Committee on NFPA 32 · 2015-12-11 · Committee on NFPA 32 . M E M O R A N D U M . TO: NFPA Technical Committee on Textile and Garment . Care Processes. FROM: Patti Mucci, Technical

Committee on NFPA 32

M E M O R A N D U M

TO: NFPA Technical Committee on Textile and Garment Care Processes

FROM: Patti Mucci, Technical Assistant II

DATE: September 9, 2009

SUBJECT: NFPA ROP Letter Ballot

The ROP letter ballot for NFPA 32 is attached. The ballot is for formally voting on

whether or not you concur with the committee’s actions on the proposals. Reasons must

accompany all negative and abstention ballots.

Please do not vote negatively because of editorial errors. However, please bring such

errors to my attention for action.

Please complete and return your ballot as soon as possible, but no later than Wednesday, September 23, 2009. As noted on the ballot form, please return the ballot to Patti Mucci

either via e-mail to [email protected] or via fax to 617-984-7110. You may also mail

your ballot to the attention of Patti Mucci at NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA

02169.

The return of ballots is required by the Regulations Governing Committee Projects.

Attachment: Proposals

Report on Proposals – November 2010 NFPA 32_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-1 Log #CP2

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Technical Committee on Textile and Garment Care Processes,

Review entire document to:1) Update any extracted material by preparing separate proposals to do so, and2) review and update references to other organizations documents, by preparing proposal(s) as follows:NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 edition.NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, 2008 edition.NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2010 edition.NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2008

edition.NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2008 edition.NFPA 55, Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code, 2010 edition.NFPA 69, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems, 2008 edition.NFPA 70, National Electrical Code®, 2008 edition.NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery, 2007 edition.NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, 2009 edition.NFPA 91, Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate

Solids, 2010 edition.NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, 2009 edition.NFPA 326, Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair, 2005 edition.NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, 2010 edition.NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 2008 edition.NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®, 2009 edition.2. Update the following publications.2.3 Other Publications.2.3.1 ASME Publications. American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990.

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 2007.ANSI/ASME B31.1, Power Piping, 2004.

2.3.2 ASTM Publications. American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959.

ASTM D 323, Standard Method of Test for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method), 2006.2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.

NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2008 edition.NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2011 edition.NFPA 70, National Electrical Code®, 2008 edition.NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities, 2005 edition.

The Committee made the necessary changes to conform to the NFPA Regulations GoverningCommittee Projects for both of these recommendations.

1. See Committee proposal 32-3 (Log #CP16) for action on updating extracted material.2. Use the updated editions in the recommendation for the proposal.

1. See Committee proposal 32-3 (Log #CP16) for justification on updating extracted material.2. The Committee made the necessary changes to conform to the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects.

1Printed on 9/9/2009



1. Add new definition 3.3.x for Wet Cleaning to read as follows:3.3.x Wet Cleaning. For the purposes of this standard, wet cleaning is a laundry process.2. Add a new definition 3.3.x of Laundry Dryer to read:3.3.x Laundry Dryer. Any equipment in which water-cleaned textiles are tumbled, agitated, and dried or deodorized

while heated air circulates through the load to remove the water.3. Add a new definition 3.3.x of Laundry to read:3.3.x Laundry (Wet Cleaning). The process of removing dirt and soil from items such as wearing apparel, textiles,

fabrics, and rugs by the use of water and additives.The Committee added definitions that are essential to the effective use of the standard and to give

guidance to users of Chapter 10 with respect to laundry equipment.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-3 Log #CP16


1. Update the following existing definitions with the newer one from the 2009 edition of NFPA 30.3.3.9* Flammable Liquid. Any liquid that has a closed-cup flash point below 100°F (37.8°C), as determined by the test

procedures and apparatus set forth in Section 4.4, and a Reid vapor pressure that does not exceed an absolutepressure of 40 psi (276 kPa) at 100°F (37.8°C), as determined by ASTM D 323, Standard Test Method for VaporPressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method). Flammable liquids are classified according to Section 4.3. [30, 2008]A.3.3.9 Flammable Liquid. For the purposes of this standard, a material with a Reid vapor pressure greater than an

absolute pressure of 40 psi (276 kPa) is considered to be a gas and is, therefore, not within the scope of NFPA 30. SeeNFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. [30, 2008]3.3.10* Flash Point. The minimum temperature of a liquid at which sufficient vapor is given off to form an ignitible

mixture with the air, near the surface of the liquid or within the vessel used, as determined by the appropriate testprocedure and apparatus specified in Section 4.4. [30, 2008]2. Update the cross-references in the following locations.7.4.1.1 Tanks shall be constructed in accordance with 21.4.2, Design Standards, of NFPA 30, Flammable and

Combustible Liquids Code.7.4.1.2 Tanks shall be installed in accordance with 22.5.1, Design of Tank Supports, and 22.5.2, Foundation for and

Anchoring of Tanks, of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.A.3.3.2 Combustible Liquid. The flash point results can vary based on the test method used. The flash point is to be

determined by the test procedures and apparatus set forth in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 4.4.A.3.3.9 Flammable Liquid. The flash point results can vary based on the method used. The flash point is to be

determined by the test procedures and apparatus set forth in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 4.4.Compliance with the NFPA Regulations Governing Committee Projects.




In Section 3.3.16.5, change "nonflammable" to "noncombustible".None given.

See Committee Action on proposal 32-5 (Log #CP3).The Committee proposed a revised definition for Class IV solvents that preempts the need for

making the recommended change in this proposal.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-5 Log #CP3


Revise existing definition for 3.3.16.5 Class IV Solvents to read as follows:3.3.16.5 Class IV Solvents. Liquids not having a flash point when tested to ASTM D56, Test Method for Flash Point by

Tag Closed Tester or ASTM D93, Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky–Martens Closed Cup Tester.A.3.3.16.5 Class IV Solvents include but are not limited to perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, liquid CO2, or water,

etc.The Committee tried to identify the tests that should be used to determine when a Class IV Solvent

dry-cleaning solvent is determined to be nonflammable or noncombustible. The Committee wants to direct AHJs to thecorrect test methods to apply for the safe use of Class IV Solvents.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-6 Log #3

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Eddie Phillips, Southern Regional Fire Code Development Committee

Revise text to read as follows:New and existing Type I drycleaning plants or systems shall be prohibited.

The current retroactive provision does not clearly state that Type I plants or systems are not permitted.The proposed language clarifies that no new or existing Type I plants or systems are permitted. Clarifies the originalintent of the standard.

The Committee believes the existing wording in NFPA 32 is adequate to maintain theestablished prohibition on Type I drycleaning plants or systems, since this prohibition has been in the document for over60 years. The Committee is not aware of any new or existing installations of Type I drycleaning plants or systems in thelast 60 years. The Committee has not provided any provisions for Type I drycleaning plants or systems because of theestablished prohibition.




1. Delete existing 4.2.1.4.2.2. Revise existing 4.2.1.4.1 to read as follows:4.2.1.4.1 Dry-cleaning conducted by the general public shall be prohibited.

The Committee wants to recognize that coin-operated dry-cleaning operations are no longer permittedby federal regulations and are no longer consistent with good health, safety and environmental stewardship practices.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-8 Log #CP7


Revise existing 4.2.3 to read as follows:4.2.3* Employee Training. All employees shall be informed of the hazards of the processes employed in the plant and

shall be trained in the proper storage, handling, use, and disposal of materials and wastes.The Committee revisions make the document more consistent with OSHA's recommended safety

practices.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-9 Log #1

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jon Nisja, Northcentral Regional Fire Code Development Committee

Revise text to read as follows:To ensure the reliable operation of steam or other extinguishing systems,

periodic inspection of all valves and piping shall be made.Except for approved steam injection extinguishing systems, automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be

periodically inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the applicable reference standard and themanufacturers' operation and maintenance procedures. Approved steam injection extinguishing systems shall beinspected at least annually in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or applicable sections of NFPA 25.

Built-in steam injection fire extinguishing systems must be inspected to ensure proper operation.Section 4.3.1 does not list specific inspection frequencies and is repetitive with section 4.6.3.1.2.

1. Revise existing text of 4.3.1 to read as follows:4.3.1 When directed by this standard, periodic inspection of all valves and piping shall be made to ensure the reliable

operation of steam or other extinguishing systems.2. Accept the submitter's proposed change to 4.6.3.1.2 renumbered as 4.6.3.1.3.

1. The Committee agreed to retain and revise 4.3.1 editorially because the Committeebelieves that it is still necessary for the safe operation of a drycleaning plant.2. The Committee agreed with the submitter's added reference to NFPA 25 for the maintenance frequency numbered

to be consistent with the NFPA Manual of Style.




Revise existing 4.3.2.1 to read as follows:4.3.2.1 Lint and refuse shall be removed from all collection devices daily, deposited in approved waste cans, and

disposed of safely.The Committee revised the existing text to emphasize that lint must be removed from all collection

devices to avoid potential hazards involving laundry and dry-cleaning machines.


Report on Proposals – November 2010 NFPA 32_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-11 Log #7

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Mindy Wang, Ampco Safety Tools

New text to read as follows:To add new text to read as follows:4.3.4.2 Spilled solvent or solvent drippings from transferred garments shall be cleaned up immediately. Eliminate

ignition sources. Use clean spark resistant tools to collect absorbed material.● NFPA 32 can better mitigate the flammability hazards by specifying the use of spark resistant tools.

Without this specification, steel tools are likely to be used which can be an ignition source.● NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations 2008 Edition, Chapter 5 Basic Fire Science Table 5.7.1.1

Reported Burning and Sparking Temperature of Selected Ignition Sources under Mechanical Sparks lists a Steel tooltemperature at 2550°F. When working with flammable gases, liquids or vapors, a potential hazard arises because of thepossibility that sparks produced by steel or iron tools can become an ignition source.● Recognizing the potential for steel tools to be an ignition source in flammable environment, the Occupational Safety

& Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidance in booklet 3080 Hand and Power Tools, 2002 revised, “iron andsteel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source around flammable substances. Where this hazardexists, spark-resistant tools should be used.”● Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) requires the use of “non-sparking” tools to handle spills or leaks for

flammable liquids – Guide 128 Flammable Liquids (Non-Polar/Water-Immiscible), Guide 130 Flammable Liquids(Non-Polar/Water-Immiscible/Noxious), Guide 131 Flammable Liquids – Toxic● Type II dry-cleaning room is a classified Class I, Division 2 hazardous location.● Manufacturers of dry cleaning solvents regularly require the use of “non-sparking” tools under Accidental Release

Measures section in the MSDS’s for their products. A few examples: Chevron Philips, CITGO, CSD, Kerr-McGeeChemical Corporation, Hi-Valley Chemical Inc. and J.T. Baker. A few documented accidents caused by frictional heat ormechanical spark:● OSHA inspection # 119775823, employee #1 was working on a solvent recovery system to recycle solvent

generated from a Flexographic printing process. As the spent solvent was poured into the system, sludge started to riseand a cloud of white smoke began to form. In closing the machine, the lid hit against the metal surface and generated aspark that ignited the solvent vapors. Employee #1's sustained second-degree burns to his upper right arm and wastaken to St. Luke's Hospital, where he was treated and released the same day.● OSHA inspection # 2272953, employees were assigned the job of tending a 100 gallon (water-jacket) reactor kettle

of methyl methacrylate in the mixing room. Employee #1 was standing between Kettle #1 and Kettle #2, preparing tocheck the viscosity of the liquid product, employee #2 was standing 5 feet south of employee #1, asking him how thebatch was progressing. Employee #1 used a metal wrench (Visegrips) to pry open the cover of kettle #1. The wrenchhandle struck the angle iron support for the agitator motor, producing a spark. Employee #2 noticed the spark, whichwas immediately followed by a massive “Fireball”. Employee #1 and #2 were engulfed in the fireball. No bonding orgrounding was used for the transfer of flammable liquids; nor were non-sparking tools provided.● OSHA inspection # 124728437, employee #1 and a coworker, both maintenance mechanics, were working in a 30 in.

by 36 in. manhole at a Space Age Fuel gas station in Gresham, OR. Employee #1 was trying to change a fuel pump,while the coworker watched from outside the manhole. Employee #1 was using an Allen wrench to loosen the bolts onthe fuel pump lead when he apparently created a spark that ignited the gas fumes in the manhole, causing an explosion.Employee #1 suffered burns to his face, hands, arms, and legs. He was transported to Emanuel Hospital for treatment.● OSHA inspection # 126072750, employee #1 and a coworker, of Pacific Resource Recovery, were cleaning sludge

and residual liquid from a tanker truck after 3,800 gallons of flammable liquid waste had been pumped from it intostorage tanks at a hazardous waste treatment facility. They were going to use the procedure developed by theemployer: a pressure washer to clear the walls of the tank, then a squeegee to push the remaining material to the backof the tank. They were standing atop the tanker truck trying to loosen the sludge with the pressure washer but there wasnot enough water pressure. Employee #1 asked the coworker to connect the water hose to another connection on theground that was adjacent to the tanker truck. While the coworker went to do this, Employee #1 began to clean the tankwith a squeegee. He was scraping the bottom of the tank when the material exploded into flames. He sustained multipletraumatic injuries and thermal burns. The squeegee being used was constructed with a 1 in. Teflon scraper base and a9 in. aluminum handle attached with seven iron bolts. The metal bolts could have created a spark if they had contactedthe sides of the tank.● OSHA inspection # 300965795, an employee in the process of cleaning loose material from drill piping with a metal


Report on Proposals – November 2010 NFPA 32hammer. While striking the pipe with a hammer, an explosion occurred. Employee was killed in the explosion on site.● Without the specification for spark resistant tools, steel tools are likely to be used which can be a source of ignition.

The Committee believes that the spill and leak prevention provisions in 4.3.3 and 4.3.4address the problem in lieu of requiring spark-resistant tools.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-12 Log #CP15


Delete existing subsection 4.4.2.2.The Committee deleted the subsection because it is not required for firesafety. Other regulations

address these types of occupancy issues.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-13 Log #4

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jim Muir, Washington County Building Services

Revise text as follows:4.4.3.2 Where located in the same building and in a room adjoining the drycleaning room, the boiler room shall be

separated by fire partitions barrier walls, in accordance with NFPA 5000, without openings, having a fire resistancerating of not less than 2 hours.

Note: This proposal was developed by the proponent as a member of the Building Code DevelopmentCommittee (BCDC) with the committee's endorsement.Section 4.4.3.2 requires that if boilers are not in a separate structure that they must be separated by 2 hour rated

partitions. It does not address termination of these walls, but the floor or roof and ceiling rating of the room must beone-hour per an earlier section. This proposal changes the term “fire partition” to “fire barrier wall”, which is a definedterm in NFPA 5000 and addressed in Section 8.4 of NFPA 5000. As currently written, there is no way of knowing how toconstruct “fire partition” since there is no definition for fire partition. The type of guidance that is needed is where or howthe “partition” meets the ceiling or floor assemblies. This proposal intends to provide guidance for these walls separatingboiler rooms.



_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jim Muir, Washington County Building Services / Rep. NFPA Building Code Development Committee

(BCDC)Revise text as follows:

4.4.4 Means of Egress. Means of egress shall conform with the provisions of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code or NFPA5000.

Note: This proposal was developed by the proponent as a member of the Building Code DevelopmentCommittee (BCDC) with the committee's endorsement.Section 4.4.4 specifies compliance with NFPA 101 for means of egress. NFPA 5000 is proposed to be added as an

additional reference. This alternative should be an option.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-15 Log #CP9


1. Delete existing 4.5.4.1.2. Revise existing 4.5.4.2 to read as follows:4.5.4.2 Where necessary to control the migration of spilled solvent, curbs, dikes, or a special drainage system to

control the spread of fire shall be provided, except in plants that have containment pans under the machine.1. The Committee deleted 4.5.4.1 because they believe that it is obsolete.

2. The Committee revised 4.5.4.2 to clarify that the requirement is focused on improvements in machine designs andmanagement practices.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-16 Log #CP12


Revise existing 6.1.1 to read as follows:6.1.1 All dry-cleaning machines and converted dry-cleaning equipment shall comply with the provisions of and be

listed to comply with this chapter.The Committee revised the requirement to be consistent with the intent of the chapter.



_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jim Muir, Washington County Building Services / Rep. NFPA Building Code Development Committee

(BCDC)Revise Section 6.2.1 as follows:

6.2.1 The transfer of solvent shall be through a closed-circuit piping system pipes.Also revise Section 7.4.2.1.1 as follows:7.4.2.1.1 The aboveground transfer of solvent between any tank or equipment shall flow through a closed circuits

piping system. Piping shall be composed of iron or steel piping or through and valves or and fittings shall be composedof brass or bronze.

Note: This proposal was developed by the proponent as a member of the Building Code DevelopmentCommittee (BCDC) with the committee's endorsement.This proposal does several things. First, it provides consistency within NFPA 32 with the use of the term “closed-circuit

piping system”. This term is also more consistent with the term defined in NFPA 5000, Section 3.3.641.2.1 for “closedsystem, use”.Also, this clarifies the provision as it applies to the composition of pipe and the composition required for valves and

fittings.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-18 Log #CP14


Renumber 6.3.4 Air-Bleeding Devices to 6.4 Air-Bleeding Devices.Renumber 6.3.5 Pressure Relief Devices to 6.3.4 Pressure Relief Devices.Renumber 6.4 Drycleaning Machines to 6.5 Drycleaning Machines.Renumber 6.5 Stills to 6.6 Stills.Renumber 6.6 Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems to 6.8 Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems.

Editorial renumbering of the sections for clarification of using the standard.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-19 Log #CP11


Revise existing 6.3.4.1 to read as follows:6.3.4.1 Pressure vessels shall be provided with an air-bleeding valve and line connected to discharge into a process

tank.The Committee revised the requirement to recognize the provisions of modern machine design and to

clarify that air-bleeding lines in a process must bleed to process tanks and not to storage tanks.




Revise, move, and renumber existing 6.3.5.1 and 6.3.5.2 as 6.3.4.1 and 6.3.4.2 to read as follows:6.3.4 Pressure Relief Devices.6.3.4.1 Filters shall be equipped with a pressure relief device that prevents the pressure within the filter from rising

more than 10 percent above the working pressure of the filter.6.3.4.2 The relief device shall not be smaller than 20 mm (¾ in.) pipe size and shall discharge into a process tank.

The Committee revised 6.3.5.2 to clarify that it is a general equipment requirement related to theprocess, therefore pressure relief devices should be connected to process tanks and not storage tanks. The Committeemoved the section to be more relevant for addressing filters.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-21 Log #2

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Jon Nisja, Northcentral Regional Fire Code Development Committee

Revise text to read as follows:Manually operated emergency ventilation for spills or leaks shall be installed to provide an air change every 5

minutes within 4.57 m (15 ft) of equipment using Class IV solvents. The switch for this ventilation equipment shall bereadily accessible, and clearly identified and in the path of egress.

The switch to operate the emergency ventilation should be near an exit so that the person using itdoes not have to travel through a potentially hazardous area to reach the switch.

The Committee notes that this is an editorial change of the word "the" to "a".

_______________________________________________________________________________________________32-22 Log #8

_______________________________________________________________________________________________Petra Klein, Forschungsinstitut Hohenstein

Revise text to read as follows:10.1 Dryers Temperature Control.Laundry dryers, as used in dry-cleaning plants, shall be equipped with safety controls to ensure proper temperature

and cool-down of textiles prior to the equipment being unloaded. The textiles must be cooled down properly in such away, that the risk of spontaneous combustion is safely eliminated.

During the last revision of NFPA 32 the committee TGC-AAA discussed how to integrate fire risks of alaundry into NFPA 32.Such an amendment should take care of the risk of spontaneous combustion and interaction of dry-cleaning and

laundry / laundry equipment.Our proposed text has to be discussed in the committee TGC-AAA for further improvement.

Editorial change of "must" to "shall."




Add new annex text for 3.3.16 Solvents to read as follows:Certain mixtures of flammable or combustible liquids and other substances, such as halogenated

hydrocarbons, either do not exhibit a flash point using the standard closed-cup test methods or will exhibit elevated flashpoints. However, if the other substance is the more volatile component, preferential evaporation of this component canresult in a liquid that does have a flash point or has a flash point that is lower than the original mixture. To evaluate thefire hazard of such mixtures, flash point tests should be conducted after fractional evaporation of 10, 20, 40, 60, or even90 percent of the original sample or other fractions representative of the conditions of use. In the event that theflammable or combustible liquid is a blend of substances having differing flash points, the flash point of each componentof the blend needs to be reported if there is a potential for the components to separate during normal operation.The appropriate test procedure and apparatus are as follows but are not limited to:(1) The flash point of liquids having a viscosity less than 45 SUS at 37.8°C (100°F) and a flash point below 93.4°C

(200°F) is determined in accordance with ASTM D 56, Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester.(2) The flash point of liquids having a viscosity of 45 SUS or more at 37.8°C (100°F) or a flash point of 93.4°C (200°F)

or higher is determined in accordance with ASTM D 93, Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky–MartensClosed Cup Tester.

The Committee has tried to identify the techniques that should be used to determine when a class ofsolvent is safe to be used in a particular dry-cleaning machine. The Committee wants to direct AHJs to the correct testmethods to apply for the safe use of solvents.


Documents

Committee on NFPA 32 · 2015-12-11 · Committee on NFPA 32 . M E M O R A N D U M . TO: NFPA Technical Committee on Textile and Garment . Care Processes. FROM: Patti Mucci, Technical