(a) Scope. This section sets forth standards, requirements and procedures applicable to the storage, handling and use of CNG. This section shall not apply to the following operations:
(1) the storage and use of CNG in a non-production chemical laboratory, the requirements for which are subject to the provisions of FC2706.
(2) the storage and filling of containers with CNG for use as a fuel in motor vehicles and other approved purposes, the requirements for which are subject to the provisions of FC2208.
(3) the storage and use of CNG in connection with special effects, the requirements for which are set forth in FC3309 and the rules.
(4) the transportation of CNG, the requirements for which are set forth in FC2707.
(b) General Provisions.
(1) General CNG requirements. The provisions of this section shall be applicable to all CNG materials, operations and/or facilities as follows:
(A) All CNG storage, handling and use governed by this section shall comply with the design and installation document, permit, supervision, and general storage, handling and use requirements set forth in R3508-01(c), (d), (e) and (f).
(B) Outdoor and indoor CNG storage shall be in facilities that comply with the requirements for such facilities set forth in R3508-01(g) and (h).
(C) Stationary CNG installations shall comply with the requirements for such installations set forth in R3508-01(i).
(D) CNG storage, handling and use for the special applications set forth in R3508-01(j) (on construction sites, for emergency indoor repairs, for manhole operations, on motor vehicles, for mobile cooking uses, in commercial establishments, on moored vessels, torches used in the manufacture of jewelry, and use of CNG for emergency oil burner ignition) shall additionally comply with the applicable requirements of R3508-01(j).
(2) Special CNG authorizations. This section authorizes the following storage, handling and/or use of CNG that is prohibited by FC3508.3 except as authorized by the Commissioner:
(A) storage, handling and use of CNG below grade for emergency indoor repairs, as set forth in R3508-01(j);
(B) storage, handling and use in, and bringing or allowing into, residential occupancies or on lots containing a building used for a residential occupancy, of CNG containers with a capacity greater than 8.7 SCF, as set forth in R3508-01(j);
(C) storage, handling and use in, and bringing or allowing into, any non-residential building, of CNG containers with a capacity greater than 8.7 SCF, as set forth in R3508-01(h) and (j);
(D) handling and use on the roof of any building of CNG containers with a capacity greater than 8.7 SCF, as set forth in R3508-01(j);
(E) storage, handling or use of CNG for stationary CNG installations in any area where access to piped natural gas from a public utility is available, as set forth in R3508-01(j);
(F) storage, handling and use of CNG for space heating or water heating, as set forth in R3508-01(j); and
(G) use of nonmetallic pipe, tubing and components for devices, equipment and systems utilizing CNG, as set forth in R3508-01(j).
(c) Design and Installation Documents.
(1) When required. All CNG indoor and outdoor storage facilities shall be in facilities approved by the Department. All CNG storage, handling and use for stationary CNG installations shall be for installations approved by the Department. Design and installation documents for such storage facilities and stationary installations shall be submitted to the Department for review and Department approval obtained prior to any CNG storage or use.
(2) Applications. Applications for design and installation document approval shall be made by or on behalf of the person who will be storing, handling or using the CNG, and submitted to the Bureau of Fire Prevention at Fire Department Headquarters prior to any CNG storage, handling or use. Applications for CNG installations other than on construction sites shall include a copy of the altered building application or other documentation filed with and approved by the Department of Buildings or other agency having jurisdiction over the installation.
(3) Upon completion of any stationary CNG installation, an affidavit executed by the installer or plumber responsible for the installation certifying that the installation conforms to the requirements of this section and FC Chapter 35 shall be submitted to the Bureau of Fire Prevention at Fire Department Headquarters.
(d) Permits.
(1) When required. A CNG permit shall be obtained from the Department for the storage, handling or use of CNG as set forth in FC105.6.
(2) Applications. Applications for issuance of a CNG permit shall be made by or on behalf of the person who will be storing, handling or using the CNG. Applications shall be submitted to the Bureau of Fire Prevention at Fire Department Headquarters prior to any CNG storage, handling or use.
(3) Availability of piped natural gas. A CNG permit will not be issued by the Department for a stationary CNG installation located in an area where access to piped natural gas from a public utility is available. Any CNG storage and use pursuant to a permit issued on or after July 1, 2003 for a stationary CNG installation located in an area where access to piped natural gas from a public utility is not available shall be discontinued and all CNG containers removed from the premises within five (5) years of the date such access becomes available, and no such permit shall be renewed beyond such five-year period.
(e) Supervision.
(1) The storage, handling and use of CNG shall be supervised as set forth in FC3501.4.2 and this section.
(2) The connecting and disconnecting CNG containers with a capacity greater than 8.7 SCF shall be performed by a person holding a certificate of fitness. When such connecting and disconnecting is performed by a CNG supplier or distributor, a card or tag shall be conspicuously posted at the premises identifying the name and address of the supplier or distributor, the name of the certificate of fitness holder, and the number and expiration date of the certificate of fitness.
(f) General Storage, Handling and Use Requirements.
(1) All devices, equipment and systems used for the storage or use of CNG shall be approved or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
(2) All devices, equipment and systems used for the storage or use of CNG shall be maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
(3) Only metallic pipe, tubing and components shall be used for CNG installations, appliances and equipment, except as provided in R3508-01(j)(2)(E), (j)(3)(B), (j)(4)(D), (j)(7)(D), (j)(9)(H) and (j)(10)(C). Where use of nonmetallic hose is allowed by this section, such hose shall be protected from twisting, abrasion and damage by proper installation and maintenance. Hoses showing any kind of defects, including burns or signs of wear, shall be rendered unsuitable for service and shall be replaced.
(4) Flexible metallic or nonmetallic hose shall be either:
(A) stamped by the manufacturer with the maximum allowable working pressure of 350 psig; or
(B) certified by the manufacturer as suitable for a working pressure of 350 psig.
(5) CNG containers shall be stored in an upright position and secured to prevent movement.
(6) CNG containers shall not be stored on shelves.
(7) All connection and disconnection of CNG containers for use shall be performed outdoors, except as otherwise authorized by this section. Where CNG use is allowed indoors, all connection and disconnection of CNG containers shall be performed in a well-ventilated area.
(8) CNG containers connected for use shall be adequately supported and braced.
(9) CNG containers connected for use shall be placed on a firm and noncombustible foundation.
(10) CNG devices, equipment and systems shall be maintained at all times in a gas-tight condition. Any appliance, equipment or component which is not in a gas-tight condition shall be removed from use and promptly repaired or lawfully disposed of.
(11) Each time a connection is made to a CNG container, or a leak is suspected, the connection shall be tested by the application of a soap solution or its equivalent to joints, valves and fittings. Open flames shall not be used to test connections for leaks.
(12) CNG containers shall be protected at all times from the effects of weather and physical damage.
(13) CNG shall be stored and used only if all safety devices on the equipment and systems are in good working order. Such devices shall not be disconnected or defeated. Any appliance or equipment with a safety device that is not in good working order shall be removed from use and promptly repaired, or lawfully disposed of.
(14) Any empty CNG container that at any time previously has been filled with CNG shall be treated as though it contains CNG, and shall be stored and used in the same manner as a full CNG container, including storage in a storage facility in accordance with this section. Damaged or otherwise unusable CNG containers shall be promptly removed from the premises and lawfully disposed of.
(15) Warning signs complying with the OSHA requirements, as set forth in Section 1910.145(D) of Part 1910 of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, shall be conspicuously posted at each CNG installation, storage location or use site. Such signs shall be at least ten (10) inches by fourteen (14) inches in size and shall bear the wording "DANGER – FLAMMABLE GAS – KEEP FIRE OR FLAME AWAY – NO SMOKING" in lettering at least two (2) inches high. The word "Danger" shall be in white on a red oval bordered in white which shall be on a black background at the upper part of the sign. The other required wording shall be in black on a white background in the lower part of the sign.
(16) A CNG container shall not be moved unless the container's valves are closed, except when the container is mounted on a motor vehicle for use as a fuel for motive power.
(17) CNG containers shall not be rolled or dragged on their side or rims. CNG containers shall only be moved by lifting and lowering, by hand or with equipment designed for such purposes.
(18) CNG containers shall not be dropped or thrown from any height.
(g) Outdoor Storage Facilities.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, all CNG containers shall be stored outdoors in a facility that conforms to the requirements of this section. In addition to complying with the requirements of FC 2703.12 and 3504.2, Table 3504.2.1, all outdoor CNG container storage facilities shall be:
(A) not more than 54 square feet in area;
(B) protected from vehicle impact;
(C) protected from theft, tampering or unauthorized use by a metal open fence enclosure at least six (6) feet in height, and secured by a locked gate opening outward or a lockable ventilated metal locker of a type acceptable to the Department. Such fence enclosure or locker shall be mounted on and secured to a substantial concrete pad at grade level, which pad shall be constructed to prevent accumulation of rain and snow;
(D) located in a well ventilated area;
(E) directly accessible from the street. CNG containers being delivered to or taken from an outdoor storage location shall not be brought into or through any building or other structure; and
(F) provided with a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 10-B:C rating. Such portable fire extinguisher shall be located in a protective enclosure and affixed to the outside of the storage facility or placed at another readily accessible location not more than 30 feet from the facility.
(2) No more than 2,500 SCF of CNG shall be stored in a pre-existing outdoor CNG storage facility unless such facility complies with the current Fire Code and rule requirements.
(3) No outdoor CNG storage facility shall be located on a lot containing any building used for residential purposes.
(4) No outdoor CNG storage facility shall be located within:
(A) ten (10) feet of the nearest lot line, sidewalk or building on an adjoining lot, except as follows: (1) no outdoor CNG storage facility shall be located within 50 feet from any building occupied as a multiple dwelling; and (2) no outdoor CNG storage facility shall be located within 100 feet of the lot line of any property occupied for educational, health care or religious purposes;
(B) ten (10) feet of any authorized parking for motor vehicles;
(C) ten (10) feet of any combustible material;
(D) 15 feet of any vent or fill line of any flammable liquid or combustible liquid storage tank; and
(E) 20 feet of any aboveground flammable liquid or combustible liquid storage tank.
(h) Indoor CNG Storage.
(1) Except as provided in R3508-01(j), indoor storage of any CNG container with a capacity greater than 8.7 SCF of gas is prohibited in any residential occupancy and in any building where an outdoor storage location for such CNG container is available.
(2) All indoor storage of CNG containers authorized by this section shall be stored in a separate room that conforms to the requirements of this section. Any such room shall be:
(A) constructed in compliance with the Construction Codes, including the Building Code;
(B) constructed of walls, floors and ceilings having at least a two (2) hour fire resistance rating;
(C) constructed with an access door that opens directly to the outdoors;
(D) used for no other purpose; and
(E) provided with a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 10-B:C rating. Such portable fire extinguisher shall be affixed to the outside of the storage room or placed at another readily accessible location not more than 30 feet from the room entrance.
(3) No such room shall:
(A) be located at the property line adjoining a multiple dwelling, building occupied for educational, health care or religious purposes, place of public assembly, or other place of public gathering; and
(B) have ventilation openings located within five (5) feet of any building opening, including any doors, openable windows and intake and exhaust vents.
(4) All delivery and pick-up of containers to or from an indoor CNG storage facility shall be through the outdoors access door only, not through the building.
(i) Stationary CNG Installations. In addition to complying with the requirements of FC 2703.12 and 3504.2, and FC Table 3504.2.1, stationary CNG installations shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) All CNG containers connected for use in a stationary installation shall be stored outdoors.
(2) A single, accessible, outdoor, safely-located, and conspicuously-marked shutoff valve shall be provided wherever CNG piping enters a building or structure.
(3) A single, accessible, safely-located and conspicuously-marked shutoff valve shall be provided for each appliance connected to a CNG container.
(4) All new and repaired CNG piping shall be tested at one and one half (11/2) times normal working pressure but not less than three (3) pound per square inch gauge, using air or inert gas. There shall be no drop in the shut-in pressure for a period of 30 minutes.
(5) When CNG is piped indoors, a sign at least ten (10) inches high and fourteen (14) inches wide shall be conspicuously posted at the entrance to the building and shall bear the wording "Danger-Piped Compressed Natural Gas."
(6) Metal pipe straps and hangers shall be suitable for the size of pipe and of such strength and quality that the piping cannot be accidentally dislodged. Spacing of hangers shall not exceed six (6) feet for one-half (1/2) inch pipe, eight (8) feet for three quarter (3/4) and one (1) inch pipe, and ten (10) feet for one and one quarter (11/4) inch or larger pipe.
(7) No CNG container connected for use shall be located within:
(A) 50 feet from any building occupied as a multiple dwelling;
(B) 100 feet of the lot line of any property occupied for educational, health care or religious purposes;
(C) ten (10) feet of any combustible material; and
(D) 20 feet of any aboveground flammable liquid or combustible liquid storage tank.
(8) A portable fire extinguisher with at least a 10-B:C rating shall be provided whenever CNG is connected for use. The maximum travel distance to the portable fire extinguisher shall be 30 feet from the work location.
(j) Special Storage and Use Requirements.
(1) All storage or use of CNG for the applications set forth in R3508-01(j) shall be in compliance with the respective requirements of R3508-01(j), in addition to the requirements set forth in R3508-01(c), (d), (e), (f) and (i).
(2) Construction sites.
(A) A site-specific permit shall be obtained for CNG storage, handling and use on a construction site, except that a citywide CNG permit may be obtained for tar kettle, asphalt melter and torch operations where no reserve storage is needed and CNG containers are removed from the site at the end of each workday, and the construction work requiring CNG use is to be completed within 30 days of commencement.
(B) Except as provided in R3508-01(j)(2)(D), all CNG for use on construction sites shall be stored in outdoor storage facilities that comply with the requirements of R3508-01(g)(1)(B), (g)(1)(C) and (g)(1)(D). No construction site storage facility shall: (1) have a capacity exceeding 21,250 SCF of CNG in any single facility or a total capacity at any construction site of 42,500 SCF of CNG; (2) be within 50 feet of any CNG or other flammable gas storage facility; (3) be within 25 feet of the building under construction; (4) be within 50 feet of any aboveground flammable liquid or combustible liquid storage tank; (5) be within 50 feet of any combustible material; (6) be within 50 feet of any building occupied as a multiple dwelling; (7) be within 100 feet of any subway entrance, exit, vent or other opening; and (8) be within 100 feet of the lot line of any property occupied for educational, health care or religious purposes, place of public assembly, or other place of public gathering.
(C) Each construction site storage facility shall be provided with a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 40-B:C rating. Such portable fire extinguisher shall be kept outside of the storage facility or placed at another readily accessible location not more than 30 feet from the facility.
(D) CNG containers may be stored inside an unoccupied building under construction where no allowable outdoor location is available, provided that such containers are stored on the ground floor at a location acceptable to the Department that is as far as possible but in no event less than ten (10) feet from any flue, stairwell, or elevator shaft, and the amount of CNG so stored is acceptable to the Department but in no event exceeds a total of 10,625 SCF of CNG. CNG containers may be stored at one additional location on the ground floor of the same building if a minimum separation distance of 70 feet between storage locations can be provided and maintained. The amount of CNG stored at such additional location shall not exceed 10,625 SCF of CNG.
(E) Pursuant to FC3508.3(14) and R3508-01(b)(2)(G), nonmetallic hose may be used at a construction site where:
(1) The construction activity does not allow use of stationary CNG devices, equipment or systems, necessitating a flexible connection between such device, equipment or system and the CNG container;
(2) The length of the hose does not exceed 30 feet;
(3) The hose is fabricated of materials that are designed for use with CNG; and
(4) The hose is color-coded red.
(F) Tar kettle and torch operations.
(1) The use of CNG-fueled tar kettles shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder.
(2) All torch operations shall be performed by a certificate of fitness holder.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate, maintain or use a kindled tar kettle or torch in or on the roof of any building, except that torches may be used for emergency indoor repairs in accordance with R3508-01(j)(3), and may be used on the roof of any building having a roof of noncombustible construction.
(4) Fire guards shall be on continuous duty during all torch operations on the roof of a building. There shall be one fire guard on the roof for each torch operator, and there shall be at least one fire guard on the floor or level below the torch operation. Such fire guards shall not be assigned any duties other than to remain alert and guard against fire, and shall be alert to sparks, the transmission of heat, and the potential ignition of combustible material. Such fire guards shall be responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishing equipment is readily accessible from the time torch operations are commenced until an hour after such operations are completed.
(5) A fire guard shall inspect all areas exposed to the effects of torch operations after the completion of torch operations for the purpose of detecting fires. The first inspection shall be conducted one-half hour after completion of torch operations; the second inspection one hour after completion of torch operations. The fire guard shall prepare and sign an inspection report confirming the safe condition of the premises. Such report shall be submitted to and retained by the person in charge of the torch operations.
(6) A portable fire extinguisher with at least a 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be provided for each torch operation.
(7) All movement of CNG containers within a building shall be performed in the following manner:
(a) CNG containers at all times shall be moved under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder. At no time shall the containers be left unattended.
(b) CNG containers shall be moved to another floor of the building only by freight elevator, construction elevator, or passenger elevator when approved, and such elevator shall be occupied only by those persons engaged in moving the containers. CNG containers may be moved in building stairwells if such stairwells are unoccupied.
(G) Asphalt melters.
(1) CNG-fueled asphalt melters shall be stored, handled, used and maintained in the same manner as LPG-fueled tar kettles, including the provisions of FC303 and R3508-01(j)(2)(F).
(H) Curing and drying applications.
(1) The use of CNG for curing concrete, drying plaster and similar applications shall be prohibited in any occupied building, any location within 50 feet of an occupied building, and any location within 100 feet of the lot line of any property occupied for educational, health care or religious purposes, a place of public assembly, or other place of public gathering.
(2) The use of CNG for curing concrete, drying plaster and similar applications shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder. The certificate of fitness holder shall inspect the area where CNG containers and heaters are in use on not less than an hourly basis. The results of each inspection shall be recorded in a log book which shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by any Department representative.
(3) Heaters used for curing concrete, drying plaster and similar applications shall be placed at least six (6) feet from any CNG container or combustible material, and ten (10) feet from any tarpaulin cover. Such heaters shall only be used in a well-ventilated area and shall not be placed on unprotected wood flooring.
(4) Pursuant to FC3508.3(14) and R3508-01(b)(2)(G) nonmetallic hose may be used at a construction site where flexibility is required for such operation, provided that:
(a) The length of the hose is as short as practicable, but in no circumstance exceeds 30 feet;
(b) The hose is fabricated of materials that are designed for use with CNG; and
(c) The hose is color-coded red.
(5) The total capacity of CNG containers shall not exceed 2,500 SCF when used in manifold to serve a heater.
(6) CNG/heater assemblies shall be provided with a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 20-B:C rating located not more than 30 feet away. A travel distance of up to 50 feet is allowed if a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 40-B:C rating is provided.
(3) Emergency indoor repairs.
(A) Pursuant to FC3508.3(6) and (7) and R3508-01(b)(2)(B) and (C), CNG equipment and containers may be used indoors, except in an occupied place of public assembly, for the purpose of performing emergency repairs. Such CNG use shall be subject to the following requirements:
(1) CNG use at the work site shall be limited to two (2) CNG containers, each with a capacity not greater than 170 SCF of gas;
(2) CNG containers with a capacity greater than 8.7 SCF shall not be left unattended;
(3) All CNG use shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder; and
(4) All CNG containers shall be removed from inside the building at the end of the work day.
(B) Pursuant to FC3508.3(14) and R3508-01(b)(2)(G), flexible nonmetallic hose may be used for emergency indoor repairs where the nature of the repair work requires a flexible connection between the device, equipment or system and the CNG container, provided that:
(1) The length of the hose does not exceed six (6) feet;
(2) The hose is fabricated of materials that are designed for use with CNG; and
(3) The hose is color-coded red.
(C) Pursuant to FC3508.3(3) and R3508-01(b)(2)(A), a single CNG container with a capacity not greater than 8.7 SCF may be used below grade for emergency indoor repairs provided the container is not left unattended.
(4) Manhole operations.
(A) CNG containers and heaters shall not be brought into manholes or located within six (6) feet of manhole openings. CNG torches may be operated in manholes provided such operation is in compliance with OSHA requirements.
(B) CNG storage, handling and use at each manhole work site shall be limited to two (2) CNG containers, each with a capacity not greater than 285 SCF. Such CNG containers shall be removed from the work site at the end of each work day unless they are stored in a tool cart that:
(1) is constructed of steel;
(2) has a door at least one quarter inch thick that is locked at all times;
(3) has not less than 100 square inches of fixed ventilation at the top with a suitable screen as a flash arrestor;
(4) has six-inch placards bearing United States Department of Transportation designation "1971" permanently affixed to two opposite exterior sides of the tool cart;
(5) has "No Smoking" signs permanently affixed to the tool cart in a conspicuous location;
(6) has the CNG containers positioned within the cart such that container shut-off valves are unobstructed and readily accessible; and
(7) is situated outdoors and is not located within the distances set forth in R3508-01(g)(4), except that R3508-01(g)(4)(B) and (g)(4)(C) shall not apply.
(C) All CNG use shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder.
(D) Pursuant to FC3508.3(14) and R3508-01(b)(2)(G), nonmetallic hose may be used for manhole operations where the task does not allow use of a stationary CNG appliance, necessitating a flexible connection between the appliance and the CNG container, provided that:
(1) The length of the hose does not exceed 30 feet;
(2) The hose is fabricated of materials that are designed for use with CNG; and
(3) The hose is color-coded red.
(5) Motor vehicles equipped with CNG containers.
(A) Motor vehicles equipped with CNG containers for use on the motor vehicle shall not be left unattended on any street, highway, avenue or alley; in any congested area; within 50 feet of the property line of any multiple dwelling, building occupied for educational, health care or religious purposes, place of public assembly, or any other place of public gathering; or within 50 feet of any subway entrance, exit, vent or other opening.
(B) CNG storage and use on any vehicle for the purpose of marking traffic lanes shall be limited to a total capacity not exceeding 3,400 SCF.
(C) CNG containers in motor vehicles (other than for use as a motor fuel) shall be installed in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 58 applicable to such installations. The references to LPG in NFPA 58 shall be deemed to refer to CNG.
(D) Forklifts, tractors and similar powered industrial trucks equipped with CNG containers shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) CNG storage and use on such vehicles and devices shall be limited to one (1) container with a capacity not greater than 340 SCF.
(2) All such powered industrial trucks shall be stored and used in locations with adequate ventilation.
(3) Such powered industrial trucks shall be parked, and the CNG containers connected or disconnected, a safe distance, not less than 25 away, from open flames or other heat or ignition sources, open pits, underground entrances, elevator shafts, or other hazardous conditions.
(4) Every powered industrial truck shall be provided with a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 2-B:C rating.
(6) Mobile cooking uses. Mobile food units, as that term is defined in the New York City Health Code, 24 RCNY § 89.01(c) (including but not limited to motor vehicles, pushcarts and stands), that are equipped with CNG containers for cooking purposes shall comply with the following requirements:
(A) CNG storage and use shall be limited to two (2) CNG containers on all types of mobile food units. CNG containers on mobile food units that are not motor vehicles shall have a container capacity of not more than 170 SCF.
(B) No flammable liquid or combustible liquid shall be used for cooking or any other purpose on any mobile food unit.
(C) CNG containers in mobile food units that are motor vehicles (other than for use as a motor fuel) shall be installed in compliance with the requirements of NFPA 58 applicable to such installations. The references to LPG in NFPA 58 shall be deemed to refer to CNG.
(D) No mobile food unit shall store or use CNG for cooking or any other purpose within:
(1) two (2) feet of any combustible material;
(2) two (2) feet of any building, except that no mobile food unit shall store or use CNG for cooking or any other purpose within:
(a) five (5) feet of any below-grade building opening, including any door, openable window or intake or exhaust vent;
(b) ten (10) feet of any building of wood frame construction;
(c) 20 feet of any building entrance; or
(d) ten (10) feet of any building occupied as a multiple dwelling, or any building occupied for educational, health care or religious purposes, a place of public assembly, or other place of public gathering;
(3) five (5) feet of any flammable gas storage, including another mobile food unit equipped with CNG containers;
(4) five (5) feet of any subway vent or other opening, except a subway entrance or exit;
(5) ten (10) feet of any subway entrance or exit; and
(6) ten (10) feet of any vent or fill line of any flammable liquid storage tank.
(E) All mobile food units that are motor vehicles shall also comply with the restrictions applicable to vehicles equipped with CNG containers set forth in R3508-01(j)(5)(A).
(F) CNG container valves shall be closed when the mobile food unit or its cooking equipment is not in use.
(G) Each mobile food unit that is a motor vehicle shall be provided with a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 20-B:C rating. Each mobile food unit that is not a motor vehicle shall be provided with a portable fire extinguisher with at least a 2-B:C rating, which shall be mounted on the mobile food unit away from the heat source.
(7) Commercial establishments. Commercial establishments that store and use CNG containers for oil burner ignition and/or cooking shall comply with the following requirements:
(A) CNG storage, handling and use shall be limited to CNG containers with a capacity not greater than 8.7 SCF of gas, unless the container is connected for use in a stationary installation.
(B) All CNG appliances and equipment shall be installed by a plumber.
(C) Rigid piping shall be used for all connections between CNG devices, equipment and systems and CNG containers.
(D) Flexible metallic hoses and/or tubing may be used where flexibility is required for commercial oil burner ignition or cooking operations, provided that the hose or tubing is designed for use with CNG, and the length of the hose or tubing does not exceed six (6) feet.
(E) CNG storage and use for the purposes authorized by R3508-01(j)(7) is subject to the prohibition set forth in FC3508.3(11).
(8) Moored vessels. Residentially occupied vessels moored in marinas that store and use CNG for space heating and cooking purposes shall comply with the following requirements:
(A) CNG storage and use shall be limited to a total capacity not exceeding 1,700 SCF.
(B) All CNG devices, equipment and systems used on such a vessel shall serve only that vessel and no others.
(C) All CNG devices, equipment and systems shall be installed either by the vessel manufacturer or by a plumber.
(9) Torches used in the manufacture of jewelry. CNG may be stored and used for torches used in the manufacture of jewelry only in areas where access to piped natural gas from a public utility is not available, and where the manufacturing activity is a lawful use of the premises, as set forth on the Certificate of Occupancy for the premises or otherwise determined by the Department of Buildings. CNG storage and use for such torch operations shall comply with the following requirements:
(A) CNG storage and use shall be limited to a total capacity not exceeding 381 SCF of gas. The Department will not permit CNG storage or use in any one fire area in excess of this maximum capacity, irrespective of the number of manufacturing enterprises separately engaged in such torch operations within that one fire area.
(B) Storage and use of oxygen containers in connection with such torch operations shall be limited to a total capacity not exceeding 279 SCF. The Department will not permit oxygen storage or use in any one fire area in excess of this maximum capacity, irrespective of the number of manufacturing enterprises separately engaged in such torch operations within that one fire area.
(C) All CNG storage and use for torch operations shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder.
(D) All torches using CNG shall be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
(E) All torch operations shall be performed at a work station with a surface made of, or covered with, a noncombustible material. Each CNG container connected for use shall be secured in an upright position, away from any heat source. The work station area shall be adequately ventilated.
(F) CNG or oxygen containers shall not be manifolded.
(G) Where fixed piping is used to pipe CNG or oxygen to the work station, such piping shall be made of either copper or steel, and shall be installed and tested in accordance with the provisions of R3508-01(i)(4) and (i)(6). Piping previously installed in the building for natural gas use shall not be used for CNG or oxygen for such torch operations. A plumber shall certify that the installation is in accordance with the requirements of this section.
(H) Pursuant to FC3508.3(14) and R3508-01(b)(2)(G), nonmetallic hose may be used for such torch operations where the task does not allow use of stationary CNG devices or equipment, necessitating a flexible connection between the device or equipment and the CNG container, provided that:
(1) The length of the hose does not exceed six (6) feet;
(2) The hose is fabricated of materials that are designed for use with CNG, if for CNG connections, and of materials that are designed for use with oxygen, if for oxygen connections; and
(3) The hose is color-coded red, if for CNG connections, and color-coded green, if for oxygen connections.
(I) Hoses that are worn or damaged, including those with burn marks, shall be replaced.
(J) Each person shall operate only one torch at a time and such torch shall not be left unattended while ignited.
(K) Container valves shall be closed when torches are not in use.
(L) CNG and oxygen containers not connected for use shall be stored in a designated storage area used only for that purpose. Such storage area shall be well-ventilated, away from heat sources, and at least three (3) feet from any combustible material. CNG and oxygen containers shall be stored separately, either at a distance of not less than 20 feet, or separated by a one-half (1/2) hour fire-rated wall not less than five (5) feet high.
(M) Smoking shall be prohibited on the premises and "No Smoking" signs shall be permanently affixed in conspicuous locations throughout the premises.
(N) A portable fire extinguisher with at least a 2-A:20-B:C rating shall be provided for every 2,500 square feet of area.
(10) Use of CNG for emergency oil burner ignition. Pursuant to FC3508.3(3), (6), (7) and (11), and R3508-01(b)(2)(A), (b)(2)(B), (b)(2)(C) and (b)(2)(E), CNG may be used for mobile emergency heating trailers for a period not to exceed 90 days, or when piped natural gas service is temporarily interrupted, provided that:
(A) CNG storage and use shall be limited to one (1) container with a capacity not exceeding 170 SCF.
(B) All CNG piping, tubing and hoses shall be installed by a plumber.
(C) Pursuant to FC3508.3(14) and R3508-01(b)(2)(G), nonmetallic hose may be used where the task does not allow use of a stationary CNG devices or equipment, necessitating a flexible connection between the device or equipment and the CNG container, provided that:
(1) The length of the hose does not exceed six (6) feet;
(2) The hose is fabricated of materials that are designed for use with CNG; and (3) The hose is color-coded red.