It’s haunted house season and the Illinois Department of Labor and Illinois State Fire Marshal are working across the state to inspect facilities for fire safety. All haunted house operations are required to be inspected by the state before operating. Non-profit religious, education or charitable organizations can apply for an exemption.
The focus is on adequate exit routes, limited dead-end paths, and specific requirements for panic hardware on doors. Further, all decorations must be flame-resistant, and strict regulations are in place concerning open flames and pyrotechnics. Beyond physical safety measures, all amusement attraction employees must undergo thorough background checks and adhere to a strict substance abuse policy. IDOL’s Carnival Manager, Brian Fox, emphasizes that these measures are meant to make haunted house visits both fun and safe. For any concerns regarding permit compliance or safety issues at haunted houses, the public is encouraged to contact IDOL directly.
