How Are Fire Hazards Controlled Through NFPA 33?

Paint booths act as a controlled area to spray pressurized paint. These booths may either be fully or semi-enclosed and always feature a strong ventilation system. While these booths are designed with fire prevention in mind, fires can always occur due to the flammable nature of certain paints. That’s why it’s important to invest in top-quality paint booth fire systems for protection.

Read on if you’re interested in learning more about paint booth fire protection and the requirements surrounding it.

NFPA 33

In many areas, including Texas, regulations require paint fire booth fire systems to fall in line with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 33. When it comes to spray booths, NFPA 33 says noncombustible materials should be used to construct all walls, doors and ceilings of the spray area. It’s also essential that spray booths stay separated from other company operations by a distance of at least 3 feet.

An easy way to meet the requirements of NFPA 33 is by installing a good sprinkler system in your work area. A sprinkler system will automatically turn on upon sensing fire and fully douse the area.

It’s also important all paint booths have adequate ventilation. Most spray paints are toxic and should stay out of the air supply. Not only will this help protect your workers against toxic fumes, but it will also help reduce combustible material buildup.

Does my company need to follow NFPA 33?

NFPA 33 only covers large-scale painting projects held indoors, including industrial spray paint booths and open-face paint spray booths. Those using nonflammable coating in their factories don’t have to follow the NFPA 33 regulations. Outdoor spray painting and smaller operations don’t need to abide by the regulations either. That said, it’s important to put safety measures in place for any spray-painting project, even if that means just wearing a mask.

Other considerations

While NFPA 33 focuses on elements of fire safety, it doesn’t cover all the dangers a worker might experience in a paint booth. When setting up your paint booths, be sure to follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. Failing to do so could result in expensive fees and worker injury.

It’s also important to address your company’s environmental impact. The fumes from spray paint aren’t only dangerous to humans but also to the environment as a whole. Check local regulations to see what environmental protections your company should have in place. You may even want to speak with a local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agent and have them make sure your company meets all standards.

Let us update your paint booth

If your paint booth doesn’t currently meet the requirements for a safe environment, speak with the experts at Anchor Safety Inc. We’ll install one of the best paint booth fire protection systems available. We have experience installing paint booth fire protection systems for vehicle paint spray booths, open-face paint spray booths, prep stations, dip tanks and many more. Don’t wait to improve the safety of your paint booths. Contact us today.

Categorised in: Paint Booth Fire Protection

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