How long must motors, fans, and ignition sources be shut down when resurfacing bowling lanes with flammable floor finish?

When resurfacing bowling lanes with flammable floor finishes, it is critical to shut down motors, fans, and ignition sources for at least 1 hour. This precaution is necessary to mitigate the risk of ignition due to the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted during the application and drying process of these finishes.

Shutting down these sources for 1 hour allows sufficient time for the airborne concentration of flammable vapors to decrease, reducing the chance of combustion should any spark or ignition source be present. This time frame is based on industry standards and safety codes that prioritize minimizing the risk of fire hazards associated with the use of flammable materials in enclosed spaces.

It's essential to follow this guideline to ensure the safety of workers and patrons in the facility. While options that suggest other durations may seem reasonable, they either do not provide enough time for safe conditions or they are too vague, failing to ensure that the finish is adequately dried before reintroducing potential ignition sources.