N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 3504: Section FC 3504: Fire Safety Requirements

3504.1 Protection of combustibles.

Combustible material and combustible waste shall be protected during hot work operations in accordance with FC 3504.1.1 through 3504.1.9.

3504.1.1 Separation from combustibles.

Hot work operations involving cutting or welding shall be conducted at least 35 feet (10 668 mm) from combustible materials and combustible waste or shall be provided with appropriate shielding to prevent sparks, slag or heat from igniting exposed combustibles. All other hot work operations shall be conducted at least 25 feet (7620 mm) from combustible materials and combustible waste or shall be provided with appropriate shielding to prevent sparks, slag or heat from igniting exposed combustibles.

3504.1.2 Openings.

Openings or cracks in walls, floors, ducts or shafts within 35 feet (10 668 mm) of the hot work area shall be tightly covered to prevent the passage of sparks to adjacent combustible areas, or shielded by metal fire-resistant guards, or provided with curtains to prevent passage of sparks or slag.

3504.1.3 Housekeeping.

Combustible waste shall not be allowed to accumulate on floors and other surfaces within the hot work area. Hot work areas shall be regularly cleaned and combustible waste removed and disposed of lawfully.

3504.1.4 Conveyor systems.

Conveyor systems that are capable of carrying sparks to distant combustibles shall be shielded or shut down.

3504.1.5 Partitions.

Partitions segregating hot work areas from other areas of the building shall be of noncombustible construction. In fixed hot work areas, the partitions shall be securely connected to the floor such that no gap exists between the floor and the partition. Partitions shall prevent the passage of sparks, slag, and heat from the hot work area.

3504.1.5.1 Motor-fuel dispensing facilities.

The use of a torch within a repair garage located on a property upon which a motor-fuel dispensing facility is situated shall be conducted within a fire-rated enclosure. All doors of such enclosure shall be fireproof and self-closing.

3504.1.5.2 Repair garages.

In a repair garage with a capacity for more than one vehicle, hot work shall be conducted within a fire-rated enclosure in compliance with FC 3504.1.5.1 or behind a noncombustible screen that is positioned and of sufficient size to prevent the passage of sparks, slag and heat from the hot work area.

3504.1.6 Floors.

Areas designed for hot work operations shall have floors with noncombustible surfaces.

3504.1.7 Precautions in hot work.

Except as otherwise provided in FC 3510.4, hot work shall not be performed on a container or equipment that contains or has contained a flammable solid, flammable or combustible liquid or flammable gas until the container or equipment has been thoroughly cleaned, inerted or purged. Hot work on flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks shall be conducted in accordance with FC 3510. Hot work involving any flammable solid in any form shall be conducted only with the approval of the department.

3504.1.8 Sprinkler protection.

Sprinkler system protection shall not be shut off or impaired while hot work is performed unless approved by the commissioner. Where hot work is performed close to sprinklers, noncombustible barriers or damp cloth guards shall shield the individual sprinkler heads and shall be removed when the work is completed. If the work extends over several days, the shields shall be removed at the end of each workday.

3504.1.9 Fire detection systems.

Approved precautionary measures shall be taken to avoid accidental operation of automatic fire detection systems.

3504.2 Fire watch.

A fire watch shall be maintained and fire guards provided in accordance with FC 3504.2.1 through 3504.2.7.1.

3504.2.1 When required.

A fire watch shall be maintained during hot work operations. The fire watch shall continue for a minimum of 30 minutes after the conclusion of the work. The commissioner, or the responsible person implementing a hot work program, may extend the duration of the fire watch based on the hazards or work being performed.

3504.2.2 Location.

The fire watch shall observe the entire hot work area. Hot work conducted in areas with vertical or horizontal fire exposures that are not observable by a single individual shall have additional personnel assigned to ensure that exposed areas are monitored, including compliance with FC 3504.2.7.1.

3504.2.3 Duties.

Persons conducting a fire watch shall have the duties and responsibilities set forth in FC 901.7.2.1 with respect to the areas being monitored in connection with hot work operations.

3504.2.4 Reserved.

3504.2.5 Fire hoses.

Where hose lines are required, they shall be connected, charged and ready for operation.

3504.2.6 Portable fire extinguishers.

A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with the requirements of FC 906 and with a minimum 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be provided and readily accessible within a 30 feet (9144 mm) travel distance of the location where hot work is performed and where the fire guards are positioned.

3504.2.7 Fire guards for torch operations.

The fire watch for torch operations conducted at the following locations shall be conducted by fire guards:

1. Construction sites.

2. On any rooftop, or in connection with any torch-applied roofing system operation.

3. In any building or structure, when the torch operation is conducted by a person holding a citywide permit for torch operations.

3504.2.7.1 Construction sites and torch-applied roofing systems.

A fire watch shall be maintained for each torch operation at a construction site and torch-applied roofing system operations in compliance with the requirements of FC 3504.2.7.1.1 and 3504.2.7.1.2.

3504.2.7.1.1 Fire watch coverage.

A fire guard shall be provided for each torch in operation, except that a single fire guard may be designated to conduct a fire watch for more than one torch operation on the same floor or level if each torch operation is not more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the fire guard, as measured by the actual path of travel, and the field of view of such fire guard encompasses all of the horizontal fire exposures of such torch operations.

3504.2.7.1.2 Fire watch on floors below.

In addition to the fire guard required by FC 3504.2.7.1.1, if the torch operation is being conducted at or near the edge of an unenclosed floor of a building, or near a floor opening, or other location where sparks and slag may travel to one or more lower floors or levels, a fire guard shall conduct a fire watch on each lower floor or level containing combustible surfaces or materials within 35 feet (10 668 mm) of the area of such floor or level that potentially would be exposed to such sparks or slag. Prior to commencement of the torch operation, the fire safety manager or responsible person shall inspect the lower floors or levels and take all necessary and appropriate precautions to protect any combustible surfaces and materials that potentially would be exposed to sparks and slag from the torch operation. A certification to that effect shall be made on the hot work authorization.

Exceptions:

1. A fire watch is not required on the floors or levels below a torch operation on a construction site when:

1.1. the torch operation is not being conducted at or near the edge of an unenclosed floor of a building;

1.2. the floor upon which the torch operation is being conducted is of noncombustible construction;

1.3. there are no floor or exterior building openings within 35 feet (10 668 mm) of the torch operation; and

1.4. prior to commencement of the torch operation, the fire safety manager or responsible person conducts an inspection and takes the precautions required pursuant to FC 3504.2.7.1.2.

2. Notwithstanding the foregoing exception, if sparks or slag generated by the torch operation are observed to extend beyond 35 feet (10 668 mm), thereby potentially exposing lower floors or levels, the torch operation shall be immediately discontinued, and the floors or levels below shall be inspected for any fire condition. If there is any potential exposure to combustible surfaces or materials on the floors below from such sparks and slag, noncombustible barriers shall be provided and any other necessary or appropriate precautions shall be taken. If such barriers and precautions fail to block the passage of sparks and slag, a fire watch shall be established on the floors or levels below.

3504.3 Area reviews.

Before hot work is authorized and at least once per day while the authorization is in effect, the hot work area shall be inspected by the responsible person to ensure that it is a fire safe area.

3504.3.1 Pre-hot work check.

A pre-hot work check shall be conducted by the responsible person prior to work to ensure that all equipment is safe and hazards are recognized and protected. A report of the check shall be kept at the work site during the work and for a minimum of 48 hours after work is completed, and made available for inspection by any representative of the department. The pre-hot work check shall be conducted at least once per day and shall verify the following:

1. The hot work equipment is in good working order.

2. The hot work area is clear of combustibles and flammable solids or that such materials present in the area are protected in accordance with FC 3504.1.1.

3. Exposed construction is of noncombustible materials or, if combustible, is protected.

4. Openings are protected.

5. Hot work area floors are clear of combustible waste accumulation.

6. Reserved.

7. Fire watch personnel, where required, are assigned.

8. Approved actions have been taken to prevent accidental activation of fire extinguishing systems and detection equipment in accordance with FC 3504.1.8 and 3504.1.9.

9. Portable fire extinguishers and fire hoses (where provided) are operable and available.

10. All persons performing hot work possess certificates of fitness, where such certificates are required.

11. All persons performing hot work requiring a permit possess a site-specific permit or citywide permit, authorizing such work.