N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 2406: Section FC 2406: Powder Coating

2406.1 General.

Operations using finely ground particles of protective finishing material applied in dry powder form by fluidized bed, electrostatic fluidized bed, powder spray guns or electrostatic powder spray guns shall be conducted in accordance with this section. When stationary electrostatic equipment is utilized, such operations shall additionally be conducted in accordance with FC 2407.

2406.2 Location.

Powder coating operations shall be conducted in spray rooms or spray booths located in accordance with FC 2404.

2406.3 Design and installation.

Powder coating operations shall be conducted in powder coating rooms and powder coating booths designed and installed in compliance with the requirements of this section.

2406.3.1 Construction of powder coating rooms.

Powder coating rooms shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.

2406.3.2 Construction of powder coating booths.

Powder coating booths shall be constructed in accordance with FC 2404.3.2, except that booth assemblies listed for such purpose and constructed in accordance with such listing may be constructed of materials other than as required by FC 2404.3.2.1.

2406.3.3 Fire protection.

Powder coating rooms and booths shall be protected by fire protection systems in accordance with this section.

2406.3.3.1 Fire extinguishing system.

Powder coating rooms and booths shall be protected throughout by a fire extinguishing system.

2406.3.3.2 Flame detection system.

Automated powder coating application equipment shall be protected by an approved, supervised flame detection device capable of detecting the presence of flame within 1/2 second, that shall, upon activation, automatically initiate the following actions:

1. Shut down electrical power and compressed air supply to the powder coating operation, including the conveyor, ventilation, application, transfer and powder collection systems.

2. Close segregation dampers in associated ductwork to interrupt airflows from application equipment to powder collectors.

3. Activate a local alarm audible within the powder coating room or booth and surrounding area.

2406.3.4 Drying, curing and fusion equipment.

Drying, curing and fusion equipment shall comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 30.

2406.3.5 Ventilation.

Exhaust ventilation and powder recovery systems shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Mechanical Code.

2406.4 Operation and maintenance.

Facilities in which powder coating operations are conducted shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the requirements of this section.

2406.4.1 Housekeeping.

Powder coating areas, including horizontal surfaces such as ledges, beams, pipes, hoods, booths and floors, shall be kept free from the accumulation of powder coating dusts.

2406.4.2 Cleaning.

Surfaces shall be cleaned in such a manner as to avoid scattering dust or creating a dust cloud. Vacuum cleaning equipment shall be of a type approved for use in a hazardous location.

2406.4.3 Spark-producing metals.

Magnetic separators, filter-type separators, or other approved means shall be installed or used to prevent iron or other spark-producing metals from being introduced into the powders or the powder-coating operation.

2406.4.4 Preheating parts.

The temperature of the parts heated prior to coating shall not exceed the ignition temperature of the powder to be used.

2406.4.5 Sources of ignition.

Protection against sources of ignition shall be provided in accordance with FC 2403.2. Static bonding and grounding or other appropriate precautions shall be taken to minimize the possibility of ignition by static electrical sparks generated by powder transport, application and recovery systems.

2406.4.6 Portable fire extinguishers.

Powder coating rooms and booths shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers complying with the requirements of FC 906 and rated for flammable and combustible liquid fires in extra (high) hazard environments.