Subject 120-3-18 RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION, OPERATION, LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE RACETRACKS AND GRANDSTANDS
| (1) |
These Rules and Regulations for fire
safety inspections, operation, licensing and certification of Motor Vehicle
Racetracks and Grandstands are promulgated by the Georgia Safety Fire
Commissioner as specified in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.)
Section 43-25-8. These are minimum
requirements meant to provide reasonable safety to spectators during racing
events and do not necessarily include requirements to protect participants and
management of the racing activities. |
| (2) |
An on-site inspection of all existing
racetracks and all new proposed racetracks shall be made by the State Fire
Marshal, the proper local fire official, state inspector, or authorized
representative of the Safety Fire Commissioner to determine compliance with the
overall requirements as set forth in these regulations. This on-site
inspection, along with adherence to the written rules and regulations, shall
determine whether such racetrack shall be issued a certificate of occupancy and
license. |
| (3) |
The purpose of these
rules and regulations is to prevent injury and loss of life to spectators while
observing and viewing motor vehicles engaged in contests of speed or
endurance. |
| (4) |
These regulations
are directed primarily for the construction and operation of motor vehicle
racetracks: No attempt has been made to establish specific design in detail for
motor vehicle racetracks. It must be realized that the terrain of the racetrack
itself could, in some cases, create an undue hazard or on the other hand,
promote a particular safety feature with reference to the elevation of the land
in relation to the racetrack itself. |
| (1) |
It shall be
unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to operate any motor vehicle
racetrack or other facility, by whatever name called, within this State whereby
motor vehicles engage in any contest of speed or endurance unless such
racetrack or other facility is designed and constructed in such a manner to
conform to the standards set forth herein. |
| (2) |
It shall be unlawful for any person,
firm, or corporation to operate or conduct any motor vehicle race or any
permanent racetrack or other place where such races are to be held unless there
shall first be obtained a license to operate or conduct such races from the
Safety Fire Commissioner. Such license shall expire on December 31 of each
year. Application for renewal of license shall be made on or before November 30
of each year. Application for license or renewal of license shall be made to
the Safety Fire Commissioner and shall include at a minimum the following:
| (a) |
A full and complete address of the
racetrack or other place desired to be licensed. |
| (b) |
The name and address of the
licensee. |
| (c) |
The name and address
of the promoter of such race or exhibition if applicable. |
| (d) |
Proof of a valid public liability
insurance policy or valid public liability bond in the amounts as specified in
O.C.G.A. § 43-25-4. |
| (e) |
An inspection report of the racetrack
conducted by the proper local fire official, state inspector, or authorized
representative of the Safety Fire Commissioner indicating compliance with
applicable laws, regulations, and standards. Inspection requests shall be made
21 calendar days in advance. |
| (f) |
A
diagram of the track indicating all spectator areas. |
| (g) |
Any further information as may be
required by the Safety Fire Commissioner. |
|
| (3) |
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm
or corporation to operate any motor vehicle racetrack or other facility, by
whatever name called, within this State without first having a Certificate of
Occupancy issued by the State Fire Marshal or the proper local fire or building
official. This Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued by the State Fire
Marshal or the proper local fire or building official, only when the authority
having jurisdiction is satisfied that such Rules and Regulations have been
complied with. The fee for such Certificate of Occupancy shall be as specified
in O.C.G.A Section
25-2-4.1. |
| (4) |
The Certificate of Occupancy shall be
valid for the life of the occupancy, provided the internal or external features
of the occupancy are not materially altered, the type of occupancy remains
unchanged, and there has been no fire of serious consequence or other hazard
discovered. |
| (5) |
All racetrack
owners, operators, managers, and promoters shall be familiar with all
applicable state laws and the provisions of this Chapter. |
The definitions contained in this section are in addition to,
or in clarification of those contained in the adopted standards:
| (1) |
AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION: The State
Fire Marshal of Georgia. |
| (2) |
CROWD
CONTROL OFFICER: A Georgia POST Certified Law Enforcement Officer in good
standing and employed by a Georgia Law Enforcement Agency as defined by Georgia
POST. |
| (3) |
DEMOLITION DERBY: For the
purposes of this Chapter a demolition derby shall be a contest in which
vehicles purposefully collide with one another with the winner being the last
drivable vehicle. A demolition derby is considered a contest of endurance.
|
| (4) |
FENCE AND FENCING:
| (a) |
SPECTATOR AND DEBRIS FENCE: For the
purposes of this Chapter a Spectator and Debris control fence is a fence
erected to aid in preventing debris from the racetrack side from entering the
spectator area. |
| (b) |
CROWD CONTROL
FENCE: For the purposes of this Chapter a Crowd Control Fence is an approved
fence that prevents access by the crowds into restricted areas such as pits,
non-spectator areas, the racetrack, run-off areas, and similar areas as
designated by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or proper local fire official.
For the purposes of this Chapter all fences which are not Spectator and Debris
control fences shall be considered a Crowd Control Fence whether or not
specifically identified as such in this Chapter. |
|
| (5) |
FIRE INSPECTORS: Qualified and authorized
inspectors of the Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire and
inspectors certified by the Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training
Council. |
| (6) |
FLAGMAN: As used in
this Chapter the term flagman shall mean the person or individuals who are
responsible for notifying the racecar drivers by means of a colored flag or
other means to start the race or notify racecar drivers that there is a caution
or to stop the race. A primary responsibility of the Flagman is to identify and
communicate unsafe conditions that are present on the racetrack. May also be
known as a "corner worker". |
| (7) |
GRANDSTANDS: Any permanent or temporary structure used for the purpose of
general assembly outlined in the NFPA as specified by Rules and Regulations of
the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3. |
| (8) |
MOTOR VEHICLE: As used in this chapter,
the term "motor vehicle," shall not be construed to include any motorcycle or
other two-wheeled, self-propelled vehicle, nor shall it be construed to include
any motor vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds, per §O.C.G.A.
43-25-1. For the purposes of this
chapter, "Motor vehicle" includes all-terrain vehicles and utility-task
vehicles having more than two wheels and a dry weight of 500 pounds or
more. |
| (9) |
MOTOR VEHICLE RACETRACK:
Properties or facilities used for holding motor vehicle races, competitive
events, and exhibitions, including dirt and mud courses. As used in this
Chapter, the term "racetrack" shall mean motor vehicle racetracks. For the
purposes of this chapter, "Motor Vehicle Racetrack" includes properties or
facilities where all-terrain vehicles and utility-task vehicles participate in
races, competitive events, exhibitions, dirt courses, and mud courses. "Motor
Vehicle Racetracks" does not include properties where autocross events or
drifting events are held on a transient basis. |
| (10) |
MUD BOG: An event in which the winner is
determined by distance or time on a mud course. |
| (11) |
QUALIFIED FIRE FIGHTER: A certified or
registered firefighter as determined by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and
Training Council. |
| (12) |
SAFETY FIRE
COMMISSIONER: The Georgia Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire. |
| (13) |
SPECTATOR: As used in this Chapter, the
term spectator shall mean any individual within the confines of the track who
is not an employee, contractor, race participant, emergency worker, or other
similar person whether or not an admission price was charged. |
| (14) |
SPECTATOR AREA: As used in this Chapter,
the term "spectator area" means a specified area within a motor vehicle
racetrack intended for admission to the general public, whether or not an
admission price is charged, or to which admitted persons of the general public
have unrestricted access, including the grandstands and other general admission
seating or viewing areas. Spectator areas shall also include any infield and
paddock areas where the general public is allowed admission. |
| (15) |
STARTER: As used in this Chapter the
term starter shall mean the person who signals or activates a signal for the
race to start. |
| (16) |
TRUCK AND
TRACTOR PULL: A competition which requires trucks and / or tractors to pull a
heavy sled along a designated course. This term shall also include competitions
where trucks and / or tractors are pulling against one another. |
| (1) |
Authorized representatives of the State
Fire Marshal, or the proper local fire official may make periodic inspections
of each racetrack to determine compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.
Results of each inspection shall be provided to the responsible
owner/operator. |
| (2) |
The owner or
operator of the facility shall be responsible for the correction of noted
violations and for maintaining the facility in accordance with these rules and
regulations and shall correct all violations prior to any racing event. The
State Fire Marshal or their authorized representatives may conduct an
inspection of any racetrack facility. This inspection can be made prior to, or
during any racing activity with or without prior notice. |
| (1) |
New
Construction: All grandstands shall be designed by a Georgia registered
architect or engineer and constructed to conform with NFPA 101 as adopted in
the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner, Chapter 120-3-3. A
complete set of plans and specifications shall be reviewed, approved and a
construction permit issued by the State Fire Marshal or the proper local fire
official prior to construction. A fee as specified in O.C.G.A. Section
25-2-4.1shall be charged for
reviewing the plans and specifications. The responsible registered architect or
engineer shall notify the State Fire Marshal or the proper local fire official
in writing 21 days before the grandstand(s) are 80% complete so that an
inspection can be scheduled and conducted. The responsible registered architect
or engineer shall notify the State Fire Marshal, the proper local fire
official, state inspector, or authorized representative of the Safety Fire
Commissioner again in writing 21 days before the grandstand(s) are 100%
complete. A certificate of occupancy shall be issued upon compliance with all
construction standards. A fee as specified in O.C.G.A. Section
25-2-4.1shall be charged for the
certificate of occupancy. |
| (2) |
Existing Grandstands: Existing grandstands shall comply with NFPA 101 as
adopted in Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter
120-3-3. |
| (3) |
Maintenance of
Grandstands: The grandstand area shall be properly maintained at all times, and
combustibles, flammable and combustible liquids, and LP-Gas cylinders shall not
be stored on or below the grandstand(s). The owner or operator shall provide
for not less than an annual inspection and required maintenance of each outdoor
grandstand to ensure safe conditions. At least biennially, the inspection shall
be performed by a professional engineer, registered architect, or individual
certified by the manufacturer. The owner or operator shall provide a copy of
the inspection report and certification that the inspection has been performed
to the State Fire Marshal. |
| (4) |
Exit
Illumination: When races are conducted after sundown, lighting of all exit
ways, aisles and walkways of the grandstand(s) shall be provided as required in
NFPA 101 as adopted in Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner
Chapter 120-3-3. |
| (5) |
Portable
Grandstands: Portable grandstands shall comply with NFPA 101 as adopted in
Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter
120-3-3. |
| (1) |
Concession areas, including dining areas,
shall comply with NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and NFPA 96 Standard for
Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations as
adopted in Rules and Regulations of The Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter
120-3-3. |
| (2) |
Whenever an existing
kitchen hood or exhaust system is altered or replaced it shall be altered or
replaced in full compliance with all applicable sections of NFPA 96 Standard
for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations as
adopted in Rules and Regulations of The Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter
120-3-3. |
| (3) |
Prior to a license
being issued, fire-extinguishing equipment for the protection of grease removal
devices, hood exhaust plenums, and exhaust duct systems shall be provided be
the owner or operator. |
| (4) |
Cooking
equipment that produces grease-laden vapors and that might be a source of
ignition of grease in the hood, grease removal device, or duct shall be
protected by fire extinguishing equipment. |
| (5) |
Upon activation of any fire-extinguishing
system for a cooking operation, all sources of fuel and electrical power that
produce heat to all equipment requiring protection by that system shall
automatically shut off. |
| (6) |
Upon
activation of an automatic fire-extinguishing system, an audible alarm or
visual indicator shall be provided by the owner or operator to show that the
system has activated. |
| (7) |
Where a
fire alarm signaling system is serving the occupancy where the extinguishing
system is located, the activation of the automatic fire-extinguishing system
shall activate the fire alarm signaling system. |
| (8) |
At least one Class K fire extinguisher
shall be provided by the owner or operator and installed as required by NFPA 96
and NFPA 10. |
| (1) |
General Requirements for all Motor
Vehicle Racetracks
| (a) |
All barriers, fencing,
guard rails, and deflectors required under this Chapter shall be inspected by
facility owners and / or operators prior to each racing event or exhibition.
Damaged, deteriorated, or missing components shall be repaired or replaced
prior to any activities subject to the license of the facility. All
inspections, deficiencies, and repairs shall be documented by the facility
owners and / or operators. These documents shall be maintained by the facility
for a minimum of three years and shall be made available to the authority
having jurisdiction upon request. |
| (b) |
The owner or lessee of any real property
upon which exists a motor vehicle racetrack or other place subject to this
chapter shall inform the Safety Fire Commissioner within ten days of any damage
caused to any guardrail, post, or other device which has for its purpose the
prevention of injury or loss of life to spectators at the racetrack or other
place. Until any such damage is repaired and the repairs are approved by fire
inspectors, there shall be no activities subject to the license of the facility
permitted on such racetrack or other place. |
| (c) |
Prior to each racing event or exhibition,
racetracks shall be inspected by the facility owners or operators for any
obstructions or debris. All obstructions or debris which may cause a vehicle to
lose control under racing conditions and endanger spectators shall be removed
prior to the racing event. Such inspections shall be documented by the facility
owners and / or operators. |
| (d) |
Any
person including, but not limited to, staff, crew, press, and photographers
with pit and track access shall be provided with a means to be readily
identifiable. Such means may include displayed credentials, identified vests,
shirts, or other means approved by the State Fire Marshal. |
| (e) |
Where required by this Chapter, spectator
and debris control fences shall have catch cables installed as follows:
| (1) |
There shall be a minimum of four catch
cables, equally spaced along the height of the fence. |
| (2) |
The bottom strand of catch cable shall be
a minimum of 3/4 inch diameter. |
| (3) |
The remaining strands of catch cables shall be a minimum of 3/8 inch
diameter. |
| (4) |
Catch cables shall be
corrosion resistant. |
| (5) |
Catch
cables shall be rigidly anchored, with anchor points designed by a Georgia
registered architect or engineer to withstand the maximum anticipated load
generated during a vehicular impact. |
| (6) |
Catch cables shall not be anchored to
fence posts. |
| (7) |
Catch cables may
be supported by fence posts and shall be installed to allow f or absorption of
vehicular impact. |
|
|
| (2) |
Circular, Oval, and Similar Racetracks
| (a) |
This subsection applies to circular,
oval, and similar racetracks. |
| (b) |
Spectator Exposure: Guard rails shall be designed to be reasonably effective in
preventing vehicle penetration and redirecting errant vehicles. The minimum
requirements for guard rail posts shall be six inches by six inches and of
treated timbers or the equivalent, embedded a minimum of four feet and exposed
a minimum of three feet, and placed on a maximum 6-foot centers. These posts
shall be embedded in holes packed tightly with gravel and dirt. The guard rails
shall be constructed two inches thick by eight inches wide oak planking or the
equivalent. There shall be at least four such guard rails. The first guard rail
shall be placed even with the top of the post, and the other three rails shall
be at one-inch intervals to constitute the required four, two inch by eight
inch rails. Guard rails shall be provided to protect spectator and other
occupied areas where the design, layout or grand ground level of the areas must
be protected as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. Guard rails or
the equivalent are required on both sides of the track where spectators are
permitted in the infield. |
| (c) |
The
Spectator Area(s) shall be maintained by the owner/operator of the facility.
Spectator areas shall be located behind a spectator and debris control fence.
This fence shall be constructed of heavy gauge wire mesh, installed on a
minimum of 2 5/8 inch (outside diameter) or a minimum of 2 inch (inside
diameter) pipe or equivalent. The fence posts shall be installed on a maximum
eight-foot centers. All wire fences shall be grounded. These posts shall be
embedded in a minimum of four feet of gravel and dirt. The fence shall be a
minimum or 15 feet above track level. This fence shall be so designed,
constructed, and erected to withstand normal crowd control use and deflection
of debris from the racetrack side, and shall be provided with catch cables
installed in accordance with this Chapter. |
| (d) |
Where metal posts are used, the wire
shall be affixed to the post by lacing or attaching the wire to the post with
wire of the same gauge as the wire fence. Where wood is used, the wire shall be
affixed to the post with wire staples, the same size as the wire. The wire
shall be hung loosely in a fashion that will permit a basket-type arresting
system. This fence shall be constructed to prohibit spectators' access to the
track area. No spectator(s) shall be permitted on the racetrack during trial
runs, testing or racing events. |
| (e) |
Non-Spectator Exposed Area: Adequate metal deflectors, similar to those in
highway construction and equivalent in strength, are permitted where there is
no spectator exposure as determined by the authority having
jurisdiction. |
| (f) |
The pit areas
shall be properly segregated from spectator exposure and where necessary,
physical barricades made of adequate fencing material shall be installed.
Spectator and debris control fencing in accordance with
120-3-18-.07(2)(b)
shall be provided for all spectator areas located within the pit areas. Close
policing and supervision of the pit area shall be enforced at all times.
Adequate type and size portable fire extinguishers shall be installed
throughout the pit area. This need shall be determined by the on-site
inspection. |
| (g) |
The entire
racetrack shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain
in the designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the
racetrack shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate
communication with each other. |
| (h) |
Flagman shall be at least 18 years of age and shall not be under the influence
of intoxicants, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing their
duties. Flagmen shall be provided with a working area that will ensure their
safety at all times. The flagman in control of the event shall be provided with
a means to prevent the flagman from being struck by any debris which may come
from the racetrack. The flagman's vantage point shall provide a view of the
entire racetrack. The flagman shall not be permitted to work on the track
surface under any circumstances while racing events is are in progress.
|
| (i) |
Prior to each racing event or
exhibition track surfaces shall be inspected and maintained in good
condition. |
|
| (3) |
Drag
Strips
| (a) |
This subsection applies to drag
strips. |
| (b) |
No person shall be
allowed in the competition or staging area except event officials, drivers, and
pit crew members. |
| (c) |
Guardrails
shall be designed to be reasonably effective in preventing vehicle penetration
and redirecting errant vehicles. The minimum requirement for guard rail posts
shall be of the highway type "I" beam with guard rail posts on a maximum of
12-foot centers or equivalent. Posts shall be embedded in a minimum of 3 feet
in concrete and exposed a minimum of 2 feet. The guard rail shall be mounted on
the "I" beam beginning at the top of the "I" beam and secured with bolts and
nuts a minimum of 5/8 inch diameter. Guardrails shall be erected on both sides
of the strip to extend from the start to finish line. Where spectators or
automobile parking are permitted beyond the finish line, the guard rail shall
be extended to include these areas. Guardrails shall be erected no more than 3
feet from the edge of the racetrack surface. The entire racing strip shall be
paved. |
| (d) |
Crowd Control Fence: A
crowd control fence shall be installed a minimum of 20 feet from the guard
rails. The fence shall be of the heavy chain link fence type. The fence shall
be a minimum of 48 inches high and mounted on steel posts a minimum of 1 1/2
inch inside diameter and on a maximum of 8-foot centers. A metal top rail shall
be installed the entire length of the fence. The fence shall be installed in
such a manner to ensure that spectators are not permitted on the racetrack. No
spectator shall be permitted on the racetrack side of the fence during time
trial runs, testing or racing events. All wire fences and metal guard rails
shall be grounded. |
| (e) |
The racing
pit area shall be properly segregated from spectator exposure and where
necessary, physical barricades made of adequate fencing material shall be
installed. Where a physical barricade is impractical due to the pit area
location or movement of the vehicles, crowd control officers shall be provided
in numbers as needed to adequately provide spectator segregation and safe
passage of spectators and the general public through the area. Close policing
and supervision of the racing pit area shall be required at all times. Adequate
type and size portable fire extinguishers shall be installed throughout the
racing pit area. This need shall be determined by the on-site
inspection. |
| (f) |
The entire
racetrack shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain
in the designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the
racetrack shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate
communication with each other. |
| (g) |
The starter shall be at least 18 years of age and shall not be under the
influence of intoxicants, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing
their duties. The starter's vantage point shall provide a view of the entire
racetrack. |
| (h) |
Prior to each racing
event or exhibition racetrack surfaces shall be inspected and maintained in
good condition. |
| (i) |
The entire
racetrack shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain
in the designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the
racetrack shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate
communication with each other. |
|
| (4) |
Road Course Racetracks
| (a) |
This subsection applies to road course
racetracks. |
| (b) |
Spectator Exposure:
Guard rails shall be designed to be effective in preventing vehicle penetration
and redirecting errant vehicles. Double row guard rails or other barriers shall
offer similar protection such as reinforced concrete, earthen embankments, or
other approved barriers shall be provided in primary spectator areas. The guard
rails shall be made of steel or other materials of equivalent strength.
Spacing, strength, and installation requirements shall be similar to those used
in highway construction. The height, spacing, and strength shall be determined
by the Inspector. A fence shall be installed not less than 25 feet behind the
racetrack guard rail for spectator control. The fence shall be constructed of
adequate wire to prohibit spectator access to the immediate racetrack area. The
minimum height of this fence shall not be less than 48 inches. All wire fences
and metal guard rails shall be grounded.
| (1) |
the 25-foot distance between the racetrack guard rails and the
spectator control fence shall be reduced to a minimum of five feet when the
guard rail is four feet below the spectator area elevation. |
|
| (c) |
Fences shall be installed on 2
5/8 inch outside diameter steel posts or the equivalent and on a maximum of
10-foot centers and embedded in a minimum of 30 inches of concrete. A suitable
metal railing or the equivalent shall be firmly secured at the top of each
fence and shall run the entire length of the fence in the primary spectator
areas. |
| (d) |
The racing pit area
shall be properly segregated from spectator exposure and where necessary,
physical barricades made of adequate fencing material shall be installed. Where
a physical barricade is impractical due to the pit area location or movement of
the vehicles, crowd control officers shall be provided in numbers as needed to
adequately provide spectator segregation and safe passage of spectators and /
or the general public through the area. Close policing and supervision of the
racing pit area shall be required at all times. Adequate type and size portable
fire extinguishers shall be installed throughout the racing pit area. This need
shall be determined by the on-site inspection. |
| (e) |
Flagman shall be at least 18 years of age
and shall not be under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics, and other
dangerous drugs while performing their duties. Flagmen shall be provided with a
working area that will ensure their safety at all times. The flagman in control
of the event shall be provided with a means to prevent the flagman from being
struck by any debris which may come from the racetrack. The flagman in control
of the event shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate
communication with other flagman to monitor racetrack areas which are not in
view of the flagman in control. The flagman shall not be permitted to work on
the racetrack surface under any circumstances while racing events are in
progress. |
| (f) |
Prior to each racing
event or exhibition racetrack surfaces shall be inspected and maintained in
good condition. |
| (g) |
The entire
racetrack shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain
in the designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the
racetrack shall be provided with a means of constant and immediate
communication with each other. |
|
| (5) |
Mud Bogs and Demolition Derbies
| (a) |
This subsection applies to mud bogs and
demolition derbies. |
| (b) |
Demolition
Derbies that occur on licensed racetracks under this chapter shall comply with
the requirements for that facility type and are exempt from the requirements of
this section. |
| (c) |
No person shall
be allowed in the competition or staging area except event officials, drivers,
and pit crew members. |
| (d) |
All
vehicles competing in mud bogs shall be equipped with a kill switch that is
readily accessible to the driver and a tethered kill switch. One kill switch
that combines these functions shall satisfy this requirement. |
| (e) |
Spectators shall be separated from the
course edge by at least 50 feet. An approved means shall be provided to prevent
spectators from approaching within 50 feet of the course edge.
| (1) |
Spectators may be separated from
the course by less than 50 feet only where the course is equipped with a 1/2
inch restraining cable installed not more than 10 feet from the course edge and
a secondary adequate means to prevent spectators from approaching within 20
feet of the restraining cable. The cable shall be securely anchored to 6x6 inch
posts and set at a minimum of 48 inches height. Posts shall be spaced by not
more than 8 feet on center installed with at least 36 inches firmly
buried. |
|
| (f) |
The
starter shall be at least 18 years of age and shall not be under the influence
of intoxicants, narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing their
duties. The starter's vantage point shall provide a view of the entire
course. |
| (g) |
The entire racetrack
shall be constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain in the
designated spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the racetrack shall
be provided with a means of constant and immediate communication with each
other. |
|
| (6) |
Truck and
Tractor Pulls
| (a) |
This subsection applies to
truck and tractor pulls. |
| (b) |
No
person shall be allowed in the competition or staging area except event
officials, drivers, and pit crew members. |
| (c) |
All vehicles competing in truck and
tractor pulls shall be equipped with a kill switch that is readily accessible
to the driver and a tethered kill switch. One kill switch that combines these
functions shall satisfy this requirement. An additional kill switch that is
tethered from the sled to the truck or tractor shall also be provided to shut
off truck or tractor power in the event of sled separation from the truck or
tractor. |
| (d) |
Spectators shall be
separated from the course edge by at least 100 feet. A means shall be provided
to prevent spectators from approaching within 100 feet of the course
edge. |
| (e) |
The starter shall be at
least 18 years of age and shall not be under the influence of intoxicants,
narcotics, and other dangerous drugs while performing their duties. The
starter's vantage point shall provide a view of the entire course. |
| (f) |
The entire racetrack shall be constantly
monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain in the designated spectator
areas. Persons monitoring and policing the racetrack shall be provided with a
means of constant and immediate communication with each other. |
|
| (7) |
Monster Truck Events
| (a) |
This subsection applies to monster truck
events. |
| (b) |
No person shall be
allowed in the competition or staging area except event officials, drivers, and
pit crew members. |
| (c) |
All vehicles
competing in monster truck events shall be equipped with three remote ignition
interrupters; one controlled by the event safety official, one in the cab of
the vehicle readily accessible to the driver, and one installed on the back of
the vehicle. |
| (d) |
For monster truck
events held in arenas, where spectators are elevated above the area floor by at
least five feet, spectators shall be separated from the course edge by at least
50 feet. Where spectators are elevated less than five feet above the arena
floor, spectators shall be separated from the course edge by at least 100
feet. |
| (e) |
For monster truck events
held outdoors, spectators shall be separated from the course edge by at least
100 feet. Additionally, a temporary earthen barrier or approved equivalent
means shall be provided around the course perimeter to slow any vehicle which
may leave the course in an uncontrolled manner during the event. Earthen
barriers shall be at least five feet high and designed to not act as a ramp.
|
| (f) |
The starter shall be at least
18 years of age and shall not be under the influence of intoxicants, narcotics,
and other dangerous drugs while performing their duties. The starter's vantage
point shall provide a view of the entire course. |
|
| (8) |
All-Terrain Vehicle and Utility-Task
Vehicle Racetracks
| (a) |
This subsection applies
to all-terrain vehicle racetracks and utility-task vehicle
racetracks. |
| (b) |
All terrain-vehicle
and utility-task vehicle racetracks shall have designated spectator areas.
|
| (c) |
Spectator areas shall have a
means to prevent spectators from entering within 25 feet of the racetrack edge.
|
| (d) |
The entire racetrack shall be
constantly monitored and policed to ensure spectators remain in the designated
spectator areas. Persons monitoring and policing the racetrack shall be
provided with a means of constant and immediate communication with each other.
|
|
| (1) |
The following
shall be considered mandatory minimum requirements for all facilities covered
under this Chapter unless granted a variance by the Commissioner of Insurance
and Safety Fire pursuant to OCGA
25-2-12(e)(12).
| (a) |
Mobile unit(s) providing a general
firefighting and emergency response capable of reaching any point of the
racetrack and/or grandstand(s) area(s) within two minutes after the receipt or
observation of an emergency shall be on location and in service during all
racing events where spectators are in attendance. If the two-minute response
time cannot be achieved due to crowd size, topography, geography, facility size
or for any other reason, additional Mobile Units shall be required. This unit
shall be equipped with a minimum of two (2) 25-lb. Dry Chemical extinguishers.
A complete First-Aid Kit shall be on the mobile unit and readily available at
all times. At least two (2) qualified fire fighters shall be assigned to
operate each unit. |
| (b) |
All fire
extinguishers installed shall be located and be recognizable so as to be
readily available to anyone. Fire extinguishers shall be distributed and
maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 as adopted in Rules and Regulations of
the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3, Rules and Regulations of the
Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-23 and O.C.G.A. Title 25, Chapter 12.
Fire extinguishers shall be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance
with NFPA 10 as adopted in Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire
Commissioner Chapter 120-3-3. |
| (c) |
At all racetracks and courses regulated by this Chapter, at least one (1)
Georgia licensed Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance licensed in accordance
with O.C.G.A. Title 31, Chapter 11, Article 2 shall be on location prior to any
of the following commencing:
| (2) |
Time trials when
spectators are present |
| (3) |
Testing
when spectators are present.
When only one ambulance licensed in accordance with OC.G.A.
Title 31, Chapter 11, Article 2, is on location and must leave, the event shall
stop and not be restarted until such an ambulance has been returned to the
racetrack.
|
|
| (d) |
Each racetrack facility shall maintain a minimum of two (2) private vehicle
roads for ingress and egress. Each road shall have at least two (2) lanes that
shall permit two-way traffic. |
| (e) |
Areas in which emergency fire trucks, wreckers, and ambulances must operate
shall be free, accessible, and serviceable at all times. |
| (f) |
Subject to the approval of the Authority
Having Jurisdiction, events sanctioned and governed by national and
international organizations shall be permitted to utilize firefighting
personnel not recognized by Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training
Council, provided that such personnel provide documentation and certification
that the individual is a firefighter in good standing with their state
certifying agency or department when no certifying agency exists. |
|
The owner/operator shall be solely responsible to create and
maintain a current emergency evacuation plan and to secure crowd control
officers. These personnel shall be responsible for ensuring that all spectators
standing or seated remain in designated spectator areas. Designated aisles and
other means of egress established shall continuously maintained free of all
obstructions and impediments to full instant use at all times. The entire
spectator area shall be zoned to ensure that a crowd control officer shall not
have more than 2500 spectators under their jurisdiction. Where spectators
number less than 2500, at least one (1) crowd control officer shall be
assigned. Crowd control officers shall be thoroughly trained in crowd control
and fire extinguisher type and application.
The crowd control officer shall constantly patrol their
responsible area to make sure that control is maintained at all times. In the
event of an emergency, the crowd control officer shall assist spectators in
their zone to evacuate the area safely to a pre-designated place and then
assist other officers as required to secure the area.
| (1) |
The Safety Fire
Commissioner shall be notified should the following events occur. The
notification shall be made by the quickest means available, but in no case
shall notification be made later than 8 hours after the occurrence of the
event. Any event which results in a fatality shall be reported immediately at
1-800-282-5804. A follow-up written report shall be submitted electronically by
the racetrack licensee via the online portal available at
www.oci.georgia.gov within 24 hours of
the event occurring.
| (a) |
A report shall be
completed and submitted when:
| (1) |
A fatality
is experienced from any cause; |
| (2) |
A race car injures a spectator, racing official, participant, member of the
assisting crew of a participant, employee of the racetrack, or other person;
|
| (3) |
Any injury or fatality is
caused by a failure of grandstands, guardrails, or fences; |
| (4) |
Any injury or fatality is caused by a
fire or from the fear of fire; |
| (5) |
Any injury or fatality is caused from panic. |
|
| (b) |
A report shall be completed and submitted
on any fire which occurs within the boundaries of the racetrack.
| (1) |
This fire report is not required
for carburetor fires, brake fires, and electrical fires that involve race cars
and which do not create a hazard to the spectators. |
|
| (c) |
The report shall include the
following information at a minimum:
| 1.) |
The
name, date of birth, telephone number, and address of the injured
parties; |
| 2.) |
The name, date of
birth, telephone number, and address of any drivers involved, where
applicable; |
| 3.) |
A list of any
confirmed witnesses, including names and contact information; |
| 4.) |
The known circumstances of the
event. |
|
|
| (2) |
Investigators of the State Fire Marshal's Investigations Unit shall investigate
any of the following incidents:
| (a) |
When a
race car injures a spectator, racing official, member of the assisting crew of
a participant, employee of the racetrack, or other person; |
| (b) |
Any injury or fatality caused by a
failure of grandstands, guardrails, or fences; |
| (c) |
Any injury or fatality caused by a fire
or from the fear of fire; |
| (d) |
Any
injury or fatality caused from panic; |
| (e) |
A fatality from any cause. |
|
| (1) |
The storage,
handling and dispensing of Flammable and Combustible Liquids at racetracks
shall be in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire
Commissioner, Chapter 120-3-11. |
| (2) |
Special provisions for racetracks having defined pit areas where flammable or
combustible liquids are handled, stored, or dispensed to competition vehicles:
| (a) |
Storage in each vehicle assigned pit area
shall not exceed thirty (30) gallons of fuel in approved containers of not more
than three (3) ten-gallon capacity containers, except where the approved
organizations sanction and rules provide for a greater quantity, and such
variation is made known and approved by the authority having
jurisdiction. |
| (b) |
The allowed pit
storage shall be located or protected so as to provide maximum protection from
physical damage and accidental overturning of portable fuel containers. "No
Smoking or Open Flames" signs shall be prominently posted. |
| (c) |
Prior to the start of any event, the
portable storage containers may be filled and placed in a designated area
outside the pit area. Such area shall be secured from unauthorized entry and
tampering and shall be designed to prohibit the flow of spilled liquid to any
other area. Diking or natural protection is acceptable, but the diked area or
natural barriers shall be capable of handling 110% of the maximum total
quantity of liquid which will be placed in the area. While containers with fuel
are in the area, adequate firefighting equipment and personnel shall be
stationed in the immediate vicinity and with primary duty to maintain security
of the area. Container openings shall have adequate caps or lids to minimize
the escape of vapors. A fully approved safety container is recommended but
where sanctioning and organization rules permit, open top, dump type containers
with a semi-tight cap or cover may be used. |
| (d) |
Aboveground tanks for the storage of
flammable or combustible liquids shall be installed in accordance with Rules of
the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-11. Aboveground tanks shall have a
means to prohibit the flow of spilled liquid into any area open to spectators
or other areas not directly associated with dispensing of the
liquids. |
| (e) |
Each vehicle-assigned
pit area shall have at least one (1) portable Dry Chemical fire extinguisher 20
B.C. available that meets the requirements of
120-3-18-.07(3).
Such extinguishers shall be checked by the senior racetrack official or an
appointed representative prior to the start of daily events. |
| (f) |
Each racetrack shall be equipped with
sufficient spare portable extinguishers as called for above to provide for one
(1) spare for every ten (10) extinguishers in the pit area. Such spares shall
not be in the pit area, but shall be located so as to be available to replace
expended units as quickly as possible. All spares shall be checked by the
senior racetrack official or an appointed representative prior to the start of
daily events. Expended extinguishers shall be replaced immediately. |
|
| (3) |
Special Provisions for Drag
Strips
| (a) |
Each Drag Strip shall provide
defined areas for storage, handling, and dispensing of flammable and
combustible liquids for competition vehicles. Such areas shall be secured from
unauthorized entry and tampering and supervised to restrict or control
spectators in the immediate area where flammable and combustible liquids are
stored, dispensed or handled. "No Smoking or Open Flames" signs shall be
prominently posted. |
| (b) |
Flammable
and Combustible Liquids intended for competition vehicles, or any vehicle to be
driven on the strip, shall be stored in approved safety containers, except that
small quantities of additives may be stored in original containers provided
pouring can be done without spilling. All such flammable and combustible
liquids shall be kept within the area assigned to the vehicle or other defined
area approved by the authority having jurisdiction and shall be located or
protected so as to provide maximum protection from physical damage and
accidental overturning of portable fuel containers. "No Smoking or Open Flames"
signs shall be prominently posted. |
|
| (1) |
Storage,
handling, and use of liquefied petroleum gases shall be in accordance with
Rules of the Safety Fire Commissioner Chapter 120-3-16, NFPA 54, and NFPA
58. |
| (2) |
Portable or temporary
installations for concession stands.
| (a) |
Portable cylinders for the storage of liquified petroleum shall be located
outside the concession stands. They shall be placed on a firm, level,
non-combustible foundation and shall be protected from accidental striking,
vehicular impact, or overturning. Such protection may be by Vehicular Barrier
Protection as specified in NFPA 58 or by securing the cylinder to the sidewall
of the concession stand, if the storage capacity of the cylinder does not
exceed 125 gallons. |
| (b) |
Portable
cylinders connected for use in concession areas in grandstands shall be located
so that if a gas leak develops, the gas cannot be trapped in a low area or
closed space. Protection as described in the above paragraph shall be provided,
as necessary. |
| (c) |
Portable
equipment shall be maintained and kept in proper operating condition.
Connections for cylinders and appliances shall be inspected by facility
operators prior to hook-up to ensure flares, flare nuts, or other type
connectors are in good condition, and if not, they must be repaired or replaced
before connections are made. |
| (d) |
All appliances, pipe or tubing, cylinders, regulators, and other equipment
shall be approved for use with liquefied petroleum gases and where appropriate
shall bear the approval seal or symbol of the approving agency. All equipment
shall be inspected by facility operators prior to use and shall be kept in good
operating condition. |
|
Upon receipt of a sworn affidavit stating all relevant facts
and circumstances and such other information as may be required, the State Fire
Marshal may recommend to the Safety Fire Commissioner that specific
requirements of the Chapter and the NFPA codes, standards and recommended
practices adopted herein, be modified to allow alternative arrangements that
will secure as nearly equivalent measures as practical for the prevention of
injury to persons and property. The Safety Fire Commissioner in his discretion
may accept the State Fire Marshal's recommendation and grant the requested
modification.
If any rule or portion thereof contained in this Chapter is
held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the rules
herein and the applicability of such provisions to other circumstances shall
not be affected thereby.
| (a) |
The Safety Fire Commissioner is
authorized to suspend or revoke the license of any person who operates or
conducts motor vehicle races or exhibitions without complying with this
chapter, subject to the person's right to request a hearing within ten (10)
days after that person's receipt of an Order imposing revocation or suspension
of licensure. |
| (b) |
The Safety Fire
Commissioner is authorized to immediately suspend operations at any racetrack
in Georgia that is or should be licensed under these Regulations and applicable
statutes when the Commissioner or designees observe conditions at a racetrack
which present an emergency posing immediate threat to life, health, or safety
of the spectators and the general public. For the purposes of this sub-chapter,
refusal by representatives of the racetrack or facility to grant entry to an
authorized representative of the State Fire Marshal for purposes of inspections
or investigations constitutes grounds for emergency suspension. |
| (c) |
The Commissioner may impose a monetary
fine of up to $1,000 against the holder of a license for each violation of
these regulations, related statutes, or any order of the Commissioner.
|
| (1) |
The National
Fire Protection Association Standards adopted in this chapter are on file in
the office of the State Fire Marshal and are available for viewing. |
| (2) |
Copies of the National Fire Protection
Association Standards may be obtained from:
National Fire Protection Association
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Massachusetts 02269
|
