Float Regulations
SIZE |
By Oklahoma law (47 OS § 14-103), floats on single vehicles may not exceed forty-five feet (45') in length, thirteen and one-half feet (13½') in height, and eight and one-half feet (8½') in width. The combination of a towing vehicle plus a towed float may not exceed sixty-five feet (65') in length, and is subject to the same width and height restrictions.
COMBUSTIBILITY OF DECORATING MATERIALS |
Decorative materials shall be non-combustible or flameproofed in accordance with the information presented in "FLAMEPROOFING SOLUTIONS."
SMOKING |
No smoking restrictions shall be observed in the vicinity of outdoor decorations during the periods of construction, use, and demolition of a float.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY |
All wiring, controls, lights, appliances, or other electrical equipment used as a part of or in conjunction with decorations shall be of a type approved for outdoor 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 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.
USE OF OPEN FLAMES |
Open flames are prohibited. Sky lanterns with candle flame are not permitted.
FLOAT BASE OR TOWING VEHICLE |
Any vehicle on which a float is constructed, unless it is a non-powered towed vehicle, shall be provided with an exhaust pipe extension to prevent accumulation of carbon monoxide or other toxic fumes below the float. Exhaust pipes shall have suitable fine-mesh screens on their ends to prevent sparks from possible backfires from igniting the float material. All exhaust equipment, including temporary extensions, shall be clear of combustible materials and leak-tight.
PASSENGER SAFETY |
Escape routes of sufficient size, strength, and number shall be provided for all persons riding on, in, or under floats. Each person not provided with a permanent seat attached to the vehicle shall instead be provided with a security device to which they must be secured while the float is in motion (this device may be a waist-stand or handhold and must be securely attached to the vehicle or decoration framework). All riders shall be informed of the escape route(s) provided.
FIRE CONTROL EQUIPMENT |
At least one ten-pound (10#) capacity ABC all-purpose, dry chemical, portable fire extinguisher in proper working order shall be provided on each float; two such extinguishers shall be provided on floats longer than twenty-five feet (25'), and shall be located at opposite ends of the float. Extinguishers may be concealed, but must be readily accessible from the ground alongside the float. All riders shall be advised of the location of all extinguishers.
Note: Extinguishers for use on floats must not be removed from the sponsoring organization's residence house or hall; rather, they may be drawn from "spares" maintained by the organization or procured from a rental or sales vendor.
COSTUMES |
Costumes made of flimsy or gauze-type material must be flame proofed in accordance with the information presented in "FLAMEPROOFING SOLUTIONS."
Floats which are part of a University-sanctioned contest or activity shall be inspected in accordance with guidelines established for that event; a copy of the inspection form follows. The University Fire Marshal will be asked to assist in inspecting floats for compliance with these regulations; floats found to be not in compliance may be eliminated from the event if immediate corrections cannot be made to the satisfaction of the inspector.
FLAMEPROOFING SOLUTIONS
Flameproofing, when properly done, will retard or prevent the spread of fire over otherwise combustible material, thereby providing a reasonable level of protection against the hazards of rapid propagation of fire in an occupied area. The chemical solutions explained below may be used to "flameproof" the indicated materials; their proper application will make the materials to which they are applied fire resistant, but will not prevent from charring or being destroyed by fire.
Vegetable Material (Leaves, Grass, Spanish Moss) |
What you'll need:
Must be fresh for flameproofing to work; dried material will not absorb!
1 Pound Fertilizer grade ammonium sulfate
1 Gallon Water
Directions:
Dissolve the chemical in the water in the prescribed ratio. Apply by soaking, dipping, or spraying (when spraying, material should be wet, but not soaked). To test, after thorough drying, hold a lighted match one-half inch below a small sample of the material for a minimum of fifteen seconds. If the flame does not travel over the surface of the material and goes out when the heat is removed from the material, it can be considered reasonably safe.
Paper Goods |
What you'll need:
4 Ounces Boric acid crystals
4 Ounces Borax
12 Ounces Fertilizer grade ammonium sulfate
1 Gallon Warm water
Directions:
Dissolve the chemicals in the water in the prescribed ratio. Apply by dipping or spraying (as described under Vegetable Material). Test for effectiveness (as explained under Vegetable Material).
Washable Fabrics |
What you'll need:
4 Ounces Boric acid crystals
9 Ounces Borax
1 Gallon Warm water
Directions:
Dissolve the chemicals in the water in the prescribed ratio. Apply by soaking. Air-dry the material, using a horizontal drying area if possible. Do not dry in a gas or electric clothes dryer, as this may cause discoloration of the fabric. Application may be done at the same time as starching. New fabric must be washed to remove sizing before flameproofing treatment is begun. Test for effectiveness (as explained under Vegetable Material).
Caution: This treatment must be repeated following each washing, as this solution is water-soluble.
Sources for Flameproofing Supplies
Borax and boric acid are available at grocery and variety/discount stores. Ammonium sulfate is available at some garden supply outlets.
A commercial preparation called Waterglass may be purchased for use in flameproofing cardboard, paper, and muslin. This is applied in light coats with a brush, and dries to a hard glossy finish. It may cause some stiffening of the materials when dry.
UL-listed latex-based fire-retardant paints are available and can be obtained locally in popular colors. These can be used to protect wood, cardboard, and other similar materials effectively.
Caution: Fire retardant paints must be applied in strict accordance with manufacturer's instructions; special attention must be paid to coverage rates. Flammable paints may not be used.
Commercially prepared flameproofing solutions for canvas, paper, and similar materials can be obtained from firms in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Needs for paints and commercial solutions should be anticipated well in advance of intended use, as the materials may have to be ordered.
Additional information may be obtained from the University Fire Marshal at (405) 325-2983 or fire@ou.edu.
