NFPA 34

Abstract

This standard shall apply to dipping, roll coating, flow coating, curtain coating, printing, cleaning, and similar processes, hereinafter referred to as “coating processes” or “processes,” in which articles or materials are passed through tanks, vats, or containers, or passed over rollers, drums, or other process equipment that contain flammable or combustible liquids.  This standard shall also apply to cleaning processes that utilize a solvent vapor, such as vapor degreasing processes.  This standard shall also apply to processes that use waterborne, water-based, and water-reducible materials that contain flammable or combustible liquids or that produce combustible deposits or residues.  This standard shall not apply to processes that use only noncombustible liquids for processing and cleaning. This standard shall also not apply to processes that use only Class IIIB liquids for processing or cleaning, provided the liquids or mixtures thereof maintain their Class IIIB classification at their point of use.  This standard shall not apply to processes that use a liquid that does not have a fire point when tested in accordance with ASTM D92, Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup, up to the boiling point of the liquid or up to a temperature at which the sample being tested shows an obvious physical change.  This standard shall not apply to fluidized bed powder application. (See Chapter 15 of NFPA 33.)  Purpose. The purpose of this standard shall be to provide requirements for fire safety for dipping, coating, and printing processes that use flammable or combustible liquids. Given that this standard anticipates conditions of average use, the authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to require additional safeguards or modifications to the requirements of this standard where unusual industrial processes are involved, provided equivalent safety is achieved.  The purpose of this standard shall be to address only the fire and explosion hazards of dipping, coating, and printing processes and operations. This standard shall not address toxicity or industrial hygiene.