FIRE/SAFETY REGULATIONS
FOR DECORATIONS AND PUBLIC EVENTS

Next Homecoming will be October 20, 2007

Construction Permit for Homecoming House Decorations & Parade Floats

Instructions and Required Fire Inspection

Pre-Event Conference

Public Events

X-mas Decorations

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Aerial Lifts

Aisles

Alcohol Use

Updated August 2007

Prepared by the OSU Environmental Health & Safety Department,
OSU Residential Life, and Stillwater Fire Department.

Download as MS Word doc  or  Download as pdf

Candles

Clearance for Utilities

Definitions

Decorative Material

Disqualification & Fine

Electrical

Exit Ways

Fire Control

Flame-Proofing Solution

Guarding

Holes and Pits

Human Participation

Ladders

Lifts

Number of Occupants Permitted

University and City regulations require that any event either on or off campus utilizing decorations must obtain a fire inspection. This inspection must be completed and the proper form signed by the fire inspector before such an event can be held. It is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization to make contact with the proper authorities as required and to ensure adherence to these regulations.

It is required that you discuss all proposed decoration plans at a pre-event conference with the Stillwater Fire Department (off campus) or the OSU Environmental Health & Safety Department (on campus) not less than 10 working days in advance. At this time you will also make arrangements for the required inspection of the event. A sketch of the area to be used showing rooms, exits, seating, aisles, dimensions, etc. should be brought to this conference by those proposing the event.

Open Flames

Outdoor Decorations & Floats

Prohibited Materials

Removal

Safety Harness

Scaffolds

Welding Procedures

In many areas, utilities are placed underground; these may include electrical lines, gas lines, water lines, telephone lines and the like. Indiscriminate drilling for the installation of telephone poles or other parts of decorations may inadvertently damage such utilities and/or cause injury.

Before any such drilling is done, necessary clearance must be obtained in writing from the appropriate utilities. In the City of Stillwater, contact City Hall at 747-8041 (underground line locations), or 372-0025 (general information), and the City Fire Marshal at 742-8308. On campus, contact Physical Plant Services at 744-7154.

• Baled or loose hay or straw
• Excelsior
• Styrofoam
• Split bamboo
• Parachutes
• Black or clear plastic sheeting
• Cane poles
• Oil-based enamel paint
• Pasteboard walls/partitions
• Paper & wood frame walls/partitions**
  **Acceptable if fireproofed by following instructions in Section 14 of these regulations.

Decorative materials shall include (but are not limited to) all such materials as draperies, curtains, streamers, and surface coverings applied over the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical or other effects (this includes cloth, cotton batting, foam plastics, paper or paper products, straw, vines, leaves, trees, and moss used for decorative effect). But it shall not include floor coverings, ordinary window shades or materials 1/40 inch or less in thickness* applied directly to and adhering tightly to a non-combustible base.

* May be measured by folding a piece of the material to 5 thicknesses and measuring to see if the thickness of 5 layers exceeds 1/8 inch.

Place of assembly shall mean a room or space used for assembly for 50 or more occupants. Such room or space shall include any similar occupied connecting room or space in the same story, or in a story or stories above and below, where entrance is common to the rooms or space.

• No decorative material shall be used which, when applied, will ignite and allow flame to spread over the surface or allows burning particles to drop when exposed to a match flame test.

  The match flame test is applied to a piece removed from the material and tested in a safe place. The piece, 1.5" x 4", shall be held in a vertical position and the bottom edge exposed to a flame from a common match held in a horizontal position, one-half inch underneath the piece, and at a constant location for a minimum of 12 seconds.

• Non-flameproofed materials may be treated with the formulas listed in Section 14 of these regulations. Satisfactory match flame test results must be obtained before such treated material is used.
• See Prohibited Materials.

SECTION 7 - EXIT WAYS

1. No person shall, at any time, place an obstacle of any kind before or upon any fire escape, balcony or ladder intended as a means of escape from fire. No person shall place, store or keep, or permit to be placed, stored or kept any flammable materials on or under or at the bottom of any exit stairway (inside or outside), exit hallway, elevator or other means of exit. No bridges, ropes, fences, etc. may be placed where they will block or restrict full use of exits or entrances to a building or room. All doors in or leading to required exit ways shall be kept unlocked at all times when the building or floor area served thereby is occupied.

2. In rooms accommodating more than 50 persons, required exit doorways (other than those normally used for entrance) shall be plainly marked by approved exit signs that are sufficiently illuminated as to be readily visible when the floor area is occupied. Where the exit doorways are not visible from all locations in public corridors, directional signs, as required by the Stillwater Fire Department or OSU Environmental Health & Safety Department, shall be placed on walls or otherwise displayed in conspicuous locations to direct occupants to exit doorways.

3. Required stairways, hallways, and other means of exit (including exterior open spaces to or through which exit ways lead) shall be adequately lighted at all times that the building is occupied.

4. It shall be unlawful to block open any stairway enclosure door that leads to or from a floor of the building, and which by law is required to be self-closing.

5. The use of tunnels, chutes, etc. within a room or space, for access, entrance or exit purposes is prohibited.

6. All places of assembly or rooms accommodating 50 or more persons shall have at least 2 exits.

In each room where chairs or tables and chairs are used, the arrangement shall be such as will provide for ready access by aisles to each exit doorway. Aisles leading directly to exit doorway shall have not less than 36 inches clear width, which shall not be obstructed by chairs or other objects. Seating plans for chairs in excess of 25 must be submitted at the pre-event conference.

The maximum number of occupants permitted shall be determined by the capacity of the exit ways provided.

SECTION 10 - FIRE CONTROL (points deducted: 10 each)

• All fire protection equipment shall be in working order and shall be visible and convenient at all times. This shall include one extinguisher, one half-inch garden hose, fire alarms, sprinklers, etc. Sufficient fire extinguishers shall be on hand to protect areas in accordance with nationally recognized practices.

• Personnel shall be assigned to promptly call the Fire Department by means of telephone or other approved alarm device in the event of fire or suspicion of fire and to direct evacuation of occupants.

• Welding Procedures (see Section 13)

1. All wiring, controls, lights, appliances, or other electrical equipment used as part of or in conjunction with decorations, shall be installed in an approved manner and be of sufficient design and capacity to take the electrical load required.

2. Where extension cords are necessary, only heavy-duty rubber-coated #14 AWG or larger grounded extension cords will be used. No additional multiple outlets shall be used in conjunction with extension cords (octopus plugs).

3. There shall be no open splices, frayed wiring, cracked insulation, defective equipment or other indications of weakness permitted in wiring.

4. No open or unguarded light bulbs, spotlights, floodlights, etc. shall be permitted to be in contact with any combustible surface. Such devices shall be securely anchored in place to prevent accidental upsetting if struck. Heat from the device shall not create a fire or burn hazard to the occupants or the general public.

5. All temporary wiring shall have wire nuts and electrical tape on splices.

6. All electrical cords shall be protected from physical harm and shall not run unprotected across walkways. Electrical cords shall not present a tripping hazard.

SECTION 12 - OPEN FLAMES (points deducted: 5 each)

• The use of unguarded fires or flames in fireplaces, candles*, or other forms of flame shall not be permitted.

  *Candles may be used on tables if well-secured in a solid, stable, non-combustible base with a glass globe or similar approved device at least two inches higher than the candle flame.

1. ® Floats may not be over 15 feet high. House decorations shall not be more than 20 feet high. No portion of any decoration shall be any closer than 10 feet below any overhead wiring and shall be at least 15 feet back from said overhead wiring. Failure will mean automatic disqualification.

2. ® Decorative materials shall be self-supporting and be placed no less than 10 feet from a building or appurtenance thereof. All living groups will comply with this unless the structure of their yard makes it impossible to comply; in such a case, written permission must be obtained from the Stillwater Fire Marshall or the OSU Safety Inspector.

3. ® It shall be the responsibility of the organization constructing the decoration or floats to furnish the correct address where the construction will take place. It is also the responsibility of the organization to notify the OSU Environmental Health & Safety department and the Alumni Association before construction begins.

4. (Points Deducted--5) Each entry shall be furnished with an inspection card at the time of registration. This must be signed by a designated member of the Stillwater Fire Department or OSU Environmental Health & Safety Department. Each decoration or float shall be inspected during construction before it is eligible for judging.

5. (Points Deducted--5) No float or pre-fabricated decorations that could block or deter access of emergency vehicles or encounter overhead wiring shall be built or stored in alleys or similar accessways.

6. (Points Deducted--5) House decorations must be at least 3 feet away from exterior gas lighting fixtures.

7. (Points Deducted--5) No decoration shall be closer than 1 foot from any public sidewalk and shall not overlap at any point.

8. (Points Deducted--2) To provide a safe working area, all tools and construction material shall be kept in proper order and out of possible danger when not in use. Good housekeeping is a requirement for a safe Homecoming.

9. (Points Deducted--10) All wiring shall conform to Section 11 of these regulations.

10. (Points Deducted--10) "No Smoking" shall be observed in the vicinity of outdoor decoration and floats during the periods of their construction, use and demolition.

11. (Points Deducted-10) Welding or open flames shall not be permitted in the vicinity of floats or decorations after covering materials are installed. Personnel should stand by with fire extinguisher or hose and observe strict fire precautions whenever welding operations are in progress. Watchers shall maintain the fire precautions for a minimum of 30 minutes after the hot work has ceased. Signs shall be posted at construction sites warning onlookers not to look at welding arcs. Approved personal protective equipment shall be worn by those doing the hot work. Any acetylene tanks and any other fuel used during welding/cutting operations shall not be stored in a residential building.

12. (Points Deducted--10) Fire extinguishing equipment shall be kept readily available and in operating order. Such equipment shall be available within reach of any such outdoor decoration. (Fire extinguishers are not to be "borrowed" from their designated locations in buildings.)

    *A pre-connected garden hose of 1/2" minimum diameter must be used in addition to a portable extinguisher for outside decorations.

13. (Points Deducted--5) All ground stakes and support stakes less than 6 feet tall must be properly covered at all times. Aluminum cans are unacceptable for this purpose. Tennis balls, rubber balls, and folded garden hose are among the items that may be used as covers.

14. (Points Deducted--3) All ground stakes, guide wires and support ropes or strings less than 7 feet above the ground shall be clearly marked with a bright visible cloth or tape to prevent possible injury.

15. (Points Deducted--7) Suitable fire extinguishing equipment shall be readily available on a float or within the vehicle beneath or in front of the float on the day of the parade. Absence of a fire extinguisher will mean disqualification.

16. (Points Deducted--10) Exhaust pipes on float vehicles or stationary engines shall have suitable fine mesh screens on the ends to prevent sparks from possible backfires from igniting the float or decoration. All exhaust equipment including extensions shall be provided with exhaust pipe extensions to prevent the accumulation of carbon-monoxide beneath the float.

17. (Points Deducted--10) Escape routes of sufficient size, strength, and number shall be provided for all persons riding in or on floats. The fire marshal will advise the living groups of any needed escape routes before construction is to begin. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in point deduction, reconstruction, and/or disqualification.

18. (Points Deducted--20) Open flames or fires shall not be permitted as part of any decoration or float.

19. (Points Deducted--10) Costumes made of any flammable-type materials shall be flameproofed in accordance with Section 14 of these regulations for the protection of the wearer.

20. (Points Deducted--10) All house decorations must be completed by 1:00 p.m., Friday, the day of Walkaround. This includes all operating moving parts.

21. Paper and other materials on outdoor decorations that could be easily blown away by the wind shall be removed within 48 hours following the event for which they are used. All holes shall remain covered until filled and then be filled in level with the surrounding ground. This shall be completed within 48 hours.

22. FINE--$75.00 and disqualification of all participating parties from next year's homecoming competition. Any remaining frames and other structures of outdoor decorations shall be removed by Friday at 5:00 p.m. following the Saturday Homecoming game.

While these solutions will not prevent materials from charring or being destroyed by fire, they will accomplish the purpose of keeping flame from spreading on the materials.

Suggestion: Mix flameproofing in with papier-mache at the start--do not finish with the decoration and then try to flameproof.

Material: Vegetable material such as leaves or Spanish moss used for decoration purposes.

Fertilizer-grade ammonium sulfate (1 pound)

Water (1 gallon)

Application: Dissolve chemicals in the water. Materials may then be treated by soaking or dipping them in the solution. The solution may also be applied by a heavy spray until all areas are thoroughly wet, but not soaked.

Test for Effectiveness: After thorough drying, hold lighted match one-half inch below sample of material for a minimum of 15 seconds. If flame does not travel over surface of material and goes out when heat is removed from the material, it can be considered reasonable and safe.

Material: Paper

Boric acid crystals (4 ounces)

Borax (4 ounces)

Fertilizer-grade ammonium sulfate (12 ounces)

Warm water (1 gallon)

Application: Dissolve chemicals in the water. Materials may then be treated by soaking or dipping them in the solution. The solution may also be applied by a heavy spray until all areas are thoroughly wet, but not soaked.

Test for Effectiveness: After thorough drying, hold lighted match one-half inch below sample of material for a minimum of 15 seconds. If flame does not travel over surface of material and goes out when heat is removed from the material, it can be considered reasonable and safe.

Material: Any washable fabric

Boric acid crystals (4 ounces)

Borax (9 ounces)

Warm water (1 gallon)

Application: Dissolve chemicals in the water. Materials may then be treated by soaking or dipping them in the solution. The solution may also be applied by a heavy spray until all areas are thoroughly wet, but not soaked. Material is best dried by air in a horizontal position. DO NOT dry in a gas or electric clothes dryer, as this may cause discoloration of the material or reduction of the flameproofing effect.

Test for Effectiveness: After thorough drying, hold lighted match one-half inch below sample of material for a minimum of 15 seconds. If flame does not travel over surface of material and goes out when heat is removed from the material, it can be considered reasonable and safe.

Material: Cardboard, paper, and muslin

Application: Use waterglass as purchased and apply light coat with brush. Waterglass may cause stiffening of some materials when dried. It will dry with a glossy finish. Test for Effectiveness: After thorough drying, hold lighted match one-half inch below sample of material for a minimum of 15 seconds. If flame does not travel over surface of material and goes out when heat is removed from the material, it can be considered reasonable and safe.

Borax is available at most grocery stores as a cleaning compound. Boric acid crystals can be obtained at drug stores, and ammonium sulfate (fertilizer grade) at garden supply stores.

Several UL-listed, latex-based, fire-retardant paints are available and can be ordered locally in popular shades. These can be used to protect wood, cardboard, and other materials effectively. CAUTION: Fire-retardant paints must be applied in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and particular attention must be paid to coverage rates! Allow sufficient lead time for paint to be ordered and delivered.

NOTE:

Technical assistance and/or additional fire safety information can be obtained by calling the University Fire Marshal at 744-7241, or the Stillwater Fire Marshal at 742-8308. However, they cannot provide assistance or equipment in the construction of any floats or decorations.

1. Step ladders greater than 10 feet in length are not permitted.

2. The top two rungs of any ladder shall not be used.

3. Ladders shall rest on a solid and level support. If there is danger of the ground being soft or becoming soft due to rain or other means, a 12" x 12" or larger square of plywood, metal or similar material shall be placed under each side of a ladder to prevent it from sinking into the ground.

4. Ladders shall be sturdy and free of dents, bends, loose hinges, loose steps, cracks, burrs and other defects.

When erected, scaffolding shall be stable and secure at all times as follows:

1. MANDATORY -- Fall protection shall be used at all times while working from gasoline or electric-powered lifts.  No exceptions.

2. Fall protection (full-body harness and approved lanyard) must limit free fall to six feet or less.

3. Points Deducted--5. Scaffolding shall be secured at intervals of 12 feet to a solid support that will brace the scaffolding in a secure manner. Securing shall be by means of wire, cable, etc.

4. Points Deducted--5. Scaffolding shall be metal, interlocking safety-type with approved ladders on each end of the scaffolding. Ladders may be a part of the scaffolding itself.

5. Points Deducted--5. The scaffolding shall rest on solid and level support. If there is a danger of the ground being soft or becoming soft due to rain, etc., then large squares of plywood, metal, or other stable material shall be placed under each leg of the scaffold to prevent it from sinking into the ground.

6. Points Deducted--3. Scaffold on wheels shall have wheels that can be locked in place (caster brakes) and shall be provided with supports under each wheel as stated above. Wheeled scaffolding shall not be moved with any person, materials, or equipment upon the scaffolding.

7. Points Deducted--10. At working levels 6 feet and higher, flooring shall be solid from side to side on the scaffold and shall be secured in place with substantial cleats so it cannot slide in any direction. Approved handrails with midrails shall be installed on each open side of each working level to keep persons from falling from the scaffold. Four-inch toe boards shall be installed to prevent tools and other items from being kicked off of the scaffold and falling on persons below.

8. Points Deducted--5. Scaffolds shall not be moved until reduced below 15 feet in height. Sufficient help shall be available to move the scaffold and to control it from toppling. Watchers shall be posted to watch overhead obstructions or hazards (utility lines) as well as holes, etc. at ground level.

9. Points Deducted--10. Ladders or other makeshift devices shall not be used on scaffolds to gain extra height.

10. Points Deducted--10. At no time shall there be scaffolding higher than 18 feet without permission from the Fire Marshal, or the OSU Safety Inspector.

Automated lifts provide a safer, more effective means of working at heights.  Depending on the type of lift used, a full-body harness may be requried for the worker wh o will be using the lift (see Section 16.2 for fall protection system requirements).  Never use a ladder or other makeshift device to increase the working height of the lift.  100% tie-off is required any time the worker needs to climb out of an aerial lift or scissor lift onto an elevated location.

Remember to get complete operating instructions from the equipment rental agency.

The aerial (or boom) lift is designed to be repositioned when the worker is in the elevated basket.  Therefore, the worker is required to wear a full-body harness with a lanyard due to the potential of being bounced out of the basket.  The basket shall be placed in its lowest position when the wheels are in motion.

Because of its low clearance, a scissor lift can become unstable on uneven or soft ground.  To provide a level working surface, the lift must be placed on plywood that is at least 3/4" thick.  If the platform railings or entry gate are not in place, the worker must wear a full-body harness with a lanyard.  Lower the platform to its lowest level before moving the lift into position.  Make certain that the tires are properly inflated and undamaged.

All scissor lift control panels shall require dual activation by the operator to activate the directional (horizontal or vertical movement) controls.  Time-delay ramping feature activation controls are not permitted.  Examples of approved dual controls are:

• joystick with guarded trigger mechanism
• joystick with enable switch with a time-out function of 10 seconds or less
• joystick with separate enable switch (continuously pressed)
• joystick with pull-up trigger
• foot pedal + joystick

SECTION 18 - HOLES AND PITS

1. Excavations deeper than 4 feet and less than 15 feet in width shall have proper shoring or the excavation's sides shall be brought back to an approved angle of repose.

   Excavation spoil shall be placed at least 2 feet from the edge of excavations deeper than 4 feet regardless of width.

2. Excavations deeper than 4 feet shall be covered substantially or have fencing around the entire perimeter. Fencing shall be a minimum of 42 inches in height. Fencing shall not permit a sphere 6 inches in diameter to pass through. Fencing must be rigidly and independently supported throughout. Covers must be capable of supporting a minimum weight of 500 lbs.

Moving parts shall be guarded such that fingers, hair, clothing, etc. cannot contact the moving parts. This applies to, but is not limited to:

• Rotating shafts Belt, rope and chain drives Pulleys Hinges Fan Blades
• etc.

  Exception: Moving parts 7 feet above the walking or working surface need not be guarded.

SECTION 20 - PUBLIC EVENTS

1. All public events in or on University property shall be inspected by the OSU Environmental Health & Safety Department PRIOR to being held.

   All seating plans must be approved by the EHS Dept. not less than 10 working days PRIOR to the event. Seating arrangements will be made in accordance with applicable fire codes.

2. Any questions should be referred to the EHS Dept. at 744-7241.

Use of alcohol is absolutely prohibited.

Human participation will be allowed on floats at the discretion of the Stillwater Fire Marshall.  No human interaction is allowed on the House Decoration. Only the starting and rewinding of cassette tapes is allowed. Violations of this rule will result in disqualification of the entry.