• General Safety Rules for All Employees, Contractors, and Vendors 2024
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Forklift Safety Policy
• Lockout Tagout Policy
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Universal Waste Management

Elevators and Escalators

• All large and heavy equipment should be transported using the freight elevator.No equipment may be transported on escalators. This includes items such as easels, chairs, tables, wheelchairs, baby carriages, and other similar devices. Normally, escalators are not operated on move-in and move-out periods.
• Passenger elevators are not to be used for transporting heavy freight and equipment.

Center Access

Center employees on official business cannot be denied access by event management or any of their sub-contractors to any areas within the facility.

• Motor vehicles must be turned off when parked inside.
• Operating equipment or machinery must not be left unattended.
• Motor vehicles may be operated on carpeted areas of the Center when approval is given by Center staff. Protective material must be placed in the carpeted areas for protection of floor surface. The show manager is responsible for all damages and for restoration of the damaged areas to the original condition.
• All forklifts or other heavy loading devices operated within the Center must be operated by certified personnel.
• Forklifts are not permitted to operate on terrazzo areas. Special permission is granted in certain circumstances by Javits management. In those instances, the forklift must have pneumatic tires.
• Forklifts are not permitted to operate in the River Pavilion, or in carpeted halls 1D and 1E, unless a pathway of masonite is constructed.
• Motor driven aerial lifts must have wheels covered with "shrink- wrap" to operate on the River Pavilion and carpeted halls 1D and 1E.
• Parking on the loading docks or inside the Center (except for loading and unloading) is prohibited; violators will be towed at owner's expense.
• Utility carts may be operated in the loading docks and main roadway only. Under no circumstances are vehicles or personnel carts to be operated in meeting rooms, concourses, lobby, or exhibit halls during show hours.
• See "Display Vehicles" in the Fire Safety section of these Rules.

Service animals for persons with disabilities are welcome at the Javits Center. Service animals are limited to dogs¹ that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

No other animals are permitted in the Javits Center except as part of an approved exhibit, activity or performance legitimately requiring the use of animals. Although emotional support animals and/or comfort animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, they are not service animals and therefore are not permitted in the Javits Center.

If animals are approved by the Javits Center:

• Event managers must obtain necessary permits and comply with all relevant laws (including, but not limited to, the NYS prohibition of animal fighting).
• Animals may not come into contact with the public, must be accompanied by a handler at all times and must be on a leash, within an enclosure or under similar control at all times.
• The Event Manager, Exhibitor and owner take full responsibility for the animal(s).
• The Event Manager’s, Exhibitor’s and owner’s insurance policy for their event must not exclude live animals or it must state that live animals are covered.
• The Event Manager must sign an acknowledgement letter indemnifying and defending the Javits Center in the event of personal injury, death or damage to property resulting from such animals.
• The Event Manager or Exhibitor must provide the Javits Center with:
  • Health certificates for each animal and
  • Up-to-date Veterinary records, including shots, for each animal.

Insurance coverage provided by the Event Manager, Exhibitor and owner (whichever is applicable) should name the following entities as additional insureds and provide a waiver of subrogation in favor of said parties:

• New York Convention Center Operating Corporation a/k/a Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York,
• The State of New York,
• New York Convention Center Development Corporation,
• New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development,
• The Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and their respective directors, officer(s), agent(s) and employees.

All high risk activities not prohibited by other sections of these regulations require approval of Center management at least 30 days in advance. Show management is responsible for ascertaining that there are no exclusions or limitations in their insurance policy that apply. Such activities include but are not limited to motorized sporting events, acrobatic stunts, mechanical amusement devices and audience participation in athletic activities.

Motorized personal transporters, scooters and similar vehicles are not permitted in the Javits Center absent a compelling need, coupled with assurances of safe operation and adequate insurance coverage provided by Event Management, all of which must be approved by the Javits Center at least 30 days in advance. Motorized devices are permitted for use by people with mobility impairments as described in the "Accessibility" information on the Javits Center's website. The Javits Center offers personal mobility vehicles for rent during events, and individuals interested in renting such a vehicle can call 212.216.2196 or order one here.

Flammable or combustible mixtures, waste, liquids and other hazardous materials are not permitted without approval of Javits Center management. More information on Hazardous Materials is available in the "Fire Safety" section of these Rules. Firearms, weapons, and live ammunition may not be displayed or sold at Javits Center events.

Adhesive-backed decals and flooring are strictly prohibited and cannot be used for any purpose within the Center.
The use of any glitter is not permitted in the carpeted areas of the Center. Decorative use of glitter in other areas must be approved by Javits management. A cleaning fee may be assessed for any use of glitter.
Fountains, and other water containers used for decorative purpose, must be waterproofed and inspected by the Center's Building Operations Department.
More information on Decorations is available in the "Fire Safety" section of these Rules.

Painting any structural part of the Javits Center (walls, floor, ceilings, etc.) is prohibited. Altering any building component such as drilling holes in the floor, or installing anchor bolts in the walls is prohibited.

The Javits Center is committed to maintaining a safe environment and to promoting and enforcing responsible safety practices. The following Fire Safety Rules apply to Show Managers, Contractors and Exhibitors. Notices will be issued for violations and/or failing to take corrective measures. Show Managers are responsible for correcting violations. Failure to do so will result in remedial action by Javits (e.g. removal of non-compliant structures, posting of a Fire Watch) at show management's expense.

The Center operates and staffs on a 24-hour basis the Command Center that monitors fire safety and all other safety features of the Center. The Command Center responds to all emergencies, including fire emergencies. Dial 2222 from house phones (located in corridors throughout the Center) or (212) 216-2222 from any other phone. Give your name, type of emergency and exact location of the occurrence.

The following are strictly prohibited within Center:

• Open flames without a NYC Fire Dept. Open Flame Permit (Download Open Flame Permit Procedures)
• Displays of fresh cut decorative greens, pine branches, potted pine trees and shrubs, and Spanish moss.
• Spray painting
• Storage or use of butane
• Storage or use of any other flammable liquids or materials except as provided in these Rules.

Propane and propane operated equipment is prohibited in the facility except as follows: propane cylinders of 1 lb. or less (and no more than 20 lbs. aggregate) may be permitted if approved in advance by Center management and packaged by Javits plumbers.

• Flammable Liquids such as solvents, paints and thinners are permitted for use in the Center subject to the following requirements:
• Container is sized as a consumer commodity (< 1 gallon) and not in bulk (> 1 gallon).
• The container is labeled properly with product contents, name of product, manufacture, and hazard warnings.
• A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the specific product and manufacturer is provided and readily available upon request.
• Cans, bottles, containers, and aerosols containing flammable liquids must be stored properly.
• Any wet/soaked rags, and empty containers, are not to be disposed of in Center’s waste containers.
• A flammable liquid is not to be used or stored, within 50 feet of any hot work operation, open flame, or anything that generates heat or sparks.
• Any person using flammable liquids in the Center must provide an appropriate sized ABC type fire extinguisher, which must be readily accessible at all times.

• May not contain more than one (1) gallon of fuel
• Cannot be refueled or emptied inside the Center
• Must be equipped with locking gas caps
• Battery cables must be disconnected and the ends taped
• Must be locked during non-show hours
• Repairs or alterations may not be made inside the Center
• Any person displaying a vehicle at the Center must provide an appropriate sized ABC type fire extinguisher, which must be readily accessible at all times.
• Must have floor covering beneath the vehicle
• Must be turned off when parked inside.

All materials used in exhibit construction and decoration (including without limitation hard wall, canopies, drapes, foam core, tablecloths, burlap, scrim or similar materials) must be fire retardant, i.e. they must either have been flame-proofed by the manufacturer prior to purchase or be flame-proofed by a person certified by the New York City Fire Department following approved New York City Fire Code procedures and standards. Exhibitors and contractors must have available on site for inspection the appropriate paperwork to demonstrate that these requirements have been met, that either a tag affixed to the item demonstrating that the item has been flame-proofed by the manufacturer or a certificate (valid for one year) demonstrating post-purchase application of fire retardant. Spot checks of compliance with this requirement will be conducted periodically. In addition, field flame tests may be conducted. Appropriate action will be taken if such inspections and tests reveal incidents of non-compliance.

Some pyrotechnic devices/events are prohibited without advance written approval from Center management. Approval will be contingent, in part, on the Show Manager or Exhibitor obtaining appropriate government permits and insurance coverage.

The following may not be blocked or access impeded:

• Fire fighting and emergency equipment , including fire alarm boxes, fire extinguisher cabinets, stand pipe valves, defibrillators and similar equipment
• Electrical and telephone closet doors
• Elevators and escalators
• Hanger Doors
• Doors
• Staircases
• Sprinklers

Forklifts and similar vehicles must be fueled outside the facility in designated areas.

No banner, display or sign shall be erected in a manner that may block or interfere with the operation of any of the items listed above.

• Crates and other materials cannot be stored in the Center without advance written approval. Requests must be submitted in writing by Show Managers or General Decorating Contractors. Crates and other materials:
• May not be stored in active exhibit halls.
• May not be stored between booths, behind pipe and drape or under tables.
• May not be stored within 10 feet of sliding partitions or under the River Pavillion.
• May not block access or egress, as set forth in these rules.
• Loose materials, combustible mixtures, waste, liquids and similar items cannot be stored in the Center.
• Carpeting is to be rolled and stored in areas designated by the Center.

Materials may be stored in truck loading dock spaces with the following restrictions:

• Must maintain clearance of 3 feet from sprinkler heads.
• Must maintain access and egress so as not to obstruct ramps and stairs from the loading platform.
• Where storage is tiered, crates, cases and similar packing cartons (which have wheels) may not be stored on top of tiers, nor may they be stored above retaining walls.

Materials may be stored in inactive exhibition halls with prior written approval of Javits management and with the following restrictions:

• Maximum storage height is 12 feet.
• A fire watch must be maintained at all times for the duration of the storage.
• Storage piles in halls must be separated by aisles so that tiers are not more than 20 feet wide.
• Main and cross aisles must be a minimum of 8 feet wide and must be located in line with exit door openings.

A hot work permit is required when hot work is performed for exhibit construction. The Center's Fire Safety Director can provide information on obtaining hot work permits.

Note: Additional restrictions may be imposed as necessitated by ongoing renovation work.

• A first aid office is often open during larger events where the attendance exceeds 5,000 persons in accordance with New York Public Assembly Law.
• In case of an emergency, please notify the closest security guard or call the 24 hour command center at 212-216-2222 for immediate assistance.
• Give your name, type of emergency and exact location when calling the 24 hour command center or 911.

• Double tiered or double decked exhibit booths are not permitted in the first floor exhibit halls, 3D and Level 4 and 5 in the North Building.
• Double-tiered booths are permitted in the River Pavilion, 3A, 3B and 3E exhibit halls.
• A NYC Building Department permit is required whenever the second tier of a double-tiered booth will be walked upon, or for a solid overhead structure greater than 120 square feet in size.

• Any hanging loads must be approved in advance by the Center (within 20% of load capacity).
• Hanging loads imposed on the space frame structure must not exceed 15,000 pounds for any 90' x 90' bay (Level 3 and Level 4 exhibit halls).
• Hanging loads on any space frame node must not exceed 1,500 pounds.
• Hanging loads on any space frame member must be not exceed 50 pounds.
• Hanging points from the recessed threaded hanging points in halls 1B and 1C must not exceed 100 lbs. The spacing of loads must be at least 2'0" on center each way.
• No planking is permitted on the space frame tubes.
• Hanging Loads in 1A, 3D, and 1E halls must be from the moveable partition tracks using approved Javits hanging devices. Weight limit is 50 lbs. per hanging point.

Center employees on official business cannot be denied access by event management or any of their sub-contractors to any areas within the facility.

• 100 lbs./sq. ft. in Level 4 exhibit halls
• 350 lbs./sq. ft. in Level 3 exhibit halls
• 350 lbs./sq. ft. in Level 1 exhibit halls
• 350 lbs./sq. ft. in Hall 3
• 150 lbs./sq. ft. in the Crystal Palace
• 125 lbs./sq. ft. in Level 4 North Building
• 250 lbs./sq. ft. in Level 5 North Building

The Center maintains twenty-four (24) hour security for the perimeter areas and internal patrols. The show manager is responsible for the complete security within the exhibit areas, meeting rooms, and other areas; including crowd control in public areas. Show management must assure that a security supervisor is on site at all times to receive information or complaints in reference to the conduct of contract security employees. We reserve the right to ask security personnel to leave if the situation warrants such action. Contracted security may not carry firearms or weapons of any kind without prior written permission from Javits management.

The Center does not accept advanced deliveries prior to the contracted move-in date and all deliveries will be received by your event’s General Service Contractor. All event-related deliveries should be directed to 369 12th Avenue.

The Javits Center maintains a smoke-free campus. Smoking is prohibited anywhere on Javits Center property, including the inner roadway and Javits-owned sidewalks. .

In New York State the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law on March 31, 2021, which, among other things, legalized adult-use cannabis (also known as marijuana) and adopted regulations (as of December 2023) strictly regulating hemp cannabis. In an effort to support our customers’ efforts in promoting their products while ensuring that the activities remain compliant with the law, the Javits Center is issuing the following guidelines for products containing cannabinoid hemp (including CBD), or THC in any natural or synthetic form:

1. Products containing cannabinoid hemp (including CBD), or THC (natural or synthetic) may not be distributed or sold at the Javits Center, including the provision of free samples or gifts;
2. Only products with THC less than .3%, such as cannabinoid hemp products, may be displayed;
3. Cannabinoid hemp products must also comply with New York State law, which requires, among other things, that:
   1. Such products are clearly distinguished from non-cannabinoid-hemp products; and
   2. The promoters are appropriately licensed and the products comply with the Cannabinoid Hemp Regulations.
4. Any exhibitor, vendor or event producer displaying products shall be solely responsible for ensuring their conduct and products are compliant with all laws, including, but not limited to, those promulgated by the particular trade show, and any New York State labeling and packaging requirements. Accordingly, no participant may rely on this guidance as a basis for any violation.

The Javits Center will continue to monitor legal developments in this area in anticipation that the law will continue to evolve quickly.

No weapons, including firearms, knives or any other type of weapon, are permitted anywhere on Javits Center property.