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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJPZ - 11/15/1995 - BLD & FIRE PREV CODES VARIANCE/393 KENT ST JPZ COMMITTEE MEETING NOVEMBER 15, 1995 7:30 P.M. PRESENT: Paul Rettberg, Chairman Nancy Czarnik ABSENT: James Petri STAFF: James D. MacArthur, Fire Chief Michael Lackman, Assistant Fire Chief OTHERS: Tom Constantino, Electro Painters REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDING AND FIRE PREVENTION CODES - ELECTRO PAINTERS 393 KENT STREET Chairman Rettberg called the meting to order at 7:35 p.m. and requested that Tom Constantino open the meeting with his comments to be followed with comments from the Fire Department. Constantino stated that he had sent information to the Fire Department on the type of flammable liquid storage cabinets that they would like to purchase but were waiting for a response from the Fire Department before they committed to purchase. If they are found acceptable by the Fire Department they can purchase the cabinets immediately. Constantino distributed a letter to the JPZ Committee with an attached "action plan" on how they propose to comply with Village code in respect to their spray painting application process. The letter and action plan had not been reviewed by the Fire Department prior to this meeting. Time was spent reviewing the provisions of the documents by those present. Official review and comments will be provided upon thorough review by staff. Constantino outlined the contents of his request letter to the JPZ Committee and elaborated on the provisions of the National Fire Protection Association's Standard for the Application of Spray Finishes - Standard 33, 1995 Edition, Appendix A-1.1. Constantino stated that the purpose of the standard is to control the amount of overspray during normal spraying operations. Page 1 Constantino admitted to the presence of vapors from the spray painting operations. He pointed out that studies conducted for Electro Painters indicate that the when spraying, the lower explosive limit (LEL) ranged from 1 to 5%. Constantino stated that a standard building ventilation system was adequate for this level due to the lack of overspray and residue from their process. However, Constantino is willing to install an additional ventilation system by an HVAC contractor. Electro Painters is also committed to limiting paint application to 10 gals/day between 4:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. Constantino's stated that he felt the unique process utilized by Electro Painters has been unfairly associated with the rest of the spray industry. Constantino also stated that because the Ransberg #2 gun is not specifically mentioned by the standard, a variance from NFPA standards is appropriate. Chairman Rettberg stated that NFPA 33 - 1995 edition, has not been adopted by the Village and it is his understanding that their use was not occasional or intermittent as stated by the NFPA 33. Constantino acknowledged that their spraying is done on more than an occasional basis and that the Fire Department is trying to be as safe and risk free as possible.. Flammable liquids storage as presented in the action plan was addressed by Assistant Chief Lackman. He expressed concern over the size and quantities of the cabinets that Electro Painters are proposing. In addition Lackman stated that the amount of potential materials capable of being stored in the building would require a two (2) hour rated room. Constantino explained that the size of the cabinets was based on the quantities of the cans needed to be stored (as each one (1) gallon can contains only one-half gallon of product), not on the total quantities of flammable/combustible product itself. Even though the cabinets would have the capacity to store 120 gallons, the actual quantity would be 60 gallons as the cans are only half full when stored. Assistant Chief Lackman agreed that if Electro Painters would stipulate in writing that the quantities would not exceed 60 gallons per cabinet, it would be acceptable to the Fire Department. With a tentative agreement reached, Chairman Rettberg stated that based on what he heard the storage issue could be resolved between Electro Painters and the Fire Department. In terms of spray painting safety, Assistant Chief Lackman explained the process of spray painting and what would be required in a "spray area" (vs. a spray booth) in terms of ventilation and electrical (explosion proof)wiring. Lackman continued to explain that when he had visited the facility in the past he found odors present upon entering the building. This is indication that a vapor control problem exists. Further investigation at the time revealed that the solvent odors came from liquids handling and recent spray painting at the rear of the building which prompted the enforcement action. Upon further discussion, it was the consensus of the Committee, based upon the data presented to date that the variance request should be denied. The Committee has considered the petitioner's variance request in depth at lengthy sessions on September 28, 1995, and November 15, 1995. The petitioner's present operation appears to violate our existing fire protection codes and the limited remedial measures proposed by Electro Painters do not justify a variance in view Page 2 of the potential hazard. Further, Chairman Rettberg expressed disappointment that an acceptable plan had not been submitted to the Fire Department prior to this meeting as the petitioner had agreed to on September 28, 1995. The meeting ended at 9:20 p.m. C: Chairperson and Members of JPZ Committee, President and Board of Trustees, Village Clerk, Village Manager, Assistant Village Manager, Administrative Assistant, Administrative Intern, Director of Engineering and Community Development, Director of Public Works, Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief (2), Assistant Fire Chief, Village Attorney Page 3