It is declared that the operation of motor vehicle junkyards,
as the same are defined in Chapter 406 of the General Statutes of
Connecticut, 1958 Revision, within the City of Norwalk, shall be carried
out in such manner as will not endanger the public health, safety
and welfare of its inhabitants.
No metal-cutting or torching operations using heat generated
by any apparatus or equipment utilizing gaseous or liquid fuels or
electricity shall be carried on at any time in any motor vehicle junkyard,
as such term is defined in this ordinance, except under all of the
following conditions:
A. All such operations shall be conducted only in an open area separated
from all combustible construction or materials by a clearance or buffer
open space of at least 10 feet all around. In addition, when, in the
opinion of the Fire Marshal, considerations of safety shall require
the same, all combustible construction or materials shall be protected
by noncombustible shields or covers from possible sparks, hot metal
or oxide.
B. Immediately prior to, and immediately following the completion of,
each cutting operation, all combustibles in, on, about or within the
objects being cut or dismantled shall be soaked with water by the
motor-vehicle junkyard owner or operator or agent thereof.
C. A charged hose of at least 1/2 inch diameter, connected to the public
water supply, in length sufficient to discharge water upon all portions
of the open area described in Paragraph A above, shall be maintained
continually in all motor vehicle junkyards by the motor vehicle junkyard
owner or operator. Such connection may be made to a private water
supply in lieu of the public water supply, as above required, provided
that the Fire Marshal shall have certified the same to be substantially
equivalent to the public water supply.
D. Dry chemical fire extinguishers, having a total capacity of at least
100 pounds [none of which shall have a capacity of less than 25 pounds],
in operating condition, shall be maintained continually at the open
area described in Paragraph A, above, by the motor vehicle junkyard
owner or operator.
E. It shall be the responsibility and duty of each owner or operator
of such motor vehicle junkyard to insure that only such individuals
as are capable of performing such cutting operations in a safe manner
shall be permitted to conduct and perform the same.
The Fire Marshal shall make at least semiannual inspections
of all motor vehicle junkyards for the purpose of enforcing this ordinance,
and shall make such additional inspections as he may deem necessary
and proper in the protection of the public safety.
Conviction of any violation of this ordinance by any person
shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500. The officers
and directors of any corporation owning or operating a motor vehicle
junkyard shall be deemed to be the owner or operator thereof, within
the meaning of this ordinance.