Fire protection

Construction materials and decoration

  • The materials used in stand walls and ceilings (decorative ceilings made of type-approved textiles and other materials) must be flame-retardant, i.e. not more flammable than wood. Acceptable materials include particle board, non-porous wood fibre board and plywood.
  • The type approval can be replaced by a written certificate from the SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden. The approval or certificate must be available at the stand, unless it is otherwise apparent that the material is acceptable. In cases of uncertainty, the Swedish Exhibition Centre's Hall Manager may carry out a simple test procedure.
  • Textiles and similar materials for lining walls, and any other decorations, must be impregnated to make them flame retardant.
  • Corrugated cardboard, polystyrene (styrofoam), straw and wood shavings are not normally accepted.
  • The exhibition halls of the Swedish Exhibition Centre are equipped with sprinklers. Because of this, all textiles used for stand ceilings and canopies must be of either an open net weave or of a special mesh weave for use under sprinklers. The textiles must also be impregnated to make them flame-retardant.
  • The ceilings of stands of more than one level and enclosed/covered stands must be constructed as described above. Special regulations apply to ceiling materials covering an area of more than 30 m2. In such cases contact the Fire Protection Officer at the Swedish Exhibition Centre.
  • Enclosed/covered stands must have smoke detectors linked to the Swedish Exhibition Centre's fire alarm system.

Tents

  • The erection of tents on the Swedish Exhibition Centre premises requires a certificate showing that the material is flame-retardant.
  • If the tent is designed in such a way that smoke can accumulate under the ridge, or has sides creating an enclosed space, there must be smoke detectors linked to the Swedish Exhibition Centre's fire alarm system.

Packaging and other materials

  • Empty packaging and other combustible materials must not be stored inside the stands or in the exhibition halls during an ongoing exhibition. We recommend that you book our empty packaging handling service via our Service Centre.

Naked flame

  • Naked flame, such as with lighted candles or similar, is not allowed on the Swedish Exhibition Centre's premises in connection with an exhibition.
  • An exception to this rule can be granted when such candles or similar are part of the product range. An approved fire extinguisher must be available in the stand, and the placing of the candles must not constitute a risk to visitors.
  • The candles must be kept under supervision and may only be lit when the stand is manned. Contact our Technical Coordinator.

Inflammable and explosive goods

  • The handling and storage of inflammable liquids, gas or pressure vessels are not generally permitted in the exhibition halls. An application for special permission to do so can be submitted four weeks before the event. The applicant must comply with the relevant rules and regulations.
  • Used cleaning rags soaked in oil, grease or solvents must be stored in special, tightly sealed, noncombustible containers with self-closing lids.
  • Vehicle fuel tanks must be filled and have lockable caps. In the case of LPG vehicles, the main tap nearest the tank (gas bottle) must be closed.
  • The handling and storage of LPG require the approval of the Fire Protection Officer at the Swedish Exhibition Centre. Note that the Emergency Rescue Services (Räddningstjänsten) have provided specific directives concerning the handling of LPG on public premises:
  • http://www.raddningstjansten.goteborg.se/Application/Admin/Article/showImage.asp?DocumentId={2E99C33A-BA89-4F55-8057-9655A74F62CC}
  • To sum up, the following applies to LPG:

Users

  • Each user site (e.g. stand) must have a designated person responsible for ensuring compliance with the law on inflammable and explosive goods, and that the directives of the organiser (Swedish Exhibition Centre), are also adhered to.

Location

  • Can be placed indoors if the LPG is protected from heating for 30 minutes. In such cases, a ventilated and non-combustible cabinet is required (Fire Classification EI30).
  • The LPG bottle/cylinder must be stored upright and be well protected against unauthorised access.
  • Only one day's consumption of LPG may be present at the user location.
  • If the consumption appliance is portable, the cylinder/bottle shall be kept on the trolley.

Connection

  • The hose used between the cylinder/bottle and the LPG burner must be of the approved type.
  • The length of the hose should not exceed 1.5 metres.
  • The LPG line must be located so that it is proof against tampering.
  • A leak test must be performed at each connection point.
  • The distance between an LPG burner and anything positioned above it (cabinet, shelf, canvas or similar) must not be less than 1.0 m. The distance to the side of the burner must not be less than 0.5 m.
  • The LPG burner must be fitted with a safety device that turns off the gas supply if the flame is extinguished.

Hot work

  • Hot work means any procedure that involves the use of naked flame, or gives rise to sparks, or involves soldering, welding, cutting, grinding or any other work with tools that causes heating.
  • Hot work is not permitted at the Swedish Exhibition Centre even during the stand construction period without the properly completed authorisation form from the person in charge of permits, who determines whether hot work is feasible.
  • All hot work must be carried out by people with approved hot work certificates. Since there is no clear limit for what can be classed as hot work, all jobs where there is uncertainty are classed as hot work.

Pyrotechnics and smoke

  • All use of fireworks or smoke-generating machines/objects is strictly regulated at the Swedish Exhibition Centre and is not allowed under any circumstances without the written permission of the Safety Manager.
  • Pyrotechnic goods must not be used at a public meeting or public event held indoors, without Police permission (Public Order Act, Section 2, § 20).

Application for a temporary permit to handle inflammable and explosive goods

  • Application for a temporary permit for inflammable and explosive goods must be sent to the Swedish Exhibition Centre at least four weeks before the event.
  • A license fee of SEK 1,500 will be charged. The fee covers costs such as administration and control, and a fire watcher at any fire alarm that has been turned off in connection with the handling and use of such materials.
  • No flammable and explosive goods may be brought onto the Swedish Exhibition Centre's premises until written authorisation has been obtained.