N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 4003: Section FC 4003: Design and Installation Requirements for Distillery Facilities

4003.1 General.

The building housing a distillery shall be designed and installed in accordance with this section. Design and installation documents shall be submitted for department review and approval.

4003.2 Occupancy type.

Distilleries shall be housed in buildings and occupancies with the following occupancy classifications:

1. A small distillery shall be located in a building or space designed as an F-1 factory occupancy as set forth in FC 4003.4.1. Such factory occupancy may be located in a mixed-occupancy building, except as otherwise provided in FC 4001.5(3).

2. A medium distillery shall be located in a high-hazard occupancy, as set forth in FC 4003.4.1, in a building in which Group F occupancy is the dominant occupancy

3. A large distillery shall be located in a separate building or in a detached building, which is classified as a high-hazard occupancy.

4003.3 Maximum still capacity and maximum allowable quantity.

Maximum still capacities shall be based upon distillery size, as set forth in FC Table 4003.3. The maximum allowable quantity of alcohol, of any type, shall not exceed the amounts set forth in FC Table 4003.3 and FC 4003.3.1 through 4003.3.3, except as authorized by the department.

FC Table 4003.3 Maximum Still Capacities and Maximum Allowable Quantities

Distillery Size

Maximum Individual Still Capacity

Aggregate Maximum Still Capacity

Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area

a

Aggregate Maximum Allowable Quantity

b

Additional Storage Allowance per Control Area for Beverage Alcohol and Precursors

£

20% ABV

c

Maximum Aggregate Allowable Quantity of Beverage Alcohol and Precurso

rs

£

20% ABV

d

Small distillery

125 gallons (473 L)

250 gallons (946 L)

750 gallons (2839 L)

1,500 gallons (5678 L)

750 gallons (2839 L)

1,500 gallons (5678 L)

Medium distillery

750 gallons (2839 L)

1,500 gallons (5678 L)

2,000 gallons (7570 L)

6,000 gallons (22 710 L)

4,000 gallons (15 140 L)

8,000 gallons (30 280 L)

Large distillery

2,000 gallons (7570 L)

8,000 gallons (30 280 L)

4,000 gallons (15 140 L)

20,000 gallons (75 700 L)

8,000 gallons (30 280 L)

16,000 gallons (60 560 L)

a. The maximum allowable quantity per control area comprises all raw alcohol and distilled spirits stored on the premises, excluding the amounts of finished goods allowed by FC 4005.2.5.

b. The aggregate maximum allowable quantity comprises all raw alcohol and distilled spirits stored on the premises, excluding the amounts of finished goods allowed by FC 4005.2.5. These amounts are reduced in a combined fire area pursuant to FC 4003.4.2 to 1,000 gallons (small distillery); 2,000 gallons (medium distillery); and 4,000 gallons (large distillery).

c. Additional allowance per control area applies to beverage alcohol and flammable beverage alcohol precursors, up to a maximum of 20% alcohol content by volume (ABV), clearly labelled as such in accordance with Federal or other applicable regulations.

d. Maximum aggregate allowable quantity stored on the premises of beverage alcohol and flammable beverage alcohol precursors, up to a maximum 20% alcohol content by volume (ABV), clearly labelled as such in accordance with Federal or other applicable regulations. These amounts are reduced in a combined fire area pursuant to FC 4003.4.2 to 1,000 gallons (small distillery); 4,000 gallons (medium distillery); and 8,000 gallons (large distillery).

4003.3.1 Small distillery.

The maximum allowable quantity in a small distillery shall be 750 gallons (2839 L) per control area. An additional 750 gallons (2839 L) of beverage alcohol and flammable beverage alcohol precursors, with an alcohol content by volume of 20 percent or less, may be stored, handled or used per control area.

4003.3.2 Medium distillery.

The maximum allowable quantity in a medium distillery shall be 2,000 gallons (7570 L) per control area. An additional 4,000 gallons (15 140 L) of beverage alcohol and flammable beverage alcohol precursors, with an alcohol content by volume of 20 percent or less, may be stored, handled or used per control area.

4003.3.3 Large distillery.

The maximum allowable quantity in a large distillery shall be 4,000 gallons (15 140 L) per control area. An additional 8,000 gallons (30 280 L) of beverage alcohol and flammable beverage alcohol precursors, with an alcohol content by volume of 20 percent or less, may be stored, handled or used per control area.

4003.4 Fire separations.

Except as otherwise provided in FC 4003.4.1 and 4003.4.2, a minimum of 1-hour fire barriers or horizontal assemblies, or both, constructed in accordance with the Building Code, including self-closing doors, shall be installed to separate the following distillery operations from each other:

1. Distilled spirits processing areas.

2. Alcohol storage areas, except barrel storage.

3. Barrel storage areas.

4. Distillery serving area.

5. General business operations area and/or finished goods storage in excess of 250 gallons (946 L).

6. Other alcohol production areas.

4003.4.1 Factory and high-hazard areas.

The distilled spirits processing areas, alcohol storage areas and barrel storage areas shall be constructed, in small distilleries, with the fire barriers and horizontal assemblies required for a factory occupancy, and, in medium distilleries, with the fire barriers and horizontal assemblies required for a high-hazard occupancy.

4003.4.2 Combined fire areas.

The distilled spirits processing areas, alcohol storage areas, barrel storage areas and other alcohol production areas may be located in a single fire area subject to the following requirements:

1. The total quantity of alcohol stored, handled or used in the fire area is limited as follows: 1,000 gallons (3785 L) in a small distillery; 2,000 gallons (7570 L) in a medium distillery; 4,000 gallons (15 140 L) in a large distillery, and a maximum allowable quantity of twice that amount for beverage alcohol and flammable beverage alcohol precursors, with an alcohol content by volume of 20 percent or less, for medium and large distilleries, and, in a small distillery, a maximum quantity of 1,000 gallons (3785 L).

2. Barrel storage shall be in accordance with FC 4005.3. The barrel storage area shall be separated by a wall, bollards or other approved separation designed to minimize the risk from rolling barrels.

3. The entire fire area shall be provided with emergency alarm detection and exhaust ventilation systems in accordance with FC 4003.5.3 and 4003.7.

4. The entire fire area shall be provided with electrical wiring and equipment in accordance with FC 4003.8.

5. Grain mashing and fermenting may be conducted in such combined fire area. All grain conveyance shall be in enclosed containers or systems. A combustible dust collection system shall be provided for any unenclosed grain handling. No grain milling shall be conducted in such combined fire area.

6. Additional quantities of alcohol shall be stored in a listed and approved chemical storage building within the space, at an approved location, or in a separate fire area.

4003.5 Fire protection systems.

Fire protection systems shall be provided in accordance with FC 4003.5.1 through 4003.5.3.

4003.5.1 Sprinkler system.

Distilleries shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system designed in accordance with the Building Code. The sprinkler system in a small distillery shall be designed to be of an extra hazard type. The sprinkler system in a medium or large distillery shall be designed for a high-hazard occupancy. Sprinkler systems for high-piled barrel storage shall comply with the sprinkler requirements for such storage systems in accordance with FC 3206.4. Sprinkler systems for distilleries producing combustible dust shall comply with the sprinkler requirements of NFPA 652.

4003.5.2 Fire alarm system.

Distilleries shall be provided with a manual and automatic fire alarm system. If the fire alarm system is part of a building system that provides protection to other occupancies, a separate sprinkler water flow device shall be provided for the distillery occupancy, except in a small distillery equipped with a smoke detection system. Such fire alarm system shall activate alarm notification devices throughout the distillery and be monitored by a central station.

4003.5.3 Emergency alarm system.

Distilleries shall be provided with a gas detection system designed to detect flammable vapors in accordance with FC 908 in the distilled spirits processing area and alcohol storage areas, and in any area of the distillery in which flammable vapors in more than de minimis quantities may be released or accumulate. Such emergency alarm system shall activate alarm notification devices throughout the distillery.

4003.6 Explosion control.

Medium and large distilleries shall be provided with explosion control designed in accordance with FC 911 to mitigate the impact of an explosion.

4003.7 Exhaust ventilation.

Exhaust ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 502.8 of the Mechanical Code in the distilled spirits processing area and alcohol storage areas, and in any area of the distillery in which flammable vapors in more than de minimis quantities may be released or accumulate.

4003.8 Electrical wiring and equipment.

Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed in accordance with the Electrical Code. Class 1, Division 1 electrical wiring and equipment shall be provided in the distilled spirits processing areas and alcohol storage areas, except that where a closed system as defined in FC 202 is being utilized in a distilled spirits processing area or alcohol storage area, electrical wiring and equipment shall be provided as follows:

1. Class1, Division1 and Class I, Division 2 electrical wiring and equipment in accordance with FC Table 5703.1.1 (for indoor equipment where flammable vapor/air mixtures could exist under normal operations); and

2. Class 1, Division 1 electrical wiring and equipment in pits and behind containment barriers where flammable vapor cannot dissipate horizontally; and

3. Class 2, Division 1 electrical wiring and equipment in any other area where combustible dust may be present.

4003.8.1 Lighting.

Distilled spirits processing areas, excluding barrel storage areas, shall be well lighted to facilitate safe operation of distillery equipment and visibility of signage.

4003.9 Mechanical equipment.

All stationary and portable electrically-powered and/or heat-producing devices, equipment and systems, including space heating and cooling systems; mechanical refrigerating systems; and conveyers, installed or used in a distilled spirits processing area or alcohol storage area shall be suitable for a classified location in accordance with the Electrical Code, the Mechanical Code and NFPA 30, as applicable, except where all alcohol handling is in a closed system or where an explosion mitigation analysis indicates that the equipment is outside of the classified area. No mechanical equipment with burners, or using other flames or exposed electrical elements, shall be installed or used in distilled spirits processing areas and alcohol storage areas. Air-driven power tools shall be used whenever practicable instead of electrical tools; when electrical tools must be used, no distilling, alcohol processing or bottling operations shall be conducted and the control area shall be clear of any flammable vapors.

4003.10 Environmental control.

Stills shall be operated within the ambient temperature range recommended by the still manufacturer and in accordance with distilled spirits industry standards.

4003.11 Emergency power.

Gas detection systems and any exhaust ventilation system designed to maintain flammable vapor concentration below the lower explosive limit shall be provided with an emergency power system in accordance with the Building Code.

4003.12 Spill control.

Drainage or containment systems to restrict and control spills, including noncombustible and liquid-tight floors, shall be provided in distilled spirits processing areas and alcohol storage areas in accordance with FC 5004.2. A hose suitable for a classified environment connected to a water supply shall be provided to facilitate dilution of any spills.

4003.13 Storage areas.

Storage areas shall be designed and installed in accordance with FC 4005.

4003.14 Impact protection.

Distillery equipment used to manufacture, store, handle or use beverage alcohol, including storage tanks, shall be protected from accidental impact from powered industrial trucks and other mechanical handling equipment in accordance with NFPA 505 and distilled spirits industry standards.

4003.15 Lightning protection.

Medium and large distilleries that occupy a separate building shall be provided with lightning protection in accordance with the Electrical Code and NFPA 780.