PART 150 RACE TRACK RULES FOR FIRE SAFETY : Sections Listing

TITLE 41: FIRE PROTECTION
CHAPTER I: OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL
PART 150 RACE TRACK RULES FOR FIRE SAFETY

AUTHORITY: Authorized by and implementing Section 9 of "AN ACT relating to the investigation and prevention of fire". (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1979, ch. 127 1/2, par. 9)

SOURCE: Illinois Race Track Rules for Fire Safety, Filed June 4, 1976; codified at 5 Ill. Reg. 10683.

 

Section 150.10  Purpose

 

These rules have been established to enforce a reasonable level of fire safety at race tracks to reduce the potential for loss of human life, horses, and track operation.

 

Section 150.20  Scope

 

These rules shall apply to all facilities which are part of a race track complex where the complex is utilized primarily for the purpose of conducting a horse racing meet where parimutuel wagering is authorized.

 

Section 150.30  Enforcement

 

a)         The enforcement of these rules shall be under the jurisdiction of the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

 

b)         New buildings constructed after the adoption of these rules shall comply fully with all provisions of these rules.

 

c)         Buildings already in existence at the time of the adoption of these rules shall be made to comply immediately with the rules under any one of the following circumstances:

 

1)         If, in the opinion of the State Fire Marshal, lack of compliance presents an imminent danger to human life, horses, or continued operation of the race track.

 

2)         If additions, alterations or repairs are made in any period of 12 months, costing in excess of 25% of the current replacement cost of the building.

 

3)         If a building is increased in floor area by more than 10% or if the building is increased in the number of stories.

 

4)         If the basic occupancy classification of a building is changed in such a manner as to increase the fire hazard.

 

d)         Existing track facilities shall meet the following minimum fire safety requirements within the times indicated from the date of adoption of these rules:

 

1)         Provide adequate exits, exit signs, and emergency lighting for grandstand structures within one year in compliance with Sections 5.11 through 5.13 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Sections 150.50(a)(1) through (3)).

 

2)         Provide a complete system of manual fire reporting stations within one year for all buildings as provided in Section 7.81 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Sections 150.70(h)(1)).

 

3)         Provide permanent type identification or signs above each fire extinguisher, fire hose station, and fire reporting station within ninety days.

 

4)         Install automatic sprinklers within two years in grandstands as required in Sections 5.14 and 5.15 (41 Ill. Adm. Code 150.50(a)(4) and (5)).

 

5)         Combustible barns shall either be replaced with noncombustible barns in accordance with these rules at a rate of not less than 20% per year of the total number of existing combustible barns or shall be equipped with automatic sprinklers at a rate of not less than 20% per year of the total number of existing combustible barns.

 

6)         Combustible structures other than barns and grandstands shall be protected by automatic sprinklers if their size, type of construction, and occupancy are deemed hazardous.

 

7)         Fire hydrants shall be provided as required in Section 7.21.  (41 Ill. Adm. Code 150.70(b)(1))  Standpipes shall be installed in grandstands as provided in Section 7.41. (41 Ill. Adm. Code 150.70(d)).  Class B and C barns not protected by automatic sprinklers shall be provided with hose stations in accordance with Sections 7.51 through 7.53. (41 Ill. Adm. Code 150.70(e)(1) through (3)).  All installations shall be completed within two years.

 

8)         Compliance with hay storage Sections 6.41 through 6.43 (41 Ill. Adm. Code 150.60(d)(1) through (d)(3)) shall be required within one year.

 

9)         Within one year, unsprinklered dormitories shall be equipped with automatic fire alarm systems with automatic fire detectors in every apartment or room, (or the equivalent in terms of fire alarm and fire detection effectiveness if approved by the Fire Marshal) unless the apartments or rooms are separated by at least ¾-hr. fire resistant construction and each apartment or sleeping room has a direct exit to the outside.

 

e)

1)         The Illinois Racing Board and the State Fire Marshal shall be notified in writing, prior to construction of structures, additions, alterations or occupancy changes covered under Section 3.3. (41 Ill. Adm. Code 150.30(c)). Construction shall not start until approved by the Illinois Racing Board and the State Fire Marshal.

 

2)         These rules shall not nullify any local codes or regulations. If a conflict exists, the more stringent requirement shall be applicable. In areas not specified and not covered by these rules or by local codes, compliance with the provisions of one of the nationally recognized model building codes shall be acceptable.

 

f)         It is the intent of the State Fire Marshal that if any Section, paragraph, sentence or word of these rules be declared invalid for any reason, all other portions of the rules shall still apply.

 

g)         The owner of the facility or his designated agent shall be responsible for compliance with these rules and other recognized good practices and applicable regulations in order to maintain fire safe conditions. The omission of such recognized good practices or applicable regulations from these rules shall not be considered reason for noncompliance.

 

h)         The specific requirements of these rules may be modified by the State Fire Marshal to allow alternative arrangements that will secure as nearly equivalent safety from fire as practical; but in no case shall the modification afford less safety from fire than compliance with the corresponding provisions contained in these rules.

 

Section 150.40  Definitions

 

"Automatic": As applied to fire protection shall mean a device or system activated by a fire and performing its intended function without the necessity of human intervention.

 

"Barn": A building used primarily for horses which may or may not have sleeping rooms.

 

"Building": A structure covered by a roof, separated from other structures by space or fire walls and designed for housing people, animals or equipment.

 

"Building Area": The maximum horizontal projected area of the building at or above grade.

 

"Building Construction": Types of building construction such as fire resistive, heavy timber, noncombustible, ordinary and wood frame, shall be as defined in NFPA Standard No. 220-1961, Types of Building Construction.

 

"Combustible": A material which does not comply with the definition of noncombustible.

 

"Combustible Wall": A wall constructed of combustible structural elements.

 

"Dormitory": A building or a portion of a building containing sleeping rooms, rest rooms, laundries and other normal housekeeping facilities.

 

"Emergency Lighting": Lighting designed to come on automatically in the event of failure of the primary electric power supply.

 

"Exit": An opening in an exterior wall or an access to a protected way of travel to allow occupants to escape from a building with reasonable safety.

 

"Fire Detection System": A system designed to automatically detect a fire and alert those responsible for taking emergency action.

 

"Fire Door": A listed door, frame, hardware, and accessories designed to provide protection against passage of fire for a specified period of time.

 

"Fire Hose Station": A cabinet, rack, or reel where the fire hose is stored for use in manual fire fighting.

 

"Fire Alarm or Notification System": A system designed to alert building occupants to a fire.

 

"Fire Patrols": Patrols by track personnel assigned specifically to check building areas for fires or fire hazards. Supervised patrols utilize portable clocks or other means to assure that the patrolman covers all areas on a regular basis. Freelance patrols leave the route and areas covered to the discretion of the patrolman.

 

"Fire Reporting System": A communications system for public use designed to notify those responsible for taking emergency action that a fire is in progress.

 

"Fire Wall": A self supporting noncombustible wall having at least two hour fire resistance.

 

"Flammable Liquid": A liquid having a flash point below 100º F and other properties as defined in NFPA Standard No. 30-1973, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

 

"Grandstand": The structure for seating spectators, including communicating areas used for betting, club rooms, restaurants, concession stands, rest rooms, and other related facilities.

 

"Hay Storage": Areas used for the storage of hay or straw.

 

"Heating System": A system which provides comfort heating for building occupants.

 

"Hood and Exhaust Ventilation System": A system for exhausting heat and fumes from ranges, grills, and other cooking equipment.

 

"Listed": Equipment or materials included in a list published by a nationally recognized testing laboratory inspection agency, or other organization concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspections of production of listed equipment or materials, and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets nationally recognized standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in specified manner.

 

"Manual": As applied to fire protection shall mean a device or system which requires human operation to perform its intended function.

 

"Masonry Wall": A wall constructed of brick, adobe, concrete, hollow blocks, solid blocks, or stone.

 

"NFPA": National Fire Protection Association, 470 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02210.

 

"Noncombustible": A material that will not ignite or flame when inserted for five minutes in a furnace heated to 1380º F.

 

"Noncombustible Wall": A wall constructed of masonry, concrete, metal, metal lath and plaster, gypsum board, glass block, or similar noncombustible materials.

 

"Protected Combustible Construction": As defined in NFPA Standard No. 220-1961, (Types of Building Construction) for protected ordinary construction and protected wood frame construction.

 

"Protected Noncombustible Construction": As defined in NFPA Standard No. 220-1961 (Types of Building Construction).

 

"Recognized Standards": Standards of performance testing utilized by a nationally recognized testing agency such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or the Factory Mutual System, or standards of good practice as promulgated by agencies such as the National Fire Protection Association.

 

"Roof Covering": The covering applied to a building roof for weather resistance, fire resistance or appearance.

 

"Self Closing": As applied to a fire door, a door that is normally closed and is equipped with an approved listed device to automatically re-close the door after opening.

 

"Sleeping Room": Any room in which occupant(s) is permitted to have sleeping facilities.

 

Section 150.50  General Construction Requirements

 

a)         Grandstands

 

1)         Grandstands shall comply with the requirements of NFPA Standard No. 102-1972 (Assembly seating, Tents, Air Supported Structures) and NFPA Standard No. 101-1973, Life Safety Code, except as modified in Sections 5.12 through 5.13 (41 Ill. Adm. Code 150.50(a)(2) through (3).

 

2)         Exits from enclosed grandstand spaces which empty into open grandstand spaces from which occupants can make their way to a safe location or which are a safe area of refuge can be counted as part of the required exit capacity for the enclosed spaces.

 

3)         The occupant load of enclosed grandstand spaces shall be based on the seating capacities of these spaces plus an allowance for standees' floor area, if any, based on one person for every 10 sq ft. of net standing floor area. Required aisle space serving the fixed seats shall not be used when computing net standing floor area.

 

4)         Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with Section 7.3 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(c)) throughout all enclosed grandstand areas of unprotected combustible construction. If the roof structure alone is combustible, sprinklers shall be required only in all concealed roof spaces.

 

5)         Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all grandstands in the following locations:  

 

A)        All spaces used for storage and maintenance having an area of over 100 sq. ft. and that are not enclosed with at least 1-hour fire resistive construction and fire doors. Automatic sprinklers may be supplied by the domestic water system up to a limit of 20 sprinklers per space provided that a density of at least .15 gallons per minute (GPM) per sq. ft. in the space can be provided. Such shall also be enclosed with at least 1-hour fire resistive construction and an approved self-closing fire door when deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal.

 

B)        Inside combustible concealed spaces of over 2500 sq. ft. fire area.

 

C)        All spaces used for displays or exhibitions or storage of display or exhibition materials.

 

D)        All kitchens with interior finish having a flame spread rating over 25.

 

E)        All interior spaces with an occupancy load of 200 persons or over 4,000 sq. ft. in area, which have interior wall and ceiling finish having a flame spread over 75, unless the interior wall finish is of solid lumber at least 1 inch thick.

 

F)         All interior spaces and rooms under 4,000 sq. ft. having wall or ceiling finish with a flame spread rating of more than 100.

 

G)        All interior exitways, including corridors, stairwells, and other paths to the exterior which have interior wall or ceiling finish with a flame spread of over 25.

 

6)         Emergency fire escape provisions shall be provided from the stewards stand and press areas where required, and subject to the State Fire Marshal's approval.

 

b)         Barns:  

 

1)         Construction Classification

 

Structures used as barns shall be classified as follows:  

 

Class A – Walls and roof of noncombustible materials. Stall dividers of noncombustible material or two-inch dimension hardwood lumber. Use of combustible kick boards shall not cause otherwise noncombustible stall dividers to be classed as combustible.

 

Class B – Walls masonry; roof of combustible materials.

 

Class C – Walls and roof of combustible material.

 

2)         Size Limitations:  

 

A)        Buildings used as barns constructed after the adoption of these rules shall not exceed in area the values in the following table:  

 

Barn Size Limitations

Maximum Building Area in Square Feet

 

Construction

Class

Non

Sprinklered

Sprinklered

A

Unlimited

Unlimited

B

Not Permitted

18,000

C

Not Permitted

12,000

 

B)        Class B and Class C construction without sprinkler protection shall not be permitted.

 

3)         Height Limitations: The height of barns used primarily for horses shall not exceed one story. Where dormitory rooms are located above the barn structure the structure shall not exceed 2 stories in height.

 

4)         Spacing Requirements:  

 

A)        Structures enumerated in Section 5.2 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section (150.50(b)) constructed after the adoption of these rules shall be separated by the following minimum distances:  

 

Spacing Between Barns in Feet

 

Types of

Facing-Walls

Masonry

 

Masonry

25

Noncombustible

Noncombustible

25

35

Combustible

35

50

 

B)        A reduction in spacing of 50% shall be permitted for a masonry wall without openings and with a parapet extending at least 18" above any combustible roof construction within 10 ft. of the parapet and a reduction of spacing of 33⅓% shall be permitted for sprinklered combustible barns in accordance with Section 7.3 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(c)).

 

5)         Fire Walls:  Barns divided by a fire wall having at least two-hour fire resistance shall be considered as separate buildings in applying the size limitations of Section 5.22 (41 Ill. Adm. Code 150.50(b)(2)(A)).

 

A)        Fire walls when required shall extend through combustible roofs and walls. The height of the wall shall be at least 32" above the roof and the side shall extend at least 24" beyond combustible exterior walls.

 

B)        All openings in fire walls separating barns shall be protected by self-closing 1½ hour "B" label fire doors.

 

6)         Exits:   Barns shall be designed so that there is a doorway leading directly outside within 100 ft. travel distance of all portions of the building. It shall be possible to exit from any point in the building in at least two directions; dead ends longer than 30 ft. shall not be permitted. Travel distance may be increased to 150 ft. when the barn is of masonry or masonry veneer construction and is protected by an automatic sprinkler system.

 

A)        Doorways provided to meet the requirements of Section 5.26 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.50(b)(6)(A)) shall be at least 8 ft. high and 6 ft in width.

 

B)        All latches on exterior barn doors shall be operable from inside the building.

 

7)         Smoke Relief Venting: Stall areas in unsprinklered barns shall be provided with exterior openings for smoke relief, located at a high level to permit natural removal of heat and combustion products. Vent openings shall be provided on the basis of 1 sq. ft. of venting area for each 60 sq. ft. of stall floor area.

 

c)         Sleeping Facilities

 

1)         Dormitories, tack rooms, and other facilities used for sleeping purposes shall be of at least ¾-hour fire resistant protected construction and shall comply with applicable provisions of NFPA Standard No. 101-1973, Life Safety Code.

 

2)         Fire Separation: Individual sleeping rooms shall be separated from each other and from barns, stalls, laundry rooms, rest rooms, storage rooms, and similar occupancies by walls, floors, and ceilings having at least a ¾ hour fire resistive rating. Any wall openings shall be protected by a self-closing solid core wood or hollow metal door, 1¾" thick.

 

3)         Fire Detection: An automatic fire alarm and detection system complying with Section  7.7 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(g)) shall be provided in all sleeping rooms, heating rooms, kitchens, laundry and storage rooms. A fire detection system shall not be required in sleeping facilities protected by an automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 7.3 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(c)), or in sleeping rooms of at least ¾ hour fire resistant construction with a direct exit to the exterior.

 

d)         Roof Coverings:  All track buildings shall have roof coverings meeting Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. requirements for Class C roofing or better.

 

e)         Insulation:  Track buildings shall not use combustible insulating materials installed so that the surface of the insulation is exposed.

 

Section 150.60  General Occupancy Requirements

 

a)         Heating and Cooking Equipment

 

1)         Heating and cooking equipment shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or the American Gas Association. Installation of the equipment and related fuel storage and piping facilities shall be in accordance with recognized standards and good practices as found in the following standards: NFPA Standard No. 54-1974, National Fuel Gas Code; NFPA Standard No. 58-1974, Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases and NFPA Standard No. 70-1975, National Electrical Code.

 

2)         Cylinders or tanks of compressed fuel gases shall not be permitted in grandstands or in buildings except as provided in NFPA Standard 58-1974 (Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases).

 

3)         Sleeping rooms shall be heated by steam, hot water, warm air, electricity or approved individual gas-fired heating units.

 

4)         Steam and hot water boilers and furnaces shall be located in a separate building or enclosure with fire resistive floors, walls, ceilings and doors. Enclosures around high pressure boilers (operating at over 15 per square inch (psi) gauge pressure) shall have two-hour fire resistance with openings protected by 1½ hour fire doors; enclosures around low pressure boilers (operating below 15 per square inch (psi) gauge pressure for steam and 30 per square inch (psi) gauge pressure for hot water) and furnaces shall have ¾-hour fire resistance with openings protected by ¾-hour fire doors.

 

5)         Ranges, deep fat fryers and grills shall have a hood and exhaust ventilation system to the outside as outlined in NFPA Standard No. 96-1973, Vapor Removal from Commercial Cooking Equipment.

 

6)         Hood and Vent Systems: All hood and vent systems over cooking equipment shall be protected by a listed automatic fire extinguishing system installed according to NFPA Standard No. 96-1973, Vapor Removal from Cooking Equipment. Actuation of the system shall transmit an alarm to a constantly attended location.

 

b)         Electrical System

 

1)         New electrical systems shall be installed by qualified electricians in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 70-1975, the National Electrical Code. Existing electrical systems installed in accordance with the requirements of the National Electrical Code in effect at the time of installation will not be required to be replaced provided they are properly maintained, and provided that electrical systems shall be updated to conform to NFPA Standard No. 70-1975 as buildings are updated to conform to NFPA Standard No. 70-1975 as buildings are updated in accordance with Section 3.3 of these rules (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.30(c)).

 

2)         Plug receptacles in electrical systems in barns are permitted provided that the receptacles are at least 4 ft. above floor level (centered between stalls) and of grounded type. In addition, electrical equipment (unless double insulated) shall be of the 3 wire (grounded) type.

 

3)         Electrical systems in sleeping rooms shall be provided with at least one double plug receptacle having two standard outlets.

 

c)         Flammable Liquids

 

1)         Flammable liquids shall be stored and handled in accordance with recognized standards and good practices as found in NFPA Standard No. 30-1973, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

 

2)         No flammable liquids shall be stored in the grandstand structure. Beverage containers of one gallon or less shall be exempt.

 

3)         Bulk supplies of flammable liquids over 55 gallons shall be stored in buried tanks.

 

4)         Bulk supplies of flammable liquids in containers of 55 gallons or less shall be stored outside of and at least 50 feet from all buildings. Outside storage under this section shall be limited to 550 gallons in aggregate stored in any one location. Storage areas shall be enclosed by either a masonry wall or non-combustible fence not less than six (6) feet in height with entrance kept locked when not in use.

 

5)         Listed safety cans shall be used for handling flammable liquids in less than drum quantities. (Paints, insecticides, and veterinary medicines in original containers of 5 gallons or less shall be exempt from this requirement)

 

d)         Hay Storage

 

1)         Facilities for the storage of hay or straw may be located either within or detached from the barn structure. Hay Storage shall not be permitted in barn lofts.

 

2)         Hay storage rooms located within the barn shall be:

 

A)        Separated from the rest of the stalls and sleeping rooms by walls extending to roof deck having at least one-hour fire resistance rating with doorways protected by self-closing ¾-hour fire door.

 

B)        Provided with smoke relief venting of at least 1 sq. ft. for each 25 sq. ft. of hay storage area unless the area is sprinklered.

 

3)         Detached hay storage buildings having an area of less than 200 sq. ft., shall be located at least 10 ft. from Class A or B barns, and 20 ft. from Class C barns, provided, however, that detached hay storage buildings with exterior walls of masonry, masonry veneer, or one-hour fire resistive protected construction and having an area of less than 200 sq. ft. shall be located at least 10 ft. from buildings with combustible exterior walls. Hay storage buildings having an area greater than 200 sq. ft. shall comply with the spacing provisions of Section 5.24 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.50(b)(4)(A)).

 

Section 150.70  Fire Protection Requirements

 

a)         Water Supply  The track shall have a water system capable of providing an adequate and reliable water supply for fire fighting purposes. Grandstands, barns and dormitories and other facilities shall have a water supply capable of providing at least 1000 gallons per minute (gpm) at 20 per square inch (psi) residual pressure for a period of two hours.

 

b)         Fire Hydrants

 

1)         All portions of major track structures such as barns, dormitories, kitchens and maintenance buildings shall be within 400 ft. of a fire hydrant. Grandstands shall comply with Section 7.41. (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(d))

 

2)         To allow access, new fire hydrants shall be located at least 25 ft. away from masonry and noncombustible walls and 50 ft. away from combustible walls.

 

3)         Fire hydrants shall be located so that a fire department pumper can approach to within 10 ft. of the outlet.

 

4)         Fire hydrants adjacent to doorways, parking lots or other areas where subject to vehicular damage shall be protected to prevent such damage.

 

5)         Fire hydrants shall be approved by the local fire department. All hose connections shall have threads matching those of the public fire department serving the track.

 

c)         Automatic Sprinklers

 

1)         Automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 13-1975, Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

 

2)         Automatic sprinklers protecting grandstands and dormitories shall be designed for Light Hazard Occupancies, except those areas containing combustible storage or that are used as exhibition halls shall be designed for Ordinary Hazard (Group 3) Occupancies. Sprinklers for barns shall be designed for Ordinary Hazard Occupancies (Group 2).

 

3)         Automatic sprinklers shall have a waterflow alarm device, value supervision and air pressure supervision transmitting a signal to a constantly attended location. The signaling system shall be installed in accordance with the general requirements of Section 7.7 covering fire detection systems (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(g)).

 

d)         Standpipes Grandstand structures shall be provided with Class III standpipes. Standpipes shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 14-1974, Standpipe and Hose Systems. A 1½" rubber lined hose connected to the standpipe shall be provided in all non-sprinklered areas. Each standpipe shall be equipped with a valved 2½" hose connection to conform with the local fire department thread. All portions of the grandstand shall be within 125 ft. of a standpipe or within 400 ft. of a fire hydrant, except for open seating spaces of noncombustible construction. All fire department standpipe connections shall be within 100 ft. of a fire hydrant.

 

e)         Fire Hose

 

1)         Class B and C barns not protected by automatic sprinklers shall be provided with hose stations containing not more than 150 ft. of 1" hard rubber hose secured on a wall-mounted reel and equipped with an adjustable nozzle. Such hose stations are acceptable provided they are in compliance with Section 7.2 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(e)(2)).  Until such hose stations are installed, 50 gallon water drums shall be provided 50 ft. apart in barn aisles with two buckets per drum. Drums shall be kept filled with water.

 

2)         Hose stations shall be located so that all portions of the structures are within reach of at least one hose stream.

 

3)         Each fire hose station shall be marked with a sign(s) visible from each direction of approach saying "FIRE HOSE."

 

f)         Fire Extinguishers

 

1)         Enclosed grandstand areas, barns, and sleeping room buildings shall be provided with a basic complement of approved fire extinguishers having a minimum Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. rating of Class 2-A, within 75 ft. of travel distance from any point in the building. Non-freeze type units shall be used in areas subject to temperatures below 40º F.

 

(Editor's Note:  In "Illinois Race Track Rule for Fire Safety", Part 403 (an identical rule adopted by the Illinois Racing Board) this subsection was amended to include either: 2 Ill. Reg. No. 28, p. 107 or 11 Ill. Adm. Code 403.79(f)(1).)

 

2)         Kitchens, concession booths and maintenance areas shall have at least one multipurpose type extinguisher with a minimum Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. rating of 20-BC. Additional extinguishers shall be provided, if necessary, so that an extinguisher is within 50 ft. travel distance of any point in these areas.

 

3)         Totalizator rooms, main electrical panels, and other locations containing significant amounts of electrical equipment shall have at least one liquefied gas type extinguisher having a minimum Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. rating of 10-BC. Additional extinguishers shall be provided, if necessary, so that an extinguisher is within 50 ft. travel distance of any point in these areas.

 

g)         Fire Detection Systems

 

1)         The performance, location, mounting and testing of automatic fire detectors shall comply with NFPA Standard No. 72E-1974, Automatic Fire Detectors. Fire detectors shall be of the combination rate-of-rise/fixed temperature type, or equivalent in performance under the conditions of use.

 

2)         The interconnection of detectors and control equipment shall comply with the applicable portions of NFPA Standards No. 71-1974, Central Station Signaling Systems; No. 72-A-1974, Local Protective Signaling Systems; No. 72B-1974, Auxiliary Protective Signaling Systems; No. 72C-1974, Remote Station Protective Signaling Systems; No. 72D-1974, Proprietary Protective Signaling Systems and No. 70-1975, National Electrical Code.

 

3)         Fire alarm and detection systems shall have standby power supplies capable of operating the system, including audible warning devices, for a period of 2 hours in the event of primary electrical power outage.

 

4)         Fire alarm control equipment such as relays, rectifiers, transformers, batteries and trouble alarm devices shall not be located inside sleeping rooms, or outside where exposed to weather conditions unless in a weatherproof cabinet. All such control equipment that is accessible to the public shall be in cabinets equipped with sturdy locks.

 

5)         Fire detection systems shall transmit alarm and trouble signals to a constantly attended location. The system shall be designed so that the specific building from which the alarm or trouble signals originate can be identified.

 

h)         Fire Reporting and Notification Systems

 

1)         Fire Reporting System: The grandstands, barns, dormitories, track kitchens, maintenance buildings and other buildings normally occupied during track operations shall be provided with manual fire reporting stations.

 

A)        Manual fire reporting stations shall be located so that the normal horizontal travel distance from any building area to a station does not exceed 200 ft. in grandstands and 300 ft. in barn and other areas.

 

B)        Manual fire reporting stations shall transmit an alarm signal to a central location manned by trained personnel.

 

C)        Non-voice manual fire reporting stations shall be arranged in zones to provide signals that will identify to the central receiving location the general area served without need of voice communication.

 

D)        If voice or telephone type manual fire reporting stations are utilized, each station shall be provided with a sign indicating its location or zone so that the user can give this information readily to the central receiving location.

 

E)        Every manual fire reporting station shall be marked with an overhead sign(s) visible from all directions of approach saying "FIRE ALARM." Stations located in outdoor areas that are poorly lit shall be provided with a 40-watt overhead red light.

 

2)         Fire Notification System: An audible fire notification system shall be provided to alert building occupants to a fire emergency.

 

A)        The track public address system may be considered an acceptable means of performing this function when fire reports are received directly by a person with a microphone connected to the public address system.

 

B)        For buildings not covered by a public address system outlined in Section 7.821 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(h)(2)(A)), or during periods that buildings are occupied and the public address system is not in operation, other audible means shall be provided to alert occupants. Such a system may either be manually actuated from a central location manned at all times the buildings are occupied, or automatically actuated by a fire detection system.

 

C)        Fire notification systems shall be designed to awaken occupants of sleeping rooms.

 

Section 150.80  Operating Requirements

 

a)         Track Fire and Security Personnel

 

1)         When grandstands are open to the public, at least one trained fireman shall be assigned to freelance patrol duty in the grandstand at all times. Additional firemen may be required depending upon the size of the facility and the nature of the activities.

 

2)         When grandstands are closed to the public, supervised fire patrols shall be conducted every three hours.

 

3)         Barns and other major track buildings shall have supervised fire patrols every three hours when the facilities are occupied.

 

4)         Fire patrols shall not be required in track facilities which are protected by properly functioning automatic sprinklers or automatic fire detections systems installed in accordance with Sections 7.3 and 7.7 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.70(c) and (g)).

 

b)         Employee Fire Training

 

1)         Security and other track and concessionaire employees shall receive training in the operation of the fire reporting system, fire extinguishers, standpipe hoses and in elementary fire fighting techniques. Training shall be given by a qualified fire department instructor.

 

2)         During the racing meets, occupants of each barn, kitchen and other major buildings shall receive instructions by a qualified fire department instructor on fire prevention rules, fire reporting methods, and proper use of fire extinguishers and small hand hose. Instruction shall be given at least twice during each licensed meet with one session during the first two weeks of the meet.

 

c)         Housekeeping

 

1)         Good housekeeping standards shall be maintained in all track facilities.

 

2)         During the racing meets, trash shall be removed from the premises daily or more often if necessary. Trash containers shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.

 

3)         At the close of the racing meet, trash shall be removed from all buildings and yard areas, and good housekeeping maintained until the track reopens.

 

d)         Maintenance Practices. Track management shall establish the following maintenance practices; every licensee shall keep such records and make such reports as the State Fire Marshal shall prescribe. All such records shall be open to inspection by the State Fire Marshal.

 

1)         All heating and cooking equipment shall be inspected by qualified service personnel at least annually, preferably immediately before the start of the racing season to determine that it is in safe working order.

 

2)         When in use, hood and vent systems over cooking equipment shall be inspected daily and cleaned as necessary to prevent the build-up of combustible grease and residue.

 

3)         The electrical system shall be inspected by a qualified electrician at least annually, preferably immediately before the start of the racing season to determine that the system is in reliable condition.

 

4)         All emergency lighting units shall be tested weekly during the racing meets. If an emergency generator is provided, it shall be started each week.

 

5)         An up-to-date map of the fire protection water system shall be maintained, showing the location and size of pipes, valves, hydrants and other portions of the system. A copy of this map shall be provided to the local fire department.

 

6)         Track water supply systems shall be flow tested annually to determine the adequacy and reliability of the basic water supply. Tests shall be witnessed by the fire department. Water control valves shall be inspected weekly during the racing meets and monthly during the balance of the year to assure that they are open. Fire pumps shall be started each week and subjected to a complete operational test on an annual basis.

 

7)         Fire hydrants shall be inspected and serviced in the spring and fall. Servicing shall include flushing the hydrant, lubricating the hose outlet threads with a dry lubricant such as graphite, and providing any other service necessary to maintain the hydrant in good operating condition. Weeds shall be removed from around hydrants and painting shall be provided to assure good visibility. The fall inspection shall include checking for proper drainage to prevent freezing.

 

8)         Sprinkler control valves shall be inspected, drain tests conducted and water flow alarms tested on a weekly basis during the racing meets and monthly during the balance of the year. Dry pipe sprinkler valves shall be tripped annually during nonfreezing weather.

 

9)         Rubber lined fire hoses shall be inspected annually.

 

10)         Fire extinguishers shall be inspected and serviced annually as required by NFPA Standard No. 10-1974, Portable Fire Extinguishers.

 

11)         Fire detection and notification systems shall be tested at least every two weeks during the racing meets and monthly during the balance of the year. The entire system shall be inspected and serviced by a qualified contractor at least annually. A record of tests and inspections shall be kept available for inspection by the State Fire Marshal.

 

12)         Automatic fire extinguishing systems for hood and vent installations shall be inspected and serviced on an annual basis by a qualified contractor.

 

e)         Off Season Periods

 

1)         All automatic fire detection, sprinkler and other protective systems shall be maintained operational throughout the year.

 

2)         Fire extinguishers shall be maintained in all occupied buildings throughout the year.

 

3)         Fire hose stations subject to freezing may be shut off and drained during periods that the buildings which they service are unoccupied.

 

f)         Fire Protection Rules

 

1)         The following track fire protection rules shall be prominently posted at each exit in all barn and dormitory areas and strictly enforced by security and other track personnel.

 

2)         Fire protection rules shall include the following:

 

A)        Smoking shall be prohibited in barns, hay storage buildings and in bed.

 

B)        Electrical extension cords shall be heavy duty 3-wire cord. Multiple plugs are prohibited.

 

C)        Portable heating appliances shall be prohibited in barns and sleeping rooms.

 

D)        Cooking shall be prohibited in barns and sleeping rooms.

 

E)        Sleeping shall be prohibited in stalls or hay storage areas.

 

F)         Good housekeeping shall be maintained in all areas.

 

G)        Flammable liquids, except as provided in Sections 6.32 and 6.35 (41 Ill. Adm. Code Section 150.60(c)(2) and (5), shall be prohibited in the grandstand structure, barns, and sleeping rooms.

 

H)        Aisles shall be maintained clear of obstruction at all times and access to fire equipment shall not be blocked.

 

I)         A halter shall be worn by each horse in accordance with Illinois Racing Board rules.

 

J)         Vehicles shall not be parked within 15 ft. of fire hydrants, fire hose stations, fire reporting stations, or building doors.

 

K)        Vehicles shall not be parked in fire lanes provided to give fire department vehicles access to buildings.

 

L)        Appropriate signs as prescribed by the State Fire Marshal shall be posted in keeping with subsections 150.70(f)(2) A,H,J, and K.