When trying to get compliant, there is often mystery and difficulty in finding what the actual paint booth codes and regulations are! Here we compiled a comprehensive list of codes ranging from CBC, CEC, NFPA, and more to ensure you can meet and exceed all requirements when setting up a new paint booth!
The California Fire Code (CFC) 2019 CFC: 2404.7.6 Termination point
The termination point for exhaust ducts discharging to the atmosphere shall not be less than the following distances:
the building; 6 feet from exterior walls and roofs; 30 feet from combustible walls or openings into the building that are
in the direction of the exhaust discharge; 10 feet above adjoining grade.
into the building; 10 feet above adjoining grade. to 2019 CFC: 2404.7.6 Termination point.
Chapter 24 Flammable Finishes
2404.3.3 Spray Booths
The design and construction of spray booths shall be in accordance with Sections 2404.3.3.1 through 2404.3.3.6, Sections 2404.4 through 2404.8 and NFPA 33.
2404.3.3.1 Construction
Spray booths shall be constructed of approved noncombustible materials. Aluminum shall not be used. Where walls or ceiling assemblies are constructed of sheet metal, single-skin assemblies shall be not thinner than 0.0478 inch (18 gage) (1.2 mm) and each sheet of double-skin assemblies shall be not thinner than 0.0359 inch (20 gage) (0.9 mm). Structural sections of spray booths are allowed to be sealed with latex-based or similar caulks and sealants.
2404.3.3.2 Surfaces
The interior surfaces of spray booths shall be smooth; shall be constructed so as to permit the free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the interior, and to facilitate washing and cleaning; and shall be designed to confine residues within the booth. Aluminum shall not be used.
2404.3.3.3 Floor
Combustible floor construction in spray booths shall be covered by approved, noncombustible, nonsparking material, except where combustible coverings, including but not limited to thin paper or plastic and strippable coatings, are utilized over noncombustible materials to facilitate cleaning operations in spray booths.
2404.3.3.5 Clear Space
Spray booths shall be installed so that all parts of the booth are able to be accessed for cleaning. A clear space of not less than 3 feet (914 mm) shall be maintained on all sides of the spray booth. This clear space shall be kept free of any storage or combustible construction.
Exceptions:
This requirement shall not prohibit locating a spray booth closer than 3 feet (914 mm) to or directly against an interior partition, wall or floor/ceiling assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, provided that the spray booth can be adequately maintained and cleaned.
This requirement shall not prohibit locating a spray booth closer than 3 feet (914 mm) to an exterior wall or a roof assembly, provided that the wall or roof is constructed of noncombustible material and the spray booth can be adequately maintained and cleaned.
2404.4 Fire Protection
Spray booths and spray rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with Chapter 9. Protection shall extend to exhaust plenums, exhaust ducts, and both sides of dry filters where such filters are used.
2404.7 Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation of flammable vapor areas shall be provided in accordance with Section 502.7 of the California Mechanical Code.
2404.7.1 Operation
Mechanical ventilation shall be kept in operation at all times while spraying operations are being conducted and for a sufficient time thereafter to allow vapors from drying coated articles and finishing material residue to be exhausted. Spraying equipment shall be interlocked with the ventilation of the flammable vapor areas such that spraying operations cannot be conducted unless the ventilation system is in operation.
2404.7.3.2 Enclosed Spray Booth or Spray Room With Openings for Product Conveyance
For spray application operations conducted in an enclosed spray booth or spray room with openings for product conveyance, the ventilation system shall be designed, installed, and maintained so that the average air velocity into the spray booth through openings is not less than 100 feet per minute (0.51 m/s).
Exceptions:
For fixed or automated electrostatic spray application equipment, the average air velocity into the spray booth through all openings shall be not less than 50 feet per minute (0.25 m/s).
Where methods are used to reduce cross drafts that can draw vapors and overspray through openings from the spray booth or spray room, the average air velocity into the spray booth or spray room shall be that necessary to capture and confine vapors and overspray to the spray booth or spray room.
2403.2.7 Welding Warning Signs
Welding, cutting and similar spark-producing operations shall not be conducted in or adjacent to flammable vapor areas or dipping or coating operations unless precautions have been taken to provide safety. Conspicuous signs with the following warning shall be posted in the vicinity of flammable vapor areas, dipping operations and paint storage rooms:
NO WELDING
THE USE OF WELDING OR CUTTING
EQUIPMENT IN OR NEAR THIS AREA
IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF FIRE
AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS. WELDING
AND CUTTING SHALL BE DONE ONLY
UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE
PERSON IN CHARGE.
2403.2.6 Smoking Prohibited
The California Building Code (CBC)
Section 416 Spray Application of Flammable Finishes
[F] 416.1 General
The provisions of this section shall apply to the construction, installation and use of buildings and structures, or parts thereof, for the spray
application of flammable finishes. Operations and equipment shall comply with the California Fire Code .
[F] 416.2.1 Construction
Walls and ceilings of spray rooms shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or the interior surface shall be completely covered with
noncombustible materials. Aluminum shall not be used.
[F] 416.2.2 Surfaces
The interior surfaces of spray rooms shall be smooth and shall be so constructed to permit the free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the
interior and to facilitate washing and cleaning, and shall be so designed to confine residues within the room.
[F] 416.2.3 Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation and interlocks with the spraying operation shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code and California Mechanical
Code.
[F] 416.3 Spraying Spaces Spraying spaces shall be ventilated with an exhaust system to prevent the accumulation of flammable mist or vapors in accordance with the California
Mechanical Code. Where such spaces are not separately enclosed, noncombustible spray curtains shall be provided to restrict the spread of
flammable vapors.
[F] 416.3.1 Surfaces
The interior surfaces of spraying spaces shall be smooth; shall be so constructed to permit the free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the
interior and to facilitate washing and cleaning; and shall be so designed to confine residues within the spraying space. Aluminum shall not be used.
[F] 416.4 Spray Booths
Spray booths shall be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 416.5 Fire Protection
An automatic sprinkler system or fire-extinguishing system shall be provided in all spray rooms and spray booths, and shall be installed in accordance
with Chapter 9.
NFPA 33 Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable
Construction and Design of Spray Areas, Spray Rooms, and Spray Booths
5.3 Spray Booths.
5.3.1 Spray booths shall meet the requirements of Sections 5.1 and 5.3.
5.3.2 If walls or ceiling assemblies are constructed of sheet metal, single-skin assemblies shall be no thinner than 1.2 mm (0.0478 in.) and each sheet of double-skin assemblies shall be no thinner than 0.9 mm (0.0359 in.).
5.3.3 If doors that are a part of a wall or ceiling assembly are constructed of sheet metal, the construction shall meet one of the following:
(1)Single-skin assemblies shall be no thinner than 1.2 mm (0.0478 in.)
(2)*Each sheet of double-skin assemblies shall be no thinner than 0.9 mm (0.0359 in.)
5.3.4 Structural sections of spray booths shall be permitted to be sealed with a caulk or sealant to minimize air leakage.
5.5 Separation from Other Operations.
5.5.1 Spray booths shall be separated from other operations by a minimum distance of 915 mm (3 ft) or by a partition, wall, or floor/ceiling assembly having a minimum fire resistance rating of 1 hour.
5.5.2 Multiple connected spray booths shall not be considered as “other operations” except as provided for in Section 13.3.
5.5.3 Multiple spray booths connected by openings for moving the workpiece or that share a common wall shall not be considered as “other operations.”
5.5.6 A clear space of not less than 915 mm (3 ft) shall be both of the following:
(1)Maintained on all sides and above the spray booth
(2)Kept free of any storage or combustible construction
5.5.6.1 The requirement in 5.5.6 shall not prohibit locating a spray booth closer than 915 mm (3 ft) to or directly against an interior partition, wall, or floor/ceiling assembly that has a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, provided the spray booth can be maintained and cleaned.
5.5.6.2 The requirement in 5.5.6 shall not prohibit locating a spray booth closer than 915 mm (3 ft) to an exterior wall or a roof assembly, provided the wall or roof is constructed of noncombustible material and provided the spray booth can be maintained and cleaned.
6.5 Electrical Devices in Areas Adjacent to or Connected to Spray Areas.
6.5.4 If spray application operations are confined to an enclosed spray booth or room, electrical area classification shall be as follows:
(1) The area within 915 mm (3 ft) of any opening shall be classified as Class I, Division 2; Zone 2; Class II, Division 2; or Zone 22 locations, whichever is applicable, as shown in Figure 6.5.4.
(2)* Where automated spray application equipment is used, the area outside the access doors shall be unclassified provided the door interlock prevents the spray application operations when the door is open.
(3) Where exhaust air from a liquid spray operation is recirculated and all the requirements of Section 7.5 are met, both of the following shall apply:
(a) The interior of any path downstream of the concentration monitor up to and including the air supply plenum shall be classified as a Class I, Division 2 or Zone 2 location, whichever is applicable.
(b)The interior of fresh air supply ducts shall be unclassified.
(4) Where exhaust air is not recirculated, the interior of fresh air supply ducts and fresh air supply plenums shall be unclassified
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