Fire and Safety Regulations

Cooking Devices | Emergency Systems and Procedures | Fireworks | Fire Safety Requirements
First Aid Requirement | Fog Machines | Hazardous Demonstrations and Displays
Motorized Vehicles | Pyrotechnics | Security | Smoking Policy | Storage | Vehicle Display
Cooking Devices
If you plan to use a cooking or heating appliance, the appliance must be powered by an electrical or natural gas hookup and must be adequately ventilated. Stoves and heaters must be UL-approved. Nothing combustible may be placed near any heat-producing appliance. ABC type fire extinguishers (2.5 lbs.) are also required in any area where a cooking device will be used.

Emergency Systems and Procedures
The Complex is equipped with comprehensive early detection and alarm systems and a sprinkler system. Extinguishers and other emergency equipment are strategically located in all areas of the building. All building emergency systems are monitored in the Security Office and fire alarms are also monitored by the City of Chicago Fire Department.

The Navy Pier Security Office is located at the front of Navy Pier and is staffed 24 hours a day. This office acts as the communications center and command post in the event of an emergency. In the event of any emergency, please immediately notify your Event Manager who shall be responsible for notifying Navy Pier Security. The Security Office number is: (312) 595-5060.

Fireworks
If you would like to have a fireworks display in conjunction with an event, it is important that you comply with the following:
    (1) Obtain permission from Navy Pier by submitting a written request to your Event Manager a minimum of 90 days before the event.
    (2) Outline the length of the show and what time the show will begin.
    (3) Navy Pier Management will evaluate the request and respond in writing.
    (4) If Navy Pier grants permission you must also obtain approval from the City of Chicago Mayor's Office of Special Events and the Chicago Fire Prevention Bureau.
    (5) If Navy Pier denies permission, there shall be no fireworks.
Fireworks, with appropriate licenses and permission from Navy Pier, must be set off on barges in Lake Michigan and not on Navy Pier property.

Fire Safety Requirements
Listed below are the most prevalent fire safety issues that must be addressed for each event. If you wish to review the complete fire code, you may obtain a copy from your Event Manager.
    Fire Guards
    A minimum of one (1) fire officer with Firefighter 2 training is required for all exhibit hall events starting at move in and ending when the event is moved out. Once your floor plan and security plan have been submitted, the Fire Marshal will make the final determination of the number of fire officers required for your event. Your Event Manager will coordinate all fire safety personnel for you and you will be billed at the contract rate following the event.

    Fire/Safety Walkthrough
    Navy Pier Fire Safety personnel will walk through events to insure all fire codes are enforced. Navy Pier reserves the right to make changes to events in order to maintain compliance with fire regulations.

    Doors, Stairways, Exits and Aisles
    Fire doors and stairways must remain accessible and visible during events. Chairs, tables and staging must be placed at least ten feet from the exits. All emergency exits and fire hose cabinets must be maintained at their required clearance widths during show hours. Chairs, tables and other display equipment cannot protrude into aisles.

    Ganging Chairs
    If you are using over 200 chairs in theater-style rows, the chairs must be ganged together to prevent injury in case of fire panic.

    Exhibitor Storage
    Storage of any kind is strictly prohibited inside the display areas, behind the back drapes or beyond the display wall. Only a one-day supply of operational and advertising material may be stored inside the exhibit.
The Navy Pier Fire Marshal and Safety Director reserve the right to make any final decisions regarding the above requirements pursuant to Title 15 of the Municipal Code of Chicago on Fire Prevention.

Return to page top.

First Aid Requirements
Our Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) are licensed paramedics and are fully trained and authorized to perform "early defibrillation" and basic life support. Your Event Manager will schedule an EMT at the prevailing rates to be billed to you following your event. A permanent first aid station is located on the 2nd level west of Terrace A. An EMT is required during events as follows:
    Meeting Rooms, Terraces, Rooftop and Ballroom space
    During show hours of any event in these spaces with an expected attendance of 2,000 or more persons. If your event is an exhibit event, you are required to have an EMT for move-in, show hours and move-out.

    Festival Hall A and B
    During move in, show hours and move out of all complex events.
Fog Machines
If you are using a fog machine as part of your event, there is an additional charge for a fireguard; see your Event Manager for prevailing rates. The machine must use a water-based solution per our Fire Marshall rules. A demonstration will be required.

Return to page top.

Hazardous Demonstrations and Displays
There are specific guidelines for the handling and display of any hazardous materials within the Complex which are outlined below:
  Hazardous Devices
The following devices require pre-approval by Complex Management:
 

Heating appliances
Indoor pyrotechnics
Lasers

Open Flames (including lit candles)
Smoke-producing devices
Welding, brazing or cutting equipment

  Hazardous Materials
The following materials require pre-approval by Festival Hall Convention Complex Management:
  compressed gas
compressed liquid cylinders
gasoline
kerosene
radio active materials
any flammable, toxic liquid, solid or gas lasers open flames (including lit candles)

  Any chemical, substance or material deemed hazardous by O.S.H.A. must be accompanied with appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (M.S.D.S.). You may keep only a limited supply of these materials in the demonstration device and cannot store them at Navy Pier.

Hazardous Displays
The following displays require pre-approval by Complex Management. This includes any demonstration which involves the following:
  any welding, brazing or cutting equipment
heating appliances
lasers
open flames (including lit candles)
pyrotechnics
smoke-producing devices

  If approval is granted, a demonstration must be performed in advance to insure there is no danger to any person or object. Plexiglas or similar protection must be utilized wherever sparking may occur. Fire extinguishers may also be required. Indoor demonstrations involving the use of any L.P. gas (including propane or butane) are strictly prohibited at Navy Pier by the orders of the Chicago Fire Department.

Please submit your written request for such demonstrations or displays to your Event Manager sixty (60) days before your event.
Return to page top.

Motorized Vehicles
Power driven vehicles such as forklifts, man lifts, pallet jacks and carts are not allowed in any carpeted areas inside the Complex. For carpeted areas that must be reached by motorized vehicle (e.g. sign hanging or banner installation), you must provide protection directly on the carpet and on the wheels of the vehicle. In accordance with Chicago Fire Code, no motorized vehicles such as forklifts, man lifts or scooters can be stored in an occupied space.

Pyrotechnics
Pyrotechnics are not allowed indoors under any circumstances.

Return to page top.

Security
Navy Pier maintains 24-hour security for building perimeter areas and parking areas. Navy Pier also opens and secures the building and monitors traffic flow. Your licensed space is not secured by Navy Pier Security and the Authority will not be responsible for any theft, injury or damage in such space. You must contract with an outside security firm to provide security service for your event.
    Control of Licensed Space
    You are responsible for employing a licensed security firm to control and contain guests and secure event property, including materials delivered, stored or waiting for pick-up.

    Security Plan
    You must submit a written security plan to your Event Manager at least thirty (30) days prior to your event. All security arrangements are subject to the approval and change of Complex Management and the Deputy Director of Security for Navy Pier. Complex Management reserves the right to require Chicago Police Officers for your event.

    Licensed Security Companies
    All outside security companies retained for your show must be licensed by the State of Illinois and must show proof of insurance. All event security officers must be identifiable by uniforms jackets or shirts.

    Festival Hall, Ballroom, Lakeview Terrace, and Rooftop Security Requirements
    All events held in the above spaces are required to hire a minimum of one Chicago Police Officer for the duration of the event. Your Event Manager will arrange this (CP) for you. Depending on the type of event and number of people, you may also be required to hire additional officers or you may opt to hire a licensed security company.

    Weapons and Firearms
    No weapons or firearms are allowed at Navy Pier. Exceptions may be made for City of Chicago Police Officers, State of Illinois Police and Cook County Sheriff employees.

    Capacity
    Navy Pier reserves the right to deny admittance of additional guests when licensed areas are filled to capacity. Chicago Fire Department Safety regulations, city ordinances and building guidelines will govern this determination.
Smoking Policy
All buildings are smoke-free environments.

Return to page top.

Storage
The Complex has very limited storage space available. See below for a brief description of each location:
    Grand Ballroom
    If you require storage space in the Grand Ballroom, please see your Event Manager who will assist you in finding a location.

    Festival Hall
    Limited crate storage is available in the loading dock bays. Crate storage is not allowed inside the exhibit halls.

    Meeting Rooms
    Meeting rooms may be used as storage in limited situations. Please check with your Event Manager regarding your proposed use before making arrangements to store there.

    Exhibit Floor Storage
    Storage of any kind is forbidden inside the display area, behind the back drapes, or beyond the display wall. Only a one (1) day supply of operational and advertising material may be stored inside the exhibit.
It is acceptable for your event to have sponsors not listed above (e.g. your Coca Cola beverages); however, your sponsor signage and logo may only be displayed within your licensed space.

Vehicle Display
Any vehicle or equipment, which has a fuel tank and is part of a display, must have a locking gas cap and contain no more than 1/8 tank of fuel. A vehicle battery must be disconnected once it is positioned, and it cannot be driven during show hours. Gas caps must be locked or taped. Refueling may be done outside of the Complex only.

Return to page top.