Virginia Law

A. Change Section 2201.2 to read:

2201.2 Permits. Permits shall be required for combustible dust-producing operations as set forth in Section 107.2.

B. Change Sections 2203.2 through 2203.2.1.3 to read:

2203.2 Dust-producing and dust-handling equipment. Dust-producing equipment and dusthandling equipment, including vacuums, dust collection systems, dryers, mixers, blenders, separators, conveyors, storage containers, silos, or other similar devices listed in accordance with the applicable building code shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

2203.2.1 Signages and markings. Signages and markings shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

2203.2.1.1 Deflagration vent discharge area markings. Where dust collection systems and other equipment, systems, or system components are provided with deflagration vents, the area within the deflagration vent's discharge area shall continue to be marked in an approved manner in accordance with the applicable building code.

2203.2.1.2 Caution signs. Signs required by the applicable building code to read as follows and be posted near the dust-containing equipment with deflagration vents, shall be maintained:

CAUTION: THIS EQUIPMENT CAN CONTAIN EXPLOSIVE DUST.

KEEP OUTSIDE THE MARKED AREA WHILE EQUIPMENT IS OPERATING.

2203.2.1.3 Warning signs. Vent closure markings that read "WARNING: EXPLOSION RELIEF DEVICE. STAY CLEAR" required by the applicable building code where dust collection systems and other equipment, systems, or system components are provided with deflagration vents, shall be maintained.

C. Change Section 2203.3 to read:

2203.3 Dust-collection and dust-conveying systems. Dust-collection and dust-conveying systems shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

D. Delete Sections 2203.3.1 through 2203.3.2, including Table 2203.3.1.2, and change Section 2203.3.3 to read:

2203.3.3 Cleanouts. Openings in enclosed equipment and conveyors shall be maintained to allow access to all parts of the equipment and conveyors to permit inspection, cleaning, maintenance, and the effective use of portable fire extinguishers or hose streams.

E. Change Sections 2203.4, 2203.4.1, 2203.4.2 (Items 1 through 4 remain), and 2203.4.3.1 to read:

2203.4 Sources of ignition. Sources of ignition shall be controlled in accordance with this section and the applicable building code.

2203.4.1 Classified electrical. Classified electrical equipment shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable NFPA 70. Electrical motors and electrical components of the equipment shall not be operated in the dust-laden airstream unless listed for locations in accordance with the applicable building code.

2203.4.2 Static electricity. Bonding and grounding required by the applicable building code in the following locations to minimize accumulation of static electric charge shall be maintained.

2203.4.3.1 Signs. Conspicuous signs with the following warning, required by the applicable building code to be posted in the vicinity of combustible dust-producing areas or in the vicinity of combustible dust use, shall be maintained:

NO WELDING. THE USE OF WELDING OR CUTTING EQUIPMENT IN OR NEAR THIS AREA IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS. WELDING AND CUTTING SHALL BE DONE ONLY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE PERSON IN CHARGE.

F. Change Sections 2203.4.4 and 2203.4.7 to read:

2203.4.4 Hot surfaces and hot equipment. Unless otherwise required or allowed by the applicable building code, in areas where a dust explosion hazard or dust flash fire hazard exists, the temperature (in degrees Celsius) of external surfaces shall be maintained below 80% of the lower of the dust-surface ignition temperature or the dust-cloud ignition temperature for worst case dusts. External surfaces shall include:

1. Compressors.

2. Steam, water, or process piping.

3. Ducts.

4. Conveyors.

5. Process equipment.

Where steam pipes or hot surfaces occur in dust-producing or dust-handling areas, accumulation of dust on the surfaces shall be minimized by an approved method.
Exception: Drying apparatus listed for the intended use and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

2203.4.7 Spark-producing devices. Portable spark-producing devices shall not be operated within 20 feet (6096 mm) of areas requiring classified electrical unless separated by a permanent partition or approved in accordance with the applicable building code. The clear distance required by the applicable building code between spark-producing devices and areas requiring classified electrical shall be maintained.

G. Change Sections 2203.4.9, 2203.4.9.1, 2203.4.9.3, and 2203.4.9.5 to read:

2203.4.9 Open flames and fuel-fired equipment. Open flames and fuel-fired equipment shall be in accordance with this section and the applicable building code.
2203.4.9.1 Release of airborne combustible dust. Unless otherwise required by the applicable building code, production, maintenance, or repair activities that have the potential to release or force combustible dust to become airborne shall not be conducted within 35 feet (11 m) of an open flame or pilot flame.

2203.4.9.3 Equipment listing. Fuel-fired process equipment listed for its intended use in accordance with the applicable building code shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the applicable building code.

2203.4.9.5 Sources of combustion air. Sources of combustion air ducted directly from the building exterior or from an unclassified location for heating units located in Class II electrically classified locations shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

H. Delete Section 2204 in its entirety.