Section 2406 — POWDER COATING

Operations using finely ground particles of protective finishing material applied in dry powder form by a fluidized bed, an electrostatic fluidized bed, powder spray guns or electrostatic powder spray guns shall comply with Sections 2406.2 through 2406.7. In addition, Section 2407 shall apply to fixed electrostatic equipment used in powder coating operations.

Powder coating operations shall be conducted in enclosed powder coating rooms, enclosed powder coating facilities that are ventilated or ventilated spray booths.

Powder coating rooms shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Spray booths shall be constructed in accordance with Section 2404.5.3.

Exception: Listed spray-booth assemblies that are constructed of other materials shall be allowed.

Areas used for powder coating shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with Chapter 9.

2406.4.1 Additional protection for fixed systems. Automated powder application equipment shall be protected by the installation of an approved, supervised flame detection apparatus that shall react to the presence of flame within 0.5 second and shall accomplish all of the following:

1. Shutting down of energy supplies (electrical and compressed air) to conveyor, ventilation, application, transfer and powder collection equipment.

24-10 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

FLAMMABLE FINISHES

2. Closing of segregation dampers in associated ductwork to interrupt airflow from application equipment to powder collectors.

3. Activation of an alarm that is audible throughout the powder coating room or booth.

2406.4.2 Fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers complying with Section 906 shall be provided for areas used for powder coating in accordance with the requirements for an extra-hazard occupancy.

Powder coating areas shall be kept free from the accumulation of powder coating dusts, including horizontal surfaces such as ledges, beams, pipes, hoods, booths and floors.

2406.5.1 Cleaning. Surfaces shall be cleaned in such a manner so as to avoid scattering dusts to other places or creating dust clouds. Vacuum sweeping equipment shall be of a type approved for use in hazardous locations.

Control of sources of ignition shall be in accordance with Section 2403.2 and Sections 2406.6.1 through 2406.6.4.

2406.6.1 Drying, curing and fusion equipment. Drying, curing and fusion equipment shall comply with Chapter 30.

2406.6.2 Spark-producing metals. Iron or spark-producing metals shall be prevented from being introduced into the powders being applied by magnetic separators, filter-type separators or by other approved means.

2406.6.3 Preheated parts. When parts are heated prior to coating, the temperature of the parts shall not exceed the ignition temperature of the powder to be used.

2406.6.4 Grounding and bonding. Precautions shall be taken to minimize the possibility of ignition by static electrical sparks through static bonding and grounding, where possible, of powder transport, application and recovery equipment.

Exhaust ventilation shall be sufficient to maintain the atmosphere below one-half the minimum explosive concentration for the material being applied. Nondeposited, air-suspended powders shall be removed through exhaust ducts to the powder recovery system.