Every great event begins with a great venue.

Cables across Doorways

Cables or hoses larger than ¼” that are required for power, audio, video, lighting or any other applications are not permitted on the floor across doorways or entrance thresholds.
Cables may be positioned in the cable trays installed above some service entrances, such as the Ballroom.

Candles

Under no circumstances are open flame devices such as lighted candles, lighters or sparklers permitted in exhibit booths.

Lighted candles may be used at special events such as banquets and only under the following conditions:

• Candles must have a solid base and flames must be enclosed in a fire resistant vessel. Votive candles and “hurricane lamp” candles are examples of acceptable candles.
• Candles must be placed on tables or other stable surfaces.
• Samples of all candles proposed for use must be submitted in advance to the event manager for approval.

Tapered candles, candelabras, and votives hanging from décor are examples of candles which are not permitted.

Compressed Gases/Flammable Liquids/Aerosols

The use, display or storing of compressed gasses, flammable liquids or dangerous chemicals is prohibited without prior written authorization.  Pressurized containers having flammable propellants (aerosols) are prohibited without prior written authorization from the District of Columbia Fire Marshal.

Cooking in Exhibit Booths

Cooking is permitted in exhibit booths when food or food equipment products are featured in the event, and with advance written approval from the Center and the Fire Marshal.

 Please note the following:

• Devices producing open flames are not allowed in exhibit areas.
• The use or storage of any flammable or combustible liquids, compressed gases cylinders, hazardous materials or chemicals as fuel is strictly prohibited.
• Frying equipment must be equipped with a grease shield.
• A fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 3A40BC must be displayed in each booth that features cooking.
• Deep fat fryers, wood or coal burning equipment and bottled gas cylinders are prohibited without prior advance written approval from the Center and the District of Columbia Fire Marshal.
• After review, the Fire Marshal may require certain types of commercial cooking equipment that produce grease laden vapors to install a supplemental exhaust system over the equipment.
• The Center and District of Columbia Fire Marshall will inspect all cooking equipment before show opening and daily during show operation.

Events involving cooking or food preparation must provide an appropriate number of utensil clean-up areas. In addition, Proper containers, such as grease barrels must be provided for disposal of oil and grease and other excess wastes. Disposal of cooking residue into Center’s drainage system is strictly prohibited. 

Our service partners are able to provide portable sinks and grease barrels at prevailing rates. Consult your event manager for further information.

Crate Storage and Boneyards

Empty crate storage is permitted only with prior approval and within specific guidelines.  See crate storage and boneyards in the “Exhibit Halls” section above.

Decorations

All materials used for decorating including drapes, curtains, table coverings, skirts, carpet or any other materials must be constructed of flameproof material or treated with an approved fire-retardant solution. Random testing may be performed at any time by the District of Columbia Fire Marshal. Please have fire retardancy certificates for the materials on site.

Gasoline and Diesel Fuel

Gasoline-powered equipment such as industrial vacuum cleaners for show carpet cleaning are permitted. Refueling is not permitted inside the Center. Please see Subsection T, Vehicles on Display, for in-Center storage requirements.

Gasoline, kerosene, combustible gases or other flammable liquid containers may not be stored inside the Center.

Use of diesel fuel in the Center is prohibited.

Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment must meet applicable National Electrical Codes. Electrical fixtures and fittings must be U.L. listed. 14-gauge wire or better is required for all connections.  All extension cords must be 3-wire grounded.  Only Walter E. Washington Convention Center staff and authorized service partners are authorized to move the Center’s electrical equipment.  Utility panels and mechanical equipment rooms may not be blocked under any circumstances.

Exits

Exit doors may not be obstructed, locked or held open. Nothing may be placed within 15 feet of a means-of-egress doorway.  Exit signs may not be obstructed from view by booths, decorations or any other objects or hanging materials.

Temporary illuminated exit signs, or large exit signs of dimensions approved by the Center, must be installed at/near any exit whose view of the exit is obstructed by drape, decoration or structure, such as within a room constructed in an exhibit hall. These signs should be illuminated by electrical or battery power.

Fire Fighting and Emergency Equipment

Fire fighting and emergency equipment may not be blocked or obstructed under any circumstances. Fire hose connections, extinguisher cabinets, fire alarm call stations, strobe lights, automatic external defibrillators, adaptive escape chairs,
and First Aid Rooms must be visible and accessible at all times.

Fog and Smoke Machines and Lasers

Water-based chemical fog and smoke machines are permitted with advance approval by the Center. Fog and smoke machines may not be operated in common areas where the effect could enter or affect a space used by another customer.

Lasers are permitted with advance notification in locations where access to a water source.

A schedule for use of fog and smoke machine use or laser use (to include rehearsal and event time) must be submitted to your event manager in advance so that appropriate inspections and ventilation measures are taken.

Hazardous Chemicals and Materials

The use of hazardous chemicals and materials are strictly prohibited without prior written approval. Most hazardous chemicals and materials, including but not limited to pesticides, herbicides, poisons, flammable and combustible liquids, hazardous gases, pressure cylinders and tanks, and hazardous chemicals including oxidizers are prohibited inside the Center.

Hazardous Waste

You are responsible for the removal of hazardous waste from the center and must comply with all applicable federal and local regulations. Hazardous waste includes materials that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, toxic, or biohazardous. These products include paint, ink, certain chemicals, particularly petroleum-based and ketone-based, and certain medical supplies. A separate charge will be applied by the Center for fees and fines for the removal of hazardous waste. Should you require you require assistance please contact your event manager.

Medical Waste

Medical testing is permitted with advance written approval from the Center when in conjunction with an event.

Medical tests must be performed by licensed practitioners. The use of animal or human organs or body parts must conform to federal and local regulations.

All medical waste must be removed at the end of the event according to federal and local regulations.

Propane

Propane tanks may not be stored inside the Center. Propane tanks must be stored in locked storage cages on the loading docks. Contractors must provide their own storage cages.  Contractors must contact the Manager of Transportation Services to ensure compliance with the Center’s specific storage limits imposed by the District of Columbia Fire Marshal.

Pyrotechnics

The use of pyrotechnics is strictly controlled and monitored and must be approved in advance by the Center.  Customers requesting the use of pyrotechnics must hire a federally licensed pyrotechnics contractor and must obtain all relevant permits from the DC Fire Department Fire Prevention Division. Consult your event manager for further information and guidelines.

Rigging/Overhead Hanging Guidelines

The Center has designated its service partners Projection/TeamPro and HiTech Electric as exclusive providers of all rigging except for lightweight loads such as banners and signs under 200 pounds. All rigging and hanging from hang points in the Center must conform to all national and local safety codes and is subject to mandatory approval by the Center. The following general procedures have been established to ensure the safe installation of overhead rigging (including hanging of banners, signs or equipment), and to ensure the protection of the structure and finished surfaces of the building.

We reserve the right to stop any installation of rigging if in our opinion the installation is not proceeding in a safe and prudent manner.

a. All attachments to the interior or exterior building must be temporary, and of a type and process approved in advance by the Center.
b. Overhead rigging or hanging of equipment may only be performed by persons who have been certified in all safe hanging procedures, including the use of OSHA-certified personal fall arrest systems, and the safe use and operation of overhead rigging, powered work platforms and man-lifts for overhead work.
c. All equipment used for overhead rigging installations must be certified as safe for intended application.
d. An effective two-way voice communication system between overhead installation crew and supervisor must be used during all overhead installations.
e. All areas below overhead hanging installations must be properly protected from damage caused by overhead working platforms.
f. Visible public notice of overhead work being installed in common areas, such as cautionary signage, barricades, orange traffic cones or similar systems must be in place before overhead work may begin.
g. All crews performing overhead rigging installations must include at least one ground person to direct personnel away from the work area while overhead work is performed.
h. All work performed on the Center’s roof must be done under the supervision of Center personnel.  Damage to the roof and other resulting damages is the responsibility of the customer.
i. Each person working on the roof of the Center must walk or perform work only from the roof path system
j. Each person working on the roof of the Center must utilize an OSHA-approved personal fall arrest system that is properly secured to the roof anchors and tie-off points.
k. Exterior rigging installations on the L Street facades may be secured to the vertical aluminum truss work provided that the truss work is protected by approved protective padding.
l. Lifts to be used for exterior hanging must be driven to and from the jobsites only from the M Street loading dock entrances. Lifts may not be driven through glass doors.
m. Proposed installation schedule must be included in production schedule and submitted to your event manager for Center approval. The event manager will confirm the approved times for installation in writing.
n. Restricted hanging points: Halls A, B, C: Conduit bundles, air ducts, all thread

Smoking

In accordance with DC regulations, the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is a non-smoking facility. We reserve the right to remove violators.

Temporary Structures

There must be at least two (2) means of egress from any temporary hardwall structure in excess of 200 square feet built in the Center. Temporary structures may not have a cover or ceiling unless the sprinklers will be able to permeate it. This must be approved in advance by the DC Fire Department.

Vehicles on Display

Liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles, fueled equipment, boats or other motor craft must be maintained in the following condition when displayed or stored inside of the Center:

• Batteries must be disconnected.
• Fuel in fuel tanks cannot exceed one-quarter tank or 5 gallons (19 L) (whichever is least)
• Fuel tanks and fill openings must be closed and sealed to prevent tampering (tape may be used).
• Vehicles, fueled equipment, boats or other motor craft equipment cannot be fueled or defueled within the building.

Source: Section 314.4 of the International Fire Code

Note:     Show management is accountable for enforcement action by the Office of the Fire Marshal due to non-compliance with any facet of this requirement.

X-Ray Equipment

The DC fire code prohibits the use of x-ray equipment and other radiated materials in the convention center. Use of this equipment is only permissible in controlled environments such as medical facilities in order to minimize unnecessary exposure and potential HAZMAT conditions.  Contact your event manager for more information.

A certificate of licensure or registration may be obtained by the DC Department of Health. Contract your event manager for all rules and regulations.