N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 2407: Section FC 2407: Electrostatic Spray-Finishing Equipment

2407.1 General.

Electrostatic spray-finishing equipment used in connection with paint-spraying and paint-detearing operations shall be of an approved type, and shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this section.

2407.2 Location and clear space.

A space of at least twice the maximum potential sparking distance shall be maintained between the workpiece being painted or deteared and any electrodes, electrostatic atomizing heads or conductors.

Exception: Such distance is not required to be maintained between workpieces and portable electrostatic spray-finishing equipment listed for use in Class I, Division 1 locations.

2407.3 Design and installation.

Electrostatic spray-finishing equipment used in connection with paint-spraying and paint-detearing operations shall be designed and installed in compliance with the requirements of this section.

2407.3.1 Construction.

Electrodes and electrostatic atomizing heads shall be of approved construction, rigidly braced or otherwise supported to prevent movement and insulated from grounding by nonporous and noncombustible insulators.

Exception: Such bracing and insulation is not required to be provided for portable electrostatic spray-finishing equipment listed for use in Class I, Division 1 locations.

2407.3.1.1 Separation.

Electrostatic spray-finishing equipment shall be separated from other areas and operations by means of booths, fencing, railings or other barriers. Fencing, railings or other barriers shall be of conductive material, adequately grounded, and shall be placed not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the electrostatic spray-finishing equipment.

Exception: Such barrier and separation distance is not required to be provided for portable electrostatic spray-finishing equipment listed for use in Class I, Division 1 locations.

2407.3.2 Fire protection.

Electrostatic spray finishing operations shall be protected by fire protection systems in compliance with the requirements of this section.

2407.3.2.1 Fire extinguishing system.

Spraying areas shall be protected throughout by a fire extinguishing system complying with FC Chapter 9.

2407.3.2.2 Flame detection system.

Automated liquid electrostatic spray-finishing operation areas shall be protected by the installation of an approved, supervised flame detection system capable of detecting the presence of flame within 1/2 second, which shall, upon activation, automatically initiate the following actions:

1. Shut down electrical power to the electrostatic spray-finishing equipment, including the coating material delivery system and the conveyors into and out of the flammable vapor area, and terminating all spray-finishing operations.

2. Activate a local alarm in the spraying area, and the building fire alarm system if such a system is provided.

2407.3.3 Interlocks.

Electrostatic spray-finishing equipment shall be provided with emergency shut down devices and interlocks in compliance with the requirements of this section.

2407.3.3.1 Emergency shutdown.

Electrostatic spray-finishing equipment shall be equipped with automatic controls operating without time delay to disconnect the power supply to the high-voltage transformer and signal the operator under any of the following conditions:

1. Stoppage of ventilating fans or failure of ventilating equipment from any cause.

2. Stoppage of the conveyor carrying articles past the high-voltage grid.

3. Occurrence of a ground fault or an imminent ground fault at any point of the high-voltage system.

4. Reduction of clearance below that required in FC 2407.2.

2407.3.3.2 Ventilation interlock.

Electrostatic spray-finishing equipment utilizing hand-held sprayers shall be interlocked with the ventilation system for the spraying area so that the equipment cannot be operated unless the ventilating system is in operation.

2407.3.4 Ventilation.

Mechanical ventilation in the flammable vapor area shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Mechanical Code.

2407.4 Operation and maintenance.

Facilities in which electrostatic spray-finishing operations are conducted shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the requirements of this section and FC 2403.3 and 2403.4, and FC 2407.4.1 through 2407.4.3.

2407.4.1 Cleaning.

Insulators shall be kept clean and dry. Drip plates and screens upon which paint is deposited shall be removable and shall be regularly removed and cleaned. Grounding connections for the electrostatic spray-finishing equipment shall be regularly cleaned so as to prevent overspray.

2407.4.2 Signage.

Durable signs that provide the following cautions and information shall be conspicuously posted:

1. Designate the process zone as dangerous with respect to fire and accident.

2. Restrict access to qualified personnel only.

3. Indicate the grounding requirements for all electrically conductive objects in the flammable vapor area, including persons working in that area.

4. Indicates the maximum potential sparking distance as set forth in FC 2407.2.

2407.4.3 Sources of ignition.

Transformers, power packs, control apparatus and all other electrical components of the electrostatic spray-finishing equipment, except high-voltage grids and electrostatic atomizing heads and connections, shall be located outside of the flammable vapor area or shall comply with the requirements of FC 2403.2.