N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 2108: Section FC 2108: Fire Protection

2108.1 General.

Where required by this section, fire protection devices, equipment and systems shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with FC Chapter 9 and the construction codes, including the Building Code.

2108.2 Fire extinguishing systems in newly-established dry cleaning facilities.

Dry cleaning facilities established after the effective date of FC 2108.2 shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system, provided, however, that a heretofore lawfully-existing dry cleaning establishment in a newly-established facility may comply with the requirements of FC 2108.3 if the newly-established facility does not constitute a change in the use or occupancy of the premises, as determined by the Department of Buildings. The sprinkler system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the Building Code.

2108.2.1 Type II dry cleaning facilities.

Type II dry cleaning facilities shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system. Type II dry cleaning units, washer-extractors and drying tumblers in such facilities shall additionally be protected by an approved automatic non-sprinkler fire extinguishing system installed and maintained in accordance with FC 904.

2108.3 Fire extinguishing systems in lawfully existing dry cleaning facilities.

Type III dry cleaning facilities lawfully existing as of the effective date of this provision (FC 2108.3) shall be subject to the design and installation requirements set forth in FC 2108.3.1 through 2108.3.3, as applicable.

2108.3.1 Fully-sprinklered facilities.

A Type III dry cleaning facility protected throughout by a sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with the Building Code shall maintain such existing fire protection system and is not subject to the dry cleaning system design requirements of FC 2108.3.3.

2108.3.2 Partially-sprinklered facilities.

A Type III dry cleaning facility in which the dry cleaning system is protected by one or more sprinkler heads shall maintain such existing fire protection system and is not subject to the dry cleaning system design requirements of FC 2108.3.3. Any Type III dry cleaning equipment newly-introduced after the effective date of this provision shall comply with the requirements of FC 2108.3.3(2). The aggregate quantity of Type III dry cleaning solvent stored, handled and used in the dry cleaning facility, including the solvent used in the dry cleaning system, shall not exceed 330 gallons (1249 L).

2108.3.3 Unprotected facilities.

A lawfully existing Type III dry cleaning facility that is not in compliance with FC 2108.3.1 or 2108.3.2 shall, upon alteration on or after the effective date of this provision (FC 2108.3), be subject to the following requirements:

1. Two or more sprinkler heads designed and installed in accordance with the Building Code shall protect the dry cleaning system; and

2. The dry cleaning system shall be designed and listed to accomplish one or more of the following criteria:

2.1. Prevent oxygen concentrations from reaching 8 percent or more by volume; and/or

2.2. Keep the temperature of the solvent at least 30°F (16.7°C) below the ash point; and/or

2.3. Maintain the solvent vapor concentration at a level lower than 25 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL); and/or

2.4. Utilize equipment approved for use in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations in accordance with the Electrical Code; and/or

2.5. Utilize an integrated dry chemical, clean agent or water mist automatic re-extinguishing system designed in accordance with FC Chapter 9*; and

3. The occupancy housing the dry cleaning establishment shall be in compliance with the Building Code and Mechanical Code. If not required and/or constructed with a 2-hour fire separation, the dry cleaning equipment shall be protected by a 1-hour fire rated enclosure provided with mechanical ventilation in accordance with the Mechanical Code.

4. The aggregate quantity of Type III-A dry cleaning solvent stored, handled and used in the dry cleaning facility, including the solvent used in the dry cleaning system, shall not exceed 330 gallons (1249 L).

5. The aggregate quantity of Type III-B dry cleaning solvent stored, handled and used in the dry cleaning facility, including the solvent used in the dry cleaning system, shall not exceed 660 gallons (2498 L).

2108.4 Portable fire extinguishers.

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided and maintained in accordance with this section and FC 906. A minimum of two 2-A:10-B:C rated portable fire extinguishers shall be provided near the doors inside dry cleaning rooms containing Type II, Type III-A and Type III-B dry cleaning systems.