Virginia Law

A. The following change shall be made to Section 2401, General:

Change Section 2401.3 to read:

2401.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 107.2.

B. The following changes shall be made to Section 2403, Protection of Operations:

1. Change Section 2403.2.1 to read:

2403.2.1 Electrical wiring and equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment shall be maintained in accordance with this chapter, the applicable building code, the applicable provisions of NFPA 70, and Chapter 6.

2. Change Section 2403.2.1.1 to read:

2403.2.1.1 Flammable vapor areas. Electrical wiring and equipment in flammable vapor areas shall be of an explosion proof type approved for use in such hazardous locations as classified by the applicable building code and shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable provisions of NFPA 70 and Chapter 6.

3. Change Section 2403.2.1.2 to read:

2403.2.1.2 Areas subject to deposits of residues. Electrical equipment, flammable vapor areas, or drying operations that are subject to splashing or dripping of liquids shall be specifically approved for locations containing deposits of readily ignitable residue and explosive vapors.

Exceptions:

1. The provision shall not apply to wiring in rigid conduit, threaded boxes, or fittings not containing taps, splices, or terminal connections.

2. This provision shall not apply to electrostatic equipment allowed by Section 2407.

In resin application areas, electrical wiring and equipment that is subject to deposits of combustible residues shall be listed for such exposure and shall be installed as required for hazardous (classified) locations. Electrical wiring and equipment not subject to deposits of combustible residues shall be installed as required for ordinary hazard locations.

4. Change Section 2403.2.1.3 to read:

2403.2.1.3 Areas adjacent to spray booths. Unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code, electrical wiring and equipment located outside of, but within three feet (915 mm) horizontally and three feet (915 mm) vertically of, openings in a spray booth or a spray room shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

5. Change Section 2403.2.5 to read:

2403.2.5 Grounding. Metal parts of spray booths, exhaust ducts, and piping systems conveying Class I or Class II liquids shall be electrically grounded in accordance with NFPA 70. Metallic parts located in resin application areas, including exhaust ducts, ventilation fans, spray application equipment, workpieces, and piping, shall be electrically grounded.

C. The following changes shall be made to Section 2404, Spray Finishing:

1. Change Section 2404.1 to read:

2404.1 General. The application of flammable or combustible liquids by means of spray apparatus in continuous or intermittent processes shall be in accordance with the requirements of Sections 2403 and 2404.

2. Change Section 2404.2 to read:

2404.2 Location of spray-finishing operations. Unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code, spray finishing operations shall not be conducted in buildings used for Group A, E, I, or R occupancies except where approved in accordance with the applicable building code. In other occupancies, spray-finishing operations shall be conducted in a spray room, spray booth, or spraying space approved for such use where required by the applicable building code.

Exceptions:

1. Automobile undercoating spray operations and spray-on automotive lining operations conducted in areas with approved natural or mechanical ventilation shall be exempt from the provisions of Section 2404 when approved and where utilizing Class IIIA or Class IIIB combustible liquids.

2. In buildings other than Group A, E, I, or R occupancies, approved limited spraying space in accordance with Section 2404.9.

3. Resin application areas used for manufacturing of reinforced plastics complying with Section 2409 shall not be required to be located in a spray room, spray booth, or spraying space.

3. Change Section 2404.3 to read:

2404.3 Design and construction. Design and construction of spray rooms, spray booths, and spray spaces shall be in accordance with the applicable building code. These areas shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 2404.3 through 2404.3.3.

4. Change Section 2404.3.1 to read:

2404.3.1 Spray rooms. Spray rooms shall be maintained in accordance with this section and remain in accordance with the applicable building code.

5. Change Section 2404.3.2 to read:

2404.3.2 Floor. Combustible floor construction in spray rooms shall be covered by approved, noncombustible, nonsparking material, except where combustible coverings, including thin paper or plastic and strippable coatings, are utilized over noncombustible materials to facilitate cleaning operations in spray rooms.

6. Change Section 2404.3.3 to read:

2404.3.3 Spray booths. The design and construction of spray booths shall be in accordance with the applicable building code and maintained in accordance with Sections 2404.3.3.1 through 2403.3.6 and Sections 2404.4 through 2404.8 and the applicable sections of NFPA 33.

7. Delete Section 2404.3.3.1.

8. Change Section 2404.3.3.2 to read:

2404.3.3.2 Surfaces. The interior surfaces of spray booths shall be smooth, shall be maintained so as to permit the free passage of exhaust air from all parts of the interior and to facilitate washing and cleaning, and shall be maintained to confine residues within the booth. Aluminum shall not be used unless approved by the applicable building code.

9. Change Section 2404.3.3.3 to read:

2404.3.3.3 Floor covering. Combustible floor construction in spray booths shall be covered by approved, noncombustible, nonsparking material, except where combustible coverings, including thin paper or plastic and strippable coatings, are utilized over noncombustible materials to facilitate cleaning operations in spray booths .

10. Change Section 2404.3.3.4 to read:

2404.3.3.4 Means of egress. Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code and Chapter 10.

11. Change Section 2404.3.3.5 to read:

2404.3.3.5 Clear space. Spray booths shall be maintained so that all parts of the booth are readily accessible for cleaning. Unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code, a clear space of not less than three feet (914 mm) shall be maintained on all sides of the spray booth. This clear space shall be kept free of any storage or combustible construction. If approved in accordance with the applicable building code, the following exceptions may apply:

1. This requirement shall not prohibit locating a spray booth closer than three feet (914 mm) to or directly against an interior partition, wall, or floor and ceiling assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour, provided the spray booth can be adequately maintained and cleaned.

2. This requirement shall not prohibit locating a spray booth closer than three feet (914 mm) to an exterior wall or a roof assembly, provided the wall or roof is constructed of noncombustible material and the spray booth can be adequately maintained and cleaned.

12. Delete Section 2404.3.3.6.

13. Change Section 2404.3.4 to read:

2404.3.4 Spraying spaces. The design and construction of spray booths shall be in accordance with the applicable building code and maintained in accordance with Section 2404.3.3.1 and Sections 2404.4 through 2404.8.

14. Change Section 2404.3.4.1 to read:

2404.3.4.1 Floor covering. Combustible floor construction in spraying spaces shall be covered by approved, noncombustible, nonsparking material, except where combustible coverings, such as thin paper or plastic and strippable coatings, are utilized over noncombustible materials to facilitate cleaning operations in spraying spaces.

15. Change Section 2404.4 to read:

2404.4 Fire protection. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, spray booths and spray rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the applicable building code and maintained in accordance with Chapter 9.

16. Change Section 2404.6.2.1 to read:

2404.6.2.1 Glass panels. Panels for luminaires or for observation shall maintain seals to confine vapors, mists, residues, dusts, and deposits to the flammable vapor area. Panels for luminaires shall be separated from the luminaire to prevent the surface temperature of the panel from exceeding 200°F (93°C).

17. Change Section 2404.6.2.2 to read:

2404.6.2.2 Exterior luminaires. Luminaires attached to the walls or ceilings of a flammable vapor area, but outside of any classified area and separated from the flammable vapor areas by vapor-tight glass panels, shall be suitable for use in ordinary hazard locations. Such luminaires shall be serviced from outside the flammable vapor areas.

18. Change Section 2404.6.2.3 to read:

2404.6.2.3 Integral luminaires. Luminaires that are an integral part of the walls or ceiling of a flammable vapor area are allowed to be separated from the flammable vapor area by glass panels that are an integral part of the luminaire. Such luminaires shall be used only if listed for use in hazardous locations in accordance with the applicable building code and also shall be suitable for accumulations of deposits of combustible residues. Such luminaires are allowed to be serviced from inside the flammable vapor area.

19. Change Section 2404.7 to read:

2404.7 Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation of flammable vapor areas shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the applicable building code.

20. Change Section 2404.7.1 to read:

2404.7.1 Operation. Where provided, mechanical ventilation shall be kept in operation at all times while spraying operations are being conducted and for a sufficient time thereafter to allow vapors from drying coated articles and finishing material residue to be exhausted.

21. Change Section 2404.7.2 to read:

2404.7.2 Recirculation. Air exhausted from spraying operations shall not be recirculated unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code.

22. Change Section 2404.7.3 to read:

2404.7.3 Air velocity. The required air velocity for ventilation systems shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

23. Change Section 2404.7.3.1 to read:

2404.7.3.1 Open-face or open-front spray booth. For spray application operations conducted in an open-face or open-front spray booth, the ventilation system air velocity shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the applicable building code.

24. Change Section 2404.7.3.2 to read:

2404.7.3.2 Enclosed spray booth or spray room with openings for product conveyance. For spray application operations conducted in an enclosed spray booth or spray room with openings for product conveyance, the ventilation system shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

25. Delete Section 2404.7.5.

26. Change Section 2404.7.6 to read:

2404.7.6 Termination point. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, the termination point for exhaust ducts discharging to the atmosphere shall be maintained to be not less than the distances listed as follows:

1. Ducts conveying explosive or flammable vapors, fumes, or dusts: 30 feet (9144 mm) from the lot line; 10 feet (3048 mm) from openings into the building; six feet (1829 mm) from exterior walls and roofs; 30 feet (9144 mm) from combustible walls or openings into the building that are in the direction of the exhaust discharge; and 10 feet (3048 mm) above adjoining grade.

2. Other product-conveying outlets: 10 feet (3048 mm) from the lot line; three feet (914 mm) from exterior walls and roofs; 10 feet (3048 mm) from openings into the building; and 10 feet (3048 mm) above adjoining grade.

Termination locations at less than these distances shall be evaluated by the building official for compliance in accordance with the applicable building code.

27. Change Section 2404.7.7 to read:

2404.7.7 Fan motors and belts. Electric motors driving exhaust fans shall not be placed inside booths or ducts unless approved. Fan rotating elements shall be nonferrous or nonsparking or the casing shall consist of or be lined with such material. Belts shall not enter the duct or booth unless the belt and pulley within the duct are tightly enclosed.

28. Change Section 2404.7.8 to read:

2404.7.8 Filters. Unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code, air intake filters that are part of a wall or ceiling assembly shall be listed as Class I or Class II in accordance with UL 900. Exhaust filters shall be provided where required by the applicable building code.

29. Change Section 2404.7.8.1 to read:

2404.7.8.1 Supports. Supports and holders for filters shall be maintained as noncombustible materials unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code.

30. Change Section 2404.7.8.3 to read:

2404.7.8.3 Maintaining air velocity. Where provided, visible gauges, audible alarms, or pressure-activated devices shall be maintained to indicate or ensure that the required air velocity is maintained.

31. Change Section 2404.7.8.4 to read:

2404.7.8.4 Filter rolls. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, where spray booths are equipped with a filter roll that is automatically advanced, the filter roll shall be arranged to shut down the spraying operation if the filter roll fails to advance automatically.

32. Change Section 2404.7.8.7 to read:

2404.7.8.7 Waterwash spray booths. Waterwash spray booths shall be maintained so as to prevent excessive accumulation of deposits in ducts and residue at duct outlets. Such booths shall be maintained so that air and overspray are drawn through a continuously flowing water curtain before entering an exhaust duct to the building exterior.

33. Change Section 2404.8 to read:

2404.8 Interlocks. Interlocks for spray application finishes shall be maintained fully operational in accordance with the applicable building code.

34. Change Section 2404.8.1 to read:

2404.8.1 Automated spray application operations. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, where protecting automated spray application operations, automatic fire-extinguishing systems with an approved interlock feature shall maintain that feature so that, upon discharge of the system, automatic fire-extinguishing system will automatically stop the spraying operations and workpiece conveyors into and out of the flammable vapor areas. Where the building is equipped with a fire alarm system, discharge of the automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be maintained to activate the building alarm notification appliances in accordance with the applicable building code.

35. Change Section 2404.8.1.1 to read:

2404.8.1.1 Alarm station. Where required, a manual fire alarm and emergency system shutdown station shall be maintained accessible and fully operational in accordance with the applicable building code.

36. Delete Section 2404.8.1.2.

37. Change Section 2404.8.2 to read:

2404.8.2 Ventilation interlock prohibited. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, air makeup and flammable vapor area exhaust systems shall not be interlocked with the fire alarm system and shall remain in operation during a fire alarm condition.

Exception: Where the applicable building code requires such ventilation to be discontinued and dampers closed.

38. Change Section 2404.9.3 to read:

2404.9.3 Ventilation. Positive mechanical ventilation providing a minimum of six complete air changes per hour shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

39. Change Section 2404.9.4 to read:

2404.9.4 Electrical wiring. Electrical wiring within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the floor and 20 feet (6096 mm) horizontally of the limited spraying space shall be designed for Class I, Division 2 locations in accordance with the applicable building code.

D. The following changes shall be made to Section 2405, Dipping Operations:

1. Change Section 2405.2 to read:

2405.2 Location of dip-tank operations. Where required by the applicable building code, dip-tank operations conducted in buildings used for Group A, I, or R occupancies shall be located in a room designed for that purpose, equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system, and separated vertically and horizontally from other areas in accordance with the applicable building code.

2. Change Section 2405.3 to read:

2405.3 Construction of dip tanks. Dip tanks shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 2405.3.1 through 2405.3.4.3 and NFPA 34. Dip tanks, including drain boards, shall be constructed of noncombustible material and their supports shall be of heavy metal, reinforced concrete, or masonry unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code.

3. Change Section 2405.3.1 to read:

2405.3.1 Overflow. To operate dip tanks greater than 150 gallons (568 L) in capacity or 10 square feet (0.93 m²) in liquid surface area, they shall be equipped with a trapped overflow pipe leading to an approved location outside the building in accordance with the building code.

4. Change Section 2405.3.2 to read:

2405.3.2 Bottom drains. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, dip tanks greater than 500 gallons (1893 L) in liquid capacity shall only be operated with bottom drains that are arranged to automatically and manually drain the tank quickly in the event of a fire unless the viscosity of the liquid at normal atmospheric temperature makes this impractical. Manual operation shall continue to be from a safe, accessible location. Such drains shall be trapped and discharged to a closed, vented salvage tank or to an approved outside location in accordance with the applicable building code.

Exception: Dip tanks containing Class IIIB combustible liquids, where the liquids are not heated above room temperature and the process area is protected by automatic sprinklers.

5. Change Section 2405.4 to read:

2405.4 Fire protection. Dip tank operations shall be protected with a fire protection system in accordance with the applicable building code and maintained in accordance with Chapter 9.

6. Change Section 2405.4.1 to read:

2405.4.1 Fixed fire-extinguishing equipment. Where required by the applicable building code, an automatic fire-extinguishing system or a dip tank cover shall be maintained.

7. Change Section 2405.4.1.1 to read:

2405.4.1.1 Fire-extinguishing system. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be provided for dip tanks with a 150 gallon (568 L) or more capacity or 10 square feet (0.93 m²) or larger liquid surface area.

8. Change Section 2405.7 to read:

2405.7 Ventilation of flammable vapor areas. Mechanical ventilation in flammable vapor areas shall be operated and maintained to prevent the dangerous accumulation of vapors. Where required by the applicable building code, the failure of any ventilating fan shall automatically stop the dipping conveyor system.

9. Change Section 2405.9.1 to read:

2405.9.1 Location. Unless otherwise required by the applicable building code, tanks shall be located as far as practical from furnaces and shall not be located on or near combustible floors.

10. Change Section 2405.9.2 to read:

2405.9.2 Hoods. Unless otherwise required by the applicable building code, tanks shall be operated only with a noncombustible hood and vent or other approved venting means, terminating outside of the structure to serve as a vent in case of a fire. Such vent ducts shall be treated as flues, and proper clearances shall be maintained from combustible materials.

11. Change Section 2405.9.3 to read:

2405.9.3 Alarms. Tanks shall be operated with a high-temperature-limit switch maintained to sound an alarm when the temperature of the quenching medium reaches 50°F (10°C) below the flash point or other approved level as required by the applicable building code.

12. Change Section 2405.9.4 to read:

2405.9.4 Fire protection. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, hardening and tempering tanks greater than 500 gallons (1893 L) in capacity or 25 square feet (2.3 m²) in liquid surface area shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system maintained in accordance with Chapter 9.

13. Change Section 2405.10.1 to read:

2405.10.1 Paint supply. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, paint operations shall be supplied by a gravity tank not exceeding 10 gallons (38 L) in capacity or by direct low-pressure pumps arranged to shut down automatically in case of a fire by means of approved heat-actuated devices in accordance with the applicable building code.

14. Change Section 2405.11 to read:

2405.11 Roll-coating operations. Roll-coating operations shall comply with Section 2405.10. In roll-coating operations utilizing flammable or combustible liquids, sparks from static electricity shall be prevented by electrically bonding and grounding all metallic rotating and other parts of machinery and equipment and by the installation of static collectors or by maintaining a conductive atmosphere such as a high relative humidity.

E. The following changes shall be made to Section 2406, Powder Coating:

1. Change Section 2406.2 to read:

2406.2 Location. Powder coating operations shall be conducted in enclosed powder coating rooms, enclosed powder coating facilities that are ventilated, or ventilated spray booths and in accordance with applicable building code.

2. Change Section 2406.3 to read:

2406.3 Construction of powder coating rooms and booths. The design and construction of powder coating rooms shall be in accordance with the applicable building code. Spray booths shall be constructed in accordance with Section 2404.3.3.

Exception: Listed spray-booth assemblies that are constructed of other materials shall be allowed.

3. Change Section 2406.4 to read:

2406.4 Fire protection. Where required by the applicable building code, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 9.

4. Delete Section 2406.4.1.

5. Change Section 2406.6.4 to read:

2406.6.4 Grounding and bonding. Precautions shall be taken to minimize the possibility of ignition by static electrical sparks through static bonding and grounding of powder transport, application, and recovery equipment where possible.

6. Change Section 2406.7 to read:

2406.7 Ventilation. Exhaust ventilation shall be sufficient to maintain the atmosphere below one-half the minimum explosive concentration for the material being applied. Nondeposited, air-suspended powders shall be removed through exhaust ducts to the powder recovery system.

F. The following changes shall be made to Section 2407, Electrostatic Apparatus:

1. Change Section 2407.2 to read:

2407.2 Location and clear space. A space of at least twice the sparking distance shall be maintained between goods being painted or deteared and electrodes, electrostatic atomizing heads, or conductors. A sign stating the sparking distance shall be conspicuously posted near the assembly.

Exception: Portable electrostatic paint-spraying apparatus listed for use in Class I, Division 1 locations.

2. Change Section 2407.3 to read:

2407.3 Construction of equipment. Electrodes and electrostatic atomizing heads shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code. Portable electrostatic paint-spraying apparatus shall be listed for use in Class I, Division 1 locations.

3. Change Section 2407.3.1 to read:

2407.3.1 Barriers. Booths, fencing, railings, or guards shall be maintained about the equipment so that either by their location, character, or both, isolation of the process is maintained from plant storage and personnel. Railings, fencing, and guards shall be of conductive material, adequately grounded, and at least five feet (1524 mm) from processing equipment in accordance with the applicable building code.

Exception: Portable electrostatic paint-spraying apparatus listed for use in Class I, Division 1 locations.

4. Change Section 2407.4 to read:

2407.4 Fire protection. Approved automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 9.

5. Change Section 2407.4.1 to read:

2407.4.1 Protection for automated liquid electrostatic spray application equipment. Where required by the applicable building code, automated liquid electrostatic spray application equipment shall maintain an approved supervised flame detection apparatus that shall, in the event of ignition, react to the presence of flame and shall accomplish all of the following if required by the applicable building code:

1. Activation of a local alarm in the vicinity of the spraying operation and activation of the building alarm system if such a system is provided.

2. Shutting down of the coating material delivery system.

3. Termination of all spray application operations.

4. Stopping of conveyors into and out of the flammable vapor areas.

5. Disconnection of power to the high-voltage elements in the flammable vapor areas and disconnection of power to the system.

6. Change Section 2407.7 to read:

2407.7 Ventilation. Ventilation provided for flammable vapor areas shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

7. Change Section 2407.8 to read:

2407.8 Emergency shutdown. Where emergency shutdowns are required by the applicable building code, such devices shall be maintained with automatic controls operating without time delay to disconnect the power supply to the high-voltage transformer and signal the operator under any of the following conditions unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code:

1. Stoppage of ventilating fans or failure of ventilating equipment from any cause.

2. Stoppage of the conveyor carrying articles past the high-voltage grid.

3. Occurrence of a ground or an imminent ground at any point of the high-voltage system.

4. Reduction of clearance below that required in Section 2407.2.

8. Change Section 2407.9 to read:

2407.9 Ventilation interlock. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, hand electrostatic equipment shall be maintained as interlocked with the ventilation system for the spraying area so that the equipment cannot be operated unless the ventilating system is in operation.

G. The following change shall be made to Section 2408, Organic Peroxides and Dual-Component Coatings:

Change Section 2408.2 to read:

2408.2 Use of organic peroxide coatings. Unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code, spraying operations involving the use of organic peroxides and other dual-component coatings shall be conducted in approved, sprinklered spray booths complying with the applicable building code.

H. The following changes shall be made to Section 2409, Indoor Manufacturing of Reinforced Plastics:

1. Change Section 2409.3 to read:

2409.3 Fire protection. Where required by the applicable building code, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 9.

2. Change Section 2409.6 to read:

2409.6 Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation shall be maintained throughout resin application areas in accordance with 2404.7 and the applicable building code. The ventilation rate shall be adequate to maintain the concentration of flammable vapors in the resin application area at or below 25% of the LFL unless otherwise permitted by the applicable building code.

Exception: Mechanical ventilation is not required for buildings that have 75% of the perimeter unenclosed.

3. Change Section 2409.6.1 to read:

2409.6.1 Local ventilation. Local ventilation shall be provided inside of work-pieces where personnel will be under or inside of the work-piece.