Compliance - Fuel Sources

To meet OSHA regulations for ignition and fuel sources, each vapor area and adjacent areas must meet the following standards:

• All electrical wiring and equipment must meet applicable hazardous area requirements.
• There cannot be any flames, spark-producing devices, or other surfaces that are hot enough to ignite vapors in the area.
• Any portable container used to add liquid to the tank must be electrically bonded to the dip tank and positively grounded to prevent static electrical sparks or arcs.

When a heating system is used in a drying operation where it might cause ignition, the system must meet the following regulations:

• The system must be installed in accordance with NFPA standards.
• The system must have adequate mechanical ventilation that operates before and during the drying operation.
• The system must shut down automatically if any ventilating fan fails to maintain adequate ventilation.

Vapor areas must be clear of combustible debris and as free as practicable of combustible stock.

Rags and other material contaminated with liquids from dipping or coating operations should be placed in approved waste cans immediately after use.

Waste can contents should be properly disposed of at the end of each shift.

No smoking is allowed in a vapor area and employers must post a readily visible "No Smoking" sign near each dip tank.

To learn more about Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations visit our Dipping, Coating & Cleaning Operations Online Training web page.