3404.4 Outdoor Storage of Containers

Outdoor storage areas for portable containers of flammable and combustible liquids shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in compliance with the requirements of FC 3403, and 3404.4.1 through 3404.4.8.

Outdoor portable container storage areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with approved design and installation documents.

Outdoor portable container storage areas shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained in accordance with FC Table 3404.4.2 and in compliance with the requirements of FC 3404.4.2.1 through 3404.4.2.4.

FC TABLE 3404.4.2 OUTDOOR LIQUID STORAGE IN CONTAINERS

CLASS OF LIQUID	CONTAINER STORAGE— MAXIMUM PER PILE		MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN PILES OR RACKS (feet)	MINIMUM DISTANCE TO LOT LINEd (feet)	MINIMUM DISTANCE TO PUBLIC STREET OR PRIVATE ROADd (feet)
	Quantitya, b (gallons)	Height (feet)
IA IB IC II III	1,100 2,200 4,400 8,800 22,000	10 12 12 12 18	5 5 5 5 5	50 50 50 25 10	10 10 10 5 5

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

a. For mixed class storage, see FC3404.4.2.

b. For storage in racks, the quantity limits per pile do not apply, but the rack arrangement shall be limited to a maximum of 50 feet in length and two rows or 9 feet in depth.

c. Reserved.

d. When the total quantity stored does not exceed 50 percent of the maximum allowed per pile, the distances are allowed to be reduced 50 percent, but not less than 3 feet.

Where two or more classes of liquids are stored in a single pile, the quantity in the pile shall not exceed the smallest of maximum quantities for the classes of material stored.

Outdoor portable container storage areas shall be provided with fire apparatus access in accordance with FC319.7.1.

A maximum amount of 1,100 gallons (4163 L) of flammable and combustible liquids stored in portable containers may be stored adjacent to a building located on the same premises and under the same ownership, provided that:

1. The building does not exceed one story in height. Such building shall be of fire-resistance-rated construction with noncombustible exterior surfaces or noncombustible construction and shall be used principally for the storage of liquids; or
2. The exterior building wall adjacent to the storage area shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours, having no openings to above grade areas within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of such storage and no openings to below grade areas within 50 feet (15 240 mm) horizontally of such storage.

The quantity of liquids stored adjacent to a building protected in accordance with FC3404.4.2.4(2) may exceed 1,100 gallons (4163 L), provided that the maximum quantity per pile does not exceed 1,100 gallons (4163 L) and each pile is separated by a 10-foot-minimum (3048 mm) clear space along the common wall. Where the quantity stored exceeds 1,100 gallons (4163 L) adjacent to a building complying with FC3404.4.2.4(1), or the provisions of FC3404.4.2.4(1) cannot be met, a minimum distance in accordance with the column for distance to a lot line in FC Table 3404.4.2 shall be maintained between buildings and the nearest container.

Outdoor portable container storage areas shall be provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with FC3403.4.

Exception: Containers stored on approved containment pallets in accordance with FC2704.2.3 and containers stored in cabinets and lockers with integral spill containment.

Outdoor portable container storage areas shall be protected against tampering or trespassers by fencing or other approved control measures.

Posts or other means shall be provided to protect outdoor portable container storage areas from vehicular damage. When posts are installed, the posts shall be installed in accordance with FC312.

Outdoor portable container storage areas shall be kept free from vegetation and other combustible waste as set forth in FC 3404.4.6.1 and 3404.4.6.2.

Brush, grass, vines, weeds and other vegetation capable of being ignited that is located within 15 feet (4572 mm) of an outdoor portable container storage area shall be regularly mowed or pruned and the clippings removed from the premises.

Rubbish and other combustible waste shall not be allowed to accumulate within 15 feet (4572 mm) of an outdoor portable container storage area.

Weather protection for outdoor portable container storage areas shall be in accordance with FC2704.13.

The storage of empty containers previously used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored as required for filled containers. Containers when emptied shall have the covers or plugs immediately replaced in openings.