HAZARDOUS DUSTS (15-28-1050 et seq.)

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 15, ch. 15-28, art. XX

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1050 Definitions.

15-28-1050 Definitions. As used in this chapter: "Grain elevator, malt house and similar building" means a building designed, intended or used for the purpose of receiving, storing, delivering, working with or treating grain in bulk. "Grinding or dust-producing rooms" means a room containing a machine or device for grinding, pulverizing, buffing, cutting, polishing or any other operation which produces dust, lint, shavings or other fine particles of matter liable to spontaneous ignition or explosion, or a room in which it is proposed to install any such machine or device. (Prior code § 92-94)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1060 Special safety clearances.

15-28-1060 Special safety clearances. No grain bleacher, grain elevator, malt house, or similar building shall be located nearer than 100 feet to any building in which there is a Group A, E, or I occupancy, except as otherwise provided below. (Prior code § 92-95; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. VI, § 96)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1070 Construction requirements.

15-28-1070 Construction requirements. Every grinding or dust-producing room, located in any building other than a building of Type IA, IB, or IIA construction which is also equipped throughout with a system of automatic sprinklers, shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of this section. Any such room, with a floor area of not more than 600 square feet, shall have a floor of any type of construction permitted for the building in which located and shall have both walls and ceiling of one-hour fire-resistive construction. Any such room, with a floor area of more than 600 square feet and not more than 1,200 square feet, may have a floor of any type of construction permitted for the building in which located, and shall have both walls and ceiling of two-hour fire-resistive construction. Any such room with a floor area of more than 1,200 square feet, shall be separated from every other part of the building by not less than four-hour fire-resistive construction. No such rooms shall have any opening except a doorway or doorways between such room and any part of the building. Every doorway through any such wall or separation shall be provided with a door of the character required by Chapter 14B-7 for fire doors. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting or preventing the installation of noncombustible piping or conveyors or similar dust-tight enclosed mechanical devices between floors or stories in such rooms or buildings. (Prior code § 92-96; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. VI, § 97)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1080 Ventilation.

15-28-1080 Ventilation. Every grinding or dust-producing room, shall have means of natural ventilation or vent flues as required by Section 15-28-260 for material heating rooms; provided, however, that the combined area of ventilating opening which shall have closures arranged to open automatically in case of explosion or fire shall be not less than ten percent of the floor area of the room, and the combined area of vent flues, in lieu of ventilating openings shall be not less than eight percent of the floor area. (Prior code § 92-97; Amend Coun. J. 6-14-95, p. 2841)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1090 Inspection of ventilators.

15-28-1090 Inspection of ventilators. Ventilators. All ventilators, overbalanced sash and similar devices, required by this Code, designed to afford pressure relief in case of explosion, shall be inspected at intervals sufficiently frequent to insure their constant operating efficiency. (Prior code § 92-98)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1100 Grounding of equipment.

15-28-1100 Grounding of equipment. In every grinding or dust-producing area, all metal parts of machinery or equipment shall be positively grounded to prevent static electricity buildup and smoking or the use of any device employing an open flame is prohibited. (Prior code § 92-99)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1110 Grain bleachers.

15-28-1110 Grain bleachers. Every grain bleacher shall be separated by a distance of not less than six feet from any other building; provided, however, that no grain bleacher shall be nearer than 25 feet to any window, or doorway of any other building unless such window is a fire window, or unless such doorway is provided with 90-minute-rated fire door. (Prior code § 92-100; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. VI, § 98)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1120 Grain elevators and malt houses.

15-28-1120 Grain elevators and malt houses. Every grain elevator, malt house and similar building shall be so situated that it will not be so hazardous as to constitute a nuisance or be a menace to the safety of the public or to the adjacent property. (Prior code § 92-101)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1130 Construction of grain bleachers.

15-28-1130 Construction of grain bleachers. Every grain bleacher shall be of Type IA construction. No combustible construction shall be used between a grain bleacher and any other building. (Prior code § 92-102)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1140 Construction of cereal, feed, flour, grist and starch mills.

15-28-1140 Construction of cereal, feed, flour, grist and starch mills. Every building, or part of a building, designed, erected, altered or converted for the purposes of a cereal mill, feed mill, flour mill, grist mill, or starch mill and in which more than 500 pounds of any cereal, feed, flour, grist, or starch is produced during any 24-hour period shall be of Type IA, IB, or IIA construction. (Prior code § 92-103; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. VI, § 99)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1150 Construction of grain elevators and malt houses.

15-28-1150 Construction of grain elevators and malt houses. Every grain elevator, malt house and similar building shall be of Type IA construction. (Prior code § 92-104)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1160 Marine tower.

15-28-1160 Marine tower. In any existing grain elevator, malt house or similar building, the exterior walls of the marine tower, which is defined as that part of the structure in which is located the machinery for conveying grain from boats to the conveying bridge, and thence to the bins; and the exterior walls of cupolas and conveyor bridge, which is that part of the structure housing the conveying and elevating machinery above the fireproof bins, may, if the same require replacement, be replaced with galvanized corrugated steel, protected metal or asbestos corrugated material fastened to the steel structure by rust-proof bolts. (Prior code § 92-105)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1170 Bleaching operations.

15-28-1170 Bleaching operations. (a) Storage. Sodium peroxide and sulfur in excess of one day's supply shall be stored in a separate and suitable building. The user shall notify the fire prevention bureau, by notarized letter, of the amount used in 24 hours. Upon any change in that amount, the user shall notify the fire prevention bureau within 24 hours. (b) Construction of Pots. Sulfur pots shall be so constructed that if the sulfur boils over it cannot drop on combustible material. In broom corn factories, metal hoods shall be provided to prevent corn falling into or against the pots. (c) Location of Grain Bleachers. Grain bleachers shall be set at least 25 feet from frame grain elevators but may be set not closer than six feet to a brick or fireproof elevator; provided, however, there are no unprotected openings in the elevator wall within 25 feet of the bleacher. Metal spouts connecting the bleacher with the elevator shall each be provided with two automatic dampers, one damper at each end of metal spout. All conveyors connecting the bleacher with the elevator shall be metal screw conveyors in metal or concrete casings. No combustible material shall be used between bleacher and elevator. (d) Location of Sulfur Furnace. The sulfur- burning furnace shall be set at least 25 feet distant from bleacher in the opposite direction from the elevator and shall be of fireproof construction and unenclosed, unless it be an enclosure of fireproof construction; provided, however, that when conditions are such that the sulfur furnace cannot be located 25 feet from the bleacher, it may be located closer, but the length of the sulfur fumes pipe shall in no case be less than 25 feet. (Prior code § 92-106)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1180 Equipment.

15-28-1180 Equipment. Every conveyor, duct, and spout between a grain bleacher and any grain elevator or other building shall be enclosed in a casing constructed of noncombustible material. Conveyors, ducts and spouts shall have an automatic closing fire damper at each end, having a fire- resistive value of not less than 45 minutes. Every sulfur- burning furnace for a grain bleacher shall be so located that the length of the sulfur fumes pipe will not be less than 25 feet, and every such furnace shall be separated by a distance of not less than 25 feet from any grain elevator, and from any other building except a grain bleacher. (Prior code § 92-107)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1190 Fire protection.

15-28-1190 Fire protection. Every conveyor and spout between a grain bleacher and any other building shall be provided with a damper at each end. Such dampers shall be of construction having a 60-minute fire-resistive value, and shall be so arranged and equipped as to close automatically in case of fire by the release of a fusible link or by the actuation of a standard thermostatic releasing device. (Prior code § 92-108)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1200 Dust removal.

15-28-1200 Dust removal. (a) Daily Removal. In all grain elevators, grain bleachers and other buildings or rooms housing dust- producing processes or occupancies, accumulations of dust shall be prevented by daily removal. Dust collecting systems, required under Chapter 15-28 of this Code, shall be maintained in efficient operating condition. (Prior code § 92-109)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 15-28-1210 Dust collection system.

15-28-1210 Dust collection system. Every existing or dust-producing room and every grinding or dust-producing room hereafter constructed shall have mechanical means of collecting and disposing of the lint, dust, shavings or other fine particles of matter produced therein, and the heating of such room shall be by steam or hot water pipes, equipped with guards as provided under Section 15-24-880 for a drying room. Every such means of collecting dust shall be provided with a dust arrester, collector or precipitator, which will prevent the exhausting of particles of matter heavier than air into the atmosphere. 1. General. (a) Where grinding, polishing, buffing, scratch brushing or abrasive cutting-off wheels, grinding and polishing straps or belts are used in operation producing metallic dust, there shall be provided in the area where dusts vapors, gases or fumes are generated, hoods that are connected to exhaust systems which will remove such dusts, vapors, gases or fumes, and such exhaust systems shall be operated continuously during any such operations on aforesaid equipment and such exhaust systems shall be provided with dust arresters, collectors, separators or precipitators to collect the dust before the air or gases from such exhaust systems are discharged therefrom. (b) All exhaust systems used to collect metallic dust as aluminum, magnesium or zinc shall be provided with an interlocking electrical control connected to the exhaust fan motor and the electric power source for running polishing, buffing and grinding machines. The interlock shall be so designed that in the event of a power failure in connection with the exhaust fan, it will cut out the power source controlling the polishing, buffing and grinding equipment. In the event a wet-type dust collector is made use of, additional interlocking electrical controls should be provided in connection with the water supply, and should be so designed and installed that in the event of a waterflow failure or inadequate liquid level, there will be an automatic cut-out of the power sources controlling the exhaust fan and the polishing, buffing and grinding equipment. (c) All exhaust systems intended for the removal of potentially explosive dusts, other than those containing magnesium shall be provided with either a wet-type dust or a dry-type separator. (d) In instances where the dusts consist principally of magnesium or its alloys, a wet-type collector shall be provided. The exhaust fan shall be on the clean air side of the collector. (e) All dry-type separators shall be located on the outside of the building. The exhaust duct leading to the separators shall be of the shortest possible length. (f) The exhaust discharge from all dust arresters, collectors, separators or precipitators shall be direct to out-of-doors and at such a point to preclude the possibility of the reentry of the exhaust air into the building or adjacent buildings. (g) The dust removed in dry-type separators shall be discharged into enclosures, bins or receptacles, located on the outside of the building. Their construction shall be of noncombustible materials; cleanout doors shall be provided. Explosion relief vents shall be provided having a net open area of not less than one square inch for each 0.7 cubic foot or fraction thereof. Such vent flue shall be located not less than ten feet measured horizontally or vertically from any wall, roof, or opening. (h) Exhaust carrier duct systems shall be cleaned at least once a week. Dust collector enclosures or bins and wet-type collector sludge tanks shall be cleaned daily. The deposits shall be removed from the premises and disposed of in a safe manner. Under no circumstances shall dry particles and/or sludge be discharged into the sewer. Written records of cleaning operations shall be maintained on the premises and shall be open for examination at all times. 2. Exhaust System Design Requirements. (a) All branch pipes shall enter the header pipe at an angle of 45 degrees or less. All bends, turns, or elbows used in exhaust pipes shall be made with a throat radius of two pipe diameters except greater or smaller throat radii may be used to clear obstructions. (b) All branch pipes shall connect with a header pipe. The area of the header pipe at any point shall not be less than the combined areas of the branch pipes joining it between such point and the small end of the header. Such header pipes shall be connected to an exhaust fan to produce a minimum air velocity in the branch pipes of 4,500 feet per minute or such greater air velocity reasonably required to remove dusts, vapors, gases or fumes generated. Where cradles are used for handling the parts to be ground, polished or buffed, or where swing grinders are used, and large partial enclosures to house the complete operation are required, the opening in such enclosures shall have a minimum average air velocity of 200 feet per minute and shall be connected to branch pipes of an exhaust system of such area as to produce a minimum air velocity of 4,500 feet per minute in the branch pipes. (c) Dust shall be removed by means of suitable mechanically exhausted hoods or enclosures at each operation. Such hoods shall be so designed, located and placed that the dust or dirt particles will fall or be projected or drawn into the hoods in the direction of the air flow. No wheels, discs, straps or belts, shall be operated in such manner and in such direction that will cause the dust and dirt particles to be thrown into the operator's breathing zone. (d) The exhaust outlet of the hoods and the branch pipes connected thereto, of grinding wheels on floor stands, pedestals, benches, swing framed are special purpose grinding machines and abrasive cutting- off wheels shall have not less than the following minimum inside diameter. (See Table 15-28-1210(d).) (e) The exhaust outlet in the hood and branch pipes connected thereto of brush wheels over six inches diameter and all buffing and polishing wheels mounted on floor stands, pedestals, benches or special purpose machines shall have not less than the following minimum inside diameter. (See Table 15-28-1210(e).) Table 15-28-1210(d) Size of Grinding or Abrasive Cutting-off Wheel – Inches | Minimum Inside Diameter of Hood Outlet and Branch Pipe – Inches | Maximum Wheel Surface (Sq. In.) Up to 9" dia. incl. not over 1 1/2" thick | 3 | 43 Over 9" dia. to 16" dia. incl. not over 2" thick | 4 | 101 Over 16" dia. to 19" dia. incl. not over 3" thick | 4-1/2 | 180 Over 19" dia. to 24" dia. incl. not over 4" thick | 5 | 302 Over 24" dia. to 30" dia. incl. not over 5" thick | 6 | 472 Over 30" dia. to 36" dia. incl. not over 6" thick | 7 | 679 Table 15-28-1210(e) Size of Buffing, Polishing and Scratch Brush Wheel – Inches | Minimum Inside Diameter of Hood Outlet and Branch Pipe – Inches | Maximum Wheel Surface (Sq. In.) Up to 9" dia. incl. not over 2" thick | 3-1/2 | 57 Over 9" dia. to 16" dia. incl. not over 3" thick | 4-1/2 | 151 Over 16" dia. to 19" dia. incl. not over 4" thick | 5 | 239 Over 19" dia. to 24" dia. incl. not over 5" thick | 5-1/2 | 377 Over 24" dia. to 30" dia. incl. not over 6" thick | 6-1/2 | 565 (f) In case a grinding, polishing, buffing or scratch brushing wheel is thicker than given in the tables set out herein, the diameter of the hood outlet and branch pipe connected thereto shall not be less than called for by its wheel surface. When the grinding, polishing, buffing or scratch brushing wheel surface exceeds 679 square inches, the inside area of the hood outlet and branch pipe connected thereto shall be increased in size in the ratio of one square inch of opening to 17 square inches of wheel surface. (g) Grinding wheels or discs for horizontal single- spindle disc grinders shall be hooded to collect the dust or dirt generated by the grinding operation and the hoods shall be connected to branch pipes of the following minimum diameters: Table 15-28-1210(g) Size of Wheel or Disc – Inches | Minimum Inside Diameter of Hood Outlet and Branch Pipe (Inches) Up to 12" diameter | 3 Over 12" to 19" dia. incl. | 4 Over 19" to 30" dia. incl. | 5 Over 30" to 36" dia. incl. | 6 (h) Grinding wheels or discs for double-spindle disc grinders shall have a hood enclosing the grinding chamber and such hood shall be connected to one or more branch pipes of the following minimum diameters: Table 15-28-1210(h) Size of Wheel or Disc – Inches | Minimum Number and Inside Diameter of Hood Outlet and Branch Pipe (Inches) Up to 19" dia. incl. | 1 pipe – 5" Over 19" dia. to 25" dia. incl. | 1 pipe – 6" Over 25" dia. to 30" dia. incl. | 1 pipe – 7" Over 30" dia. to 53" dia. incl. | 2 pipes – 6" Over 53" dia. to 72" dia. incl. | 4 pipes – 8" (i) Grinding wheels or discs for vertical single- spindle disc grinders shall be encircled with a hood to remove the dust generated in the operation and such hoods shall be connected to one or more branch pipes of the following minimum inside diameters: Table 15-28-1210(i) Size of Disc – Inches | Minimum Number and Inside Diameter of Hood Outlet and Branch Pipe (Inches) Up to 20" dia. | 1 pipe – 4 1/2" Over 20" dia. to 30" dia. incl. | 2 pipes – 4" Over 30" dia. to 53" dia. incl. | 2 pipes – 6" Over 53" dia. to 72" dia. incl. | 2 pipes – 8" (j) Grinding and polishing straps and belts shall be provided with hoods to remove dust or dirt generated in the operation and such hoods shall be connected to branch pipes of the following minimum inside diameters: Table 15-28-1210(j) Strap or Belt Size – Inches | Minimum Inside Diameter of Hood Outlet and Branch Pipe (Inches) Up to 2" wide | 3" Over 3" wide | For each 2" or fraction thereof increase in strap or belt width, add 1/2" or fraction thereof to the hood outlet and branch pipe size. In instances where potentially explosive dusts are removed, an additional branch pipe connection shall be provided at each point of rotational direction change. (k) Cleanout openings shall be provided in all horizontal runs of ducts, at ten-foot intervals, at such other points as will permit proper cleaning, and wherever dust settlement is likely to occur, such as near bends, pipe junctions and vertical duct risers. Cleanout openings shall be of a size that will permit ready access to the duct interior. Wherever practical, cleanout openings should be located on the underside of the ducts. Removable caps shall be provided at all horizontal duct tail-ends. (l) 1. Branch pipe junctions to main pipe shall be made at an angle not greater than 45 degrees and should, for least resistance and best practice, be 30 degrees or less, measured on the centerline of the two pipes. 2. Junctions shall be made at the side or top of the larger end of a transformation piece, except that for specific reasons of balancing the flow, junction may be made with the main pipe section of uniform pipe diameter. 3. Transformation Pieces. Transformation pieces shall be tapered at an included angle not greater than 30 degrees. Transformation pieces shall increase in area by an amount necessary to maintain the air velocity required in the system, and shall be constructed of material equal in gauge to the material of the connecting pipe at the large end. (m) 1. Materials of Construction. All pipes shall be constructed of not less than the following gauges of metal, or other noncombustible and moisture-resisting material of equivalent strength: Table 15-28-1210(m) Diameter of Pipe – Inches | U.S. Standard Gauge Up to 8" inclusive | 20 Over 8" to 18" incl. | 18 Over 18" to 30" incl. | 16 Over 30" | 14 2. Elbows and Bends. All elbows and bends shall be made from material at least two gauges heavier than is required for straight piping of the same diameter, except that for No. 14 gauge and heavier, the elbows and straight pipe may be of the same gauge. 3. Material. Exhaust piping shall be of galvanized or painted black sheet iron or other noncombustible materials of required strength, corrosion and abrasion-resisting properties. 4. Compliance with mechanical exhaust test requirements shall be determined in accordance with Title 14M. 5. Precleaning Metallic Surfaces. All metallic parts, prior to being subjected to grinding, polishing or buffing processes, shall be thoroughly cleansed of all adhering oils, greases and corrosion- protective materials. All parts surfaces shall be free of solvents before being subjected to grinding, polishing or buffing operations. Every tank or vat containing a volatile flammable cleaning solvent shall be provided with an automatically closing close-fitting cover. 6. Electrical Controls. All electrical controls shall be installed as provided in Title 14E. (Prior code § 92-110; Amend Coun. J. 9-6-17, p. 55278, Art. II, § 61; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. VI, § 100)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2680067Fetched: 10/24/2026