This chapter shall govern the design, installation, operation and maintenance of facilities in which ethylene gas is used, other than in self-contained equipment, to promote the ripening of fruits, vegetables and other crops.
Exception: Mixtures of ethylene and one or more inert gases in concentrations which prevent the gas from reaching greater than 25 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL) when released to the atmosphere.
Facilities using ethylene gas to promote the ripening of fruits, vegetables and other crops shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with this chapter.
Terms used in this chapter and defined in FC202 shall have the meanings set forth therein.
Ethylene gas shall be discharged only into approved rooms or enclosures designed and constructed for this purpose.
Valves controlling discharge of ethylene shall provide positive and fail-closed control of flow and shall be set to limit the concentration of gas in air below 1,000 parts per million (ppm).
Sources of ignition shall be controlled or protected in accordance with this section and FC Chapter 3.
Electrical wiring and equipment, including luminaires, shall be approved for use in Class I, Division 2, Group C hazardous (classified) locations.
Devices, equipment and systems, including containers and piping, used to dispense ethylene, shall be bonded and grounded to prevent the discharge of static sparks or arcs.
Lighting shall be by approved electric lamps or luminaires only.
Heating shall be by indirect means utilizing low-pressure steam, hot water, or warm air.
Exception:
Electric or fuel-fired heaters approved for use in hazardous (classified) locations which are installed and operated in accordance with the Electrical Code, the Mechanical Code or the Fuel Gas Code.
Empty boxes, cartons, pallets and other combustible waste shall be removed from ripening rooms or enclosures and properly disposed of at the end of each work shift, but at least once a day.
Ethylene generators shall be listed and labeled by an approved testing laboratory and used only in approved rooms in accordance with the ethylene generator manufacturer's instructions. The listing evaluation shall include documentation that the concentration of ethylene gas does not exceed 25 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL).
Ethylene generators shall be used in rooms having a volume of not less than the minimum room size provided for in the manufacturer's specifications and testing laboratory listing, but in no case less than 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3). Rooms shall have air circulation to ensure even distribution of ethylene gas and shall be free from sparks, open flames or other ignition sources.
Approved warning signs identifying the hazard and indicating the danger involved and necessary precautions shall be posted on all doors and entrances to the premises in accordance with FC Chapter 50.