N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 2410: Section FC 2410: Floor Finishing Operations

2410.1 Scope.

All floor finishing operations using Class I or Class II liquids shall be conducted in accordance with FC 2410.1.1 and 2410.1.2. Floor finishing operations exceeding 168 square feet (15.6 m

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) and using Class I or Class II liquids shall additionally be conducted in accordance with FC 2410.2 through 2410.5.

2410.1.1 Prohibitions.

It shall be unlawful to:

1. Use flammable floor finishing products with a flash point below 80°F (27°C) indoors.

2. Smoke, use or maintain open flames, including torches, in rooms or other indoor areas in which floor finishing products are being stored and/or in which floor finishing operations are being conducted.

3. Conduct floor finishing operations in rooms or other indoor areas occupied by anyone other than the individuals engaged in such operations.

2410.1.2 General requirements.

All floor finishing operations shall comply with the following requirements:

1. Floor finishing operations shall be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for the storage, handling and use of floor finishing products.

2. Flammable or combustible liquids or mixtures, other than floor finishing products, stored, handled or used in connection with floor finishing operations shall be stored, handled or used in accordance with FC Chapter 57.

3. Floor finishing product containers shall be closed when not in use.

4. Empty containers of floor finishing products and all other floor finishing product waste and residue shall be removed from the premises not less than once a day.

5. Gas burners, pilot lights, electrical devices, electronic devices and other sources of ignition in flammable vapor areas shall be shut off prior to commencing work.

6. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 20-B shall be readily accessible during floor finishing operations. The travel distance to such extinguisher shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm).

7. Quantities of floor finishing products at a site shall not exceed the amount necessary for that day's operations. In no circumstance shall such quantity exceed 20 gallons (76 L).

2410.2 Occupancy of premises during operations.

Floor finishing operations shall not be conducted in occupied rooms or other areas. If occupants are allowed to return to the premises in which the floor finishing operations were conducted before the surfaces have dried, fire safety precautions shall be maintained and the occupants shall be given written instructions in regard thereto. Floor finishing operations shall not be conducted in a Group A or Group M occupancy while the premises is open to the public.

2410.3 Sources of ignition.

No electrical equipment or device that is a potential source of ignition of floor finishing product vapors, including switches and outlets, shall be operated during floor finishing operations. Precautions shall be taken prior to commencing work to prevent inadvertent operation of such equipment or devices, such as shutting down electrical power, unplugging equipment and taping over switches and outlets.

2410.4 Mechanical system operation.

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems shall not be operated during floor finishing operations and for the period of time thereafter until the surfaces have dried.

2410.5 Ventilation.

To prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors, mechanical ventilation at a minimum rate of 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot (0.00508 m

3

/s/m

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) of the area being surfaced or finished shall be provided. Such ventilation shall be by approved temporary or portable means. Vapors shall be exhausted outdoors. Such ventilation equipment shall be kept in operation while the floor finishing operations are being conducted and for a period of time thereafter to allow for the exhaust of the vapors.

2410.6 Retail sale.

Floor finishing products with a flash point below 80°F (27°C) shall be provided with a conspicuous and durable tag bearing the words, "WARNING: INDOOR USE OF THIS PRODUCT IS PROHIBITED IN NEW YORK CITY." A sign shall be conspicuously posted in the area in which the floor finishing product is displayed, warning that the product is prohibited for indoor use in New York City.