Spray painting proposal passes fire panel

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, in conjunction with Lauderdale Marine Center and the National Fire Protection Committee on Spray Finishing, recently drafted and approved a new standard that reduces the fire risks of spray painting large objects, including yachts in temporary membrane enclosures. Temporary membrane enclosures are used in the marine industry to paint yachts that are too large to fit in a spray booth. The standard not only makes painting safer but eases the concerns of fire marshals and regulators who oversee this work. The new standard will be published in Chapter 18 of the 2015 edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s code 33. It will also alleviate concerns of local fire marshals and lift the restrictions that halted work unless a fire official was on-site. It is not expected to increase the cost to paint a yacht and instead will create straightforward guidance to the industry.