No person shall install, maintain, repair, operate or use any
refrigerating system in the City except in compliance with the provisions
of this article.
[Amended 2-26-1969, approved 2-27-1969]
A.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention shall approve only those refrigerating
systems or their adjuncts which bear the seal of approval of the National
Board of Fire Underwriters Laboratory or any other nationally recognized
laboratory.
B.
No refrigerating equipment except those approved shall be installed
and no refrigerating apparatus shall be used until inspected and approved
by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Replacements shall be deemed as
new installations.
C.
Applications for such inspection shall be made in writing on a form
furnished by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. A fee of $50 shall accompany
the application. Such fee shall cover inspection of five units or
any portion thereof contained in single premises. Inspections shall
not be required of self-contained unit installations of Class D systems.
[Amended 11-26-1980, approved 11-28-1980; 6-26-1991, approved 6-27-1991]
A.
All applications for the installation of any refrigerator system
shall be made to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, giving the following
information:
(1)
Name and address of applicant.
(2)
Location where refrigerating system is to be installed.
(3)
Name of refrigerating system, by whom manufactured and where.
(4)
Name of concern making installation.
(5)
Number of installer's license.
(6)
The application shall be accompanied by a plan, drawn to a scale
of 1/4 inch to the foot, showing clearly thereon all details of location
and installation.
B.
Plans are not required for Class D installations where such installations
are complete self-contained units.
A.
No person not duly licensed by the Bureau of Fire Prevention may
install any refrigerating system.
B.
Each manufacturer or his duly authorized representative shall have
at least one person in his organization duly licensed and registered
for the supervision of installations of refrigerating systems.
C.
Each person applying for a license pursuant to provisions of this
article shall file with the Bureau of Fire Prevention a statement
containing his name, address, age, experience and qualifications.
The applicant shall be given a practical examination by an Examining
Board consisting of the Chief of the Fire Department and two other
members to be appointed by the Mayor, one of whom shall be a member
of the Board of Examining Engineers and the other shall be a duly
licensed installer who has had five years' or more experience.
The term of office of said members, other than the Chief of the Fire
Department, shall begin upon the first day of October, except those
first appointed hereunder; they shall severally hold their office
one year and until their successors are appointed and shall have qualified.
They shall serve without compensation.
D.
Each manufacturer, firm, corporation or agent wishing to secure a
license for the installation of refrigerating systems shall apply
in writing to the Bureau of Fire Prevention, stating:
E.
There shall be an annual fee of $100 for each installer's license
issued by the Bureau of Fire Prevention, payable at the time application
is filed.
[Amended 2-26-1969, approved 2-27-1969; 11-26-1980, approved 11-28-1980; 6-26-1991, approved 6-27-1991; 2-27-2008, approved 2-28-2008]
F.
The installer's license shall expire on March 31 of each year.
G.
Such license shall not be transferable and may be revoked by the
Bureau of Fire Prevention if the holder thereof shall violate any
of the provisions of this article with respect thereto.
H.
The Fire Commissioner may at any time modify, suspend or revoke any
such approval or license upon certification to him by the Chief of
the Fire Department of any violation or failure to comply with any
of the provisions of this article.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any liquid which, having been cooled by the refrigerating
system, is used for the absorption of heat.
A cylinder for the transportation of refrigerant, constructed
to conform to the regulations of the Interstate Commerce Commission.
A system in which the refrigerant is circulated to the substance
or space refrigerated.
One which will burn or explode when mixed with certain proportions
of air, such as methyl chloride, ethyl chloride, isobutane, propane
and ethane.
A device having a member fusible at a predetermined temperature,
for the relief of pressure.
One in which all joints of the parts of the system containing
the refrigerant are made by the process of fusion.
One showing only hydrogen and carbon in chemical formula,
such as isobutane, propane, butane and ethane.
One in which a brine or liquid cooled by the refrigerant
is circulated to the substance or space refrigerated.
One which, when breathed, attacks the throat or lungs, such
as ammonia and sulfur dioxide.
A vessel permanently connected to a refrigerating system
for storage of liquid refrigerant.
A vessel or device for mixing the refrigerant or other soluble
vapor with water.
A refrigerating system in which the refrigerant is delivered
from a common source to two or more separate refrigerators or refrigerated
spaces, each containing one or more evaporators.
That apparatus which draws the refrigerant from the low-pressure
or low-temperature side of the system and discharges it into the high-pressure
or high-temperature side of the system.
A pressure- or temperature-responsive mechanism for automatically
stopping the operation of the pressure-imposing element.
A pressure-relief valve, a rupture member, fusible plug or
other approved device for relieving the pressure.
A valve shut by a spring or other means automatically to
relieve pressure in excess of its setting.
The chemical agent used to produce refrigeration.
One in which is located any pressure-imposing elements, condenser,
receiver or shell-type apparatus, except evaporators.
A combination of apparatus in which a refrigerant is circulated
for the purpose of extracting heat, except all air-conditioning machines
inserted in the walls and windows of all buildings.
[Amended 6-14-1961, approved 6-15-1961]
One which cannot be removed from its location without disconnecting
the refrigerant retention lines or parts.
A device that will automatically rupture at a predetermined
pressure.
One which operates without stuffing boxes or which does not
depend on contacts between moving and stationary surfaces for refrigerant
retention.
One in which the operation depends on a contact between moving
and stationary surfaces for refrigerant retention.
A special key-operated shutoff valve installed in Class C
and D systems, used only for retention of refrigerant in component
parts during transportation, installation and repairs, during abnormal
operation or in case of emergency.
A valve in a refrigerating system for controlling the flow
of refrigerant during normal starting and stopping operation or in
case of emergency.
A hydrocarbon in which one or more atoms of hydrogen are
replaced by chlorine or some other element. (Examples: methyl chloride,
ethyl chloride, methylene chloride, acetylene dichloride, ethylene
trichloride.)
One which can be removed either with or separately from the
space refrigerated without disconnecting any pipes or refrigerant-containing
parts.
A.
The total amount of refrigerant contained in the system for its satisfactory
operation shall determine its class.
(1)
A Class A system is one containing 1,000 pounds or over of refrigerant.
(2)
A Class B system is one containing from 100 pounds to 1,000
pounds of refrigerant.
(3)
A Class C system is one containing from 20 pounds to 100 pounds
of refrigerant.
(4)
A Class D system is one containing not more than 20 pounds of
refrigerant.
B.
For all Class A, B and C systems, the seller shall either mark the
classification on the apparatus, together with the proper weight and
kind of refrigerant to be used, or furnish the data in a letter which
shall be permanently and conspicuously posted near the system.
A.
Except as hereinafter provided in these regulations, it shall be
unlawful to maintain or operate a refrigerating system without a permit
from the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
B.
Unless otherwise specifically provided, all permits or renewals thereof
issued pursuant to this article shall expire on March 31 of each year.
The Fire Commissioner may at any time modify, suspend or revoke any
such permit upon certification to him by the Chief of the Fire Department
of any violation or failure to comply with any of the provisions of
this article.
C.
Applications must be made to the Bureau of Fire Prevention for permits
for all Class A, B, C and D systems used commercially, for which the
following fees shall be charged:
[Amended 2-5-1969, approved 2-6-1969; 11-26-1980, approved 11-28-1980; 6-26-1991, approved 6-27-1991; 2-27-2008, approved 2-28-2008]
E.
Any extension of or addition to any refrigerating system shall be
subject to the permit and inspection requirements of this article.
A.
Except with special approval of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, only
the following refrigerants can be used: methyl chloride, sulfur dioxide,
ethylene trichloride, acetylene dichloride, carbon-dioxide, ammonia,
freons and methylene chloride; provided, however, that ethane, propane,
isobutane, butane and ethyl chloride can also be used, only in Class
D systems.
B.
For the direct method of refrigeration for Class A and B systems
using a flammable or an irritant refrigerant or methylene chloride,
acetylene dichloride and ethylene trichloride, permits will be issued
only if the building is used exclusively for ice making or for refrigerating
purposes, or both, or if the refrigerant is not carried above the
first floor in a business building or combination business and residence
building, or if the entire refrigerating system is confined on any
one floor in the space occupied by a single tenant in a business section
of business building.
C.
Where wards of hospitals, cell rooms of prisons or the auditorium
portion of a building in which people may congregate for military,
civic, political, educational, religious, amusement or transportation
purposes are to be refrigerated by a flammable or irritant refrigerant
or by methylene chloride, acetylene dichloride or ethylene trichloride,
the indirect method of refrigeration only shall be permitted and then
only when the entire refrigerating system containing the refrigerant
is located in a separate machinery room having no connection with
the other parts of the building and entered and ventilated from the
outside only.
D.
No permit will be issued for an intermittent absorption type of refrigerating
system of Class A, but a permit will be issued for one in Class B
only when a heating medium of low-pressure steam is used in its operation.
E.
Only the refrigerant specified in the permit shall be used in the
system.
F.
Refrigerating system permit fees shall be distinct and separate from
permit fees for building, plumbing, electrical or other work.
G.
Without approval from the Fire Commissioner, no brine shall be used
in a brine circulating system or tank that will generate flammable
vapor at a temperature below 100° F. when tested in a Tagliabue
open cup tester.
A.
Open flames and electrical equipment. In a refrigerating machinery
room for Class A or B system using a flammable refrigerant, a hydrocarbon
or a substituted hydrocarbon, no fire, flame or arc light will be
permitted and no major electrical equipment except motors and switchboard
to operate refrigerating machinery will be permitted. All starting
equipment, including switches, automatic starters and the like, must
be of the oil-immersed or -enclosed type. An emergency switch controlling
all the electrically operated refrigerating machinery for all type
refrigerants shall be located outside the refrigerating machinery
room where it can be readily reached and operated in case of emergency.
B.
Ventilation.
(1)
Each Class A, B or C refrigerating machinery room of any system
shall be independently provided with means for adequate ventilation
to the outer air. The ventilation shall consist of a window or windows
opening directly to the open air or of mechanical means capable of
exhausting the foul air from the room.
(2)
When a window or windows are used, if placed in opposite walls
so as to provide a through-air circulation to the outer air, a total
area of inlet and outlet, respectively, of not less than that specified
in column D of the table hereinafter set forth in this section shall
be provided. When a window or windows are placed in one wall, a total
area shall be provided of not less than that specified in column E
of said table.
(3)
When mechanical means are used, they shall consist of driven
exhaust fan of the enclosed, cased blower type which shall be capable
of removing from the refrigerating machinery room the amount of air
specified in column B of the table. The inlet to the fan shall be
located near the refrigerating equipment. The outlet from the fan
shall terminate not less than six feet above the sidewalk and in no
case under a stairway or fire escape. Where air ducts are used on
either the inlet or discharge side of the fan, they shall each have
an area of not less than that specified in column C. Sharp bends in
the run of the ducts shall be avoided. The control for such mechanical
means of ventilation shall be easily accessible and located outside
the refrigerating machinery room. (Door openings leading directly
to the open air shall be considered equivalent to windows for the
requirements specified in columns D and E.)
(4)
Where a nonirritant and nonflammable refrigerant is employed,
the requirements as given in column D of the table may be reduced
by 1/2. When air or water is employed as the refrigerant, no ventilation
shall be required.
(5)
In addition to mechanical means of ventilation in refrigerating
machinery room or rooms where a Class A system or Class B system using
ammonia is installed, a water deluge may be provided, which shall
consist of a sprinkler system having open heads of not less than one-fourth-inch
orifice spaced not more than eight feet apart in any direction, and
such system shall be located above all the refrigerating apparatus
and piping in the refrigerating machinery room. Not more than one
head shall be installed on a three fourths-inch pipe, five heads on
a one-inch pipe, six heads on a one-and-one-fourth inch pipe. The
deluge system shall be permanently connected with the main house supply
or other assured source from which a constant water pressure of not
less than 20 pounds per square inch can be maintained on the inlet
side of the main control valve or valves at all times. The control
valve or valves for such water deluge system shall be manually operated,
easily accessible and shall be labeled and located outside the refrigerating
machinery room.
|
A
|
B
|
C
|
D
|
E
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Refrigerant in System
(pounds)
|
Mechanical Discharge
(cubic feet per minute)
|
Mechanical Duct Area
(square feet)
|
Window Area for Each Opposite Side
(square feet)
|
Window Area for 1 Side Only
(square feet)
|
|
Up to 20
|
150
|
1/4
|
1
|
6
|
|
50
|
250
|
1/3
|
1 1/2
|
12
|
|
100
|
400
|
1/2
|
2
|
16
|
|
150
|
550
|
2/3
|
2 1/2
|
19
|
|
200
|
680
|
2/3
|
3
|
25
|
|
250
|
800
|
1
|
3 1/2
|
29
|
|
300
|
900
|
1
|
4
|
32
|
|
400
|
1,100
|
1 1/4
|
4 1/2
|
38
|
|
500
|
1,275
|
1 1/4
|
5
|
42
|
|
600
|
1,450
|
1 1/2
|
6
|
45
|
|
700
|
1,630
|
1 1/2
|
6 1/2
|
48
|
|
800
|
1,800
|
2
|
7
|
51
|
|
900
|
1,950
|
2
|
7 1/2
|
55
|
|
1,000
|
2,050
|
2
|
8
|
59
|
|
1,250
|
2,350
|
2 1/4
|
9
|
68
|
|
1,500
|
2,800
|
2 1/4
|
11
|
78
|
|
1,750
|
3,150
|
3
|
12 1/2
|
87
|
|
2,000
|
3,500
|
3 1/2
|
14
|
98
|
|
2,500
|
4,150
|
4
|
16
|
113
|
|
3,000
|
4,500
|
4 1/2
|
18
|
130
|
|
4,000
|
6,000
|
6
|
24
|
167
|
|
5,000
|
7,500
|
7 1/2
|
30
|
204
|
|
6,000
|
9,000
|
9
|
36
|
241
|
|
7,000
|
10,500
|
10 1/2
|
42
|
278
|
|
8,000
|
12,000
|
12
|
48
|
315
|
|
9,000
|
13,000
|
13
|
52
|
342
|
|
10,000
|
14,000
|
14
|
56
|
360
|
|
12,000
|
17,000
|
17
|
68
|
425
|
|
14,000
|
19,000
|
19
|
75
|
470
|
|
16,000
|
22,000
|
22
|
86
|
540
|
|
18,000
|
24,000
|
24
|
92
|
580
|
|
20,000
|
26,500
|
26
|
100
|
630
|
|
25,000
|
33,000
|
33
|
121
|
760
|
|
30,000
|
39,000
|
39
|
142
|
870
|
|
35,000
|
44,000
|
44
|
155
|
940
|
|
40,000
|
51,000
|
51
|
176
|
1,060
|
|
45,000
|
56,000
|
56
|
190
|
1,120
|
C.
Indirect method.
(1)
In Class A and B systems where the indirect method of refrigeration is permitted, the refrigerating machinery room shall be constructed according to the following requirements: Where an irritant refrigerant is used, the refrigerating machinery room shall be maintained vaportight, except that all doors opening to other parts of the building shall be self-closing and so close fitting as to prevent the passage of vapor and shall be kept closed at all times except during entrance and exit. All doors shall open outward. All other openings that may permit the passage of vapor to other parts of the building shall be vaportight and kept closed. There shall be no openings to elevator shafts, but openings to dumbwaiter shafts shall be permitted, provided the openings are protected with self-closing and close-fitting fire doors. There shall be adequate ventilation to the outside as required under Subsection B of this section.
(2)
In Class C systems of the remote type, the pressure-imposing
element, condenser, receiver or shell-type apparatus need not be located
in a separate machinery room but shall be located at least 10 feet
from storage of combustible materials in an accessible part of the
building with adequate lighting facilities, and they shall be protected
against mechanical injury by a metal netting partition arranged with
a door and shall not be located under stairways nor near dumbwaiter
shafts not equipped with self-closing or close-fitting doors nor near
elevator shafts.
A.
All piping and tubing containing the refrigerant shall be supported
by strong and durable material in such a manner as to prevent vibration
and strains at joints and connections.
B.
Hard-drawn copper tubing will be accepted for air-conditioning systems
of Class A, B, C or D when installed with the necessary sweat fittings
and supported by strong, durable material in such a manner as to prevent
vibration and strain at joints and connections. All soldered joints
must be made with not less than 95-5 solder.
C.
Air-conditioning systems to which these provisions cannot be applied
may be maintained and operated subject to such conditions as are deemed
necessary by the Fire Commissioner.
D.
All refrigerant piping, tubing and fittings shall be of material suitable for the refrigerant intended and shall be able to withstand the minimum required test pressures as hereinafter provided in § 131-247.
E.
For systems of Class A, B, C or D, standard wall thickness pipe may
be used where a test pressure of less than 300 pounds is required;
and where the test pressures are in excess of 300 pounds, extra-heavy
wall thickness pipe shall be used. If flanged fittings are used for
pipe connections, they shall be of recessed gasket type.
F.
For systems of Class C or D, seamless copper or other suitable approved
metal tubing of not less than 0.034 of an inch wall thickness and
not exceeding 5/8 of an inch in diameter, and of corresponding greater
wall thickness for larger diameters, may be used, provided the joints
are sweated, brazed or flared.
G.
In Class C systems using seamless metal tubing for refrigerant lines
and supplying two or more evaporators in two or more separate refrigeration
spaces (termed "multiple systems"), the refrigerant lines if they
extend between floors shall be enclosed in iron pipe or tubing or
other metal sleeve enclosure. The enclosures may be of flexible metal
at bends or terminals if not exceeding six feet in length and if rigidly
fastened to connecting enclosure pipe. Enclosures shall be rigidly
secured to the walls or other supports.
H.
Each vertical run of metal enclosure shall be sealed or plugged at
its upper end with a material not affected by moisture or the temperature
of the refrigerant lines. All refrigerant line joints shall be accessible.
I.
Service shutoff valves for the suction and liquid refrigerant lines
shall be arranged with a handwheel or other means of ready operation
and shall be located at the lower end of each riser.
J.
The use of a central refrigerating system using the direct method
of refrigeration to individual refrigerators throughout a multiple
dwelling is hereby prohibited.
K.
All drain, wastewater supply and illuminating gas connections shall
be made to comply with all City ordinances and regulations.
L.
No water drain from any compressor, absorber or condenser shall be
connected directly with any sewer, soil, waste or other plumbing pipe
but must discharge over the surface of an open area, over a trapped,
vented and water-supplied plumbing fixture or otherwise as directed
by the appropriate City authority.
M.
Elevator, dumbwaiter or other shafts containing moving objects shall
not be used for refrigerant lines.
A.
Pressure-relief valves, pressure-limiting devices and rupture members
shall be made of suitable materials for the refrigerant employed and
shall be constructed and set to prevent the pressure exceeding the
test pressures.
B.
No stop valve shall be located between a pressure-relief device or
pressure-limiting device and the part of the system protected thereby
unless two pressure-relief devices of required size are used and so
arranged that only one pressure-relief device can be cut off for repair
purposes at any one time.
C.
Class B systems in which no stop valves are used and in which the
pressure will equalize throughout the system when the pressure imposing
element is not in operation may be protected by only one pressure-relief
device located on the high-pressure side.
D.
The low pressure side of a Class A ammonia system shall be provided
with a hand operated valve for discharging the ammonia into water
through a mixer to the sewer in case of emergency.
E.
The ammonia mixer shall be constructed of steel and shall be capable
of withstanding a pressure of at least 50 pounds per square inch.
F.
No valve shall be located in the ammonia emergency discharge line
except the manually operated valve discharging into the water and
ammonia mixer, but there may be one stop valve located inside the
building for repair purposes only. This valve shall be sealed open
and labeled "keep open."
G.
The manually operated pressure-relief valve shall be located in a
locked box which can be opened by members of the Bureau of Fire Prevention
by means of a Fire Bureau key. The door of the box shall be on the
public thoroughfare side of the building, in an easily accessible
location and not less than 18 inches nor more than five feet above
the sidewalk level. The box shall be permanently labeled, having letters
of not less than one inch reading FOR FIRE BUREAU USE ONLY. The relief
valve shall be labeled "ammonia." A sign shall be posted within the
box reading DO NOT OPEN VALVE UNTIL WATER IS FLOWING.
H.
A single standard two-and-one-half-inch Fire Department connection
shall be provided through which the necessary water may be supplied
to the mixer. The Fire Department connection shall be located near
the box and not less than 18 inches nor more than 24 inches above
the sidewalk level and shall be permanently labeled, having letters
not less than one-inch high reading TO AMMONIA MIXER. A check valve
so set as to prevent gases from reaching the Fire Department connection
shall be installed in the water line between the Fire Department connection
and water and ammonia mixer.
I.
The Fire Department shall have sole use of the mixer and supply the
necessary water.
J.
In systems using over 27,000 pounds of ammonia, there shall be provided
one additional water and ammonia mixer for each 27,000 pounds of ammonia
or fraction thereof so used in excess.
K.
The ammonia mixer and its connection for a Class A system shall conform
to the diagram.
L.
The size of pressure-relief valves shall be as follows:
|
Carbon Dioxide and Ethane Refrigerants
|
Other Refrigerants
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Capacity of System
(pounds)
|
Number Required
|
Size
(inches)
|
Number Required
|
Size
(inches)
| |
|
Up to 1,000
|
1
|
1/2
|
1
|
1/2
| |
|
1,001 to 1,800
|
1
|
1/2
|
1
|
3/4
| |
|
1,801 to 3,000
|
1
|
1/2
|
1
|
1
| |
|
3,001 to 5,250
|
1
|
1/2
|
1
|
1 1/4
| |
|
5,251 to 7,500
|
1
|
1/2
|
1
|
1 1/2
| |
|
7,501 to 13,500
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
2
| |
|
13,501 to 27,000
|
2
|
2
| |||
M.
Where rupture members are permitted and used, the equivalent area
of the relief valve specified must be provided.
N.
Fusible plugs may be used on Class C and D systems. The free discharge
opening shall be 1/16 of an inch in diameter and shall relieve the
pressure at a temperature not exceeding 280° F.
O.
Every system using a water-cooled condenser with a pressure-imposing
element which is capable of producing a pressure in excess of the
test pressure shall be protected by a pressure-limiting device.
P.
Each compressor or generator of a Class A or B system shall be protected
by a pressure-relief valve connected into the high-pressure side between
the main top valve and the compressor or generator to relieve excessive
pressure into the low-pressure side of the system but must at all
times be relieved to atmosphere.
Q.
A rupture member may be substituted for the relief valve in carbon
dioxide systems or systems operating below atmospheric pressure.
R.
Shell-type apparatus, such as liquid receivers, condensers, evaporators,
liquid separators and absorbers of Class A and B systems, which can
be shut off by stop valves, shall be equipped with a pressure-relief
valve discharging as hereinafter provided.
S.
Class C and D systems so constructed that, when subjected to an abnormal
outside temperature such as that generated in a fire, their walls
may burst due to the expansion of the refrigerant, shall be protected
by a pressure relief device.
T.
Where more than 50 pounds of ammonia is used in a Class A or B system,
the discharge from relief valves shall be piped to the outside atmosphere
as specified for Class A systems or to the low-pressure side as shown
in diagrams or into a tank of water which shall be used for no purpose
except ammonia discharges. At least one gallon of fresh water shall
be provided for every pound of ammonia contained in the system. The
water used shall be prevented from freezing without the use of salt
or chemicals. The tank shall be substantially constructed of not less
than 1/8 of an inch or No. 11 U.S. gauge iron. No horizontal dimensions
of the tank shall be greater than 1/2 the height. The tank shall have
a hinged cover, or if of the enclosed type, shall have a vent hole
at the top. All pipe connections shall be through the top of tank
only. The discharge pipe from the pressure valve shall discharge the
ammonia in the center of the tank near the bottom. The tank shall
be as securely supported as any other part of the system. There shall
be no opening in the tank below the water level.
U.
In Class A and B systems using any refrigerant other than ammonia,
the discharge from relief valves shall be to the atmosphere as specified
for Class A ammonia systems. Carbon dioxide may be discharged into
the room if same contains at least 10 cubic feet of capacity per pound
of refrigerant used.
V.
Arrangements of pressure relief devices for Class A and B systems
shall conform to the diagrams.
W.
Liquid level gauge glasses, except those of the bull's eye type,
shall have automatic closing shutoff, and such glasses shall be adequately
protected against injury by slotted metal casing.
X.
All refrigerating cabinets that are supplied by the remote system
of refrigeration must be securely fastened to the floor or wall.
A.
No refrigerating system shall be placed in operation until the complete
installation has been tested by the installer in the presence of the
Chief of the Fire Department or one of his deputies. Approval in writing,
issued by the Fire Commissioner, shall be posted on the premises where
the system is installed. Tests shall include a vacuum and a pressure
test of the complete piping system, preferably with the evaporators
installed, but valves thereon may be closed to prevent withdrawal
of the refrigerant. Under the vacuum test a vacuum of 20 inches of
mercury shall be placed upon the system and shall be held for a period
of not less than 20 minutes, with no detectable drop, after the pump
has been stopped. Under the pressure test every part of the refrigerating
system except pressure gauges and control mechanism shall withstand
safely and without injury the following required minimum test pressures:
|
Refrigerant To Be Used in System
|
Chemical Symbol
|
High-Pressure Side of System
(pounds per square inch)
|
Low-Pressure Side of System
(pounds per square inch)
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dichlorodi-fluoromethane
|
CCL2F2
|
250
|
150
| |
|
Carbon dioxide
|
CO2
|
1,500
|
750
| |
|
Thane
|
C2H6
|
1,100
|
550
| |
|
Ammonia
|
NH3
|
300
|
150
| |
|
Propane
|
63H8
|
250
|
125
| |
|
Methyl chloride
|
CH3CL
|
150
|
80
| |
|
Sulfur dioxide
|
SO2
|
135
|
50
| |
|
Isobutane
|
(CH3)2CH-CH3
|
100
|
50
| |
|
Butane
|
64H10
|
75
|
35
| |
|
Ethyl chloride
|
C2H5CI
|
50
|
25
| |
|
Methylene chloride
|
CH2CI2
|
15
|
15
| |
|
Acetylene dichloride
|
C2H2CI2
|
15
|
15
| |
|
Ethylene trichloride
|
CHCL:C CI2
|
15
|
15
|
B.
The apparatus, except pressure gauges and control mechanism, shall
be so designed as to withstand 3 1/3 times the above test pressure,
which product would constitute the probable rupture pressures.
A.
Two helmets or masks shall be provided with a Class A system and
one with a Class B system in which irritant refrigerant is used.
B.
Only helmets or masks that have been approved by the United States
Bureau of Mines as suitable for the refrigerant employed shall be
used, and they shall be kept in operative condition in an easily accessible
case or cabinet located immediately outside the refrigerating machinery
room.
C.
No Class A or B system shall be maintained, repaired or operated
in any building except under the personal supervision, direction or
control of a duly licensed person who has obtained a certificate of
qualification to operate, maintain or repair such a system in the
City from the Bureau of Fire Prevention upon certification as to competency
by the Examining Board. However, a Class B system containing under
200 pounds of refrigerant need not comply with the above. Every Class
C system not automatic shall be in charge of a person holding a licensed
certificate.
D.
No person shall receive a license to operate, maintain or repair
any refrigerating units unless he shall be at least 21 years of age,
shall have operated a refrigerating machine under the class for which
he applies for a period of at least one year, shall be a citizen of
the United States and by examination has shown himself sufficiently
proficient to supervise, direct, manage, repair, operate and control
a refrigerating plant for which an installation permit has been duly
issued by the City.
E.
The fee for a refrigeration operator's license shall be $50
annually. Such licenses shall expire on March 31 in each year. Applicants
shall furnish two small pictures of themselves, which shall be attached
to the license and the stub of the license.
[Amended 2-26-1969, approved 2-27-1969; 11-26-1980, approved 11-28-1980; 6-26-1991, approved 6-27-1991]
F.
In all refrigerating machinery rooms of Class A, B and C systems,
there shall be permanently and conspicuously posted the following
information:
(1)
The names and addresses of the licensed operators in charge.
(2)
The location of the nearest fire alarm box.
(3)
The name, address and telephone number of a physician to be
called in case of emergency.
(4)
Instructions for shutting down the plant in case of emergency.
(5)
Diagram of system.
(6)
Class of system.
(7)
Kind of refrigerant in system.
(8)
The name, address and day and night telephone numbers of service
repairmen.
(9)
The name of the installer and date of installation.
(10)
The name of the tester and the date tested.
G.
Class A, B and C systems shall have the name of the refrigerant painted
or affixed in a permanent manner to the main parts of the piping.
H.
Refrigerant not contained in the refrigerating system shall be stored
only in containers conforming to the regulations prescribed by the
Interstate Commerce Commission for the transportation of such refrigerant.
I.
Only two containers holding not more than a total of 300 pounds of
flammable, irritant hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon refrigerant
shall be stored in the refrigerating machinery room of a Class A system.
J.
Only one container holding not more than 150 pounds of flammable,
irritant hydrocarbon or substituted hydrocarbon refrigerant shall
be stored in the refrigerating machinery room of a Class B system.
K.
In a Class C and D system, no refrigerant other than that used in
the system shall be stored in the refrigerating machinery room.
L.
If a greater amount of flammable, irritant hydrocarbon or substituted
hydrocarbon refrigerant is desired other than that permitted in a
refrigerating machinery room, it shall be stored in a fireproof building
or enclosure separated from the machinery room and a special permit
secured from the Fire Commissioner.
M.
When the refrigerant is withdrawn from a system, it shall be discharged
only in a suitable absorbent container conforming to the regulations
of the Interstate Commerce Commission for the transportation of such
refrigerant. No refrigerant shall be permitted to escape into the
refrigerating machinery room.
N.
Containers shall not be connected to the system except during periods
of charging or withdrawing the refrigerant.
O.
Tightening of bolts or flanged joints when under pressure is prohibited.
Whenever under this article any installer's license or
refrigeration operator's license shall be required, no such license
shall be issued to any person if it appears to the Board of Examiners
that such person lacks natural capacity, mechanical skill, knowledge
or experience or is unfitted by habits of insobriety to perform his
duties with safety to life and property; and for like reasons a renewal
of such license granted shall be refused when the Board shall so determine,
and upon satisfactory information to said Board of Examiners of any
such deficiency, the Board may revoke any such license granted.
Any person feeling himself aggrieved by any decision, order
or ruling of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, the Fire Commissioner
or the Board of Examiners may appeal therefrom to the Mayor by filing
with the City Clerk a notice of such appeal in writing within 30 days
after the making of the decision, order or ruling so appealed from.
Such notice shall specify the decision, order or ruling appealed from
and the reason why the same is claimed to be erroneous. The City Clerk
shall forthwith notify the Mayor of such appeal, and he shall notify
the appellant and the Bureau of Fire Prevention, the Fire Commissioner
or said Board of Examiners to attend the Mayor's hearing, depending
upon from whose decision, order or ruling appeal is taken. The Mayor
shall fix the hearing date, hear the appellant and the Bureau of Fire
Prevention, the Fire Commissioner or said Board of Examiners, as the
case may be, and shall obtain such other advice as to the matter as
he may deem proper. He may affirm, reverse or modify the decision,
order or ruling by his order in writing, to be filed as soon as practicable
with the City Clerk, and the said Bureau, Commissioner or Board shall
forthwith proceed to carry out and enforce such order of the Mayor.
