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5704.4 Outdoor Storage of Containers and Portable Tanks
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Storage of flammable and combustible liquids in closed containers and portable tanks outside of buildings shall be in accordance with Section 5703 and Sections 5704.4.1 through 5704.4.8. Capacity limits for containers and portable tanks shall be in accordance with Section 5704.3.
Storage shall be in accordance with approved plans.
Outdoor storage of liquids in containers and portable tanks shall be in accordance with Table 5704.4.2. Storage of liquids near buildings located on the same lot shall be in accordance with this section.
| CLASS OF LIQUID |
CONTAINER STORAGE— MAXIMUM PER PILE |
PORTABLE TANK STORAGE— MAXIMUM PER PILE |
MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN PILES OR RACKS (feet) |
MINIMUM DISTANCE TO LOT LINE OF PROPERTY THAT CAN BE BUILT UPONc, d (feet) |
MINIMUM DISTANCE TO PUBLIC STREET, PUBLIC ALLEY OR PUBLIC WAYd (feet) |
||
| Quantitya, b (gallons) |
Height (feet) |
Quantitya, b (gallons) |
Height (feet) |
||||
| IA | 1,100 | 10 | 2,200 | 7 | 5 | 50 | 10 |
| IB | 2,200 | 12 | 4,400 | 14 | 5 | 50 | 10 |
| IC | 4,400 | 12 | 8,800 | 14 | 5 | 50 | 10 |
| II | 8,800 | 12 | 17,600 | 14 | 5 | 25 | 5 |
| III | 22,000 | 18 | 44,000 | 14 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon 3.785 L.
- For mixed class storage, see Section 5704.4.2.
- For storage in racks, the quantity limits per pile do not apply, but the rack arrangement shall be limited to not more than 50 feet in length and two rows or 9 feet in depth.
- If protection by a public fire department or private fire brigade capable of providing cooling water streams is not available, the distance shall be doubled.
- Where 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.
Storage of containers or portable tanks shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with Chapter 5.
The storage area shall be protected against tampering or trespassers where necessary and shall be kept free from weeds, debris and other combustible materials not necessary to the storage.
Not more than 1,100 gallons (4163 L) of liquids stored in closed containers and portable tanks is allowed adjacent to a building located on the same premises and under the same management, provided that one of the following requirements is met:
- 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.
- 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 Item 2 is allowed to 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 Item 1, or the provisions of Item 1 cannot be met, a minimum distance in accordance with Table 5704.4.2, column 7 ("Minimum Distance to Lot Line of Property That Can Be Built Upon") shall be maintained between buildings and the nearest container or portable tank.
Storage areas shall be provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with Section 5703.4.
Exception: Containers stored on approved containment pallets in accordance with Section 5004.2.3 and containers stored in cabinets and lockers with integral spill containment.
Storage areas shall be protected against tampering or trespassers by fencing or other approved control measures.
Guard posts or other means shall be provided to protect exterior storage tanks from vehicular damage. Where guard posts are installed, the posts shall be installed in accordance with Section 312.
The storage area shall be kept free from weeds, debris and combustible materials not necessary to the storage. The area surrounding an exterior storage area shall be kept clear of such materials for a minimum distance of 15 feet (4572 mm).
Weather protection for outdoor storage shall be in accordance with Section 5004.13.
The storage of empty tanks and containers previously used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids, unless free from explosive vapors, shall be stored as required for filled containers and tanks. Tanks and containers when emptied shall have the covers or plugs immediately replaced in openings.
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