Tim,

You need to find the flammability rating from the powder coater. Powder coating as a product has a low flame rating.  However once that does burn you will need to know the flame rating of the substrate.  Your fabricator should be able to come up with all these specifications.  They may not have the ASTM E 85 Spec but should have a comparable acceptable rating.  
A couple of other things:
1. You need to verify that these standards were part of the RFP bid.  If not then depending on the fabricator they may not meet them because of $$.
2. The exhibits as furniture point works. This is used to get around electrical codes alot.  Hard wire through conduit vs. cords and outlets strips.  This is not always in the Museums best interest.  

Talk to the fabricator they should work with you to solve this issue in order to continue doing business with the museum.

Thanks,

Jim
--
Jim Mallerdino

Project Dimensions, Inc
5457 N. Canfield
Chicago, Il. 60656

ph: 773 467-8605
fx: 773 631-5380
cell: 773 450-0135

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: David Harvey <[log in to unmask]>
> Tim,
> 
> I just goggled ASTM E 84 and found the standard. It is a flame test
> for the burnability of building materials:
> 
> http://www.insulate.org/astme84.html
> 
> If you are looking for powder coating only in cabinetry and shelving
> then it can be considered furnishings or equipment, and not part of
> the building, then I think that this requirement may be arguable. Talk
> to the reviewer again and make them understand precisely how the
> powder coated metal is being used - you'll be in good shape if none of
> it is permanently fixed to the walls or floors.
> 
> Cheers!
> Dave
> 
> David Harvvey
> Conservator
> Los Angeles, California
> 
> On 7/31/07, Gette, Tim (VMNH) <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > The Virginia Museum of Natural History, located in Martinsville, Virginia
> > (VMNH) is currently completing construction of a new museum building and
> > museum exhibits. The museum is owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia and
> > their construction projects are under review by Virginia's Bureau of Capital
> > Outlay Management (BCOM).
> >
> >  We are looking for ASTM test data to meet the requirements of a
> > Commonwealth of Virginia code reviewer, and so far we have been unable to
> > turn up the required data. Our code reviewer is requiring that we provide
> > ASTM E 84 test data for powdercoating applied to metal substrates.
> >
> >  VMNH is currently nearing completion of a major new permanent exhibition in
> > which powder coating has been used to coat numerous metal components
> > throughout the exhibits.
> >
> >  To date, after requesting information from our powder coating suppliers and
> > the powdercoating institite, we have been unsuccessful in finding the
> > requested finish rating data. If you are aware of any source or if you can
> > provide test reports that demonstrate the ASTM E 84 finish rating for powder
> > coating when applied to metal substrates, we would greatly appreciate any
> > assistance you may be able to provide.
> >
> >  Tim Gette
> >  Executive Director
> >  Virginia Museum of Natural History
> >  Tim Gette, Executive Director, Virginia Museum of Natural History
> 
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