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.