Compressed Gases

NYC Admin. Code tit. 29, ch. 2, ch. 53

in effect

NYC Fire Code § FC 5301 General

Section FC 5301: General 5301.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the storage, handling and use of compressed gases in compressed gas containers and systems, including those gases regulated elsewhere in this code. Exceptions: 1. Compressed gases used as refrigerants in refrigerating systems in accordance with FC Chapter 6. 2. Compressed natural gas (CNG) stored and used on a motor vehicle for motive power in accordance with FC Chapter 23, NFPA 52 and the Fuel Gas Code. 3. Compressed gases connected for use in a fire extinguishing system. 5301.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in FC 105.6. 5301.3 General. Compressed gases shall be stored, handled and used in accordance with this chapter. 5301.3.1 Cutting and welding gases. Cutting and welding gases shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 35. 5301.3.2 Cryogenic fluids. Cryogenic fluids shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 55. 5301.3.3 Hazardous materials. Compressed gases classified as hazardous materials shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 50 and any other applicable chapters of this code, including FC Chapters 58 (Flammable Gases), 60 (Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials), 63 (Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids) and 64 (Pyrophoric Materials), as applicable. 5301.3.4 Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). LPG shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 61 and the Fuel Gas Code. 5301.4 Supervision. The storage, handling, use and compression of compressed gases shall be supervised as set forth in FC 5301.4.1 through 5301.4.5. 5301.4.1 Handling and use. The handling and use of compressed gases in quantities requiring a permit, including piped medical gas systems and the removal of leaking, damaged or corroded compressed gas cylinders from service, shall be under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness. 5301.4.2 Storage. The storage of compressed gases in quantities requiring a permit, including medical gases that are not piped, shall be under the general supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness. 5301.4.3 Compressing. The compressing of gases requiring a permit shall be performed by or under the personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness. Exception: Compressing atmospheric air may be under the general supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness. 5301.4.4 Filling of containers. The transfer of nonflammable compressed gases between containers shall be performed by a person holding a certificate of fitness. 5301.4.5 Installation. The installation of carbon dioxide beverage dispensing systems, including the maintenance and repair of such systems, shall be conducted by or under personal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitness.

NYC Fire Code § FC 5302 Definitions

Section FC 5302: Definitions 5302.1 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. COMPRESSED GAS. Nonliquefied compressed gases. Liquefied compressed gases. Compressed gases in solution. Compressed gas mixtures. COMPRESSED GAS CONTAINER. COMPRESSED GAS SYSTEM. HYPERBARIC FACILITY. NESTING. TUBE TRAILER.

NYC Fire Code § FC 5303 General Requirements

Section FC 5303: General Requirements 5303.1 Containers. Compressed gas containers shall comply with the requirements of this section. Compressed gas containers that are not designed for refillable use shall not be refilled after use of the original contents. Compressed gas containers that are partially full or contain residual fumes or vapors shall be considered as full for the purposes of complying with the requirements of this chapter. 5303.1.1 Design and construction. Compressed gas containers shall be designed, fabricated, tested, marked with the specifications of manufacture and maintained in accordance with Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, or the regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, as set forth in 49 CFR Parts 100-180. 5303.1.2 Pressure relief devices. Pressure relief devices shall be designed in compliance with the requirements of FC 5303.1.2.1 through 5303.1.2.4. 5303.1.2.1 Where required. Containers and tanks for compressed gas storage shall be provided with pressure relief devices designed in accordance with CGA S-1.1, CGA S-1.2, CGA S-1.3, or Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, as applicable, to protect such containers and tanks from rupture in the event of overpressure. 5303.1.2.2 Size. Pressure relief devices shall be sized in accordance with the specifications to which the container was fabricated and to material-specific requirements, as applicable. 5303.1.2.3 Arrangement. Pressure relief devices shall be arranged to discharge upward and unobstructed to the open air in such a manner as to prevent any impingement of escaping gas upon the container, adjacent structures or personnel. Exception: DOTn specification containers having an internal volume of 30 SCF (0.855 m3) or less. 5303.1.2.4 Protection against freezing. Pressure relief devices shall be designed and installed to prevent moisture from collecting and freezing in a manner that would impair the operation of the device. 5303.2 Marking. Stationary and portable compressed gas containers and systems shall be marked in compliance with the requirements of FC 5303.2.1 through 5303.2.4. 5303.2.1 Stationary compressed gas containers. Stationary compressed gas containers shall be marked with the name of the gas in accordance with FC 5003.5 and 5003.6. Markings shall be visible from any direction of approach. All uninsulated stationary outdoor compressed gas containers shall be of light-reflective design or painted with a light-reflecting color. 5303.2.2 Portable containers. Portable compressed gas containers shall be marked in accordance with CGA C-7 and DOTn regulations. 5303.2.3 Piping systems. Piping systems shall be marked in accordance with ASME A13.1. Markings used for piping systems shall consist of the name of the contents and include an arrow indicating direction of flow. Markings shall be provided at each valve; at wall, floor or ceiling penetrations; at each change of direction; and at a minimum of every 20 feet (6096 mm) or fraction thereof throughout the piping run. Exceptions: 1. Piping that is designed or intended to carry more than one compressed gas at various times shall have appropriate signs or markings posted at the manifold, along the piping and at each point of use to provide clear identification and warning. 2. Piping within gas-manufacturing plants, gas-processing plants and similar occupancies shall be marked in an approved manner. 5303.2.4 Out-of-service containers. Out-of-service compressed gas containers shall be marked to indicate that they are no longer available for service. 5303.3 Container protection. Compressed gas containers and systems shall be secured and protected against physical damage and tampering in compliance with the requirements of FC 5003.9.2, 5303.3.2 and 5303.3.3. 5303.3.1 Flood hazard. Stationary compressed gas containers located in areas of special flood hazard or on the premises of Group I-2 occupancies that are hospitals located in shaded X-Zones (as defined in Section G201.2 of Appendix G of the Building Code) shall comply with Section G307.5 of the Building Code. 5303.3.2 Physical protection. Compressed gas containers and systems that could be exposed to physical damage shall be protected. Posts or other approved means shall be provided to protect compressed gas containers and systems indoors and outdoors from vehicular damage and shall comply with the requirements of FC 312. 5303.3.3 Securing compressed gas containers. Compressed gas containers shall be secured to prevent movement from contact, vibration or seismic activity, utilizing one or more of the following methods: 1. Securing containers to a fixed object with one or more noncombustible restraints. Containers shall not be secured to plumbing systems or electrical conduits. 2. Securing containers on a cart or other mobile device designed for the movement of compressed gas containers. 3. Nesting of compressed gas containers at container filling or servicing facilities or in seller's warehouses not accessible to the public. Nesting may be used provided the nested containers, if dislodged, do not obstruct any required means of egress. 4. Securing of compressed gas containers to or within a rack, framework, cabinet or similar assembly designed for such use, except when the containers are being inspected, serviced, filled or transported. 5. Securing stationary compressed gas containers to a foundation designed for such use in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. 5303.4 Valve protection. Compressed gas container valves shall be protected from physical damage by means of protective caps, collars or similar devices, in compliance with the requirements of FC 5303.4.1 and 5303.4.2. 5303.4.1 Compressed gas container protective caps or collars. Compressed gas containers designed to be fitted with protective caps, collars or other protective devices shall have such caps or devices in place except when the containers are in use or are being serviced or filled. 5303.4.2 Caps and plugs. Valves of compressed gas containers designed to accept protection caps or other protective devices shall have such caps or devices attached. Outlet caps or plugs shall be in place except when the compressed gas containers are in use or are being serviced or filled. 5303.5 Separation from hazardous conditions. Compressed gas containers and systems in storage or use shall be separated from materials and conditions that present potential hazards to them, or to which they present potential hazards. Compressed gas containers and systems in storage or use shall be separated in accordance with FC 5303.5.1 through 5303.5.11. 5303.5.1 Incompatible materials. Compressed gas containers shall be separated from each other based on the hazard class of their contents. Compressed gas containers shall be separated from incompatible materials in accordance with FC 5003.9.8. 5303.5.2 Combustible waste and vegetation. Combustible waste and vegetation shall be kept a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) from compressed gas containers and systems. A noncombustible partition, without openings or penetrations extending not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the height of the tallest container or system piping and not less than 18 inches (457 mm) to the sides of the storage area is allowed in lieu of such distance. The wall shall either be an independent structure, or the exterior wall of the building adjacent to the storage area. 5303.5.3 Ledges, platforms and elevators. Compressed gas containers shall not be placed near elevators, unprotected platform ledges or other areas where the container could drop a distance exceeding one-half the height of the container. 5303.5.4 Extreme temperature. Compressed gas containers, regardless of contents, shall not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 125°F (52°C) or less than mean low atmospheric temperatures unless designed for use under such conditions. 5303.5.5 Falling objects. Compressed gas containers and systems shall not be placed in areas where they are exposed to damage from falling objects. 5303.5.6 Heating. Compressed gas containers shall not be heated by devices that could raise the surface temperature of the container to above 125°F (52°C). Heating devices shall comply with the requirements of the Mechanical Code and the Electrical Code. Approved heating methods not capable of producing surface temperatures above 125°F (52°C) are allowed to be used by trained personnel. Devices designed to maintain individual compressed gas containers at constant temperature shall be approved and shall be designed to be fail-safe. 5303.5.7 Sources of ignition. Compressed gas containers and tanks shall not be exposed to open flames or high-temperature devices in a manner that could create a hazardous condition. 5303.5.8 Exposure to chemicals. Compressed gas containers and systems shall not be exposed to corrosive chemicals or fumes that could damage containers, valves or valve-protective caps. 5303.5.9 Exhausted enclosures. When exhausted enclosures are provided as a means to segregate compressed gas containers from exposure hazards, such enclosures shall comply with the requirements of FC 5003.8.5. 5303.5.10 Gas cabinets. When gas cabinets are provided as a means to separate compressed gas containers from exposure hazards, such gas cabinets shall comply with the requirements of FC 5003.8.6. 5303.5.11 Tube trailers. A tube trailer may be used to deliver compressed gas to a stationary compressed gas storage system, or, when approved, may serve as a temporary storage system to supply compressed gas for on-site equipment or operations. Except for the tube trailer's piping system connections, a minimum separation distance of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be maintained in all directions around tube trailers to allow for access, inspection and maintenance. The separation distance between individual tube trailers containing incompatible gases shall be in accordance with FC 5303.5.1. 5303.6 Wiring and equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with the requirements of the Electrical Code. Compressed gas containers and systems shall not be located where they could become part of an electrical circuit. Compressed gas containers and systems shall not be used for electrical grounding. 5303.7 Maintenance and alteration. Servicing, repairs and other maintenance work or alteration to a valve, pressure-relief device or other compressed gas container or system component shall be performed by competent personnel. 5303.8 Unauthorized use. Compressed gas containers and systems shall not be used for any purpose other than as a vessel for the materials that they are designed to contain. 5303.9 Exposure to fire. Compressed gas containers that have been exposed to fire shall be removed from service. Containers so removed shall be handled by qualified persons under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder. Containers exposed to fire shall not be used unless they have been requalified in accordance with the standards set forth in ASME or DOTn regulations, or otherwise approved by the commissioner. 5303.10 Leaks, damage or corrosion. Leaking, damaged or corroded compressed gas containers shall be removed from service under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder, and properly repaired or disposed. 5303.11 Protection against corrosion. Except as otherwise provided in this section, compressed gas containers may be stored or used without being placed under overhead cover. Containers shall be protected from direct contact with soil or unimproved surfaces to prevent bottom corrosion. The surface of the area upon which the containers are placed shall be graded to prevent accumulation of water. 5303.12 Overhead cover. Compressed gas containers in quantities requiring a permit are allowed to be stored or used in the sun except in locations where extreme temperatures prevail. When extreme temperatures prevail, overhead covers shall be provided. Overhead covers shall also be provided to prevent accumulations of ice and snow on the valves of containers connected for use. 5303.13 Lighting. Areas used for the storage, handling and use of compressed gas containers and systems shall be provided with approved lighting by natural or artificial means.

NYC Fire Code § FC 5304 Storage of Compressed Gases

Section FC 5304: Storage of Compressed Gases 5304.1 Upright storage. Compressed gas containers, except those designed for use in a horizontal position, and all compressed gas containers containing nonliquefied gases, shall be stored in an upright position with the valve end up. The axis of the container stored in the upright position may be inclined as much as 45 degrees (0.80 rad) from the vertical provided that it is properly secured. Exception: Compressed gas containers with an internal volume less than 0.174 ft3 (0.005 m3) may be stored in a horizontal position. 5304.2 Material-specific regulations. In addition to the requirements of this section, indoor and outdoor storage of compressed gases shall comply with the material-specific requirements of FC Chapters 54, 58 and 60 through 67.

NYC Fire Code § FC 5305 Handling and Use of Compressed Gases

Section FC 5305: Handling and Use of Compressed Gases 5305.1 Compressed gas systems. Compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the use intended and shall be designed and installed by persons competent in such design and installation. Compressed gas devices and systems shall be listed or approved. 5305.2 Controls. Compressed gas system controls shall be designed to prevent materials from entering or leaving process or reaction systems at other than the intended time, rate or path. Automatic controls shall be designed to be fail-safe. 5305.3 Piping systems. Piping, including tubing, valves, fittings and pressure regulators, shall comply with the requirements of this section and FC Chapter 50. Piping, tubing, pressure regulators, valves and other apparatus shall be kept gas tight to prevent leakage. Adequate pressure-relief devices shall be provided where refrigerated liquefied gas can become trapped in the piping. 5305.4 Valves. Valves utilized on compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the use intended and shall be accessible. Valve handles or operators for required shutoff valves shall not be removed or otherwise altered to prevent access or hinder operation. 5305.5 Venting. Venting of gases shall be directed to an approved location. Venting shall comply with the requirements of the Mechanical Code. 5305.6 Upright use. Compressed gas containers, except those designed for use in a horizontal position, and all compressed gas containers containing nonliquefied gases, shall be used in an upright position with the valve end up. The axis of a container being used in an upright position may be inclined as much as 45 degrees (0.80 rad) from the vertical provided that it is properly secured. Use of nonflammable liquefied gases in the inverted position when the compressed gas is in the liquid state shall be allowed provided that the container is properly secured and the dispensing apparatus is designed for such liquefied gas use. Exception: Compressed gas containers with an internal volume less than 0.174 ft3 (0.005 m3) may be used in a horizontal position. 5305.7 Transfer. Transfer of nonflammable compressed gases between containers shall be performed using equipment and operating procedures specified in CGA P-1 and NFPA 99. 5305.8 Use of compressed gas for inflation. Inflatable equipment, devices or balloons shall be pressurized or filled only with nonflammable gases. 5305.9 Material-specific regulations. In addition to the requirements of this section, indoor and outdoor use of compressed gases shall comply with the material-specific requirements of FC Chapters 54, 58 and 60 through 67. 5305.10 Handling. The handling of compressed gas containers shall comply with the requirements of FC 5305.10.1 and 5305.10.2. 5305.10.1 Carts and hand trucks. Containers shall be moved using an approved method. Where containers are moved by cart, hand truck or other mobile device, such carts, hand trucks or devices shall be designed for the secure movement of containers. Carts and hand trucks utilized for moving compressed gas containers indoors shall comply with the requirements of FC 5003.10. Carts and hand trucks utilized for moving compressed gas containers outdoors shall be designed so that the containers will be secured against dropping or otherwise striking against each other or other surfaces. 5305.10.2 Lifting of containers. Ropes, chains or slings shall not be used to suspend compressed gas containers unless such containers have been designed for such handling. Valves of compressed gas containers shall not be used for lifting.

NYC Fire Code § FC 5306 Medical Gas Storage

Section FC 5306: Medical Gas Storage 5306.1 General. The storage of compressed gases intended for inhalation or sedation including, but not limited to, analgesics for dentistry, podiatry, veterinary and similar uses at hospitals and other medical facilities shall comply with the requirements of this section in addition to other requirements of this chapter and the Plumbing Code. 5306.2 Storage locations within buildings. Medical gases shall be stored in areas dedicated to the storage of such gases without other storage or uses. Where containers of medical gases in quantities greater than 1,500 SCF (42.5 m3) per control area are located indoors, they shall be stored in a gas room in accordance with FC 5306.2.1 or a gas cabinet in accordance with FC 5306.2.3. Where gas rooms are located above or below grade, the fire-resistance rating and maximum number of gas rooms shall be in accordance with FC Table 5003.8.3.3. Rooms or areas where medical gases are stored or used in quantities exceeding 6,000 SCF (169.9 m3) shall be designed and constructed in compliance with Building Code requirements for high-hazard occupancies. 5306.2.1 Gas rooms. A gas room shall be a room separated from the remainder of the building or structure by fire barriers with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings between the room and interior spaces shall be protected by self-closing smoke and draft-control assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour. Rooms having an exterior wall shall be provided with at least two vents in such wall, each having not less than 36 square inches (0.023 m2) free area. One vent shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the floor and one shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ceiling. Rooms with no exterior wall shall be exhausted through a duct to the outdoors. Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a 1-hour-rated shaft enclosure from the room to the outdoors. Approved mechanical ventilation shall comply with the requirements of the Mechanical Code and be provided at a minimum rate of 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot (0.00508 m3/s/m2) of the area of the room. Rooms shall be protected by a sprinkler system. 5306.2.2 Reserved. 5306.2.3 Gas cabinets. Gas cabinets shall be constructed in accordance with FC 5003.8.6 and the following: 1. The average velocity of ventilation at the face of access ports or windows shall not be less than 200 feet per minute (1.02 m/s) with a minimum of 150 feet per minute ( 0.76 m/s) at any point of the access port or window. 2. Connected to an exhaust system. 3. Internally protected by a sprinkler system. 5306.3 Outdoor storage locations. The storage of oxidizing medical gases located outdoors in quantities greater than the amount requiring a permit shall be located in accordance with FC 6304.2. 5306.4 Medical gas system. Medical gas system, including containers, distribution piping, supply manifolds, connections, pressure regulators, relief devices, valves, and monitoring and alarm systems shall comply with the requirements of NFPA 99 and this chapter. 5306.5 Hyperbaric facilities. Hyperbaric facilities shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the construction codes and this section. 5306.5.1 Maintenance. Hyperbaric chambers and associated medical gas systems shall be inspected, tested and otherwise maintained in accordance with NFPA 99. 5306.5.2 Precaution against electronic devices. Mobile telephones and other transmitting electronic devices shall not be brought into the hyperbaric facility when the hyperbaric system is in operation, unless the device has been approved or listed for use in a hyperbaric atmosphere. 5306.6 Signage. A durable sign shall be conspicuously posted at each entrance to any indoor medical gas storage room and any hyperbaric facility, indicating that medical gas is in storage and/or use in the room or facility, and clearly stating all applicable prohibitions and hazards, in accordance with FC 5003.5 and 5003.6. 5306.7 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided outside of the entrance to any indoor medical gas storage room, including any room in which medical gas containers are manifolded.

NYC Fire Code § FC 5307 Carbon Dioxide Beverage Dispensing Systems

Section FC 5307: Carbon Dioxide Beverage Dispensing Systems 5307.1 Scope. The storage, handling and use in beverage dispensing systems of more than 100 pounds (874 SCF) of carbon dioxide, in low-pressure, liquefied form, shall be in accordance with this section. The storage, handling and use of carbon dioxide in other forms and for other purposes shall be regulated by other applicable provisions of this code and the rules. 5307.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in FC 105.6. 5307.3 General. Carbon dioxide beverage dispensing systems shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this section, the construction codes, the rules, Chapter 13 of NFPA 55, and the equipment manufacturer's instructions. 5307.4 Supervision. The storage, handling and use of carbon dioxide in carbon beverage dispensing systems shall be supervised as set forth in FC 5307.4.1 and 5307.4.2: 5307.4.1 Installation. Carbon dioxide beverage dispensing systems shall be installed by a person holding a certificate of fitness. 5307.4.2. Filling of containers. The filling of a carbon dioxide container from any source shall be performed by a person holding a certificate of fitness. 5307.5 Carbon dioxide detection and alarm systems. All carbon dioxide beverage dispensing systems shall be equipped with a carbon dioxide detection and alarm system in accordance with the rules. Such a system shall be installed in the room or other area in which the carbon dioxide storage containers are installed and any other room or area in which carbon dioxide could accumulate, and shall activate an alarm in such room or area, outside the entrance to such room or area and such other locations that the department may prescribe by rule. Exceptions: 1. Any aboveground room or area provided with continuous mechanical ventilation system designed to exhaust carbon dioxide to a safe outdoor location. Such mechanical ventilation shall be designed to operate at a negative pressure in relation to the surrounding area; provide ventilation at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot (0.00508 m3/(s.m2)); and take exhaust from a point within 12 inches (305 mm) of the floor. 2. Any room or area provided with a gas detection system in accordance with FC 908. 5307.6 Operational and Maintenance Requirements. Carbon dioxide beverage dispensing systems shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the standards set forth in FC 5307.3 and such other requirements as the department may prescribe by rule, including: 1. Warning signs. 2. Periodic inspections of the system. 3. User safety training. 4. Required notifications in the event of a carbon dioxide leak. 5. Filing of affidavit of carbon dioxide beverage dispensing system installation, alteration and repair, and carbon dioxide release. 6. Protected from physical damage.

NYC Fire Code § FC 5308 Ethylene Oxide

Section FC 5308: Ethylene Oxide 5308.1 Scope. This section shall govern the storage, handling and use of gases containing ethylene oxide used for sterilization purposes. The storage, handling and use of gases containing ethylene oxide for purposes other than sterilization shall comply with the other applicable requirements of this chapter. The storage, handling and use of flammable gases containing ethylene oxide shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 58. 5308.2 General. The storage, handling and use of gases containing ethylene oxide used for sterilization purposes shall comply with the other requirements of this chapter, as applicable, and shall additionally be in accordance with this section. 5308.3 Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful to sterilize pressurized oxygen equipment with gases containing ethylene oxide. 5308.4 Application. Prior to storing or using gases containing ethylene oxide, or modifying an existing installation or system, the owner shall file with the department an application for the approval of the design and installation of the sterilization system which contains such information and documentation as the commissioner may prescribe. 5308.5 Design and installation requirements. The design and installation of sterilization systems shall comply with the requirements of FC 5308.5.1 through 5308.5.3. 5308.5.1 Compliance with other codes and standards. The design and installation of sterilization systems and the storage of gases containing ethylene oxide shall be in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code, the Electrical Code, the manufacturer's specifications and the approved testing laboratory that listed the sterilizer. 5308.5.2 Sterilization system room and local area ventilation. Sterilization systems shall be installed in rooms that are ventilated as follows: 5308.5.2.1 Room ventilation. Sterilizers shall be installed in a well-ventilated room or other area provided with an independent, nonrecirculating mechanical ventilation system that discharges outdoors. Ventilation supply and exhaust registers shall be located such that there are no stagnant air spaces in the immediate area of the sterilizer and that the direction of air movement is away from the operator. 5308.5.2.2 Local area ventilation. Where a local ventilation system is required by the regulations of the United States Department of Labor, such ventilation system shall be an independent, dedicated and nonrecirculating system that discharges directly outdoors or to an emission control system and only metallic ductwork impervious to ethylene oxide shall be used. The amount of flexible ducting and the number of elbows in the duct shall be kept to a minimum. 5308.5.3 Vent lines. Sterilizer vent lines shall be designed and installed in compliance with the following requirements: 1. Each sterilizer shall be equipped with an independent, dedicated and gas-tight vent line for the discharge of gases containing ethylene oxide. 2. Vent lines shall discharge directly outdoors or to an emission control system. Such vent lines shall not discharge into any other ventilation or exhaust system. 3. The piping and the point of discharge for all vent lines discharging outdoors shall be designed and installed to prevent moisture from entering the vent line. 4. Vent lines, including piping, fittings and other components, shall be in accordance with the specifications of the sterilizer manufacturer. Pipe lengths shall not exceed the maximum lengths specified by the manufacturer. Vertical travel distances, elbows, sharp bends and any reduction in vent line size shall be kept to a minimum. 5308.6 Operation and maintenance. Sterilization systems shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the following requirements: 1. Sterilization systems shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and the approved testing laboratory listing requirements. 2. Air compressors and their air intakes shall be located such that any gas that may leak from the sterilization system or stored containers will not enter the compressor. 3. Sterilizers shall not be operated if the room ventilation system, local area ventilation system or vent pipe is not operational. 5308.7 Emergency plan. Where required by the regulations of the United States Department of Labor, a written emergency plan to be implemented in the event of an ethylene oxide spill or leak shall be prepared, shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by any representative of the department. 5308.8 Recordkeeping. A copy of the manufacturer's instructions for the installation, operation and maintenance of the sterilizer shall be maintained in the room or other area in which the sterilization system is located.

NYC Fire Code § FC 5309 Compressed Gases Not Otherwise Regulated

Section FC 5309: Compressed Gases Not Otherwise Regulated 5309.1 General. Compressed gases in storage or use not regulated by the material-specific provisions of FC Chapters 6, 54, 58 and 60 through 67, including asphyxiant, irritant and radioactive gases, shall comply with the requirements of this section in addition to other applicable requirements of this chapter. 5309.2 Ventilation. Indoor storage and use areas and storage buildings shall be provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation or natural ventilation in accordance with FC 5004.3 or 5005.1.9. Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided where required by FC 5005.2.1.1 or 5005.2.2.2. When mechanical ventilation is provided, the systems shall be operational during such time as the building or space is occupied.

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/0-0-0-149568Fetched: 10/24/2026