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.

502.7.6 Powder coating.

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

502.7.7 Floor resurfacing operations.

To prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors during floor resurfacing operations, mechanical ventilation at a minimum rate of 1 cfm/ft 2 (0.00508 m 3 /(s • m 2 )) of area being finished shall be provided. Such exhaust shall be by approved temporary or portable means. Vapors shall be exhausted to the exterior of the building. Such exhaust equipment shall be kept in operation while the floor finishing operations are conducted and until any flammable vapors have been exhausted to the exterior of the building.

502.7.8 Resin application areas.

Exhaust ventilation for resin application areas shall comply with Section 502.7.3.

   Exception: Mechanical ventilation is not required for buildings that are unenclosed for at least 75 percent of the perimeter.