502.7.3.3.1 Open face or open front spray booth.

For spray application operations conducted in an open face or open front spray booth, the ventilation system shall be designed, installed and maintained so that the average air velocity into the spray booth through all openings is not less than 100 feet per minute (0.51 m/s).

   Exception: For fixed or automated electrostatic spray application equipment, the average air velocity into the spray booth through all openings shall be not less than 50 feet per minute (0.25 m/s).

502.7.3.3.2 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 designed, installed and maintained so that the average air velocity into the spray booth through openings is not less than 100 feet per minute (0.51 m/s). For occupied spray booths and occupied spray rooms, the air velocity at the point of application shall not be less than 100 feet per minute (0.51 m/s).

   Exceptions:

      1.   For fixed or automated electrostatic spray application equipment, the average air velocity into the spray booth through all openings shall be not less than 50 feet per minute (0.25 m/s).

      2.   Where methods are used to reduce cross drafts that can draw vapors and overspray through openings from the spray booth or spray room, the average air velocity into the spray booth or spray room shall be that necessary to capture and confine vapors and overspray to the spray booth or spray room.

502.7.3.4 Ventilation obstruction.

Articles being sprayed shall be positioned in a manner that does not obstruct collection of overspray.

502.7.3.5 Independent ducts.

Each spray booth and spray room shall have an independent exhaust duct system discharging to the outdoors.

   Exceptions: 

      1.   Multiple spray booths having a combined frontal area of 18 square feet (1.67 m 2 ) or less are allowed to have a common exhaust where identical spray-finishing material is used in each booth. If more than one fan serves one booth, such fans shall be interconnected so that all fans operate simultaneously.

      2.   Where treatment of exhaust is necessary for air pollution control or energy conservation, ducts shall be allowed to be manifolded if all of the following conditions are met:

         2.1.   The sprayed materials used are compatible and will not react or cause ignition of the residue in the ducts.

         2.2.   Nitrocellulose-based finishing material shall not be used.

         2.3.   A filtering system shall be provided to reduce the amount of overspray carried into the duct manifold.

         2.4.   Automatic sprinkler protection shall be provided at the junction of each booth exhaust with the manifold, in addition to the protection required by this chapter.

502.7.3.6 Fan motors and belts.

Electric motors driving exhaust fans shall not be placed inside booths or ducts. 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.

502.7.4 Dipping operations.

Flammable vapor areas of dip tank operations shall be provided with mechanical ventilation adequate to prevent the dangerous accumulation of vapors. Required ventilation systems shall be so arranged that the failure of any ventilating fan will automatically stop the dipping conveyor system.

502.7.5 Electrostatic apparatus.

The flammable vapor area in spray-finishing operations involving electrostatic apparatus and devices shall be ventilated in accordance with Section 502.7.3.