Subpart G
This section covers painting operations tied to maintenance at marine terminals and to transient equipment serviced there. See the Scope in 1917.153(a) for the exact coverage.
A "spraying area" is any area where flammable vapors, mists, or combustible residues, dusts or deposits may be present because of paint spraying operations. Identifying a spraying area matters because many protective rules (electrical equipment, ventilation, housekeeping) apply specifically to these areas; see Spraying area definition 1917.153(b)(1).
A "spray booth" is an enclosure that contains a flammable or combustible spraying operation and limits the escape of paint, vapor and residue by means of a powered exhaust system. The key difference is that a spray booth is an enclosed, ventilated structure specifically designed to confine the spray, while a spraying area may be any space where spray operations create hazardous residues or vapors. See Spray booth definition 1917.153(b)(2).
For this section, "approved" means the equipment has been approved for the specific use by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Use only equipment that meets that approval for the applicable tasks; see Definition of approved 1917.153(b)(3).
Shut-off valves at connections must be closed when not in use. Close valves on containers or piping with attached hoses or flexible connections to reduce leaks and accidental releases; see 1917.153(c)(1).
Pumps used to transfer paint supplies must have automatic pressure-relieving devices to prevent overpressure and reduce the risk of hose or equipment failure; see 1917.153(c)(2).
Hoses and couplings must be inspected before use, and any hose showing deterioration, leakage or weakness in the carcass or couplings must be removed from service. Inspect before each job and take out-of-condition hoses out of use immediately; see 1917.153(c)(3).
No. Open flame or spark-producing equipment must not be within 20 feet of a spraying area unless separated by a fire-retardant partition. Keep ignition sources well away or use approved partitions; see 1917.153(c)(4)(i).
Hot surfaces must not be located in spraying areas because they can ignite flammable vapors or residues. Keep heat sources out of spraying zones; see 1917.153(c)(4)(ii).
Where combustible residues may accumulate on electrical installations, wiring must be in rigid conduit or in boxes with no taps, splices, or connections. This reduces ignition risk from deposits; see 1917.153(c)(4)(iii).
No. Portable electric lights must not be used during spraying operations. Lighting used during cleaning or repairing must be approved for the location where they are used; see 1917.153(c)(4)(iv).
Both containers must be bonded and grounded during transfer of flammable or combustible liquids to prevent static buildup and sparks that could ignite vapors. Always bond and ground both source and receiving containers during transfers; see 1917.153(c)(5).
Spraying is allowed only in designated spray booths or designated spraying areas. Do not spray outside of those designated spaces; see 1917.153(c)(6)(i).
Spraying areas must be kept as free from combustible residue accumulations as practicable, and residue scrapings, debris, rags, and waste shall be removed from the spraying area as they accumulate. Regular cleanup prevents fuel for fires and reduces ignition risk; see 1917.153(c)(6)(ii)–(iii).
Spraying organic peroxides and other dual-component coatings must only be done in sprinkler-equipped spray booths because these materials can present special fire hazards. Use a sprinkler-equipped booth for these coatings; see 1917.153(c)(7).
Only the quantity required for the operation is allowed in the spraying area, and in no case shall the amount exceed a one-day supply. Limit on-site quantities to reduce the risk of a large spill or fire; see 1917.153(c)(8).
Smoking is prohibited in spraying and paint storage areas, and "No Smoking" signs must be posted in those areas. Post signs and enforce the ban to eliminate ignition sources; see 1917.153(c)(9).
Distribution or baffle plates must be noncombustible, removable or accessible for cleaning, and must not be located in exhaust ducts. Use noncombustible, serviceable plates for safe airflow and cleaning; see 1917.153(d)(1).
Discarded filters must be removed from the work area or placed in water, filters should not be used when the sprayed material is highly susceptible to spontaneous heating and ignition, and filters must be noncombustible or approved type; also, the same filter must not be reused for different coatings if the combination could spontaneously ignite. Handle, store, and select filters to avoid fires or spontaneous ignition; see 1917.153(d)(2)–(4).
Spraying areas must be mechanically ventilated to remove flammable and combustible vapor and mist, and the mechanical ventilation must operate during spraying and long enough afterward to exhaust hazardous vapor concentrations. Keep ventilation running during operations and for a sufficient cleanup period afterward; see 1917.153(d)(5)–(6).
Rotating fan elements must be nonsparking or their casing must be made of or lined with nonsparking material to prevent ignition of flammable vapors. Use nonsparking fans or protective casings in spray ventilation; see 1917.153(d)(7).
Piping systems conveying flammable or combustible liquids to the spraying booth or area must be made of metal and be both bonded and grounded to avoid static charge and reduce ignition risk. Use bonded, grounded metal piping for supply lines; see 1917.153(d)(8).
No. Air exhausted from spray operations must not contaminate makeup air or other ventilation intakes, and exhausted air must not be recirculated unless it is first cleaned of hazardous contaminants. Keep contaminated exhaust separate or clean it before recirculation; see 1917.153(d)(9).
Use original closed containers, approved portable tanks, approved safety cans, or a piping system to bring flammable or combustible liquids into spraying areas. Avoid open or improvised containers that increase spill or vapor risks; see 1917.153(d)(10).
If positive displacement pumps supply flammable liquids, the pump discharge line must have a relief valve discharging to a pump section or detached location, or the line must have a device to stop the prime mover when discharge pressure exceeds the system's safe operating pressure. Install pressure-relief or automatic shutdown protections on pump discharge lines; see 1917.153(d)(11).
Wiring, motors and equipment inside a spray booth must be approved explosion-proof type for Class I, Group D locations and conform to subpart S of Part 1910 for Class I, Division 1 hazardous locations; equipment within 20 feet of interior spraying areas not separated by vapor-tight partitions must not produce sparks and must meet subpart S requirements for Class I, Division 2 locations. Use appropriately classified explosion-resistant or non-sparking equipment as required; see 1917.153(d)(12) and refer to 1910.307 for electrical hazardous-location guidance.
Outside electrical lights within 10 feet of spraying areas and not separated by partitions must be enclosed and protected from damage to avoid sparks or breakage that could ignite vapors. Use enclosed fixtures or protective guards for nearby outdoor lighting; see 1917.153(d)(13).
Spray booths must be substantially constructed of noncombustible material and have smooth interior surfaces; booth floors must be covered with noncombustible material. Paper may be used temporarily on the floor during painting but must be removed afterward. Build booths from noncombustible materials and maintain smooth, cleanable interiors; see 1917.153(e)(1).
Spray booths must be separated from other operations by at least 3 feet or by fire-retardant partitions, and a space of at least 3 feet on all sides of the booth must be kept free of storage or combustible materials. Keep a 3-foot clearance around booths to reduce fire spread and allow safe access; see 1917.153(e)(2)–(3).
Metal parts of spray booths, exhaust ducts, piping, airless high-pressure spray guns, and conductive objects being sprayed must be grounded to prevent static buildup and reduce ignition risk. Ensure all listed metal components have proper grounding connections; see 1917.153(e)(4).
Electric motors driving exhaust fans must not be located inside booths or ducts, and belts must not enter ducts or booths unless the belts are completely enclosed. Keep motors out of the booth/duct space and enclose any belt drives that enter those spaces; see 1917.153(e)(5)–(6).
Exhaust ducts must be made of steel, have sufficient access doors for cleaning, and maintain a minimum clearance of 18 inches from combustible materials; any installed dampers must be fully opened when the ventilating system is operating. Use steel ducts with cleaning access and keep the required 18-inch clearance; see 1917.153(e)(7).
Mechanical ventilation must run during spraying operations and long enough after spraying stops to exhaust hazardous vapor concentrations. The exact time depends on the booth size, ventilation rate, and materials used, but ventilation must continue until vapor concentrations are reduced to safe levels; see 1917.153(d)(5)–(6).
You must not use the same filter when spraying different coating materials if the combination of materials may spontaneously ignite. Use noncombustible or approved filters and change them when mixing materials could create an ignition hazard; see 1917.153(d)(4).
Post "No Smoking" signs in spraying and paint storage areas and keep at least 3 feet on all sides of spray booths free of storage or combustible materials. Signage and clear zones help prevent accidental ignition and allow safe operations; see 1917.153(c)(9) and 1917.153(e)(3).
You should consult subpart S of Part 1910 for hazardous location electrical requirements and use explosion-proof or otherwise approved equipment as specified — for example, see 1917.153(d)(12) and the hazardous-location guidance at 1910.307.