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    Bituminous Melter Guidelines

     

    These guidelines address the operation of a hot rubberized asphalt device known as a "melter" when used on the roof of a building.

    Please note: This is not to be confused with an asphalt tar kettle, which shall not be utilized on the roof of any structure as stated in the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code

    1. This application shall be limited to buildings constructed with concrete roof decks.
    2. A Fire Prevention Code Permit or approval shall be obtained from the Fire Prevention Office, 703-228-4644, after a Building Permit is obtained from the Inspection Services Division, 703-228-3800.
    3. Permits shall be posted on the front door or other location approved by the Fire Marshal.
    4. A proposed site plan indicating propane storage, fire protection systems and standpipes shall be located-by the property owner at time of application.
      1. NFPA 58, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, shall be followed.
      2. Only melters approved by the Fire Prevention Division shall be used.
      3. Copies of Material Safety Data Sheets and melter manufacturer manual shall be readily accessible on the job site, roof level, in possession of the crew chief.
      4. Each melter shall be placed in an approved metal containment system capable of holding at least 125% of the rated contents of the melter.
      5. All melters, lighted torches or burners shall be attended at all times by a qualified (melters manufacturer trained) responsible (can assume liability for machine) experienced individual. The responsible individual shall remain in the area of the melter for a minimum of one hour after the device is utilized.
      6. The propane burner shall be secured to the melter so that it can not slip free from the channel due to vibration, pulling on the supply hose, or other means.
      7. A minimum of two 4A:40B:C dry chemical fire extinguishers for each melter shall be located within 25 feet, on opposite sides of the melter. These extinguishers shall be readily accessible at all times in case of an emergency.
      8. Two additional 4A:40B:C dry chemical fire extinguishers for each such melter shall be readily accessible on the roof deck within the construction site.
      9. The number of propane cylinders shall be limited to 2, twenty pound cylinders per melter. No more than two melters and 4 cylinders are permitted on the roof at any time. All cylinders shall be secured (made stable) to keep them from falling over. Any increase in the number of cylinders must be approved by the Fire Prevention Division.
      10. THERE SHALL BE NO ADDITIONAL (SPARE) PROPANE CYLINDERS ALLOWED ON THE ROOF.
      11. NO PROPANE SHALL BE TRANSPORTED THROUGH THE BUILDING INTERIOR AT ANY TIME. THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE IS THE USE OF AN INSTALLED BUILDING WALL CONSTRUCTION ELEVATOR.
      12. Propane cylinders not in use for the melter shall be stored at least 30 feet from the melter.
      13. All propane cylinders shall be removed from the roof deck at the end of each workday. On site storage of cylinders on the ground shall be approved by the Fire Prevention Division and identified in the site plan.
      14. Only propane cylinders equipped with excess flow valves and protective shields for the valve bodies shall be used on the roof.
      15. All torches and burners shall be kept a minimum of 15 feet from propane cylinders at all times. Therefore, all propane hoses shall be a minimum length of 15 feet and inspected each day for any damage. All damaged hoses shall be replaced before beginning operation. All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent damage to hoses, cylinders, etc.
      16. All open flames shall be extinguished during re-fueling operations. Smoking shall be prohibited at all times near the melter and propane storage areas.
      17. A maximum of five gallons of gasoline shall be permitted on the roof. The gasoline shall be kept in an approved safety can and stored so that vapors do not pose a fire or explosion hazard.
      18. The melter lid shall be kept closed at all times, except to add rubberized asphalt membrane cakes to the melter, in order to control the temperature of the melter and limit the production of smoke and fumes.
      19. The property representative (such as the building engineer) shall be familiar with the roof surface application process and shall assist the roofing contractor in identifying air intakes into the building and coordinating shut off and resupply of fresh air into the building. This may include temporarily shutting down certain air intake equipment and/or temporarily covering air intakes so as to make them smoke and odor proof.
      20. The roofing contractor shall have the capability to immediately notify the Fire Department of an emergency on the site (ie. telephone).
      21. Each worker shall be instructed by the crew chief on the proper use of fire extinguishers and in the event of a melter fire, close the lid, turn off the propane gas, and call 9-1-1.

    Last Modified: September 30, 2011
    2100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: 703-228-3000 TTY: 703-228-4611