Virginia Law

A. The following changes shall be made to Section 601, General:

1. Change Section 601.1 to read:

601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the operation and maintenance of fuel-fired appliances and heating systems, electrical systems and equipment, mechanical refrigeration systems, elevator recall, and commercial kitchen equipment.

2. Add Section 601.3 to read:

601.3 Permits. Permits shall be obtained for refrigeration systems as set forth in Section 107.2.

B. The following changes shall be made to Section 603, Electric Equipment, Wiring, and Hazards:

1. Change Sections 603.1, 603.1.1, and 603.2.1 to read:

603.1 General. Electrical equipment, wiring, and systems shall be maintained in accordance with this section and the applicable building code.

603.1.1 Equipment and wiring. Electrical equipment, wiring, devices, and appliances shall be maintained in accordance with this section and the applicable NFPA 70 standard.

603.2.1 Modified or damaged. Electrical wiring, devices, equipment, and appliances that are modified or damaged and constitute an electrical shock or fire hazard shall not be used until repaired or replaced in accordance with the applicable building code.

2. Change Sections 603.3 and 603.5 to read:

603.3 Illumination. Illumination shall be maintained for service equipment areas, motor control centers, and electrical panelboards.

603.5 Relocatable power taps and current taps. The construction and use of current taps and relocatable power taps shall be in accordance with NFPA 70.

3. Change Section 603.8 to read:

603.8 Temporary wiring. Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations not regulated by the applicable building code is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days. Temporary wiring methods shall meet the applicable provisions of NFPA 70.

Exception: Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed during periods of construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment, or similar activities.

C. The following changes shall be made to Section 604, Elevator Operation, Maintenance, and Fire Service Keys:

1. Change Section 604.1 to read:

604.1 Operation. Existing elevators with a travel distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more shall comply with the requirements of Section 604.5.2 and the USBC, Part III, Maintenance.

2. Change Section 604.3 to read:

604.3 Standby power. In buildings and structures where standby power is required or furnished to operate an elevator, standby power shall be maintained in accordance with Section 1203. Operation of the system shall be in accordance with Sections 604.3.1 through 604.3.4.

3. Change Section 604.3.4 to read:

604.3.4 Machine room ventilation. Where standby power is connected to elevators, the machine room ventilation or air conditioning shall remain connected to the standby power source in accordance with the applicable building code.

4. Change Section 604.5.1 to read:

604.5.1 Fire service access elevator lobbies. Where fire service access elevators are required by the applicable building code, fire service access elevator lobbies shall be maintained free of storage and furniture.

5. Change Section 604.5.2 to read:

604.5.2 Occupant evacuation elevator lobbies. Where occupant evacuation elevators are provided in accordance with the applicable building code, occupant evacuation elevator lobbies shall be maintained free of storage and furniture.

6. Change Section 604.5.4 to read:

604.5.4 Water protection of hoistway enclosures. Methods to prevent water from infiltrating into a hoistway enclosure required by the applicable building code shall be maintained.

D. The following changes shall be made to Section 605, Fuel-Fired Appliances:

1. Change Section 605.1 to read:

605.1 Installation. The installation of nonportable fuel gas appliances and systems shall comply with the applicable building code. The use of all other fuel-fired appliances, other than internal combustion engines, oil lamps, and portable devices, such as blow torches, melting pots, and weed burners, shall comply with this section.

2. Change Section 605.1.1 to read:

605.1.1 Manufacturer's instructions. Appliances shall be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations. Where it becomes necessary to change, modify, or alter a manufacturer's instructions in any way, written approval shall first be obtained from the manufacturer.

3. Change Section 605.1.2 to read:

605.1.2 Electrical wiring and equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment used in connection with oil-burning equipment shall be maintained in accordance with Section 604 and the applicable NFPA 70 standard.

4. Change Section 605.1.4 to read:

605.1.4 Access. Appliances shall be readily accessible for cleaning hot surfaces; removing burners; and replacing motors, controls, air filters, chimney connectors, draft regulators, and other working parts and for adjusting, cleaning, and lubricating parts.

5. Change Section 605.1.5 to read:

605.1.5 Testing, diagrams and instructions. Following servicing or maintenance of oil-burning equipment, operation and combustion performance tests shall be conducted to determine that the burner is in proper operating condition and that all accessory equipment, controls, and safety devices function properly.

6. Change Section 605.1.5.1 to read:

605.1.5.1 Diagrams. Two copies of diagrams showing the main oil lines and controlling valves shall be provided, one copy of which shall be posted at the oil-burning equipment and another at an approved location that will be accessible in case of emergency.

7. Add a note to Section 605.2 to read:

Note: The fire code official may request a copy of the latest certificate of inspection from the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry for boilers and pressure vessels subject to such requirements. When the certificate is not available, the fire code official shall notify the Department of Labor and Industry to ensure that the required maintenance and testing is performed in accordance with the Virginia Boiler and Pressure Vessel Regulations (16VAC25-50).

8. Change Section 605.2.1 to read:

605.2.1 Chimneys and appliances. Chimneys, incinerators, smokestacks, or similar devices for conveying smoke or hot gases to the outer air and the stoves, furnaces, fireboxes, or boilers to which such devices are connected shall be maintained according to manufacturer's instructions, comply with the applicable building code, and be maintained so as to not create a fire hazard.

9. Change Section 605.2.1.1 to read:

605.2.1.1 Masonry chimneys. Masonry chimneys that upon inspection are found to be without a flue liner and that have open mortar joints that will permit smoke or gases to be discharged into the building or that are cracked as to be dangerous shall be repaired in accordance with the applicable building code.

10. Change Section 605.2.1.2 to read:

605.2.1.2 Metal chimneys. Metal chimneys or supports that are damaged or corroded shall be repaired or replaced.

11. Change Section 605.2.1.4 to read:

605.2.1.4 Factory-built chimneys. Existing factory-built chimneys or their supports that are damaged or corroded shall be repaired or replaced.

12. Change Section 605.2.1.5 to read:

605.2.1.5 Connectors. Existing chimney and vent connectors or their supports that are damaged or corroded shall be repaired or replaced.

13. Change Section 605.3 to read:

605.3 Chimneys. Masonry, metal, and factory-built chimneys shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code and NFPA 211.

14. Change Section 605.4 to read:

605.4 Fuel oil storage systems. Fuel oil storage systems shall be maintained in accordance with this section and the applicable building code.

15. Change Section 605.4.1 to read:

605.4.1 Fuel oil storage in outside, aboveground tanks. Where connected to a fuel-oil piping system, the maximum amount of fuel oil storage allowed outside above ground without additional protection shall be 660 gallons (2498 L) unless otherwise installed in accordance with the applicable building code. The storage of fuel oil above ground in quantities exceeding 660 gallons (2498 L) shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 31.

16. Change Section 605.4.2 to read:

605.4.2 Fuel oil storage inside buildings. Fuel oil storage inside buildings shall be maintained in accordance with this section and the applicable building code.

17. Change Section 605.4.2.2 to read:

605.4.2.2 Quantity limits. One or more fuel oil storage tanks containing Class II or Class III combustible liquid shall be permitted to be stored in a building. Unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code, the aggregate capacity of all tanks shall not exceed the following:

1. 660 gallons (2498 L) in unsprinklered buildings, where stored in a tank complying with UL 80, UL 142, or UL 2085.

2. 1,320 gallons (4996 L) in buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the applicable NFPA 13 standard, where stored in a tank complying with UL 142.

3. 3,000 gallons (11,356 L) where stored in protected aboveground tanks complying with UL 2085 and the room is protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with the applicable NFPA 13 standard.

18. Change Section 605.4.2.3 to read:

605.4.2.3 Restricted use and connection. Tanks subject to Section 605.4.2 shall be used only to supply fuel oil to fuel-burning equipment, generators or fire pumps installed in accordance with the applicable building code. Connections between tanks and equipment supplied by such tanks shall be maintained as closed piping systems.

19. Change Section 605.4.2.4 to read:

605.4.2.4 Applicability of maximum allowable quantity and control area requirements. The quantity of combustible liquid stored in tanks subject to Section 605.4.2 shall not be counted toward the maximum allowable quantity set forth in Section 5003.1.1, and such tanks shall not be required to be located in a control area when there are such allowances under the applicable building code.

20. Change Sections 605.4.2.5 and 605.4.2.7 and delete Section 605.4.2.6:

605.4.2.5 Installation. New or modified tanks and piping systems shall be approved by the building official in accordance with the applicable building code.

605.4.2.7 Spill control. Where provided or required in accordance with the applicable building code, spill control shall be maintained in accordance with Section 5703.4 and the applicable building code.

21. Change Section 605.4.2.8 to read:

605.4.2.8 Tanks in basements. Tanks in basements shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

. 22. Change Section 605.4.3 to read:

605.4.3 Underground storage of fuel oil. Underground storage tanks used for the storage of fuel oil shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the applicable building code and the applicable NFPA 31 standard.

23. Change Section 605.6 to read:

605.6 Heating appliances. Heating appliances shall be listed and shall comply with Sections 605.6.1 and 605.6.2.

24. Change Section 605.6.1 to read:

605.6.1 Guard against contact. The heating element or combustion chamber guard shall be maintained so as to prevent accidental contact by persons or material to the extent required by the applicable building code.

25. Change Section 605.6.2 to read:

605.6.2 Heating appliance maintenance. Heating appliances shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the applicable building code, and the applicable NFPA 31 standard.

26. Change Section 605.8 to read:

605.8 Incinerators. Commercial, industrial, and residential-type incinerators and chimneys shall be installed in accordance with the applicable building code and maintained.

27. Change Section 605.8.1 to read:

605.8.1 Residential incinerators. Residential incinerators not regulated by the applicable building code shall be of an approved type.

28. Change Section 605.8.2 to read:

605.8.2 Spark arrestor. Incinerators not regulated by the applicable building code shall be equipped with an effective means for arresting sparks.

29. Delete Section 605.8.6.

E. The following changes shall be made to Section 606, Commercial Cooking Equipment and Systems:

1. Change Section 606.1 to read:

606.1 General. Commercial kitchen exhaust hoods shall comply with the requirements of this section.

2. Change Section 606.2 to read:

606.2 Commercial cooking operations. Where ventilation is provided or required by the applicable building code at or above all commercial cooking appliances and domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes that produce grease vapors, ventilation shall be operated and maintained. The fire code official is not authorized to require alteration or installation of a ventilation hood in accordance with Section 102.6 of the SFPC.

3. Change Section 606.3.3.3 to read:

606.3.3.3 Records. Records for inspections shall state the individual and company performing the inspection, a description of the inspection, and when the inspection took place. Records for cleanings shall state the individual and company performing the cleaning and when the cleaning took place. Such records shall be completed after each inspection or cleaning and maintained for a minimum of three years and be copied to the fire code official upon request.

4. Change Section 606.3.3.3.1 to read:

606.3.3.3.1 Tags. Where a commercial kitchen hood or duct system is inspected or cleaned, a tag containing the service provider name, address, telephone number, and date of service shall be provided in a conspicuous location. Prior tags shall be covered or removed.

Exception: Where records required by Section 606.3.3.3 are maintained on the premises.

F. The following change shall be made to Section 607, Commercial Cooking Oil Storage:

Change Section 607.7 to read:

607.7 Electrical equipment. Electrical equipment used for the operation of cooking oil storage systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 70.

G. The following changes shall be made to Section 608, Mechanical Refrigeration:

1. Change Sections 608.1 and 608.1.2 and delete Section 608.1.1.

608.1 Scope. Refrigeration systems shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

608.1.2 Ammonia refrigeration. Refrigeration systems using ammonia refrigerant and the buildings in which such systems are installed shall comply with the applicable operating procedures of IIAR 7. Decommissioning of ammonia refrigeration systems shall comply with IIAR-8 and the applicable building code.

2. Change Section 608.3 to read:

608.3 Refrigerants. The use and purity of new, recovered, and reclaimed refrigerants shall be in accordance with the applicable building code.

3. Change Section 608.4 to read:

608.4 Refrigerant classification. Refrigerants shall be classified in accordance with the applicable building code.

4. Change Section 608.5 to read:

608.5 Change in refrigerant type. A change in the type of refrigerant in a refrigeration system shall be approved by the building official in accordance with the applicable building code.

5. Change Section 608.7 to read:

608.7 Testing of equipment. Refrigeration equipment and systems having a refrigerant circuit containing more than 220 pounds (100 kg) of Group A1 or 30 pounds (14 kg) of any other group refrigerant shall be subject to periodic testing in accordance with Section 608.7.1. Records of tests shall be maintained. Tests of emergency devices or systems required by the applicable building code shall be conducted by persons trained and qualified in refrigeration systems.

6. Change Section 608.8 to read:

608.8 Emergency signs. Refrigeration units or systems having a refrigerant circuit containing more than 220 pounds (100 kg) of Group A1 or 30 pounds (14 kg) of any other group refrigerant shall be provided with approved emergency signs, charts, and labels in accordance with NFPA 704. Hazard signs shall be in accordance with the applicable building code for the classification of refrigerants listed therein.

7. Change Sections 608.9 and 608.9.1 to read:

608.9 Refrigerant detection. Refrigerant detection systems shall be maintained. Where ammonia is used as the refrigerant, detection shall comply with IIAR 2. Detectors and alarms shall be maintained in approved locations. The detector shall transmit a signal to an approved location. For refrigerants other than ammonia, refrigerant detection shall comply with Section 608.9.1.

608.9.1 Refrigerants other than ammonia. Refrigerant detection systems required by the applicable building code shall be maintained. Detectors and alarms required by the applicable building code shall be maintained in approved locations. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, detection of a refrigerant concentration exceeding the upper detection limit or 25% of the lower flammable limit (LFL), whichever is lower, shall stop refrigerant equipment in the machinery room.

8. Change Section 608.10 to read:

608.10 Remote controls. Remote controls of the mechanical equipment and appliances located in the machinery room shall be maintained and remain accessible in accordance with the applicable building code at all times.

9. Change Section 608.10.1 to read:

608.10.1 Refrigeration system emergency shutoff. Where a clearly identified switch of an approved type is required by the applicable building code to provide off-only control of refrigerant compressors, refrigerant pumps, and normally closed automatic refrigerant valves located in the machinery room, the switch shall be maintained as approved. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, this equipment shall be maintained to automatically shut off when the refrigerant vapor concentration in the machinery room exceeds the vapor detector's upper detection limit or 25% of the LEL, whichever is lower.

10. Change Section 608.10.2 to read:

608.10.2 Ventilation system. Ventilation system switches shall be clearly identified and maintained in an approved manner.

11. Change Section 608.11 to read:

608.11 Emergency pressure control system. Emergency pressure control system provided for permanently installed refrigeration systems containing more than 6.6 pounds (3 kg) of flammable, toxic or highly toxic refrigerant or ammonia shall be maintained as installed in accordance with the applicable building code and this code.

12. Change Section 608.11.1 to read:

608.11.1 Automatic crossover valves. Automatic crossover valves shall be maintained as installed in accordance with the applicable building code.

13. Change Section 608.11.1.1 to read:

608.11.1.1 Overpressure limit set point. Automatic crossover valves shall be arranged and maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

14. Change Section 608.11.1.2 to read:

608.11.1.2 Manual operation. Where provided or required in accordance with the applicable building code, manual operation of the automatic crossover valve shall be maintained.

15. Delete 608.11.1.3.

16. Change Section 608.11.2 to read:

608.11.2 Automatic emergency stop. An automatic emergency stop feature shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

17. Delete Section 608.11.2.1.

18. Delete Section 608.11.2.2.

19. Change Section 608.13 to read:

608.13 Discharge and termination of pressure relief and purge systems. Pressure relief devices, fusible plugs, and purge systems discharging to the atmosphere from refrigeration systems containing flammable, toxic, or highly toxic refrigerants or ammonia shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 608.13.2 through 608.13.4.

20. Change Section 608.13.1 to read:

608.13.1 Fusible plugs and rupture members. Unless otherwise required by the applicable building code, discharge piping and devices connected to the discharge side of a fusible plug or rupture member shall have provisions to prevent plugging the pipe in the event the fusible plug or rupture member functions.

21. Change Section 608.13.2 to read:

608.13.2 Flammable refrigerants. Unless otherwise regulated by the applicable building code, systems containing more than 6.6 pounds (3 kg) of flammable refrigerants having a density equal to or greater than the density of air shall discharge vapor to the atmosphere only through an approved treatment system in accordance with Section 608.13.5 or a flaring system in accordance with Section 608.13.6. Systems containing more than 6.6 pounds (3 kg) of flammable refrigerants having a density less than the density of air shall be permitted to discharge vapor to the atmosphere provided that the point of discharge is located outside of the structure at not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) above the adjoining grade level and not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from any window, ventilation opening, or exit.

22. Change Section 608.13.3 to read:

608.13.3 Toxic and highly toxic refrigerants. Systems containing more than 6.6 pounds (3 kg) of toxic or highly toxic refrigerants that discharge vapor to the atmosphere shall discharge through a treatment system, flaring system, or other approved system in accordance with the applicable building code.

23. Change Section 608.13.4 to read:

608.13.4 Ammonia refrigerant. Systems containing more than 6.6 pounds (3 kg) of ammonia refrigerant that discharge vapor to the atmosphere shall discharge through a treatment system, flaring systems, ammonia diffusion systems, or other approved system in accordance with the applicable building code.

Exception: Ammonia/water absorption systems containing less than 22 pounds (10kg) of ammonia and for which the ammonia circuit is located entirely outdoors.

24. Change Sections 608.13.5 through 608.13.7 to read:

608.13.5 Treatment systems. Unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code, treatment systems shall be maintained and operated to reduce the allowable discharge concentration of the refrigerant gas to not more than 50% of the immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) level at the point of exhaust. Treatment systems shall be operated and maintained in accordance with Chapter 60 and the applicable building code.

608.13.6 Flaring systems. Flaring systems for incineration of flammable refrigerants shall be operated and maintained to incinerate the entire discharge. The products of refrigerant incineration shall not pose health or environmental hazards. Where required by the applicable building code, standby fuel, such as LP-gas, and standby power shall be maintained to have the capacity to operate for the required time for complete incineration of refrigerant in the system and any additional capacity required by the applicable building code. Standby electrical power, where required to complete the incineration process, shall be maintained in accordance with Section 1203.

608.13.7 Ammonia diffusion systems. Ammonia diffusion systems shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

25. Change Section 608.14 to read:

608.14 Mechanical ventilation exhaust. Treatment systems required by the applicable building code for exhaust from mechanical ventilation systems serving refrigeration machinery rooms containing flammable, toxic or highly toxic refrigerants, other than ammonia, capable of exceeding 25% of the LFL or 50% of the IDLH shall be operated and maintained.

Exception: Refrigeration systems containing Group A2L complying with Section 608.18.

26. Change Section 608.17 to read:

608.17 Electrical equipment. The hazardous location classification as determined in accordance with the applicable building code and the applicable NFPA 70 standard of refrigeration machinery rooms where refrigerants of Groups A2, A3, B2, and B3 are used, shall be maintained.

27. Change Sections 608.18 through 608.18.2 to read:

608.18 Special requirements for Group A2L refrigerant machinery rooms. Machinery rooms with systems containing Group A2L refrigerants shall comply with Sections 608.18.1 through. 608.18.3.

Exception: Machinery rooms conforming to the Class 1, Division 2 hazardous location classification requirements of NFPA 70.

608.18.1 Refrigerant detection system. Refrigerant detection systems in machinery rooms shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

608.18.2 Emergency ventilation system operation. An emergency ventilation system shall be maintained to operate at the minimum exhaust rate specified in accordance with the applicable building code. Means to manually shut down the system shall be maintained.

28. Delete Table 608.18.2 and change Section 608.18.3 to read:

608.18.3 Emergency ventilation system discharge. Where required by the applicable building code, the point of discharge to the atmosphere shall remain located outside of the structure and away from any window, ventilation opening, or exit.

H. Delete Section 610.1.1.