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Dry Cleaning

NYC Admin. Code tit. 29, ch. 2, ch. 21
in effect

NYC Fire Code § FC 2101 General

Section FC 2101: General 2101.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the design, installation, operation and maintenance of dry cleaning facilities. 2101.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in FC 105.6. 2101.3 General. Dry cleaning facilities shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this chapter. 2101.4 Supervision. Dry cleaning facilities using Class II or III solvents in dry cleaning systems shall be under the general supervision of a certificate of fitness holder. Such certificate of fitness holder shall be an employee of the dry cleaning facility. The certificate of fitness holder shall monitor the equipment and facilities, ensure that the equipment and facilities are operated and maintained in accordance with this section, and instruct all employees who use or supervise the use of equipment in the proper operation and maintenance of such equipment. Exception: Dry cleaning facilities may be operated under the general supervision of a person who is not an employee of the dry cleaning facility, provided that such person: 1. Holds a certificate of fitness. 2. Is an authorized representative of the manufacturer of the dry cleaning equipment, and provides the owner of the dry cleaning facility with appropriate proof of such authority. 3. Instructs all employees of the dry cleaning facility who use or supervise the use of the equipment in the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment. 4. Personally conducts a monthly inspection of the equipment and facility to ensure that they are being operated and maintained in accordance with this section. 5. Records each monthly inspection in a logbook maintained on the premises by the owner of the dry cleaning facility, by making the following entries: the date of the inspection, the name, address, and certificate of fitness number and expiration date of the person conducting the inspection and the certification that the equipment and facility are being operated and maintained in accordance with this section. 2101.4.1 Proof of qualification. Photocopies of the certificates of fitness of all persons responsible for the supervision of a dry cleaning facility, and of the proof that such person is an authorized representative of the manufacturer, where applicable, shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by any representative of the department.

NYC Fire Code § FC 2102 Definitions

Section FC 2102: Definitions 2102.1 Definitions. The following terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings set forth in FC 202. DRY CLEANING. DRY CLEANING FACILITY. DRY CLEANING ROOM. DRY CLEANING SYSTEM.

NYC Fire Code § FC 2103 Classifications

Section FC 2103: Classifications 2103.1 Dry cleaning solvent classifications. Dry cleaning solvents shall be classified according to their flash points as follows: 1. Class I solvents are flammable liquids having a flash point below 100°F (38°C). 2. Class II solvents are combustible liquids having a flash point at or above 100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C). 3. Class IIIA solvents are combustible liquids having a flash point at or above 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93°C). 4. Class IIIB solvents are combustible liquids having a flash point at or above 200°F (93°C). 5. Class IV solvents are liquids that are neither flammable nor combustible. 2103.2 Classification of dry cleaning systems and facilities. Dry cleaning systems shall be classified based on the use of solvents as follows: 1. Type I – systems using Class I solvents. 2. Type II – systems using Class II solvents. 3. Type III-A – systems using Class IIIA solvents. 4. Type III-B – systems using Class IIIB solvents. 5. Type IV – systems using Class IV solvents in which dry cleaning is not conducted by the public. 6. Type V – systems using Class IV solvents in which dry cleaning is conducted by the public. 2103.2.1 Multiple solvents. Dry cleaning facilities using more than one class of dry cleaning system shall be classified based on the numerically lowest type of system. 2103.2.2 Spotting and pretreating operations. Spotting and pretreating operations conducted in accordance with FC 2106 shall not affect the classification of the dry cleaning system or facility. 2103.3 Design. Dry cleaning facilities shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code, and located in accordance with the Zoning Resolution, including Sections 32-15(A) and 32-25(D).

NYC Fire Code § FC 2104 General Requirements

Section FC 2104: General Requirements 2104.1 Prohibited dry cleaning systems. It shall be unlawful to install, operate or maintain a Type I dry cleaning system. 2104.1.1 Allowed use of Class I solvents. Class I solvents stored, handled and used in the amounts authorized by FC 2106 are allowed in dry cleaning facilities. 2104.2 Building services and systems. Building services and systems shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this section, FC Chapter 6 and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 2104.2.1 Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with the construction codes, including Chapter 5 of the Mechanical Code, and United States Department of Labor regulations, as set forth in 29 CFR Section 1910.1000, as applicable. 2104.2.2 Heating. In Type II dry cleaning facilities, heating shall be by indirect means using steam or hot water. 2104.2.3 Electrical wiring and equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment in dry cleaning rooms or other portions of the facility exposed to flammable vapors shall be installed in accordance with the Electrical Code. 2104.2.4 Bonding and grounding. Storage tanks, treatment tanks, filters, pumps, piping, ducts, dry cleaning units, stills, tumblers, drying cabinets and other dry cleaning equipment, where not inherently electrically conductive, shall be bonded together and grounded. Isolated equipment shall be grounded. 2104.2.5 Smoking prohibited. It shall be unlawful to smoke in a dry cleaning facility. "NO SMOKING" signs in compliance with the requirements of FC 310 shall be conspicuously posted.

NYC Fire Code § FC 2105 Operating and Maintenance Requirements

Section FC 2105: Operating and Maintenance Requirements 2105.1 General. Dry cleaning systems shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the requirements of this section, the manufacturer's specifications and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 2105.1.1 Written instructions. The manufacturer's manuals for the installation, operation and maintenance of the equipment shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by any representative of the department. 2105.1.1.1 Type II, III-A, III-B and IV systems. Type II, III-A, III-B and IV dry cleaning systems shall be operated in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The owner shall ensure that all persons operating dry cleaning equipment comply with such instructions. 2105.1.1.2 Type V systems. Operating instructions for customer use of Type V dry cleaning systems shall be conspicuously posted in a location near the dry cleaning equipment. A telephone number shall be provided for emergency assistance. 2105.1.2 Equipment identification. The manufacturer shall permanently affix to dry cleaning equipment nameplates indicating the class of solvent for which each piece of equipment is designed. The name of the dry cleaning solvent approved for use in dry cleaning equipment shall be clearly and conspicuously marked or posted at the fill connection of the equipment. 2105.1.3 Prohibited operations. It shall be unlawful to dry clean by immersion and agitation in open systems. 2105.1.4 Prohibited use of solvent. Only solvents of a type listed for a particular piece of equipment shall be used in such equipment. 2105.1.5 Equipment maintenance and housekeeping. Proper operating practices and maintenance shall be observed in order to prevent the leakage of solvent or the accumulation of lint. The handling of waste generated by dry cleaning operations and the maintenance of facilities shall comply with the requirements of this section. 2105.1.5.1 Floors. Class I and II liquids as defined in FC 202 shall not be used for cleaning floors. 2105.1.5.2 Filters. Filter residue and other waste containing solvent shall be stored in covered metal containers and disposed of lawfully. 2105.1.5.3 Lint. Lint and other waste shall be removed from traps daily, deposited in approved waste cans and disposed of lawfully. Lint traps shall remain in place while the dry cleaning equipment is in operation. 2105.1.5.4 Customer areas. In Type V dry cleaning systems, customer areas shall be kept free of rubbish and other combustible waste. 2105.2 Type II systems. Type II dry cleaning systems shall be operated in accordance with the following additional requirements. 2105.2.1 Inspection of items. Items to be dry cleaned shall be searched thoroughly, and foreign materials, including matches and metallic substances, shall be removed. 2105.2.2 Transfer. In removing dry cleaned items from the washer, provision shall be made to minimize the dripping of solvent onto the floor. Where items are transferred from a washer to a drain tub, a nonferrous metal drip apron shall be placed so that the apron rests on the drain tub and the cylinder of the washer. 2105.2.3 Ventilation. A mechanical ventilation system shall be installed in dry cleaning rooms and in drying rooms in accordance with the construction codes, including the Mechanical Code. The ventilation system shall operate automatically when the dry cleaning equipment is in operation and shall have manual controls at an approved location. 2105.3 Type III, IV and V systems. Type III, IV and V dry cleaning systems shall be provided with an automatically activated exhaust ventilation system as required and in accordance with the construction codes, including the Mechanical Code. 2105.4 Periodic inspection and testing. All dry cleaning equipment using Class II or III solvents shall be inspected and tested on at least an annual basis. The owner of the dry cleaning facility shall remove from service any equipment that is found to be defective, and shall promptly repair such equipment or remove it from the premises. Such equipment shall not be returned to service until it has been inspected and tested. All such inspection and testing shall be performed by a person holding a certificate of fitness. 2105.4.1 Inspection reports. The individual performing the inspection and testing of equipment shall prepare a written report identifying any defects in the condition and operation of the equipment and/or certifying that the equipment can be safely operated in accordance with this chapter. A certification that all equipment in service is in proper working order in accordance with this chapter shall be maintained on the premises for 3 years and made available for inspection by any representative of the department. 2105.5 Filling and emptying. The filling and emptying of dry cleaning equipment with Class II or III solvents shall be performed by a certificate of fitness holder. Each filling and emptying of dry cleaning equipment with a Class II or III solvent shall be recorded in a logbook. Such records shall include the date of the filling or emptying, the type and amount of dry cleaning solvent, the equipment filled or emptied, and the name and certificate number of the certificate of fitness holder who performed the filling or emptying.

NYC Fire Code § FC 2106 Spotting and Pretreating

Section FC 2106: Spotting and Pretreating 2106.1 General. The storage, handling and use of dry cleaning solvents for spotting and pretreating operations in any dry cleaning facility shall comply with the requirements of this section, based on the classification of the solvent. 2106.2 Class I solvents. The maximum quantity of Class I solvents allowed at any dry cleaning facility shall be 1 gallon (4 L). Class I solvents shall be stored in approved metal containers or safety cans of not more than 2 quarts (2 L) capacity. 2106.3 Class II and III solvents. Spotting and pretreating, including scouring and brushing, shall be conducted with Class II or III solvents. The maximum quantity of Class II or III solvents allowed at any work station shall be 1 gallon (4 L). In an occupancy other than a Group H-2 occupancy, the aggregate quantities of solvents shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantity per control area for use-open systems. 2106.3.1 Spotting tables. Scouring, brushing or spotting tables on which items are soaked in solvent shall have a liquid-tight top with a curb on all sides not less than 1 inch (25 mm) high. The top of the table shall be pitched to ensure thorough draining to a 1 1/2-inch (38-mm) drain connected to an approved container. 2106.3.2 Special handling. Items that may be damaged from being washed in the washing equipment may be manually cleaned in scrubbing tubs. Scrubbing tubs shall comply with the following requirements: 1. Only Class II or III liquids shall be used. 2. The total amount of solvent used in such tubs shall not exceed 3 gallons (11 L). 3. Scrubbing tubs shall be secured to the floor. 4. Scrubbing tubs shall be provided with permanent 1 1/2-inch (38-mm) drains. Such drains shall be provided with a trap and shall be connected to an approved container. 2106.3.3 Ventilation. Scrubbing tubs, scouring, brushing or spotting operations shall be located such that solvent vapors are captured and exhausted by the ventilating system. 2106.3.4 Bonding and grounding. Metal scouring, brushing and spotting tables and scrubbing tubs shall be permanently and effectively bonded and grounded. 2106.4 Reserved. 2106.5 Prohibited spotting and pretreating operation. It shall be unlawful to store, handle or use any Class I, Class II or Class III solvent for spotting or pretreating operations in any Type V dry cleaning facility or in connection with the use of any Type V dry cleaning system.

NYC Fire Code § FC 2107 Dry Cleaning Systems

Section FC 2107: Dry Cleaning Systems 2107.1 General equipment requirements. Dry cleaning systems, including dry cleaning units, washing equipment, stills, drying cabinets, tumblers, and their appurtenances, including pumps, piping, valves, filters and solvent coolers, shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with NFPA 32, the manufacturer's specifications, and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 2107.2 Type II systems. Type II dry cleaning and solvent tank storage rooms shall not be located below grade or above the lowest floor level of the building and shall comply with the requirements of FC 2107.2.1 through 2107.2.3. Exception: Solvent storage tanks installed underground, in vaults or in special enclosures in accordance with FC Chapter 57. 2107.2.1 Firefighting access. Type II dry cleaning facilities shall be located so that access is provided and maintained from at least one side for firefighting and fire control purposes in accordance with FC 503 and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 2107.2.2 Means of egress. Type II dry cleaning rooms shall have not less than two means of egress through doors located at opposite ends of the room, at least one of which shall lead directly to the outdoors. 2107.2.3 Spill control and secondary containment. Curbs, drains, or other provisions for spill control and secondary containment shall be provided in accordance with FC 5004.2 to collect solvent leakage and fire protection water and direct it to a safe location. 2107.3 Solvent storage tanks. Solvent storage tanks for Class II, IIIA and IIIB liquids shall conform to the requirements of FC Chapter 57 and be located underground, or outdoors, aboveground. Exception: Indoor storage tanks in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 32 and FC Chapter 57.

NYC Fire Code § FC 2108 Fire Protection

Section FC 2108: Fire Protection 2108.1 General. Where required by this section, fire protection devices, equipment and systems shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with FC Chapter 9 and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 2108.2 Fire extinguishing systems in newly-established dry cleaning facilities. Dry cleaning facilities established after the effective date of FC 2108.2 shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system, provided, however, that a heretofore lawfully-existing dry cleaning establishment in a newly-established facility may comply with the requirements of FC 2108.3 if the newly-established facility does not constitute a change in the use or occupancy of the premises, as determined by the Department of Buildings. The sprinkler system shall be designed and installed in accordance with the Building Code. 2108.2.1 Type II dry cleaning facilities. Type II dry cleaning facilities shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system. Type II dry cleaning units, washer-extractors and drying tumblers in such facilities shall additionally be protected by an approved automatic non-sprinkler fire extinguishing system installed and maintained in accordance with FC 904. 2108.3 Fire extinguishing systems in lawfully existing dry cleaning facilities. Type III dry cleaning facilities lawfully existing as of the effective date of this provision (FC 2108.3) shall be subject to the design and installation requirements set forth in FC 2108.3.1 through 2108.3.3, as applicable. 2108.3.1 Fully-sprinklered facilities. A Type III dry cleaning facility protected throughout by a sprinkler system designed and installed in accordance with the Building Code shall maintain such existing fire protection system and is not subject to the dry cleaning system design requirements of FC 2108.3.3. 2108.3.2 Partially-sprinklered facilities. A Type III dry cleaning facility in which the dry cleaning system is protected by one or more sprinkler heads shall maintain such existing fire protection system and is not subject to the dry cleaning system design requirements of FC 2108.3.3. Any Type III dry cleaning equipment newly-introduced after the effective date of this provision shall comply with the requirements of FC 2108.3.3(2). The aggregate quantity of Type III dry cleaning solvent stored, handled and used in the dry cleaning facility, including the solvent used in the dry cleaning system, shall not exceed 330 gallons (1249 L). 2108.3.3 Unprotected facilities. A lawfully existing Type III dry cleaning facility that is not in compliance with FC 2108.3.1 or 2108.3.2 shall, upon alteration on or after the effective date of this provision (FC 2108.3), be subject to the following requirements: 1. Two or more sprinkler heads designed and installed in accordance with the Building Code shall protect the dry cleaning system; and 2. The dry cleaning system shall be designed and listed to accomplish one or more of the following criteria: 2.1. Prevent oxygen concentrations from reaching 8 percent or more by volume; and/or 2.2. Keep the temperature of the solvent at least 30°F (16.7°C) below the ash point; and/or 2.3. Maintain the solvent vapor concentration at a level lower than 25 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL); and/or 2.4. Utilize equipment approved for use in Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations in accordance with the Electrical Code; and/or 2.5. Utilize an integrated dry chemical, clean agent or water mist automatic re-extinguishing system designed in accordance with FC Chapter 9*; and * Editor's note: "FC" prefix added at the discretion of the editor. 3. The occupancy housing the dry cleaning establishment shall be in compliance with the Building Code and Mechanical Code. If not required and/or constructed with a 2-hour fire separation, the dry cleaning equipment shall be protected by a 1-hour fire rated enclosure provided with mechanical ventilation in accordance with the Mechanical Code. 4. The aggregate quantity of Type III-A dry cleaning solvent stored, handled and used in the dry cleaning facility, including the solvent used in the dry cleaning system, shall not exceed 330 gallons (1249 L). 5. The aggregate quantity of Type III-B dry cleaning solvent stored, handled and used in the dry cleaning facility, including the solvent used in the dry cleaning system, shall not exceed 660 gallons (2498 L). 2108.4 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided and maintained in accordance with this section and FC 906. A minimum of two 2-A:10-B:C rated portable fire extinguishers shall be provided near the doors inside dry cleaning rooms containing Type II, Type III-A and Type III-B dry cleaning systems.
Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-145021Fetched: 10/24/2026

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