems above cooking appliances that
produce smoke and grease vapors. These systems shall be installed
according to their UL listing and the IFC.
6.6.3 Fire Extinguishers:
Occupancy related fire extinguisher requirements are provided in Section

906 of the IFC and NFPA 10, according to SAES-M-100.
a) The layout of all fire extinguishers shall be based on a 23 meter (75 feet)
maximum travel distance, which is the “line-of-travel” distance around
obstructions. Typically, this results in extinguisher locations spaced no
more than 15 meters (50 feet) apart when measured along the outer
perimeter wall of the tent.
b) All interior areas shall be protected by a 4.5-kg (10-lbs) agent capacity
Class ABC multi-purpose, stored pressure, dry chemical extinguishers.
Extinguishers shall be placed in the corridor of tents that are divided up
by interior rooms.
c) Fire extinguishers placed at outside locations shall be 11.4-kg (25-lbs)
agent capacity Class ABC multi-purpose, cartridge pressure, dry
chemical extinguishers.
d) In dedicated cooking tents, a 2.5-gallon wet chemical Class K (kitchen)
extinguisher shall be placed within 9.1 meters (30 feet) of the cooking
hood.

e) Where extinguishers protect individual mechanical or electrical

equipment, they shall be located at least 7.5 meters (25 feet) from the
equipment.
f) Extinguishers weighing less than 18 kg (40 pounds) shall be mounted so
that the extinguisher top is not more than 1.5 m (5 feet) above the floor
level. Fire extinguishers shall not rest unsupported on the floor or
ground. Fire extinguishers may be placed on a dedicated stand, provided
the extinguisher bottom is minimum 101 mm (4 inches) above ground or
floor, the extinguisher is secured and the stand is anchored so that it will
not tip over.
g) Fire extinguisher models shall be UL or FM approved and indicated on
the Saudi Aramco Fire Protection Department 9COM approval list.
h) Fire extinguishers shall be indicated on the design drawings using
symbols such as “FE”. Each extinguisher type, size and method of
anchoring shall be shown on the drawings.
6.6.4 Each crowd management individual needs to have two flashlights and a
handheld electric megaphone, loud speaker or use of a public address
system with an uninterrupted power supply to direct people to pay attention
to them and to direct them to the nearest exit.
6.7 Step 7: Provide a site plot plan, which includes the items listed in Section 6.7.1.
6.7.1 The site plot plan shall indicate:

a) Name of SA proponent organization primary contact.
b) Name of program/function utilizing the tents.
c) Name of vendor contractor that prepared the site plot plan.
d) Location, purpose and size (with dimensions) of each tent.
e) Tents shall be separated from each other and adjoining lot lines or fences
by a minimum 6.1 meter (20 feet) separation distance. Tents having an
area of 1,394 square meters (15,000 sq. ft.) or more shall maintain a
minimum of 15.2 meters (50 feet) for any adjacent tent.
f) Generators and other internal combustion engines shall maintain a
minimum 6.1 meter (20 feet) separation distance from tents.
g) Storage of any combustible material is prohibited within 9.1 meters (30
feet) of any tent. Storage of any LPG (gas) cylinders is prohibited
within 7.6 meters (25 feet) of any tent. Storage of any flammable or
combustible liquid containers is prohibited within 15.2 meters (50 feet)
of any tent. Compressed gas cylinders storage and use shall also comply
with Section I, Chapter 9 in the Construction Safety Manual (CSM).

h) Choosing a site with adequate area for separation distances and access
roads shall occur.
i) The minimum burial depth (“cover”) of electrical cable shall meet the
requirements of the 2008 NFPA 70 (NEC), Table 300.5. Cover is
defined as the shortest distance in millimeters (inches) measured
between a point on the top surface of any direct-buried conductor, cable,
conduit, or other raceway and the top surface of finished grade, concrete,
or similar cover. As an alternative, install all buried cables and/or
conduits listed for burial at least 600 mm (24 inches) deep with clean
fill. Alternative armored shielding may be used in conformance with the
provisions of National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 525 when
approved by the Electrical Engineering Unit of Consulting Services
Department.
j) Number and type of occupants in each tent.
k) Location and type of services/utilities for each tent, including fire
hydrants.
l) Road/parking layout, including traffic routes and parking areas for buses
and other vehicles.
m) Location and type of exterior lighting.
n) Emergency access routes. All tents on the site shall allow fire truck
access to a point where all portions of exterior walls can be reached
within 45.72 meters (150 feet) of the fire truck around the perimeter of
the tent. Fire department access roads are required based on a minimum
6.1 meter (20 feet) width on an all-weather road surface. The minimum
inside turning radius is 7.6 meters (25 feet) and the minimum outside
turning radius is 13.7 meters (45 feet). There can be no dead-end roads
on the site longer than 45.7 meters (150 feet) where a fire truck cannot
turn around (without backing up).
o) Emergency assembly point locations. Emergency Assembly Area
(EAA) shall be sized for 0.5 square meters per person as determined
from the calculated occupant load for each tent. The EAA’s shall be at
least 15 meters (50 feet) from any tent or at least the height of the tent,
whichever is greater. Grass areas are acceptable locations to use.
p) Potable/raw/fire water storage tanks, power generators, sewage
treatment facilities, solid waste containers, fuel storage tanks with
containment.
q) Location and type of fencing/walls around the site perimeter and within
the property.
r) Outdoor signage details (e.g., traffic signs).
s) General landscaping plans, including paving and gravel, vegetation
plans.

t) Provide a housekeeping maintenance plan, showing types and locations

of all trash receptacles, staging locations of all 4-wheeled plastic garbage
gondolas, staging locations of all commercial-type steel dumpsters, and
a written maintenance plan listing quantity of refuse employees, job
descriptions, responsibilities, areas of grounds coverage, frequency of
routes, supervisors in charge, etc. The written maintenance plan shall
include the requirement that all food debris, disposable plates, cups,
utensils, etc. be placed in durable disposable plastic bags and all bags
shall be placed in durable 4-wheeled plastic gondolas prior to disposal.
u) Doors to tents/temporary buildings routinely break down and need
timely maintenance if not replacement during the actual festival/event.
Depending on the number of tents and the anticipated attendance at the
event, at least one full time door maintenance staff equipped with
sufficient parts for replacement (e.g., closures, hinges, etc) shall be
present during the event operating hours.
v) There shall be posted, at all entrances to the event, written rules and
regulations for entrance into the festival/event. These posted rules shall
include "no open flames, no picnics, no firearms or weapons".
w) All other/additional proposed facilities and installations.
6.8 Step 8: Requirements for identifying and providing qualified personnel.
6.8.1 Qualified personnel shall be provided for the following functions:
a) One crowd management (CM) individual is required for each 250

occupants as calculated for exiting requirements. The CMs are
committed only for audience assistance and safety and are required at all
times the tent is occupied. A CM manager shall be appointed to manage
this staff. Each CM shall have two flashlights and a handheld electric
megaphone, loud speaker or use of a public address system with an
uninterrupted power supply to direct people to pay attention to them and
to direct them to the nearest exit. An announcement shall be made at the
beginning of performances to identify all CM staff, who shall be dressed
in a distinctive and unique colored shirt or clothing. There shall be
adequate numbers of male and female staff at each tent for safety CM
functions. As a minimum, each CM staff member shall submit
certificate of completion for an approved Crowd Manager Training
program, such as the ICC/NASFM Crowd Manager Training Program
(available at http://www.iccsafe.org/Education/Pages/crowdmanager.aspx?r=crowdmanager)
or other approved training program.
b) Prepare written, specific emergency procedures and evacuation plans.
Train security and CM personnel according to these plans. Display
evacuation plans near each exterior exit door.

c) Doors to the tents/temporary buildings routinely break down and need

timely maintenance if not replacement during the actual festival/event.
Provide a minimum of one (1) full time door maintenance technician
equipped with sufficient parts for door maintenance and parts
repair/replacement (e.g., closures, hinges, etc.). The door technician
shall be present during the all event operating hours.
d) Heavy equipment operators shall have Saudi Aramco certification as
well as heavy SAG license with a stamp. All heavy equipment shall also
have a valid inspection sticker.

Supplement S1 - Summary Table of Temporary Tent Code Requirements
Summary of Requirements
1 The width or least horizontal dimension of any tent is limited to a maximum of 30.5 meters (100 feet) due to exit travel distance limitations.
2 Two exits are required for a calculated occupant load of 10 to 199 people (2009 IFC, Section 2403.12.2), and up to seven separate exits may be required
(see Table 3D in Section 6.3.6 of this guide). All exterior exit doors shall have panic hardware devices on doors. The maximum spacing between exit
doors around the perimeter of an open area tent shall be limited to a maximum of 30.5 meters (100 feet).
3 Exit doors shall be as follows:
a) Minimum 914 mm (36 inches) door leaf width. Maximum 1,219 mm (48 inches) door leaf width. Minimum 2,032 mm (80 inches) door height.
Doors shall be a side-hinged type. Single- or double-door type doors may be used.
b) Glass windows in doors shall be tempered safety glass that is test and labeled according to ANSI Z97.1, BS EN 12600 or other equivalent
standard.
c) Doors shall swing in the direction of egress. Panic or fire exit hardware (push bar type) is required for each exit door. The use of locks on exit
doors is prohibited during occupancy of the tent.
d) Interior floor surfaces of the tent shall not slope up or down more than a one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5%) slope. Landings shall be
provided on the exterior side of each exit doorway, with the landing width equal to the doorway width and the landing length of 1,219 mm (48
inches). The exterior door landing shall not slope up or down more than a one unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2%) slope. The interior floor
and exterior landing surfaces shall be on the same level.
e) Door thresholds are limited to a maximum 12.7 mm (1/2-inch) height. If the threshold height exceeds 6.4 mm (1/4-inch), the threshold shall
be beveled with a slope not greater than 1:2 (50-percent slope).
f) Materials or other items cannot block exit doors or corridors/hallways leading to exits.
g) The maximum occupant load of a tent shall be listed at each exit doorway.
4 Illuminated exit signs are required above exterior exit doors and at any change of direction in corridors leading to designated exits. Exit signs are
required to be green and white in color and internally lit, with an emergency power supply that lasts at least 90 minutes during a power outage. The
sign shall include the word “EXIT” in dual languages with Arabic above English. Interior fabric materials shall not block or cover exit signs or exit doors.
5 Adequate lighting shall be provided for egress paths (e.g., “Frog-eye” style lights with a battery backup) or by providing a lighting circuit connected to an
emergency generator. Emergency power is required to operate for at least 90-minutes in the absence of normal supplied power and to provide a
minimum of 11 lux (1 foot-candle) of light measured at the egress path floor surface. These devices shall be placed above each exterior exit door and
spaced no greater than every 10 meters (32.8 feet) around the perimeter of an open area tent. Emergency lighting is also required along any corridor
created in a tent by a room layout. Interior fabric materials shall not block or cover emergency lighting units.
6 The contracting tent vendor shall submit to DHALPD a material manufacturer’s certification flame test document for every fabric or membrane material
used to erect the tent shall state that the material is composed of flame-resistant material that meets the flame resistance requirements of NFPA 701.
Equivalent flame test methods can be evaluated by DHALPD.
7 One crowd management (CM) individual is required for each 250 occupant as calculated for exiting requirements. The CMs are committed only to
audience evacuation assistance are required at all times the tent is occupied. A manager of this staff shall be appointed to manage this staff. Each
safety CM shall have two flashlights and a loud speaker or use of a public address system with an uninterrupted power supply to provide instructions

during an emergency and to direct them to the nearest exit when evacuation is necessary. An announcement shall be made at quarterly evacuation
drills to identify these people who shall be dressed in a distinctive and unique colored shirt or clothing.
8 A structural drawing and calculations from the tent supplier vendor is required to be submitted to SA CSD stating the tent structure is adequately roped,
braced and anchored to withstand the elements of weather and prevent collapsing. SA CSD or PID shall inspect and approve the structural integrity and
load capacity of each tent. Following any period of high winds during the event, the proponent shall request the structural integrity of each tent to be
evaluated by a representative from SA CSD.
9 There shall be a minimum clearance of at least 914 mm (3 feet) between the fabric envelope and all contents located inside the tent.
10 Spot lighting and other effect lighting shall be located at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) from the tent membrane or decorative fabric material, or tent
membrane or decorative fabric material shall be shielded by non-combustible insulation at least 235 mm (9.25 inches) thick.
11 Storage of any combustible material is prohibited within 9.1 meters (30 feet) of any tent. Storage of any LPG (gas) cylinders is prohibited within 7.6
meters (25 feet) of any tent. Compressed gas cylinders storage and use shall also comply with Section I, Chapter 9 in the Construction Safety Manual
(CSM). Storage of any flammable or combustible liquid containers is prohibited within 15.2 meters (50 feet) of any tent.
12 There shall be a minimum of three feet (914mm) clearance in front of all electrical panels inside the tents. Also there shall be a minimum clearance of
three feet (914mm) between the electrical panel and the tent wall/fabric.
13 All generators shall be a minimum of 6.1 meters (20 feet) from any tent/structure.
14 No Smoking signs shall be place at the entrances and every 30.5 meters with the tent. No open flames or cooking is permitted within a distance of 6.1
meters (20 feet) of any tent, except within dedicated, stand-alone, open cooking tents without side walls.
15 As a general code requirement, fire extinguishers shall be installed so all areas of tents are within a 22.86 meters (75 foot) travel distance of a fire
extinguisher. Placing fire extinguishers 15 m (50 feet) apart along the outside perimeter wall of the tent satisfies this rule. The kitchen area shall have a
Type K fire extinguisher within 3 to 9 meters (10 to 30 feet) of the cooking appliances
16 All tents on the site shall allow emergency vehicle access to a point where all portions of exterior walls can be reached within 45.72 meters (150 feet) of
the fire truck around the perimeter of the tent. Emergency vehicle access roads are required based on a minimum 6.1 meter (20 feet) width on an all-
weather road surface. The minimum inside turning radius is 7.6 meters (25 feet) and the minimum outside turning radius is 13.7 meters (45 feet).
There can be no dead-end roads on the site longer than 45.7 meters (150 feet) where a fire truck cannot turn around (without backing up).
17 If fire hydrants are present at the site they shall be tested prior to the event opening to the Public.
18 Each Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) needs to be sized for 0.5 square meters per person in each tent. The EAA’s shall be at least 15 meters (50 feet)
from any tent or at least the height of the tent, whichever is greater. Grass areas are acceptable locations to use.
19 All food vendors shall have Health Certificates conspicuously posted.
Disclaimer: Application of the summary of requirements listed in this table without reading and understanding the design process explained in
this entire guide will not result in a design that is compliant according to Saudi Aramco standards.

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Saudi Aramco

Safety Management Guide

Application of Saudi Aramco

Guide Number 07-006-2013

Prepared by the Loss Prevention Department

May 25, 2013

© Copyright 2013 Saudi Aramco. All Rights Reserved.

No portion of this material may be reproduced, copied, or redistributed either electronically or by

© Copyright 2013 Saudi Aramco. All Rights Reserved.

Application of Saudi Aramco Building Code to

Guide Number 07-006-2013 Page 1 of 27

3. REFERENCES & DEFINITIONS

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

ASTM International (ASTM or American Society for Testing and Materials)

International Code Council (ICC)

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards (SAES)

Saudi Aramco General Instruction (GI)

Saudi Aramco Minimum Medical Standards Requirements Manual (MMSR)

Saudi Aramco Sanitary Code (SASC)

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (UL)

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3.7 Egress or Means of Egress (Exiting): A continuous and unobstructed path of

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3.11 Listed: Equipment, materials, construction products, building assemblies or services

3.12 Membrane Structure: An air-inflated, air-supported, cable or frame-covered

3.13 Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL): An independent, third-party

3.14 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): The NFPA is a standards

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3.21 Tent: A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops,

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at Section 6.8.1(c) and enforcing a housekeeping maintenance plan, as described at

6. REQUIREMENTS OF THE SITE AND TENT DESIGN PROCESS

6.1.2 Tents erected at a site may include the following:

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e) Clinic/medical tent facilities (see the Minimum Medical Standards

a) Assuming three dining shifts, a dining tent would require at least

b) Cooking operations are required to occur in dedicated, stand-alone, open

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6.2.3 If quantities of liquid fuel and/or hazardous materials are to be stored or

6.3.2 To determine egress requirements for a building, the maximum OL of each

Table 3A – Area per Occupant (from IBC Table 1004.1.1)

* It is important to understand that the calculated OL is to be used for

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The maximum OL of a tent shall be posted on signs at each exterior exit

Therefore, the OL of the entire tent would be:

A total of five crowd management (CM) personnel would be required for

Table 3B – Maximum Occupant Load for a Tent or Room with One

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Occupancy Group Maximum Occupant Load

Table 3C – Maximum Area for a Tent/Room with One Exit

Function/Use of Tent/Room Maximum Area

Assembly with chairs only (not fixed) 5.9 m2 (63 ft2) *

Table 3D – Minimum Number of Exits and Exit Widths for Tents

10 – 199 2 1,829 mm (72 inches)

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500 – 999 4 2,438 mm (96 inches)

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Handrail Dimension (ANSI A117.1, Section 505):

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