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Subchapter 5. Electrical Safety Orders
Group 1. Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders
Article 59. Hazardous (Classified) Locations
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§2540.6. Aircraft Hangars.


(a) Definition. An aircraft hangar is a location used for storage or servicing of aircraft in which gasoline, jet fuels, or other volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are used. It shall not include locations used exclusively for aircraft that have never contained such liquids or gases, or that have been drained and properly purged.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 513-1.)

(b) Classification of Locations.

(1) Below Floor Level. Any pit or depression below the level of the hangar floor shall be classified as a Class I, Division 1 location that shall extend up to said floor level.

(2) Areas Not Cut Off or Ventilated. The entire area of the hangar, including any adjacent and communicating areas not suitably cut off from the hangar, shall be classified as a Class I, Division 2 location up to a level 18 inches above the floor.

(3) Vicinity of Aircraft. The area within 5 feet horizontally from aircraft power plants or aircraft fuel tanks shall be classified as a Class I, Division 2 location that shall extend upward from the floor to a level 5 feet above the upper surface of wings and of engine enclosures.

(4) Areas Suitably Cut Off and Ventilated. Adjacent areas in which flammable liquids or vapors are not likely to be released, such as stock rooms, electrical control rooms, and other similar locations, shall not be classified as hazardous where adequately ventilated and where effectively cut off from the hangar itself by walls or partitions.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 513-2.)

(c) Mobile Stanchions. Mobile stanchions with electric equipment which is not approved for a hazardous location shall carry at least one permanently affixed warning sign essentially reading:

"WARNING--KEEP 5 FEET CLEAR OF AIRCRAFT ENGINES AND FUEL TANK AREAS."

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 513-6.)

(d) Aircraft Electrical Systems. Aircraft electrical systems shall be de-energized when the aircraft is stored in a hangar, and whenever possible, while the aircraft is undergoing maintenance.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 513-6.)

(e) Aircraft Battery--Charging and Equipment. Aircraft batteries shall not be charged when installed in an aircraft located inside or partially inside a hangar. Battery charges and their control equipment shall not be located or operated within any of the hazardous areas. Mobile chargers shall carry at least one permanently affixed warning sign essentially reading:

"WARNING--KEEP 5 FEET CLEAR OF AIRCRAFT ENGINES AND FUEL TANK AREAS."

Tables, racks, trays, and wiring shall not be located within a hazardous location.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 513-9.)

(f) External Power Sources for Energizing Aircraft.

(1) Not Less than 18 inches Above Floor. Aircraft energizers shall be so designed and mounted that all electric equipment and fixed wiring will be at least 18 inches above floor level and shall not be operated in a hazardous location.

(2) Marking for Mobile Units. Mobile energizers shall carry at least one permanently affixed warning sign essentially reading:

"WARNING--KEEP 5 FEET CLEAR OF AIRCRAFT ENGINES AND FUEL TANK AREAS."

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 513-10.)

(g) Mobile Servicing Equipment with Electric Components.

(1) General. Mobile servicing equipment (such as vacuum cleaners, air compressors, air movers, etc.) having electric wiring and equipment not suitable for Class I, Division 2 locations shall be so designed and mounted that all such fixed wiring and equipment will be at least 18 inches above the floor. Such mobile equipment shall not be operated within the hazardous location and shall carry at least one permanently affixed warning sign essentially reading:

"WARNING--KEEP 5 FEET CLEAR OF AIRCRAFT ENGINES AND FUEL TANK AREAS."

(2) Restricted Use. Mobile equipment not suitable for Class I, Division 2 locations shall not be operated in locations where maintenance operations likely to release flammable liquids or vapors are in progress.

(Title 24, Part 3, Section 513-11(a), (c).)

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code; and Section 18943(c), Health and Safety Code.

HISTORY

1. Editorial correction of NOTE filed 11-2-83 (Register 83, No. 45).

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