Notice of Upcoming Audits and Update on Crowd Manager Training Requirements
Cobb County Assembly Holders,
The Cobb County Fire Marshal's Office (CCFMO) wishes to remind all crowd gathering venue operators that the requirement for crowd managers has always been a mandate under local and state regulations. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all venues and public assemblies within our community.
Auditing Schedule for 2025: Beginning in 2025, the CCFMO will initiate audits to verify that all assembly occupancies comply with the crowd manager requirements. It is vital for venues, especially those with occupant loads exceeding 250, to prepare by ensuring that their crowd management policies are up-to-date and compliant with the required training standards.
State and Local Code Requirements: The Georgia State minimum fire safety standards have deleted certain sections in NFPA 101 to defer to the International Fire Code (IFC) for crowd manager requirements. While some aspects of the crowd manager provisions in the IFC are less restrictive, Cobb County adheres to NFPA 1, which aligns with the more stringent requirements of NFPA 101, as adopted in our local ordinances. This adherence ensures a higher standard of safety for all our assembly areas.
Changes to Training Availability: We previously hoped to offer free crowd manager training to facilitate compliance with these regulations. Unfortunately, this initiative has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. However, the CCFMO has preapproved several crowd manager certification programs that meet the standards outlined in NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. These programs are available below, and we encourage their use to fulfill training requirements.
For those considering alternative training programs not currently listed as approved, please contact our office and provide a training outline and copy of the certificate, for prior approval to ensure these meet our stringent safety and compliance standards.
Additional Information and Assistance: Should you have any questions or need further clarification regarding these requirements, or the upcoming audit process, please reach out to our office. We are here to assist and ensure that your venue operates safely and in compliance with the law.
Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to maintaining high safety standards in our community.
Contact Information:
Cobb County Fire Marshal's Office Phone: 770-528-8310
Email: FMOinspections@cobbcounty.org
Preapproved Crowd Manager Training:
https://www.firemarshals.org/Crowd-Manager-Training