1206.2.3 Hazard Mitigation Analysis

A failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) or other approved hazard mitigation analysis shall be provided in accordance with Section 104.7.2 under any of the following conditions:

1. Battery technologies not specifically identified in Table 1206.2 are provided.
2. More than one stationary storage battery technology is provided in a room or indoor area where there is a potential for adverse interaction between technologies.
3. Where allowed as a basis for increasing maximum allowable quantities in accordance with Section 1206.2.9.

The hazard mitigation analysis shall evaluate the consequences of the following failure modes, and others deemed necessary by the fire code official. Only single-failure modes shall be considered.

1. Thermal runaway condition in a single-battery storage rack, module or array.
2. Failure of any energy management system.
3. Failure of any required ventilation system.
4. Voltage surges on the primary electric supply.
5. Short circuits on the load side of the stationary battery storage system.
6. Failure of the smoke detection, fire-extinguishing or gas detection system.
7. Spill neutralization not being provided or failure of the secondary containment system.

The fire code official is authorized to approve the hazardous mitigation analysis provided that the hazard mitigation analysis demonstrates all of the following:

1. Fires or explosions will be contained within unoccupied battery storage rooms for the minimum duration of the fire-resistance-rated walls identified in Table 509.1 of the California Building Code.
2. Fires and explosions in battery cabinets in occupied work centers will be detected in time to allow occupants within the room to evacuate safely.
3. Toxic and highly toxic gases released during fires and other fault conditions shall not reach concentrations in excess of Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) levels in the building or adjacent means of egress routes during the time deemed necessary to evacuate from that area.
4. Flammable gases released from batteries during charging, discharging and normal operation shall not exceed 25 percent of their lower flammability limit (LFL).
5. Flammable gases released from batteries during fire, overcharging and other abnormal conditions shall not create an explosion hazard that will injure occupants or emergency responders.