What is the Public Safety Task Force (PSTF)?
The Public Safety Task Force is a partner in your safety. They are dedicated to increasing safety in bars, nightclubs and special events in Calgary. The task force identifies potential fire and life safety hazards and increases public awareness regarding fire prevention.
The PSTF is composed of:
- Calgary Fire Department
- Calgary Police Service
- City of Calgary Business License
- Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
The team works closely with the bar and nightclub industry, as well as event planners and suppliers, to ensure a high degree of awareness and compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
What does the PSTF do?
Public Safety Task Force members regularly visit Calgary bars and nightclubs. They promote a safe environment for staff and customers through inspections.
In a typical year, task force members visit more than 300 businesses and events in Calgary. Visits increase before and during Stampede Week, Christmas, hockey play-offs (Red Mile), or other large special events. The task force is typically involved in event planning approval, and may conduct pre-inspections of buildings and sites, including parking lots used for tradeshows or assembly functions and tent locations.
This high-profile campaign forges positive relationships in the community. Regular meetings between groups such as the Calgary Pub and Bar Association, the Fire Marshal and the task force keep the lines of communication open.
What does the PSTF inspect?
Public Safety Task Force members inspect a number of areas while visiting a licensed bar, nightclub or event venue. They check:
1. The number of people legally permitted inside a building. This number is based on several factors including:
- Square meterage
- Number and width of required exit doors and stairwells
A building's capacity (maximum occupant load) is clearly posted on each establishment's "Occupancy Load Card" supplied by the Calgary Fire Department at the main entrance. The capacity is directly related to fire and life safety precautions such as:
- More than 60 people - two exits must be provided
- More than 100 people - panic hardware must be installed on exit doors
- More than 150 people - fire alarm system is required
- Tent or air-supported structures -maximum capacity is based on the area and existing capacity of the tent, not the surrounding compound.
2. Imminent fire and life safety hazards
- Locked and blocked exits
- Overcrowding or exceeding the posted building capacity
In extreme situations, the Fire Marshal or his representative can shut down an event and evacuate an establishment until the problem is corrected.
3. Open flame
This can include bartenders serving flaming drinks or igniting alcohol spilled along the bar for effect. Such activities are not permitted unless approval is granted by the Fire Marshal or representative.
4. Holiday-themed decorations
Fire Inspectors ensure that decorations do not interfere with fire or smoke detectors, and sprinkler heads.
5. Unsafe exits
- Emergency exits illegally padlocked or chained as a means of crowd control and/or security measure are not permitted under any circumstance.
- Vehicles parked in front of exits are prohibited.
- Line-ups that block exits are also prohibited.
6. Emergency systems
These include exit lighting, emergency lights, and alarm system power. Systems are checked to ensure they operate during power outages.
7. Kitchen hazards
These include range canopy maintenance (grease control) and open-flame environments.
8. Electrical hazards
Portable electrical equipment in tents or air-supported structures may also be inspected.
