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5704.3.6.3 Fire Protection and Storage Arrangements

Fire Code 2018 of Colorado > 57 Flammable and Combustible Liquids > 5704 Storage > 5704.3 Container and Portable Tank Storage > 5704.3.6 Wholesale and Retail Sales Uses > 5704.3.6.3 Fire Protection and Storage Arrangements

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Fire protection and container storage arrangements shall be in accordance with Table 5704.3.6.3(1) or the following:

Storage on shelves shall not exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height, and shelving shall be metal.
Storage on pallets or in piles greater than 4 feet 6 inches (1372 mm) in height, or where the ceiling exceeds 18 feet (5486 mm) in height, shall be protected in accordance with Table 5704.3.6.3(4), and the storage heights and arrangements shall be limited to those specified in Table 5704.3.6.3(2).
Storage on racks greater than 4 feet 6 inches (1372 mm) in height, or where the ceiling exceeds 18 feet (5486 mm) in height shall be protected in accordance with Tables 5704.3.6.3(5), 5704.3.6.3(6), and 5704.3.6.3(7) as appropriate, and the storage heights and arrangements shall be limited to those specified in Table 5704.3.6.3(3).

Combustible commodities shall not be stored above flammable and combustible liquids.

TABLE 5704.3.6.3(1)

MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHT IN CONTROL AREA

TYPE OF LIQUID	NONSPRINKLERED AREA (feet)	SPRINKLERED AREA^a (feet)	SPRINKLERED WITH IN-RACK PROTECTION^{a, b} (feet)
Flammable liquids:
Class IA	4	4	4
Class IB	4	8	12
Class IC	4	8	12
Combustible liquids:
Class II	6	8	12
Class IIIA	8	12	16
Class IIIB	8	12	20

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

In buildings protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the storage height for containers and portable tanks shall not exceed the maximum storage height permitted for the fire protection scheme set forth in NFPA 30 or the maximum storage height demonstrated in a full-scale fire test, whichever is greater. NFPA 30 criteria and fire test results for metallic containers and portable tanks shall not be applied to nonmetallic containers and portable tanks.
In-rack protection shall be in accordance with Table 5704.3.6.3(5), 5704.3.6.3(6) or 5704.3.6.3(7).

TABLE 5704.3.6.3(2)

STORAGE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PALLETIZED OR SOLID-PILE STORAGE IN LIQUID STORAGE ROOMS AND WAREHOUSES

CLASS	STORAGE LEVEL	MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHT			MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER PILE (gallons)		MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER ROOM^a (gallons)
CLASS	STORAGE LEVEL	Drums	Containers^b (feet)	Portable tanks^b (feet)	Containers	Portable tanks	Containers	Portable tanks
IA	Ground floor	1	5	Not Allowed	3,000	Not Allowed	12,000	Not Allowed
	Upper floors	1	5	Not Allowed	2,000	Not Allowed	8,000	Not Allowed
	Basements	0	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed
IB	Ground floor	1	6.5	7	5,000	20,000	15,000	40,000
	Upper floors	1	6.5	7	3,000	10,000	12,000	20,000
	Basements	0	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed
IC	Ground floor^d	1	6.5^c	7	5,000	20,000	15,000	40,000
	Upper floors	1	6.5^c	7	3,000	10,000	12,000	20,000
	Basements	0	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed	Not Allowed
II	Ground floor^d	3	10	14	10,000	40,000	25,000	80,000
	Upper floors	3	10	14	10,000	40,000	25,000	80,000
	Basements	1	5	7	7,500	20,000	25,000	40,000
III	Ground floor	5	20	14	15,000	60,000	50,000	100,000
	Upper floors	5	20	14	15,000	60,000	50,000	100,000
	Basements	3	10	7	10,000	20,000	25,000	40,000

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

See Section 5704.3.8.1 for unlimited quantities in liquid storage warehouses.
In buildings protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the storage height for containers and portable tanks shall not exceed the maximum storage height permitted for the fire protection scheme set forth in NFPA 30 or the maximum storage height demonstrated in a full-scale fire test, whichever is greater. NFPA 30 criteria and fire test results for metallic containers and portable tanks shall not be applied to nonmetallic containers and portable tanks.
These height limitations are allowed to be increased to 10 feet for containers having a capacity of 5 gallons or less.
For palletized storage of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) in relieving-style metal containers with 50 percent or less by weight Class IC or II liquid and no Class IA or IB liquid, height and pile quantity limits shall be permitted to be 10 feet and 15,000 gallons, respectively, provided that such storage is protected by sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 30 and that the UPR storage area is not located in the same containment area or drainage path for other Class I or II liquids.

TABLE 5704.3.6.3(3)

STORAGE ARRANGEMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE IN LIQUID STORAGE ROOMS AND WAREHOUSES

CLASS	TYPE RACK	STORAGE LEVEL	MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHT^b (feet)	MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER ROOM^a (gallons)
CLASS	TYPE RACK	STORAGE LEVEL	Containers	Containers
IA	Double row or Single row	Ground floor	25	7,500
		Upper floors	15	4,500
		Basements	Not Allowed	Not Allowed
IB IC	Double row or Single row	Ground floor	25	15,000
		Upper floors	15	9,000
		Basements	Not Allowed	Not Allowed
II	Double row or Single row	Ground floor	25	24,000
		Upper floors	25	24,000
		Basements	15	9,000
III	Multirow	Ground floor	40	48,000
	Double row	Upper floors	20	48,000
	Single row	Basements	20	24,000

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

See Section 5704.3.8.1 for unlimited quantities in liquid storage warehouses.
In buildings protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the storage height for containers and portable tanks shall not exceed the maximum storage height permitted for the fire protection scheme set forth in NFPA 30 or the maximum storage height demonstrated in a full-scale fire test, whichever is greater. NFPA 30 criteria and fire test results for metallic containers and portable tanks shall not be applied to nonmetallic containers and portable tanks.

TABLE 5704.3.6.3(4)

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION FOR SOLID-PILE AND PALLETIZED STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS AND PORTABLE TANKS^a

STORAGE CONDITIONS		CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND				MINIMUM HOSE STREAM DEMAND (gpm)	MINIMUM DURATION SPRINKLERS AND HOSE STREAMS (hours)
Class liquid	Container size and arrangement	Density (gpm/ft²)	Area (square feet)		Maximum spacing (square feet)
Class liquid	Container size and arrangement	Density (gpm/ft²)	High-temperature sprinklers	Ordinary temperature sprinklers	Maximum spacing (square feet)
IA	5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pile^b	0.30	3,000	5,000	100	750	2
IA	Containers greater than 5 gallons, on end or side, palletized or solid pile	0.60	5,000	8,000	80	750
IB, IC and II	5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pile^b	0.30	3,000	5,000	100	500	2
IB, IC and II	Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, one high	0.25	5,000	8,000	100	500	2
II	Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, more than one high, on end or side	0.60	5,000	8,000	80	750	2
IB, IC and II	Portable tanks, one high	0.30	3,000	5,000	100	500	2
II	Portable tanks, two high	0.60	5,000	8,000	80	750	2
III	5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pile	0.25	3,000	5,000	120	500	1
	Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, on end or sides, up to three high	0.25	3,000	5,000	120	500	1
	Containers greater than 5 gallons, on pallets or solid pile, on end or sides, up to 18 feet high	0.35	3,000	5,000	100	750	2
	Portable tanks, one high	0.25	3,000	5,000	120	500	1
	Portable tanks, two high	0.50	3,000	5,000	80	750	2

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m², 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m².

The design area contemplates the use of Class II standpipe systems. Where Class I standpipe systems are used, the area of application shall be increased by 30 percent without revising density.
For storage heights above 4 feet or ceiling heights greater than 18 feet, an approved engineering design shall be provided in accordance with Section 104.7.2.

TABLE 5704.3.6.3(5)

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 5-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESS WITH OR WITHOUT CARTONS ON CONVENTIONAL WOOD PALLETS^a

CLASS LIQUID	CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND			IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMAND					MINIMUM HOSE STREAM DEMAND (gpm)	MINIMUM DURATION SPRINKLER AND HOSE STREAM (hours)
	Density (gpm/ft²)	Area (square feet)		Maximum spacing	Racks up to 9 feet deep	Racks more than 9 feet to 12 feet deep	30 psi (standard orifice)	Number of sprinklers operating
	Density (gpm/ft²)	High- temperature sprinklers	Ordinary temperature sprinklers	Maximum spacing	Racks up to 9 feet deep	Racks more than 9 feet to 12 feet deep	14 psi (large orifice)	Number of sprinklers operating
I (maximum 25-foot height) Option 1	0.40	3,000	5,000	80 ft²/head	Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing One line sprinklers above each level of storage Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical Shields required where multiple-level	Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing One line sprinklers above each level of storage Locate in transverse flue spaces, staggered vertical and within 20 inches of aisle Shields required where multiple-level	30 psi (0.5- inch orifice)	Eight sprinklers if only one level Six sprinklers each on two levels if only two levels Six sprinklers each on top three levels, if three or more levels Hydraulically most remote	750	2
I (maximum 25-foot height) Option 2	0.55	2,000^b	Not Applicable	100 ft²/head	Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing See 2 above See 3 above See 4 above	Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing See 2 above See 3 above See 4 above	14 psi (0.53-inch orifice)	See 1 through 4 above	500	2
I and II (maximum 14- foot storage height) (maximum three tiers)	0.55^c	2,000^d	Not Applicable	100 ft²/head	Not Applicable None for maximum 6-foot-deep racks	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	500	2
II (maximum 25- foot height)	0.30	3,000	5,000	100 ft²/head	Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally One line sprinklers between levels at nearest 10-foot vertical intervals Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical Shields required where multiple-level	Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally Two lines between levels at nearest 10-foot vertical intervals Locate in transverse flue spaces, staggered vertical and within 20 inches of aisle Shields required where multiple-level	30 psi	Hydraulically most remote—six sprinklers at each level, up to a maximum of three levels	750	2
III (40-foot height)	0.25	3,000	5,000	120 ft²/head	Same as for Class II liquids	Same as for Class II liquids	30 psi	Same as for Class II liquids	500	2

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m², 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m².

The design area contemplates the use of Class II standpipe systems. Where Class I standpipe systems are used, the area of application shall be increased by 30 percent without revising density.
Using listed or approved extra-large orifices, high-temperature quick-response or standard element sprinklers under a maximum 30-foot ceiling with minimum 7.5-foot aisles.
For friction lid cans and other metal containers equipped with plastic nozzles or caps, the density shall be increased to 0.65 gpm per square foot using listed or approved extra-large orifice, high-temperature quick-response sprinklers.
Using listed or approved extra-large orifice, high-temperature quick-response or standard element sprinklers under a maximum 18-foot ceiling with minimum 7.5-foot aisles and metal containers.

TABLE 5704.3.6.3(6)

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITY^a

CLASS LIQUID	CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND			IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMAND					MINIMUM HOSE STREAM DEMAND (gpm)	MINIMUM DURATION SPRINKLER AND HOSE STREAM (hours)
	Density (gpm/ ft²)	Area (square feet)		Maximum spacing	On-side storage racks up to 9-foot-deep racks	On-end storage (on pallets) up to 9-foot-deep racks	Minimum nozzle pressure	Number of sprinklers operating
	Density (gpm/ ft²)	High- temperature sprinklers	Ordinary temperature sprinklers	Maximum spacing	On-side storage racks up to 9-foot-deep racks	On-end storage (on pallets) up to 9-foot-deep racks	Minimum nozzle pressure	Number of sprinklers operating
IA (maximum 25-foot height)	0.60	3,000	5,000	80 ft²/head	Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally One line sprinklers above each tier of storage Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical Shields required where multiple-level	Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally One line sprinklers above each tier of storage Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical Shields required where multiple-level	30 psi	Hydraulically most remote—six sprinklers at each level	1,000	2
IB, IC and II (maximum 25-foot height)	0.60	3,000	5,000	100 ft²/head	See 1 above One line sprinklers every three tiers of storage See 3 above See 4 above	See 1 above See 2 above See 3 above See 4 above	30 psi	Hydraulically most remote—six sprinklers at each level	750	2
III (maximum 40-foot height)	0.25	3,000	5,000	120 ft2/head	See 1 above One line sprinklers every sixth level (maximum) See 3 above See 4 above	See 1 above One line sprinklers every third level (maximum) See 3 above See 4 above	15 psi	Hydraulically most remote—six sprinklers at each level	500	1

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m², 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m².

The design assumes the use of Class II standpipe systems. Where a Class I standpipe system is used, the area of application shall be increased by 30 percent without revising density.

TABLE 5704.3.6.3(7)

AUTOMATIC AFFF WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITY^{a, b}

CLASS LIQUID	CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND			IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMAND^c				DURATION AFFF SUPPLY (minimum)	DURATION WATER SUPPLY (hours)
	Density (gpm/ft²)	Area (square feet)		On-end storage of drums on pallets, up to 25 feet	Minimum nozzle pressure (psi)	Number of sprinklers operating	Hose stream demand^d (gpm)
		High- temperature sprinklers	Ordinary temperature sprinklers
IA, IB, IC and II	0.30	1,500	2,500	Ordinary temperature sprinkler up to 10 feet apart horizontally One line sprinklers above each level of storage Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertically Shields required for multiple-level	30	Three sprinklers per level	500	15	2

System shall be a closed-head wet system with approved devices for proportioning aqueous film-forming foam.
Except as modified herein, in-rack sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13.
The height of storage shall not exceed 25 feet.
Hose stream demand includes 1¹/₂-inch inside hose connections, where required.

TABLE 5704.3.6.3(8)

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS I LIQUID STORAGE IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 1-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESS WITH UNCARTONED OR CASE-CUT SHELF DISPLAY UP TO 6.5 FEET, AND PALLETIZED STORAGE ABOVE IN A DOUBLE-ROW RACK ARRAY^a

STORAGE HEIGHT	CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND				IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMAND				MINIMUM HOSE STREAM DEMAND (gpm)	MINIMUM DURATION SPRINKLERS AND HOSE STREAM (hours)
	Density (gpm/ft²)	Area (square feet)		Maximum spacing	Racks up to 9 feet deep	Racks 9 to 12 feet	Minimum nozzle pressure	Number of sprinklers operating
		High temperature	Ordinary temperature
Maximum 20-foot storage height	0.60	2,000^b	Not Applicable	100 ft²/head	Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing One line of sprinklers at the 6-foot level and the 11.5-foot level of storage Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical Shields required where multiple-level	Not Applicable	30 psi (standard orifice) or 14 psi (large orifice)	Six sprinklers each on two levels Hydraulically most remote 12 sprinklers	500	2

This table shall not apply to racks with solid shelves.
Using extra-large orifice sprinklers under a ceiling 30 feet or less in height. Minimum aisle width is 7.5 feet.

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