30A-032 Binder 10.28.11M e t c a l f e A s s o c i a t e s architecture & interior design
142 Main St. Northampton, MA, 01060 Tristram W. Metcalfe III, Ma. Reg. 5393
Phone number > 413 586 5775 Cell number > 413 695 8200 Email > twm3@rcn.com
NCARB, NYS, MA, CT registrations
WMAIA
AIA
October 27, 2011
Louis Hasbrouk, [413 587 1239]
Building Inspector City of Northampton
Puchalski Municipal Building,
212 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
RE; Renovations building permit
FOR; zea mays printmaking
Loc; The Cutlery Building, #2, Riverside Drive, Bay State, Northampton, Ma
Dear Louis,
Thank you for our meeting yesterday on the above. I have attached all the issues you addressed in
the pdf collection document. They were;
1. clear description of business model on public uses; A letter from ZMP dated 10/26/11 is included.
2. categorize chemicals as to hazard; noted below etching [oxidizer?] at their quantity on site are
well below charted
3. statement of quantities; is in Zea mays 10/26 letter
4. statement of storage details for all hazardous materials; is in Zea mays 10/26 letter
5. occupant load by space; is on revised drawing
6. comment on shower use; In an email ZMP stated no shower uses nor chemical emergency eye
wash issues exist.
Note;
[I have italicized the code copy-pastes so you can read past them where desired]
Our client Zea Mays Printing after purchasing the above location, wants to get a permit to change the
use from Business Storage [S-1] selling garments in the mail with minor public access, into a studio
Printing business [F-1] that uses photo printing chemicals with minimal storage of same. We list the
chemicals at bottom and attach a material safety data sheet pdf. It is a fact that this space was used
recently prior to the S-1 storage use as a printing facility and would therefore not be a use change
from that prior occupancy.
The 521CMR accessibility requires two up grades for access to the main floor as it is only storage or
redundant identical uses on the second floor available also at first floor. An accessible unisex
bathroom will be re-created as shown with two doors because of program use requirements. The
total maximum occupancy is 12 people and with bath room on main floor it is well below
occupancy load. 2 more bath rooms exist on the 2nd floor for staff. The second up grade is for
wheelchair access into the space. We propose a 12:1 slope ramp with 48” between railings @ 18” &
36” hts. It will be on the front leading to the main entrance as shown approximately 17 feet long.
The codes used are CMR780 - MA Amendments to the IBC, IEBC - International Existing Building
Code, Code521 CMR - MA accessibility regulations which is also in IEBC 310.
Under IEBC we correct existing situations as follows;
Section 101.5
OPTION 1: Work for alteration, repair, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing
buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 3.
[The similar method is provided in Chapter 34 of the International Building Code].
303.6 Means of egress capacity factors.
We have a narrow stair width but it is allowed to remain since they are from second floor and the
stairs widen over required width half way down.
An old access on the second floor needs to be fire rated as it is only a secured metal door with light
shining through its unstopped head frame.
We have a secondary means or egress form 2nd floor through Building #1
It will be made into a 2 hr double 5/8” separation. If no access is allowed to brigde connector owners
space then we will do a compliance alternative to fire-calk the door to frame and then min 1” air
space metal strap and cover our side only since we can call the door equivalent to double 5/8” which
it exceeds.
SECTION 307 CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
307.1 Conformance. No change shall be made in the use or occupancy of any building that would
place the building in a different division of the same group of occupancy or in a different group of
occupancies, unless such building is made to comply with the requirements of the International
Building Code for such division or group of occupancy.
Original existing use was a print ink handling facility, but it was down graded to S-1 storage, which
we will change back to the original from.
311.2 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1.
IBC
306.2 Factory Industrial F-1 Moderate-hazard Occupancy.
912.2.1 Fire sprinkler system. Where a change in occupancy classification occurs that requires an
automatic fire sprinkler system to be provided based on the new occupancy in accordance with
Chapter 9 of the International Building Code, such system shall be provided throughout the area
where the change of occupancy occurs.
912.2.2 Fire alarm and detection system. Where a change in occupancy classification occurs that
requires a fire alarm and detection system to be provided based on the new occupancy in
accordance with Chapter 9 of the International Building Code
We will add fire detection sensors to the spaces with alarms and fire pulls as shown on
plans.
TABLE 912.6 EXPOSURE OF EXTERIOR WALLS HAZARD CATEGORIES
RELATIVE HAZARD OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
2 F-1, M, S-1
The existing fire protection sprinkler system is a full 6” diameter standpipe supply, which indicates
to me it’s a full NFPA 13 code capacity supply as long as the heads are currently certified and recent
inspections may indicate such.
TABLE 307.1(1) MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa, j, m, n, p [F]
414.5 Inside storage, dispensing and use. The inside storage, dispensing and use of hazardous
materials in excess of the maximum allowable quantities per control area of Tables 307.1(1) and
307.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 414.5.1 through 414.5.5 of this code and the
International Fire Code. [F]
SECTION 307 HIGH-HAZARD GROUP H
307.1 High-hazard Group H. High-hazard Group H occupancy includes, among others, the use of a
building or structure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation
or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard in quantities in excess of those
allowed in control areas complying with Section 414, based on the maximum allowable quantity
limits for control areas set forth in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). Hazardous occupancies are
classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 and shall be in accordance with this section, the
requirements of Section 415 and the International Fire Code. Hazardous materials stored, or used
on top of roofs or canopies shall be classified as outdoor storage or use and shall comply with the
International Fire Code. [F]
Exceptions: The following shall not be classified as Group H, but shall be classified as the
occupancy that they most nearly resemble.
The closet exception is;
10. Corrosives shall not include personal or household products in their original packaging used in
retail display or commonly used building materials.
I am making an observation based on my searching through the above two 307.1 tables for the
chemicals below which I find only as oxidizers. I state that the amounts of stored materials are so
low and I find reference to house hold chemicals and low quantities of them are exempt which
would apply in my judgment to the bulk of what chemicals they have indicated for Zea mays
printing.
Chemistry used at Zea Mays Printmaking
For etching
Ferric Chloride Solution
Chemical name: Iron Chloride Solution (Inorganic Salt FeC13)
10 gals. Mixed with water and stored in closed tank - Howard's Pro-Vertical Etching Tank, a
freestanding, leak-free vertical tank with lid. It's made of polyethylene, rotation molded for great
structural strength.
Cleaning bath made of Sodium Carbonate (Arm and Hammer Washing Soda) and water – stored in
Rubbermaid plastic bin with lid
Deoxidizing bath made of white vinegar and table salt – stored in Rubbermaid plastic bin with lid
Printmaking inks – oil and waterbased – stored in metal cabinet
Burnt plate oil (linseed oil) – stored in metal container
Vegetable oil – stored in plastic dispenser. Rags that have been used to clean up with vegetable oil
are stored in metal safety storage receptacles and are picked up by a rag service weekly.
For Photopolymer
Toyobo Printight Photopolymer plates – a laminated sheet of thin steel coated with a photosensitive
polymer (msds attached). These are developed in tap water. The plates are stored in black plastic,
then in cardboard box in dark, cool room.
Zea Mays Printmaking has been using this chemistry since its inception in 2000 in the Arts and
Industry building. They have had an emphasis on non-toxic, environmentally safe, healthy exposure
use levels and hazardous storage considerations with close concern. The studio has been inspected
by the fire department annually and has passed every year without a single citation.
Please let me know if there is any other information you seek.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tris Metcalfe
Louis Hasbrouck
City of Northampton Building Inspector
Northampton, MA 01060
October 26, 2011
Dear Mr. Hasbrouk,
Per your request via Tristram Metclafe, here is a description of the business conducted by Zea Mays
Printmaking, which will be the occupant of the building at 320 Riverside Dr.
Zea Mays Printmaking is a professional artists’ studio dedicated to sustainable and non-toxic printmaking
practices. We have a membership of artists who use the studio and offer workshops for artists to learn the
safest and healthiest ways to make hand-pulled, fine art prints (i.e. etchings, silkscreens, woodcuts)
The first floor of the studio at 320 Riverside Dr. will house our classroom, studios, exhibition area and
archives. Our classes are limited to 10 people maximum. With one instructor and one assistant, the total
number of people max. would be 12 at a time. The first floor will be the pubic access floor where our
students, members and visitors can come to take workshops, make prits and see the work we have in our
archives.
The second floor of the studio will be for staff and storage only. I, as director, will have my office and studio
space upstairs. We will also use it to store our supplies.
In regards to the chemicals that are stored on site. We etch our copper plates in enclosed vertical etching tanks
that contain 4 gals. each of ferric chloride (42 degree baume). We store an extra gallon of ferric chloride in a
metal safety cabinet. The other chemicals we use are basic household cleaning materials and will be stored in
a supply closet. They include: sodium carbonate (Arm and Hammer washing soda from the laundry aisle), soy
sauce, white vinegar, salt, Simple Green, dish soap, vegetable oil. We use water-based inks (approx 25 – 1 lb
cans), which clean up with soap and water and solvent free oil based inks (approx 25 – 1 lb cans) which clean
up with vegetable oil and soap and water.
I would be happy to provide with any more information you need.
Regards,
Liz Chalfin, Director
Zea Mays Printmaking
Information current as of January 1, 1999
Supplier: NOVA POLYMERS, INC.
PO Box 1305, West Caldwell, NJ 07007
888-484-6682
For PRINTING, SIGNAGE PLATES and RELATED MATERIALS
Manufacturer’s name: TOYOBO Co., Ltd. (polymer layer only)
Emergency Telephone Number: 06-348-3059 Information phone number: 06-348-3059
Trade Name and Synonyms: NovAcryl, Printight
Product Class: PETG, Aluminum, Laminates, EcoResin
HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV (units) Recommended % (optional)
Methacrylic acid (Cas No 79-41-4) 20 ppm 3
Methanol (Cas No 67-56-1) 200 ppm 200 ppm NIOSH 200 ppm
CHEMICAL FAMILY: Polyamide Based Photopolymer, solid type
PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point (C): N/A
Specific Gravity (H20=1): 1.2 (68F)
Vapor Pressure (mmHg): Solid at room temperature
Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate = 1) N/A
Vapor Density (air=1): N/A
Melting Point (C): 110 Celsius
Solubility in Water: 10%
Appearance and Odor: Light brown solid resin. Slightly sweet odor.
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Flash Point No data
Flammable limit (vol.%) N/A
Extinguishing Media: Water, CO2, Foam, Dry Chemical
Unusual fire and explosion hazards: Not considered a flammable material under normal use
Special fire fighting procedures: Wear MSHA/NIOSHA approved self-contained breathing
apparatus and full cover impervious clothing.
REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to avoid: Material becomes unusable for intended function if exposed to
ultraviolet light. Preserve in cool and dark place and handle only
under safe, yellow lamps. Keep away from heat, spark, flame and
any other sources of ignition. This material is stable under normal
storage and handling.
Incompatibility (materials to avoid): Water and light (photo) and other oxidizing agents.
Hazardous decomposition or by-products: May form toxic substances: carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide
chlorine compounds, etc.
Hazardous polymerization: Will not occur
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Primary routes of entry: Inhalation: Yes Dermal: Yes Ingestion: Yes
Health Hazards (acute and chronic): Direct eye or skin contact with raw product may cause irritation.
Nausea by solvent vapor inhalation.
Carcinogenicity: NTP: n/a 1ARC Monographs: n/a OSHA Regulated: n/a
Signs and Symptoms of exposure: Dizziness. Headache. Irritation
Medical conditions generally aggravated
by exposure: Dermatitis
Emergency and First Aid Procedures: EYE CONTACT: Immediately flush with water for 15 minutes. Get
medical attention. SKIN CONTACT: Wash area with soap and water.
INHALATION: Remove to fresh air. INGESTION: Get medical help
immediately.
PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
Procedure when material is spilled: Material is solid, cannot be spilled. In case of transport damage to
packaging, material or container, material to be salvaged must not
have been exposed to ultraviolet light.
Waste Disposal method: Processed plates may be treated as scrap. Follow local regulations.
Precautions to be taken in
handling and storing: Store below 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a dry area. Do not store near
heat sources. Material is light sensitive. Do not open package until
ready to use. Handle in U/V protected light only. Must be stored
flat. Avoid skin contact with sheet material during processing. When
handling plates during processing, gloves are necessary to avoid
contact with the wash solution.
Other precautions: Empty containers contain hazardous product residues, both liquid
and vapor. Avoid skin contact and breathing vapor.
CONTROL MEASURES
Ventilation: Yes, generally required to reduce exposure to below allowable levels.
Only at the point of use.
Mechanical (general): Fan
Protective items: Use rubber or vinyl gloves. Eye protection is recommended.
Work/hygienic practices: Wash hands and face after processing plates. Use skin care lotion.
ADDITIONAL REMARKS None
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
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Waste water and odor compositon
Basic ingredients in NovAcryl photopolymer layer are as follows:
Main raw material: Polyamide polymer and photopolymerable monomers containing
acryloyl group.
Additive: Low molecular saturated compound containing amino group and
Hydrocyderivitive. Safety of this photopolymer layer was confirmed
by using LD-50 feeding test.
Items Density
pH 6 – 7
Chemical Oxygen Demand 6000 ppm
Biological Oxygen Demand 1400 ppm
Iodide Consumed Under 10
Suspended Solid Under 10
Note: the above density readings are based on a 1% waste water concentration of
NovAcryl photopolymer layer. If the area in a negative film to be washed out is around
50%, one percent concentration would equal 8 sheets of 19” x 25” plates.
Toxicology tests were performed and the photosensitive layer was proven “not harmful.”
Below are the test methods and subsequent results:
Test Method/Result
Acute Oral (mouse) LD-50 / 3.5 G/KG
Eye irritation (Rabbit) Minus
Ames Assay Minus
Human Patch Test Minus
The odor caused by the effluent photopolymer layer is caused by its cross-linking agent. The cross-linking agent
is activated by Ultra Violet light. It is an oxidized material and is registered by CAS.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
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