Ill. Admin. Code tit. 56, § 6000.351 - Haunted Houses

a) Emergency Planning

1) Maximum occupant load, which shall include staff, shall be determined during plan review. A sign stating maximum occupant capacity shall be posted in a visible location near the entrance, and staff shall control the flow of patrons so as not to exceed this limit.

2) A written emergency procedure plan shall be provided with the permit application packet. All employees shall be trained in emergency procedure.

3) The emergency procedure plan shall include training of staff and familiarization with fire alarm tone. Specific personnel shall be designated to turn off all distracting noises (e.g., sound system) and turn on lights when alerted by the fire alarm or otherwise notified of an emergency condition.

4) While the haunted house is open to the public, it shall be adequately staffed to control the occupant load and assist patrons in exiting should an evacuation become necessary. Staffing level shall be determined upon review of plans and may be increased at the discretion of the fire department.

5) All employees shall carry flashlights and know the location of all exits, fire extinguishers, light switches, electrical panels and emergency phones.

6) A fire drill demonstrating the implementation of the emergency plan may be required at the time of inspection.

7) Phone communication shall be readily available for the purpose of calling 911 in the event of an emergency.

b) Exits

1) Two exits shall be provided from each room with an occupant load of 50 or more. Required exit doors shall swing in the direction of egress.

2) Naturally or artificially illuminated exit signs shall be provided at each exit.

3) Exit doors serving an occupant load of 50 or more shall not be provided with a latch or lock other than panic hardware.

4) Emergency lighting shall be provided.

5) Exhibits and decorative materials shall not obstruct, confuse or obscure exits, exit pathways, exit signs or emergency lighting units.

6) Additional pathway markings, including low level marking and signs, may be required during the field inspection.

c) Fire Protection

1) Fire and smoke detecting systems shall be installed in each building or structure used in an amusement ride or amusement attraction that requires a darkened interior during operation.

2) Fire extinguishers shall be:

A) Minimum 2A10BC rated.

B) Visible and accessible at all times and clearly illuminated or marked with reflective tape.

C) Located within 50 feet travel distance from anywhere in the building.

3) Decorative materials shall not obstruct fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers or any other fire protection equipment.

4) Fabric constituting part of an amusement ride or amusement attraction shall meet the flamespread ratings of NFPA 701. A certificate or a test report from the fabric manufacturer or approved testing agency indicating a fire resistance rating equal to or better than NFPA 701 shall be available upon request.

5) "No Smoking" signs shall be posted at the entrances/exits to all amusement rides or amusement attractions that require a darkened interior during operation.

d) Electrical

1) Extension cords shall be of heavy commercial type, UL listed and in good condition, and shall be appropriate for the intended use.

2) Only UL listed power strips with over-current protection shall be used when the number of outlets provided is inadequate. Power strips shall be plugged directly into provided outlets and shall not be plugged into one another in series.

3) All extension cords and power strips shall be adequately protected from foot traffic ("bridged") if paths of travel cannot be avoided.

4) Emergency Lighting. If an amusement attraction requires a darkened interior during operation, each building or structure shall be equipped with a battery powered emergency lighting system.

e) Decorative Materials

1) All decorative materials (decorations, drapes, backdrops and props) shall be either inherently flame retardant and labeled as such, or shall be treated with a flame retardant.

2) If material is treated by the user, a container and receipt will serve as proof. A flame test may be required.

3) Care and consideration shall be used with respect to smoke generator and smoke alarm locations. Use of smoke generators may be restricted if determined to be incompatible with the smoke alarms.

f) Miscellaneous

1) Storage or use of flammable or combustible liquids, gasses and solids is prohibited.

2) Open flame is prohibited.

3) Good housekeeping shall be maintained throughout exhibit and exit pathways at all times.

4) There shall be no sharp corners, splintered wood walls or protruding screws or nails that can cause injury.

5) Carnival or amusement workers working at haunted houses are not permitted to have physical contact with patrons unless such physical contact is in the course of rendering aid, to remove a patron from the attraction, or in the interest of avoiding injury to employees, volunteers, or patrons as provided for in Section 2-19 of the Act.

Notes

Ill. Admin. Code tit. 56, § 6000.351

Added at 38 Ill. Reg. 18668, effective 8/26/2014 Amended at 49 Ill. Reg. 6097, effective 4/25/2025