Sonoma State University

Crowd Managers

Events Requiring Crowd Managers

Events being held on campus that exceed a guest count of 500 persons require crowd managers. 

Requirements

In accordance with State fire code, events being held on campus that exceed a guest count of 500, there shall be:

403.11.3 Not fewer than two trained crowd managers, and not fewer than one trained crowd manager for each 250 persons or portion thereof, shall be provided for the gathering.

403.11.3.1 Number of Crowd Managers 

Not fewer than two trained crowd managers, and not fewer than one trained crowd manager for each 250 persons or portion thereof, shall be provided for the gathering.

Exceptions:

  1. Outdoor events with fewer than 1,000 persons in attendance shall not require crowd managers.
  2. Assembly occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an occupant load not exceeding 1,000 shall not require crowd managers.
  3. The number of crowd managers shall be reduced where, in the opinion of the fire code official, the fire protection provided by the facility and the nature of the event warrant a reduction.

Training

Crowd Manager training is required under fire code and must be done by an approved training source. The only approved training source by the State Fire Marshal currently is: https://crowdmanagers.com/. Training is valid for two years based on the date on the certificate.   

State Fire Code requires the duties of crowd managers shall include, but not be limited to:

  1. Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility and identify and address any egress barriers.
  2. Conduct an inspection of the area of responsibility to identify and mitigate any fire hazards.
  3. Verify compliance with all permit conditions, including those governing pyrotechnics and other special effects.
  4. Direct and assist the event attendees in evacuation during an emergency.
  5. Assist emergency response personnel where requested.
  6. Other duties required by the fire code official.
  7. Other duties as specified in the fire safety plan.

Questions

For any questions, contact Kendall Newman.