Environmental Health and Radiation Safety

Haunted House Safety Guidelines

Prior to a haunted house being hosted on campus the following must be completed:

NOTIFICATION

Notification of intent to Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (419-530-3600).

PROPER APPLICATIONS

Proper applications filled out with the Ohio Department of Commerce – Division of Industrial Compliance (614-644-2223) or (IC@com.state.oh.us).  Applications must be uploaded through the portal (https://icportal.com.ohio.gov).  Applications will be filed under Inspection without sealed plans unless otherwise indicated by a DIC official.  Applications must be filed with adequate time for review by DIC officials.  The suggested time is 1 month but more time may be required to resolve issues.  Plan details are also subject to requests/exemptions per the official inspector.

PLANS AND DOCUMENTATION

Plans may require figures/diagrams and other information including:

1. 1. Maximum occupant load
   2. Portable fire extinguishers including location and type
   3. Overall site location plan for the event tent
   4. Required clearances from other buildings and structures
   5. Emergency access locations (maximum travel distance to any exit is 100ft)
   6. Travel distances through the event to the exits
   7. Minimum number of exits and exit widths required by haunted house size and the number of persons inside
   8. Verification of temporary electrical systems (NFPA, Art.-590), locations and prohibited use of residential-type extensions cords.  Detailed electrical plan for the event with all temporary / permanent sources such as: generators. Show all grounding methods, feeds, receptacles, support, protection, grounding, etc. on the plans. Provide equipment cut sheets.
   9. Overall site location plan for the event tent. Maintain required clearances from other buildings and structures. Show emergency access locations.  Minimum ceiling height obstruction is 80”above finish floor/grade.
   10. If providing a que-line or area show location and number of occupants on the plans. Indicate method of containment. Que-lines cannot obstruct exits nor emergency access.
   11. Provide the tents use group, occupancy, and construction type on the plans.
   12. Locations and anchoring methods on the sketches. What is the maximum wind load  (in mph.) the tent is anchored for?
   13. All event materials, furniture, props, ceiling suspended materials or objects, actor locations, guest passageways, exits, lighting and emergency lighting, sound systems, emergency systems, etc., on the plans/ multiple plans for clarity. Maintain, flame certificates per NFPA 701, 289 and non-combustibility per ASTM  E-84, E-119, E-136, UL 263 and UL 723...etc. as applicable.
   14. Locations of available toilet facilities within 500’ of the event either temporary or permanent.  Tent and toilet facilities are required to be accessible for either temporary or permanently disabled persons.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information may be requesd by the authority having jurisdiction including:

1. Dates of the event and operating hours.
2. Name of the project, project owner, and name of the submitter.
3. Verification if the tours are guided by staff or if customers are free to roam
4. How many customers/staff are allowed to go through at the same time?
5. Emergency operations plan that include the following:
   • Written emergency plan and actor training information.
     1. Ensure this correlates with the Emergency/ Fire Watch/ High Wind Action Plan.
     2. The Fire Watch and High Wind Action Plans coordinated and approved by the responding Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction.
     3. Emergency action plans must be coordinated and approved with UTPD.
   • Indicate which actors will assume the role of assisting and leading customers to emergency exits in the event of an emergency.
     1. Provide a plan that shows actor locations, names, and emergency roles.
     2. Documented training or a training plan prior to the event.

• • Provide means of manually turning on house lights in the event of an emergency.
    • Provide means of manually turning off all special effect audio sounds and other systems in the event of an emergency if present.
  • Provide means of providing public announcements and instructions during emergencies.
    • Verify means of emergency communication between actors, i.e., walkie-talkies or usage of the UT emergency alert systems.
    • Plans must not only include a method for emergency communication but also designated person(s) to call in the emergency.
  • Coordination with the local fire department / authority having jurisdiction.
    • Notice should be sent to the department 3-4 weeks prior to the event with a notification of intent on acquiring proper permits.

APPROVAL/CANCELLATIONS

Submissions must be completed in advance to allow for proper review by designated officials. Failure to submit applications on time may result in no permit.  Failure to acquire the applicable required permits will result in the cancellation of the event regardless of university-approved plans.