It shall be the duty of the promoter, show manager or person in charge of any show, display, convention, contest, social function, exhibition, or similar activity (for purposes of this section, the "event") to provide, at his own expense, special fireguards for such activities. While on duty the special fireguards shall wear such uniform and badges as the fire commissioner may prescribe and shall carry on their person the license issued under the provisions of Section 15-4-680. Special fireguards shall be subject to the orders of the fire commissioner at all times while the special fireguard is on duty. The number and locations of such fireguards shall be determined by the following methods:
1. During such time the event is open for business or activity, one special fireguard shall be provided for each 25,000 square feet of exhibition or show area including the storage space used by the show or exhibition.
2. During such time the event is closed for business, such as the nighttime hours and during the move-in and move-out periods of the event one, special fireguard shall be provided for each 50,000 square feet of exhibition or show area including the storage space used by the show or exhibition.
3. Depending upon the nature of the event, the anticipated attendance, the nature of the audience or in cases where the number of floors or levels of exhibition at the event make compliance with items 1 and 2 of this section inadequate, the fire commissioner may, at his discretion, require additional special fireguards.
4. Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this section, and subject to review and approval of the fire commissioner, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (M.P.E.A.) shall be responsible for determining the appropriate number and location of fireguards to be provided at the McCormick Place Convention Complex and at Navy Pier Festival Hall, as long as those facilities are owned and operated by M.P.E.A. M.P.E.A's authority to make this determination is subject to its compliance with the following conditions: (a) maintaining a fire prevention staff of at least 25 employees certified by the State of Illinois as Firefighter II and as emergency medical technicians; and (b) maintaining a security staff of at least 120 employees registered with the city as fireguards available for events at the named M.P.E.A. facilities, to function in the capacity as fireguards available for events at the named M.P.E.A. facilities; and (c) maintaining the capacity to contract for additional fireguards as may be necessary for any event or series of events at the named M.P.E.A. facilities; and (d) documenting and submitting to the fire commissioner the number and location, and other such information as the fire commissioner may require, of fireguards for each event at M.P.E.A. facilities no later than 30 days prior to the event. At all times, when an event is ongoing, there shall be an adequate number of fireguards. When the event consists of 25,000 square feet or more, there shall be at least one fireguard assigned to the event. Such fireguards shall be placed in appropriate locations, subject to review and approval of the fire commissioner. There shall also be an adequate number of fireguards during nighttime hours and move- in and move-out periods. If, at any time, in the opinion of the fire commissioner, the number and location of the fireguards is insufficient at the named M.P.E.A. facility, the fire commissioner shall order additional fireguards placed on duty. The fire commissioner shall consider, in determining the appropriate number of fireguards, the square footage of the event, the materials and equipment to be used during the event, the number of event attendees, and exit and aisle configuration of the exhibits. The fire commissioner may also consider additional factors as are necessary or appropriate to ensure public safety.
(Prior code § 90-62; Amend Coun. J. 7-10-02, p. 90060, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 232; Amend Coun. J. 5-18-16, p. 24131, § 90)