California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders
Group 20 - Flammable Liquids, Gases and Vapors
Article 137 - Spray Coating Operations
Section 5451 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids-Storage and Handling

(a) The storage of flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4°F (93°C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) in connection with spraying operations shall conform to the requirements of Article 141, where applicable.

(b) Bulk storage of flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4°F (93°C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) shall be in a separate, properly constructed building detached from other important buildings or cut off from them by construction having at least one-hour fire resistance rating.

NOTE: Lesser quantities of flammable or combustible liquids may be stored for use within a building under conditions meeting the other provisions of this section.

(c) The quantity of flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4°F (93°C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) kept in the vicinity of spraying operations shall be the minimum required for operations and shall not exceed a supply for 1 day or one shift.

(d) Original closed containers, approved portable tanks, approved safety cans, or a properly arranged system of piping shall be used for transporting flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4°F (93°C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids). Open or glass containers shall not be used for transportation or storage.

(e) The withdrawal of flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) from containers and the filling of containers, including portable mixing tanks, shall be done only in a suitable mixing room or in a spraying area when the ventilating system is in operation. Precautions shall be taken to protect against liquid spillage and sources of ignition.

(f) Except as provided in (h), the withdrawal of flammable liquids and liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) from containers having a capacity of greater than 60 gallons shall be by approved pumps.

(g) Containers supplying spray nozzles shall be of closed type or provided with metal covers kept closed. Containers not resting on floors shall be on substantial supports or suspended by wire cables. Containers supplying spray nozzles by gravity flow shall not exceed 10 gallons capacity.

(h) Original shipping containers shall not be subjected to air pressure for supplying spray nozzles. Pressure vessels supplying spray nozzles shall be of limited capacity, not exceeding that necessary for one day's operation; shall be designed and approved for such use; shall be provided with a visible pressure gauge; and shall be provided with a relief valve; all in conformance with the Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders.

(i) Containers under pressure supplying spray nozzles, air storage tanks and coolers shall conform to the standards of the Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders for construction, tests and maintenance.

(j) All containers or piping to which is attached a hose or flexible connection shall be provided with a shutoff valve at the connection. Such valves shall be kept shut when spraying operations are not being conducted.

EXCEPTION: When a circulating system is used and it is provided with an automatically operated anti-runaway control.

(k) When a pump is used to deliver products, automatic means shall be provided to prevent pressure in excess of the design working pressure of accessories, piping and hose.

(l) All pressure hose and couplings shall be inspected at regular intervals appropriate to the service. With the hose extended, the hose and couplings shall be tested using the "in service maximum operating pressures." Any hose showing material deteriorations, signs of leakage or weakness in its carcass or at the couplings shall be withdrawn from service.

(m) Unless flammable and combustible liquid piping, hose and equipment have been designed to meet the requirements of high pressure processes (those employing pressures in excess of 100 psig) such equipment shall not be used for this purpose.

(n) If flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4°F (93°C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) are supplied to spray nozzles by positive displacement pumps, the pump discharge line shall be provided with an approved relief valve discharging to a safe detached location, or a device provided to stop the prime mover if the discharge pressure exceeds the safe operating pressure of the system.

(o) Piping systems conveying flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4°F (93°C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) shall be of steel or other material having comparable properties of resistance to heat and physical damage; they shall be so installed that a rupture of the system for any reason is unlikely. Piping systems shall be properly bonded and grounded.

(p) Whenever flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4°F (93°C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) are transferred from one container to another, both containers shall be effectively bonded and grounded to dissipate static electricity.

(q) If a spray liquid heater is used, it shall be low-pressure, steam or hot water type, or electric. If electric, it shall be approved and listed for the specific location in which it is used. (See Section 5449.) Heaters shall not be located in spray booths nor other locations subject to the accumulation of deposits or combustible residue. Agitators, if used, shall be driven by compressed air, water, or low-pressure steam, or electric. If powered by an electric motor, the motor shall conform to the requirements of Section 5449.