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// CODE SNIPPET

5704.3.6.3 Fire Protection and Storage Arrangements

2017 LA City Fire Code > 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:
  1. Storage on shelves shall not exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height, and shelving shall be metal.
  2. 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).
  3. 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 NON-SPRINKLERED AREA (feet) SPRINKLERED AREAa (feet) SPRINKLERED WITH IN-RACK PROTECTIONa, 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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 ROOMa (gallons)
Drums Containersb (feet) Portable tanksb (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 floord 1 6.5c 7 5,000 20,000 15,000 40,000
Upper floors 1 6.5c 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 floord 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 7,500 20,000
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.

  1. See Section 5704.3.8.1 for unlimited quantities in liquid storage warehouses.
  2. 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.
  3. These height limitations are allowed to be increased to 10 feet for containers having a capacity of 5 gallons or less.
  4. 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 HEIGHTb (feet) MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER ROOMa (gallons)
Containers Containers
IA Double row or Single row Ground floor 25 7,500
Upper floors 15 4,500
Basements Not Allowed Not Allowed
  Double row or Single row Ground floor 25 15,000
IB
IC
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.

  1. See Section 5704.3.8.1 for unlimited quantities in liquid storage warehouses.
  2. 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 TANKSa
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)
High temperature sprinklers Ordinary temperature sprinklers
IA 5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pileb 0.30 3,000 5,000 100 750 2
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 pileb 0.30 3,000 5,000 100 500 2
Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, one high 0.25 5,000 8,000 100
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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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 PALLETSa
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
High- temperature sprinklers Ordinary temperature sprinklers 14 psi (large orifice)
I (maximum 25-foot height) Option 1 0.40 3,000 5,000 80 ft2/head
1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing
2. One line sprinklers above each level of storage
3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical
4. Shields required where multilevel
1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing
2. One line sprinklers above each level of storage
3. Locate in transverse flue spaces, staggered vertical and within 20 inches of aisle
4. Shields required where multilevel
30 psi (0.5- inch orifice)
1. Eight sprinklers if only one level
2. Six sprinklers each on two levels if only two levels
3. Six sprinklers each on top three levels, if three or more levels
4. Hydraulically most remote
750 2
I (maximum 25-foot height) Option 2 0.55 2,000b Not Applicable 100 ft2/ head
1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing
2. See 2 above
3. See 3 above
4. See 4 above
1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing
2. See 2 above
3. See 3 above
4. 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) 0.55c 2,000d 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
1. Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally
2. One line sprinklers between levels at nearest 10-foot vertical intervals
3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical
4. Shields required where multilevel
1. Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally
2. Two lines between levels at nearest 10-foot vertical intervals
3. Locate in transverse flue spaces, staggered vertical and within 20 inches of aisle
4. Shields required where multilevel
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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 OR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa
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
High-temperature sprinklers Ordinary temperature sprinklers
IA (maximum 25-foot height) 0.60 3,000 5,000 80 ft2/head
1. Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally
2. One line sprinklers above each tier of storage
3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical
4. Shields required where multilevel
1. Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally
2. One line sprinklers above each tier of storage
3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical
4. Shields required where multilevel
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 1. See 1 above

2. One line sprinklers every three tiers of storage

3. See 3 above

4. See 4 above
1. See 1 above
2. See 2 above
3. See 3 above
4. 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
1. See 1 above
2. One line sprinklers every sixth level (maximum)
3. See 3 above
4. See 4 above
1. See 1 above
2. One line sprinklers every third level (maximum)
3. See 3 above
4. 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.

  1. 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 CAPACITYa,b
CLASS LIQUID CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMANDc 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 demandd (gpm)
High- temperature sprinklers Ordinary temperature sprinklers
IA, IB, IC and II 0.30 1,500 2,500
1. Ordinary temperature sprinkler up to 10 feet apart horizontally
2. One line sprinklers above each level of storage
3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertically
4. Shields required for multilevel
30 Three sprinklers per level 500 15 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.

  1. System shall be a closed-head wet system with approved devices for proportioning aqueous film-forming foam.
  2. Except as modified herein, in-rack sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13.
  3. The height of storage shall not exceed 25 feet.
  4. Hose stream demand includes 11/2-inch inside hand hose, when 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 ARRAYa
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 2,000b Not Applicable 100 ft2/head
1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing
2. One line of sprinklers at the 6-foot level and the 11.5-foot level of storage
3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical
4. Shields required where multilevel
Not Applicable 30 psi (standard orifice) or 14 psi (large orifice)
1. Six sprinklers each on two levels
2. Hydraulically most remote 12 sprinklers
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.

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

Related Code Sections


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