THEME CAMP SAFETY - AFRIKABURN
FOR YOUR SAFETY, AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED
TO KEEP THE RISK OF UNWANTED FIRES TO A MINIMUM.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE GUIDELINES ARE CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW AS WE REACT TO
CHANGED SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, WHICH ARE A REQUIREMENT OF THE LAW OF SOUTH
AFRICA. ITS ALL STILL GOOD APPLICABLE ADVICE, BUT MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO SOME
CHANGE. THE DETAILS OF WHICH, WE’LL INFORM YOU OF IN DUE COURSE.
FIRE IN THEME CAMPS
The winds can pick up at any time on the Tankwa Town, and untended or dangerously-constructed fires
in theme camps can quickly throw sparks and embers long distances across the Binnekring, and into
other flammable structures. It's imperative that each participant using fire does their part to keep Tankwa
Town safe.
If you're planning on having fire in your theme camp, whether it's an Open Fire or Flame Effects, you
must comply with the following rules. These are for your safety, the safety of your campmates, and all of
Tankwa Town. This applies to all temporary camps, with structures such as tents, tarpaulin, or
canvas sheeting. These are all flammable.
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All sound camps, stages, or any other camp that requires a generator must provide a minimum
of a 4.5kg fire extinguisher certified within the last 12 months.
Due diligence must be made by camps to reduce the risk of outbreak / spread of fire. These
include the size of your fire, and its proximity to flammable structures.
Any accidental fire, no matter how small, must be reported to a member of the FAST as soon as
possible. In the meantime, create a fire perimeter and prevent anyone from coming near the fire.
Only attempt to extinguish a fire if it is safe to do so.
Gas (LPG) stoves / braai / barbeques are only to be used as per the manufacturers instructions. They
must be attended at all times when in operation, and placed in such a way that accidental tipping will not
spread fire to a nearby structure.
DO NOT SMOKE, OR USE CANDLES OR PARAFFIN LANTERNS IN YOUR TENT.
OPEN FIRE WITHIN THEME CAMPS
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Burning of a large art installation is not allowed in any camping area.
No fire barrels or Open Fire shall be left unattended. At least one camp member is to be
designated fire tender and be within visual distance at all times. If found unattended while
lit, open flames or burn barrels may be extinguished and/or confiscated if there is
sufficient threat of a hazard.
If winds pick up, all Open Fire must be put out immediately and burn barrels must be
extinguished if they begin to throw sparks.
Open Fire greater than 3m tall should be secured from the wind and its safety
perimeter increased appropriately.
Open Fire or burn barrels must be extinguished at the request of any Ranger or
Emergency Services personnel.
A 7m zone around any fire must be free of any flammable materials such as, but not
limited to cloth, paper, tents, plastic, etc.
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All liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel that are stored in camp must be kept at least
15m away from any source of flame. Please check out the guidelines for the storage of
fuels at AfrikaBurn.
A supply of at least 20 litres of water must be kept on hand to extinguish the fire in case
of high winds or other hazards. Wind can blow embers and sparks a long distance down
the Binnekring!
Burn barrels should be secured and constructed in a way that the bottom surface is at
least 15cm from the ground to prevent baking or scarring of the surface.
FLAME EFFECTS AND PROPANE GAS FLAMES WITHIN THEME CAMPS
A Flame Effect is defined as any device that is automated, switched, pressurized or having any other
action other than simply being lit on fire.
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No large-scale Flame Effects using 150 or more litres of fuel are allowed in theme camps.
No pressurized liquid fuels are to be used within the camping area.
Flame Effects should be secured and constructed in a way that the burning surface is at
least 15cm from the Binnekring to prevent baking or scarring of the Tankwa Town
surface.
All fuel lines, joins and connections are to be manufactured and rated for LP gas.
Note: compressed air hoses are not an acceptable substitute for LP gas line and will not
be approved.
If winds pick up, all Flame Effects must be put out.
Any towers or artwork that incorporates fire should be secured from the wind and
encircled with an appropriate safety perimeter.
Flame Effects must be extinguished at the request of any Ranger or Emergency Services
personnel.
No Flame Effect shall be left unattended while lit. At least one camp member will be
designated fire effect operator and be within visual distance at all times. If found
unattended while lit, Flame Effects may be extinguished and/or confiscated.
A 7m zone around the Flame Effect must be free of any flammable materials such
as, but not limited to, cloth, paper, tents, plastic, etc..
An appropriate safety perimeter will be maintained at all times to prevent injury to
participants.
FIREWORKS IN THEME CAMPS
We all love a good fireworks show but the use within the camping area is a violation of common sense.
Sparks and fire could ignite flammables in the camps and be difficult to fight and dangerous to campers.
The use of ANY pyrotechnics that are not part of a pre-registered and approved art project is STRICTLY
forbidden and may result in ejection from the event.
Infrastructure
A fire lane will be designated and marked by the FAST, in conjunction with placement and DPW. It must
remain clear at all times.
A fire evacuation plan will be made available by the FAST and posted in the first response tent.
Participants should make themselves aware of the evacuation procedure should it be necessary.
The FAST team has their own supply and maintains its own fire extinguishers, a burns specific first aid kit,
fire blankets, and any other safety equipment deemed appropriate at the event. This equipment will not
be lent out to participants, unless in an emergency.
Flame Effect Emergency Plans:
Serious Fire:
1) Safety Team Member will notify staff Fire Safety by Radio or nearest Ranger and remain in
communication with them until able to direct them to the affected area.
2) Operator or Safety Team Member will activate shut off valve(s) if accessible and utilise ABC Fire
Extinguisher to extinguish or control fire.
3) Operator will notify on-site EMS by Radio and notify Rangers to assist in evacuation. Tortoise (i.e:
Rangers) to notify FAST Lead.
4) Safety Team Members will evacuate audience in an orderly manner and extend the perimeter to a safe
distance based upon any possible containment vessel failure (BLEVE).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boiling_liquid_expanding_vapor_explosion
5) Safety and Operator team will attempt to control fire utilizing ABC fire extinguishers until such time as
the Fire Safety Crew arrives.
6) Operator may suggest that Fire Safety Crew allow fuel load to combust unless water or foam may be
applied to cool the appliance enough to allow access to shut off valve(s) with proper safety clothing and
gloves.
7) Continued monitoring of the device will be observed until the entire device is cool to the touch and
checked for damage. Device will be taken out of service and disconnected from fuel sources until it may
be re-certified by Event and Fire Authorities.
Minor Fire:
1) Closest Operator or Safety Team Member will activate shut off valve(s) and utilize Fire Extinguisher to
immediately extinguish the fire. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABC_Dry_Chemical
2) Safety Team Member will notify Fire Safety by Radio or nearest Ranger and remain in communication
until their arrival.
3) Notify on-site EMS by Radio and notify Rangers. Ask Tortoise (Rangers) to call FAST Lead
4) Evacuate audience in an orderly manner and extend the safety perimeter to a safe distance based
upon any possible containment vessels failure (BLEVE) if fire is not immediately extinguished.
5) Continued monitoring of the device will be observed until the entire device is cool to the touch and
maybe checked for damage. Device will be taken out of service and disconnected from fuel sources until
it may be re-certified by Event and Fire Authorities.
Serious Injury:
1) Activate shut off valve(s) and discontinue effect.
2) Notify on-site EMS by Radio.
3) Notify Rangers
4) Apply appropriate first aid to stabilize victim.
5) Clear area to allow on-site EMS access to injured party.
6) Arrange transport of victim to nearest hospital if on-site EMS does not provide an ambulance.
Minor Injury:
1) Notify EMS if deemed necessary.
2) Apply appropriate first aid and take victim to closest event First Aid Station.
3) Monitor victim for signs of shock after initial treatment.
Those providing transport of fuel should read these fuel delivery and transport guidelines.
Containers and storage:
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Fuel must be stored in appropriate containers, which include 200L fuel drums and approved 20L
containers.
Fuel containers shall not be overfilled. FYI (Most fuel containers are designed to be filled to 80%
in order to allow expansion based on temperature change).
Proper seal must be ensured on all lids, caps, bungs, or valves to prevent spills or leaks.
All containers shall be securable to prevent tampering.
Fuel must not be stored in close proximity to any sources of artificially produced heat that could
cause the fuel to combust or ignite.
a maximum total of 60 litres of fuel (petrol, diesel or paraffin, or any combination of these) may be
within the boundaries of a theme camp at any given time. Surplus fuel must be sealed, marked
and stored at the fuel depot as arranged by ab2015 management.
a maximum of 50 kg of LPG for domestic use may be within the boundaries of a theme camp at
any given time. Surplus gas bottles must be sealed, marked and stored at the gas depot as
arranged by ab2015 management.
Separation and Emergency Egress:
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A distance of 3m or greater must be maintained from the fuel storage and tents, equipment,
public areas, Caravans, RVs and all camp structures.
A fire lane of 6m shall be free of obstructions to provide emergency access for fire vehicles if
needed.
No fuel storage area shall be closer than 30m from another fuel storage area.
Vehicle Protection:
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All fuel storage areas must be protected from vehicle collision.
A safety area of 3m around the stored fuel should be marked as off limits using caution tape or
other equivalent measures.
Safety and Security:
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At least one handheld portable extinguisher with a 40-B rating is required for any fuel storage
area per 200L fuel quantity. (20 - 50KG DPC)
Extinguishers rated as ABC, AB, or B will have a separate value for the B rating, this number
should be at least 40; which indicates the square footage (12 square meters) of a class-B fire it is
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designed to be used on.
The fire extinguisher must be placed 2.5m – 3m from the fuel storage area and be easily visible.
Note: Proper signage of “NO SMOKING-FLAMMABLE” shall be visible from all 4 directions.
Tanks and barrels should be secured to prevent tampering.
Secondary Containment:
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A secondary containment device or structure capable of holding 110% of all stored fuel inside the
containment device is required.
Collections of small tanks or containers, in total quantities exceeding 75 L, also need
secondary containment. (For collections of small fuel cans, this can be as simple a fuelresistant tarp with a raised frame placed beneath to create a containment area).
Transfer:
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No gravity fed tanks are allowed as fittings can break and cause large-scale spills.
Electric pumps are preferable.
Note: use proper electrical connections to reduce chances of spark and ignition. All electric
pumps must be UL rated with proper ground bonding. Example of electrical pump.
Hand pumps are not preferable as fuel can leak out due to gravity.
Always keep hose heads above the level of the tank when not in use.
Fuel containers are only to be opened when dispensing or receiving fuel.
AfrikaBurn recommends the use of a spill mat or appropriate tarp laid underneath the fueldispensing point when fueling vehicles to prevent any spills or overflows from contacting the
Binnekring surface.
Spill Control and Response:
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Preventing spills on the surface of the Binnekring is essential to our continued use of this
resource for our Event.
It is also important to be good stewards and to leave no trace.
Spill response and containment control materials should be kept on hand to deal with any spill
quickly.
Basic fuel spill kits should include a shovel and a sealable container for storage until disposal.
Spill control measures shall be proportional to amounts of fuel stored.
Fuel spills of more than 4L should be reported to Rangers or Emergency Services.
Reports should include specific location and contact person at that location.
For more information email [email protected]
Note: A petroleum, flammable liquid, fire burns at the surface of the material, as it is vaporized by
the fire or ambient heat.
Applying water merely spreads the flaming liquid over a wider area, where it vaporizes more
rapidly, intensifying the fire.
The best way to put out such a fire is to cut off its air supply or interrupt its chemical chain
reaction.
The smothering agents commonly used for petroleum fires are carbon dioxide (CO2) and dry
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chemical powder extinguishers.
Both are effective for flammable liquids, but dry chemical is better for outdoor use because it’s
not subject to wind, has a longer range and can extinguish pressurized leaks of gas and liquid.
For good all-around fire protection, use an ABC or all-class fire extinguisher.
Safety Reminders:
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Store fuel away from any running generator.
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Do not fill the tank on a generator that is running.
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When transferring fuel, use a pump.
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Never try to start a siphon using your mouth.
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A mouth full of gas or diesel could be fatal to you.
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For health reasons, wash hands after fueling.
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Keep all equipment used for petroleum storage and handling in good condition.
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Watch for leaks, deterioration, or damage.
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If fuel is spilled on your clothing, move away from any ignition source, and allow the clothing to
dry. Use waterless soap for hands. If fuel should splash in eyes, use water to flush.
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Be aware of static electricity that can build up on you and or a container. Any spark can ignite
gasoline vapors. Always fill containers on the ground, not in vehicles.
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Always use a bonding strap when transferring flammables and combustibles between containers.