N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 5801: Section FC 5801: General

5801.1 Scope.

This chapter shall govern the storage, handling and use of flammable gases.

Exceptions:

1. Flammable gases used as refrigerants in refrigerating systems, as set forth in FC 606.

2. Liquefied petroleum gases, as set forth in FC Chapter 61.

3. Fuel-gas systems, as set forth in the construction codes, including the Fuel Gas Code, other than gaseous hydrogen systems.

4. Compressed natural gas motor fuel-dispensing facilities as set forth in FC 2308.

5. Pyrophoric gases, as set forth in FC Chapter 64.

6. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) as set forth in FC Chapter 55.

5801.2 Permits.

Permits shall be required as set forth in FC 105.6.

5801.3 General.

Flammable gases shall be stored, handled and used in accordance with this chapter, FC Chapter 53 and NFPA 55. Cryogenic fluids shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 55.

5801.4 Supervision.

Except as otherwise provided for ethylene oxide, compressed natural gas and methane recovery, the handling and use of flammable gases in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder. The storage of flammable gases in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the general supervision of a certificate of fitness holder.

5801.4.1 Ethylene oxide.

The handling and use of flammable compositions of ethylene oxide in any amount, including the cleaning and maintenance of the sterilizer, shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness.

5801.4.2 Compressed natural gas.

The connecting and disconnecting of CNG containers shall be performed by a person holding a certificate of fitness. The handling and use of CNG containers in quantities requiring a permit, or for purposes of operating a tar kettle, conducting torch operations, curing concrete, drying plaster and similar applications, or conducting hot air balloon operations, shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness applicable to such operation. In addition, a pilot's license issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration shall be required for hot air balloon operations involving the handling and use of CNG.

5801.4.3 Methane recovery.

Methane recovery facilities shall be operated under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness to recover methane gas from landfills.

5801.5 Prohibitions.

It shall be unlawful to:

1. fill a container with a flammable gas, except as authorized by this code or the rules, including FC 309.5.4, 2308, 2309, 5807 and 5808;

2. manufacture, generate or compress acetylene;

3. use an acetylene generator; or

4. fill balloons with hydrogen or any other flammable gas, or to possess, store, handle, use, transport, or sell any such balloon.

5801.6 Flood hazard.

Stationary flammable gas containers located in areas of special flood hazard or on the premises of Group I-2 occupancies that are hospitals located in shaded X-Zones (as defined in Section G201.2 of Appendix G of the Building Code) shall comply with Section G307.5 of the Building Code.