3504.2.1 Location of Outdoor Storage Areas

Outdoor storage areas for flammable gases shall be located at or above grade level, and in accordance with FC3504.2.1.1 and FC Table 3504.2.1, as applicable.

FC TABLE 3504.2.1 FLAMMABLE GASES DISTANCE FROM OUTDOOR STORAGE AREAS TO EXPOSURES

TYPE OF OUTDOOR EXPOSURE	FLAMMABLE GAS STORAGE AREA MORE THAN 1500 SCF UP TO MAXIMUM 3500 SCF MINIMUM DISTANCE TO OUTDOOR EXPOSURE (FEET)
Building or structure of combustible construction	10a
Building or structure of noncombustible construction	5a
Building openings	10
Flammable and combustible liquids Aboveground — 1,000 gallons or less	10a
Flammable and combustible liquids Aboveground — in excess of 1,000 gallons	20a
Flammable and combustible liquids Underground tank — 1,000gallons or less	10a
Flammable and combustible liquids Underground tank — 1,000 gallons or less Vent or fill opening of tank	15a
Flammable and combustible liquids Underground tank — in excess of 1,000 gallons	15a
Flammable and combustible liquids Underground tank — in excess of 1,000 gallons Vent or fill opening of tank	15a
Flammable gas storage area, any pressure 1,500 SCF or less	10a
Flammable gas storage area, any pressure More than 1,500 SCF up to maximum 3,500 SCF	20a
Oxygen storage — 20,000 SCF or less	In accordance with NFPA 51a
Oxygen storage — in excess of 20,000 SCF	In accordance with NFPA 55 a
Combustible material or combustible waste	10a
Air compressor intakes or inlets to ventilating or air-conditioning equipment	5
Group A occupancies and public gathering places	25
Public sidewalks and parked motor vehicles	10
Public streets, private roads and lot lines	10a

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

a. The minimum required distances shall be reduced to 5 feet when protective structures having a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between the container and the exposure. The protective structure shall be at least 5 feet from the exposure. The configuration of the protective structure shall be designed to allow natural ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gas concentrations.

Storage shall not be located where the stored flammable gases would be exposed to the following hazards in the event of the failure of their structure or containment systems:

1. Electric power lines.
2. Piping containing flammable or combustible liquids.
3. Piping containing flammable gases.
4. Piping containing oxidizing materials.