Fire safety for trade fair and event tents: How to avoid problems with approval

 

The trade fair tent is up, the goods are sorted, but just before the opening, the fire brigade or the safety officer throws a spanner in the works: the tent does not comply with fire safety regulations.
What sounds like a nightmare is now a bitter reality at trade fairs and events: if there are no certificates, or if they are insufficient, the tent must be dismantled. In this article, you will learn what you absolutely must look out for when buying or hiring folding tents, folding pavilions and small tents.

1. Why are fire safety regulations so strict?

Exhibition halls and densely packed event spaces attract large crowds. A fire could spread rapidly through textiles such as tent tarpaulins. That is why the following applies to everything located in enclosed spaces or on public land: safety comes before aesthetics.
 

2. A must: EN 13501-1 B1

If you are using a tent for commercial purposes, the European standard EN 13501-1 B1 is the most important criterion.

• B1 stands for ‘flame-retardant’: Although the material catches fire when exposed to a direct flame, it does not continue to burn on its own and goes out as soon as the source of the fire is removed.
• B2 (normal flammability): Although acceptable for private gardens, this is generally strictly prohibited at trade fairs.

National alternatives

If the international EN 13501-1 certificate is missing, a national certificate is usually sufficient, provided one is available. For example, Germany and France have the following certificates:

• 4102-1 B1: The German equivalent of the DIN EN B1 standard. Look out for the classification B-s1, d0.
• M1: The French standard. It is also regarded as high-quality and is sometimes accepted in other countries as well.

Tip: If you want to avoid discussions with the fire service or safety officers, opt for the international EN 13501-1 standard.

 

3. Checklist: What the inspector wants to see from you

Do not rely on the manufacturer simply stating “B1 quality” in the product description. During a fire safety inspection, you must be able to provide proof in writing:

1. The certificate: Always carry a copy of your manufacturer’s official test certificate with you.
2. The sewn-in label: Before setting up, check whether a label explicitly stating the B1 standard is sewn into the inside of the tent roof or side wall. Without this label, the inspector cannot match the paper document to your tent.
3. Condition of the tarpaulins: A B1 certification may lose its validity due to heavy soiling or grease deposits (e.g. at food stalls).
4. Self-declaration: Self-declarations from suppliers/manufacturers are invalid. Only certificates from recognised testing bodies are considered valid documents.

 

4. Common pitfalls: Decoration and accessories

Even the best B1-certified tent is of little use if the surrounding elements are not up to standard. The Fire Safety Regulations consider the overall picture:

• Floor coverings: Carpets inside the tent must also be flame-retardant.
• Banners & displays: Advertising banners hung on the tent must also be certified.
• Cable management: Loose cables are not only trip hazards but also potential fire hazards if damaged. Use cable bridges.

 

Conclusion: Buy cheap, pay twice

Don’t cut corners in the wrong place. A cheap tent without B1 certification could result in you being denied entry to the trade fair; you’ll still have lost the stand fees. Invest in a certified professional tent so you can focus entirely on your customers.

Pro tip: When buying a tent, specifically ask for the original test report. A reputable supplier, such as the pop-up tent manufacturer Pro-Tent, will provide this to you as a PDF so you can upload it directly when registering for the trade fair.

Are you planning a trade fair appearance soon and unsure whether your current equipment meets the requirements? We’d be happy to advise you!