Skip to main content

Event Setup

Room Setup

  • Furniture and event setup must not block exits
  • Adequate aisles must be maintained throughout the venue (minimum 42 inches wide)
  • Doors must open easily and fully and may not be locked, blocked or obstructed in any way.
  • Exit ways, signs and doors must be clear, visible and unobstructed at all times.
  • Sound, lighting and other equipment must be properly secured so it does not fall and must not create a tripping hazard. 
  • Do not block or store materials in front of electrical panels, exits and doorways, fire alarms pull stations, hydrants and extinguishers, aisle ways, eyewash stations/showers, etc.

Exits and Corridors

  • Exits, corridors, stairs and egress routes must remain clear and unobstructed at all times.
  • Nothing may be set up in stairways, hallways, aisles, or exit routes.

Fire Detection equipment

  • Never attach anything to fire protection equipment.
  • Attention should be given to the location of the fire protection equipment including smoke detectors, sprinkler heads and piping, fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers.
  • Smoke, dust, aerosols, fog/smoke machines, cooking and food preparation tasks, and physical contact can activate fire detection equipment.
  • In the event of fire alarm activation, your event must stop and everyone must exit the venue.
  • If there are any questions or concerns please contact EHS.

Outdoor Event Setup

  • Outside exit paths and fire lanes must be kept clear at all times.
  • Events that obstruct non-exit/fire lane pathways may be allowed after EHS review.
    • Obstructed sidewalks must be barricaded at each end.  Contact Cornell Grounds Department for barricades (Please note that there is a fee for this service).
  • Due to the presence of underground utilities, stakes and posts that extend more than 6 inches into the ground require a utility location survey.
    • Contact Cornell Customer Service at 607-255-5322 and request a utility location survey/stakeout to have the utility lines marked so stakes and posts are not driven into them (Please note that there is a fee for this service).

More Information

For further information e-mail ehs_uup@cornell.edu or call 607-255-8200.