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In the last two years SMU has disposed of 23,073 lbs of hazardous materials.

Fire Safety Requirements for Floats

  1. Floats may not exceed forty feet (40') in length, thirteen and one-half feet (13 1/2') in height, and eight and one-half feet (8 1/2') in width.

  2. All decorative materials shall be flame-proofed. For more information on "flame-proof materials," refer to the “Fire Safety Regulations for Greek Houses” manual.

  3. There shall be NO SMOKING in the vicinity of floats during the periods of their construction, use, and demolition.

  4. All wiring, controls, lights, appliances, and other electrical equipment used as a part of or in conjunction with floats shall be of a type approved for outdoor or automotive use, installed in an approved manner and of sufficient capacity to accommodate the electrical load imposed. There shall be no open splices, frayed wiring, cracked insulation, defective equipment, or other indications of
    weakness permitted in the wiring. All exposed light bulbs, spotlights, floodlights, etc. shall be guarded. No light source shall be permitted to be in contact with any surface, and such devices shall be securely anchored in place to prevent accidental upsetting if struck and so positioned that heat from the device will not create a hazard.

  5. There shall be NO OPEN FLAMES permitted on floats.

  6. The vehicle used for floats, unless the float is of a separate towed type shall be provided with exhaust pipe extensions to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide gas beneath the float. Exhaust pipes shall have suitable fine-mesh screens on the ends to prevent sparks, resulting from possible backfires from igniting the float. All exhaust equipment including extensions shall be clear of combustible materials and shall be tight with no leaks.

  7. Escape routes of sufficient size, strength, and number shall be provided for all persons riding in or on floats. Each person not provided with a permanent seat attached to the vehicle shall be provided instead with a security device to which they must be attached while the float is in motion (this device may be a waist stand or handhold and must be securely affixed to the vehicle or decoration framework). All riders shall be advised of the escape routes provided.

  8. A 2A 10BC capacity ABC all-purpose dry chemical fire extinguisher in proper working order shall be provided on each float; two such extinguishers shall be provided on floats exceeding twenty-five feet in length, and shall be located at opposite ends of the float. Extinguishers may be concealed, but must be readily accessible from the ground. All riders shall be advised of the location of the extinguisher(s).

  9. Costumes made of flimsy or gauze-type materials must be flame proofed.

Floats that are part of a University-sanctioned contest or activity shall be inspected in accordance with guidelines established for the general activity. Any outdoor decorations not covered above shall be scheduled for an inspection by the SMU Fire Safety office (768-4203), Office of Risk Management.

Any and all reports of violations of these regulations shall be investigated by SMU Fire Safety Officer.