§308-01 Use of Open Flames in Group A Occupancies and Similar Public Gathering Places

   (a)   Scope. This section sets forth standards, requirements and procedures for the use in Group A occupancies and similar public gathering places of open flames and open-flame devices.

   (b)   Definitions. The following term shall, for purposes of this section and as used elsewhere in the rules, have the meaning shown herein:

Open-flame decorative device. An open-flame device used for decorative or lighting purposes, including wall-mounted candles, torch sconces, insect-repellent candles, tabletop candles and lamps, free-standing torch holders and candelabras, and similar devices.

   (c)   General Provisions.

      (1)   Use of open flames and open-flame devices. Open flames and open-flame devices shall be handled and used in compliance with the requirements of FC308 and this section.

      (2)   Open flame permits.

         (A)   Pursuant to FC105.6, a permit shall be obtained for the use of open flames in any Group A occupancy, in any covered mall and in any other indoor public gathering place (including any outdoor area ancillary to such occupancy or gathering place, such as a courtyard, rear yard, rooftop or sidewalk).

         (B)   Applications for open flame permits shall identify the types of open flames and open-flame devices proposed to be used on the premises, and the locations at which they are to be used.

         (C)   Applications for open flame permits will be denied if violations are outstanding for the sprinkler system, standpipe system or fire alarm system or there is any other indication that such systems may not be in good working order.

      (3)   Clearance from combustible materials. Pursuant to FC308.3.3, open flames and open-flame devices shall be kept a safe distance from combustible materials, and shall be placed at locations that minimize the risk of accidental ignition thereof.

      (4)   Special effects. It shall be unlawful to store, handle or use any fireworks or pyrotechnic material, article or device without a special effects permit issued pursuant to FC Chapter 33 and the rules.

   (d)   Use of Candles For Decorative Lighting Purposes.

      (1)   Types of candles.

         (A)   It shall be unlawful to use candles containing magnesium or other oxidizing agents or other accelerators, including candles that re-ignite themselves.

         (B)   Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prohibit use of Number 0 birthday candles (which are 1/16" in diameter and 2¹/₂" in length) and Number 00 birthday candles (which are 1/8" in diameter and 3" in length) when used on a cake or other food item for a festive occasion. Use of such candles for such purpose shall not be subject to the requirements of R308-01(d)(2).

      (2)   Candleholders.

         (A)   It shall be unlawful to use cardboard, paper or flammable plastic candleholders.

         (B)   Candleholders shall be weighty, have a low center of gravity or be otherwise designed and constructed to resist accidental tipping in accordance with FC308.3.2(4).

      (3)   Placement.

         (A)   The flames of candles placed on tables shall be protected in accordance with FC308.3.2(5).

         (B)   No candle shall be placed more than 24 inches above the dining table, except as approved by the Department.

   (e)   Use of Combustible Liquids in Lamps and Similar Open-Flame Decorative Devices.

      (1)   Type of fuel. Combustible liquids used as fuel in lamps and similar open flame decorative devices shall be odorless and smokeless and shall have a flash point of not less than 140°F.

      (2)   Storage of fuel. No more than ten (10) gallons of combustible liquids may be stored on the premises as a reserve fuel supply for lamps and similar open flame decorative devices. Such reserve fuel supply shall be stored in compliance with Fire Code requirements, including FC Chapter 34.

      (3)   Types and filling of devices.

         (A)   Combustible liquids shall be used only in open-flame decorative devices properly protected by noncombustible enclosures complying with the requirements of FC308.3.2 Fuel reservoirs for such lamps shall be constructed of metal unless the open-flame decorative device is designed to store no more than four (4) fluid ounces of fuel.

         (B)   The wick for the lamp shall completely fill the wick tube to prevent vapors from rising around the wick.

         (C)   Lamps and similar open-flame decorative devices shall be filled in well-lit areas, at a safe distance from any open flame. Lamps and similar open-flame decorative devices shall not be filled in the dining room.

      (4)   Placement of devices.

         (A)   When used on dining tables that are combustible, lamps and similar open-flame decorative devices shall be placed on a noncombustible tray or mat.

         (B)   It shall be unlawful to use combustible liquids in hanging lamps and similar open-flame decorative devices.

   (f)   Use of Candles and Solid Alcohol For Food Warming.

      (1)   Construction of serving tables. Serving tables used to hold food warmers shall have noncombustible tops, or shall be protected by a noncombustible mat that covers the entire table top. Such mat shall be placed on top of the tablecloth.

      (2)   Use of noncombustible mats. When food warmers are used on dining tables, noncombustible mats extending eight (8) inches from each side of the food warmer, or a metal tray designed to contain the candle or hold the contents of a full container of heating fuel, shall be placed under the food warmer.

      (3)   Handling of food warmers. Food warmers shall not be removed from a dining or serving table while the candle or heating fuel is lit.

      (4)   Wheeled or other portable serving tables.

         (A)   Wheeled or other portable serving tables shall be designed to prevent the heating fuel from being dislodged while the server is in motion.

         (B)   No more than two (2) levels of food warmers may be used on a wheeled or other portable serving table.

         (C)   Wheeled or other portable serving tables shall not be allowed to obstruct aisles or other means of egress.

   (g)   Use of Charcoal Briquettes and Other Solid Fuels (Except Solid Alcohol) For Cooking and Food Warming.

      (1)   Handling.

         (A)   The charcoal briquettes or other solid fuel used for cooking or food warming purposes shall be stored in a metal cabinet. Such cabinet shall be situated in a cool, dry location.

         (B)   Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be used to ignite, or accelerate ignition of, the charcoal briquettes or other solid fuel. Such fuels shall be ignited in an oven in the kitchen.

         (C)   The charcoal briquettes or other solid fuel shall be placed in a hibachi, or other approved cooking or food warming device, in the kitchen, and moved directly to the dining table.

         (D)   The hibachi or other approved cooking or food warming device shall be removed directly to the kitchen immediately after use, and the briquettes or other solid fuel, and the ashes, shall be immersed in water. Provisions shall be made for removal of the briquettes and ashes from the hibachi or other approved cooking or food warming device to a pail or other container of water.

         (E)   When not in use, hibachis shall be stored on noncombustible shelves or in metal cabinets.

      (2)   Construction of hibachis.

         (A)   Hibachis shall be constructed of metal of sufficient thickness and strength as to safely contain the heat of the open flame, and shall have a low center of gravity or otherwise be designed and constructed to resist accidental tipping in accordance with FC308.3.2(4).

         (B)   Hibachis shall be fully enclosed to contain embers and hot ashes. Ashpit doors must be securely closed during use.

         (C)   Hibachis shall not use forced air to intensify heat.

      (3)   Construction of dining tables. Dining tables used to hold hibachis or other approved cooking or food warming devices shall have noncombustible tops or shall be protected by a noncombustible mat extending eight (8) inches from each side of the cooking or food warming device.

   (h)   Pits and Open Grills. Pits and open grills at dining tables or food serving areas shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with FC 904.11.

   (i)   Flaming Food and Beverages. Flaming food and beverages shall be prepared and served in accordance with FC308.6.

   (j)   Use of LPG for Food Warming and Browning.

      (1)   Use. Portable LPG containers may be used for food warming and browning only as authorized by this section. Portable LPG containers shall be used by food preparation staff trained and knowledgeable in the safe storage, handling and use of portable LPG containers and the LPG device used.

      (2)   Devices. All devices fueled by portable LPG containers that are used for food warming and browning purposes, including culinary torches, shall be in accordance with FC3801.4 and R3809-01. Not more than one (1) portable LPG container may be connected to each LPG device.

      (3)   Container size. Portable LPG containers for food warming and browning purposes shall be limited to those with a capacity not exceeding 16.4 ounces.

      (4)   Storage.

         (A)   No more than twelve (12) portable LPG containers shall be stored in the Group A occupancy or public gathering place.

         (B)   When not in use, portable LPG containers shall be stored above grade in a metal cabinet, in an area protected by a sprinkler system. Such cabinet shall be installed away from sources of heat.

   (k)   Use of LPG for Demonstrations and Temporary Exhibitions. Portable LPG containers may be used for demonstrations and temporary exhibitions in accordance with FC3803.2.1.5.

      (1)   Demonstrations. Except as otherwise provided in R308-01(j)(2):

         (A)   Use. Portable LPG containers may be used for demonstration purposes when electricity, piped natural gas or other power source cannot be used to supply power for a device or operation being demonstrated or required for the demonstration. Portable LPG containers shall be handled and used for demonstration purposes only by persons trained and knowledgeable in the safe storage, handling and use of portable LPG containers and the LPG device used for the demonstration.

         (B)   Devices. All devices fueled by portable LPG containers that are used for demonstration purposes shall be in accordance with FC3801.4 and R3809-01. Not more than one (1) portable LPG container may be connected to each LPG device.

         (C)   Container size. LPG used for demonstration purposes shall be limited to portable LPG containers with a capacity not exceeding 16.4 ounces.

         (D)   Removal from premises. All portable LPG containers and LPG devices used for demonstration purposes shall be delivered to the premises on the day of the demonstration, and removed from the premises no later than the end of the day. Overnight storage is prohibited.

      (2)   Trade shows and other temporary exhibitions.

         (A)   Use. Portable LPG containers may be used for demonstration purposes, equipment operation or other purpose, where a device cannot be operated or operation cannot be conducted with the use of electricity, piped natural gas or other power source. Portable LPG containers shall be handled and used for demonstration purposes only by persons trained and knowledgeable in the safe storage, handling and use of portable LPG containers and the LPG device used for the demonstration.

         (B)   Devices. All devices fueled by portable LPG containers that are used for demonstration purposes shall be in accordance with FC3801.4 and R3809-01. Not more than one (1) portable LPG container may be connected to each LPG device.

         (C)   Container size. Except as may be authorized by the Department, portable LPG containers with a capacity not exceeding 16.4 ounces may be used at trade shows and other exhibitions for demonstration, equipment operation and other necessary purposes.

         (D)   Storage and removal from premises.

      (1)   No more than 24 portable LPG containers shall be stored in connection with a trade show or other temporary exhibition.

      (2)   When not in use, portable LPG containers shall be stored above grade, in a fire-rated storage room protected by a sprinkler system, or in a metal cabinet located in an area protected by a sprinkler system.

      (3)   All portable LPG containers and devices shall be removed from the exhibition premises promptly once there is no further need for their use, but in any event no later than the last day of the trade show or other temporary exhibition.

   (l)   Portable Fire Extinguisher Requirements.

      (1)   In addition to complying with the requirements of FC906, Group A occupancies and other public gathering places in which open flames and open-flame devices are used shall comply with the following portable fire extinguisher requirements:

         (A)   A portable fire extinguisher with at least a 5-B rating, readily accessible for use, shall be provided at each captain's station and in the dining room at the entrance to the kitchen.