Chapter 50 Hazardous Materials—General Provisions

The provisions of this chapter are waived when the fire code official determines that such enforcement is preempted by other codes, statutes or ordinances. The details of any action granting such a waiver shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.

Mixtures shall be classified in accordance with hazards of the mixture as a whole. Mixtures of hazardous materials shall be classified in accordance with nationally recognized reference standards; by an approved qualified organization, individual, or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); or by other approved methods.

Hazardous materials shall be classified according to hazard categories. The categories include materials regulated by this chapter and materials regulated elsewhere in this code.

The objective of Section 5001.3 is to protect people and property from the consequences of unauthorized discharge, fires or explosions involving hazardous materials.

Performance-based design alternatives are based on the following functional statements:

1. Provide safeguards to minimize the risk of unwanted releases, fires or explosions involving hazardous materials.
2. Provide safeguards to minimize the consequences of an unsafe condition involving hazardous materials during normal operations and in the event of an abnormal condition.

When safeguards, systems, documentation, written plans or procedures, audits, process hazards analysis, mitigation measures, engineering controls or construction features are required by Sections 5001.3.3.1 through 5001.3.3.18, the details of the design alternative shall be subject to approval by the fire code official. The details of actions granting the use of the design alternatives shall be recorded and entered in the files of the jurisdiction.

Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include a Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP). The HMMP shall include a facility site plan designating the following:

1. Access to each storage and use area.
2. Location of emergency equipment.
3. Location where liaison will meet emergency responders.
4. Facility evacuation meeting point locations.
5. The general purpose of other areas within the building.
6. Location of all above-ground and underground tanks and their appurtenances including, but not limited to, sumps, vaults, below-grade treatment systems and piping.
7. The hazard classes in each area.
8. Locations of all control areas and Group H occupancies.
9. Emergency exits.

Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include an HMIS, such as Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) Title III, Tier II Report or other approved statement. The HMIS shall include the following information:

1. Product name.
2. Component.
3. Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number.
4. Location where stored or used.
5. Container size.
6. Hazard classification.
7. Amount in storage.
8. Amount in use-closed systems.
9. Amount in use-open systems.

Facilities that are temporarily out of service shall continue to maintain a permit and be monitored and inspected.

Facilities for which a permit is not kept current or is not monitored and inspected on a regular basis shall be deemed to be permanently out of service and shall be closed in an approved manner. When required by the fire code official, permittees shall apply for approval to close permanently storage, use or handling facilities. The fire code official is authorized to require that such application be accompanied by an approved facility closure plan in accordance with Section 5001.6.3.

When a facility closure plan is required in accordance with Section 5001.5 to terminate storage, dispensing, handling or use of hazardous materials, it shall be submitted to the fire code official at least 30 days prior to facility closure. The plan shall demonstrate that hazardous materials which are stored, dispensed, handled or used in the facility will be transported, disposed of or reused in a manner that eliminates the need for further maintenance and any threat to public health and safety.

TABLE 5003.1.1(2)
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL POSING A HEALTH HAZARD^{a, b, c, h, i}

MATERIAL	STORAGEd			USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSd			USE-OPEN SYSTEMSd
	Solid poundse, f	Liquid gallons (pounds)e, f	Gas cubic feet at NTP (pounds)e	Solid poundse	Liquid gallons (pounds)e	Gas cubic feet at NTP (pounds)e	Solid poundse	Liquid gallons (pounds)e
Corrosives	5,000	500	Gaseous 810f Liquefied (150)	5,000	500	Gaseous 810f Liquefied (150)	1,000	100
Highly Toxics	10	(10)	Gaseous 20g Liquefied (4)g	10	(10)	Gaseous 20g Liquified (4)g	3	(3)
Toxics	500	(500)	Gaseous 810f Liquefied (150)f	500	(500)	Gaseous 810f Liquefied (150)f	125	(125)

Where quantities are indicated in pounds and when the weight per gallon of the liquid is not provided to the fire code official, a conversion factor of 10 pounds per gallon (1.2 kg/L) shall be used.

The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(1) through 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001 and 5003.

The storage and use of hazardous materials in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(1) through 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with this chapter.

Containers, cylinders and tanks shall be designed and constructed in accordance with approved standards. Containers, cylinders, tanks and other means used for containment of hazardous materials shall be of an approved type. Pressure vessels shall comply with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

Piping, tubing, valves, and fittings conveying hazardous materials shall be designed and installed in accordance with ASME B31 or other approved standards, and shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.2.2.1 and 5003.2.2.2.

Equipment, machinery and required detection and alarm systems associated with the use, storage or handling of hazardous materials shall be listed or approved.

Installation of tanks shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.2.4.1 through 5003.2.4.2.1.

Empty containers and tanks previously used for the storage of hazardous materials shall be free from residual material and vapor as defined by DOTn, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or other regulating authority or maintained as specified for the storage of hazardous material.

In addition to the requirements of Section 5003.2.3, equipment, machinery and required detection and alarm systems associated with hazardous materials shall be maintained in an operable condition. Defective containers, cylinders and tanks shall be removed from service, repaired or disposed of in an approved manner. Defective equipment or machinery shall be removed from service and repaired or replaced. Required detection and alarm systems shall be replaced or repaired where defective.

Atmospheric tanks having a capacity greater than 500 gallons (1893 L) and which contain hazardous material liquids shall be equipped with a liquid-level limit control or other approved means to prevent overfilling of the tank.

Machinery and equipment utilizing hazardous materials shall be braced and anchored in accordance with the seismic design requirements of the International Building Code for the seismic design category in which the machinery or equipment is classified.

The equipment, devices and systems listed in Section 5003.2.9.1 shall be tested at the time of installation and at one of the intervals listed in Section 5003.2.9.2. Written records of the tests conducted or maintenance performed shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 107.2.1.

When hazardous materials are released in quantities reportable under state, federal or local regulations, the fire code official shall be notified and the following procedures required in accordance with Sections 5003.3.1.1 through 5003.3.1.4.

Individual containers, cartons or packages shall be conspicuously marked or labeled in an approved manner. Rooms or cabinets containing compressed gases shall be conspicuously labeled: COMPRESSED GAS.

Smoking shall be prohibited and "No Smoking" signs provided as follows:

1. In rooms or areas where hazardous materials are stored or dispensed or used in open systems in amounts requiring a permit in accordance with Section 5001.5.
2. Within 25 feet (7620 mm) of outdoor storage, dispensing or open use areas.
3. Facilities or areas within facilities that have been designated as totally "no smoking" shall have "No Smoking" signs placed at all entrances to the facility or area. Designated areas within such facilities where smoking is permitted either permanently or temporarily, shall be identified with signs designating that smoking is permitted in these areas only.
4. In rooms or areas where flammable or combustible hazardous materials are stored, dispensed or used.

Open flames and high-temperature devices shall not be used in a manner which creates a hazardous condition and shall be listed for use with the hazardous materials stored or used.

Powered industrial trucks used in areas designated as hazardous (classified) locations in accordance with NFPA 70 shall be listed and labeled for use in the environment intended in accordance with NFPA 505.

Buildings, or portions thereof, in which hazardous materials are stored, handled or used shall be constructed in accordance with the International Building Code.

Group H occupancies containing quantities of hazardous materials in excess of those set forth in Table 5003.8.2 shall be in detached buildings.

Control areas shall comply with Sections 5003.8.3.1 through 5003.8.3.5.

Where a gas room is provided to comply with the provisions of Chapter 60, the gas room shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.8.4.1 and 5003.8.4.2.

Where an exhausted enclosure is used to increase maximum allowable quantity per control area or when the location of hazardous materials in exhausted enclosures is provided to comply with the provisions of Chapter 60, the exhausted enclosure shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.8.5.1 through 5003.8.5.3.

Where a gas cabinet is used to increase the maximum allowable quantity per control area or when the location of compressed gases in gas cabinets is provided to comply with the provisions of Chapter 60, the gas cabinet shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.8.6.1 through 5003.8.6.3.

Where storage cabinets are used to increase maximum allowable quantity per control area or to comply with this chapter, such cabinets shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.8.7.1 and 5003.8.7.2.

Persons responsible for the operation of areas in which hazardous materials are stored, dispensed, handled or used shall be familiar with the chemical nature of the materials and the appropriate mitigating actions necessary in the event of fire, leak or spill.

Storage, dispensing, use and handling areas shall be secured against unauthorized entry and safeguarded in a manner approved by the fire code official.

Guard posts or other approved means shall be provided to protect storage tanks and connected piping, valves and fittings; dispensing areas; and use areas subject to vehicular damage in accordance with Section 312.

Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 70.

When processes or conditions exist where a flammable mixture could be ignited by static electricity, means shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of a static charge.

Materials that are sensitive to light shall be stored in containers designed to protect them from such exposure.

Materials that are shock sensitive shall be padded, suspended or otherwise protected against accidental dislodgement and dislodgement during seismic activity.

Incompatible materials in storage and storage of materials that are incompatible with materials in use shall be separated when the stored materials are in containers having a capacity of more than 5 pounds (2 kg) or 0.5 gallon (2 L). Separation shall be accomplished by:

1. Segregating incompatible materials in storage by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
2. Isolating incompatible materials in storage by a noncombustible partition extending not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above and to the sides of the stored material.
3. Storing liquid and solid materials in hazardous material storage cabinets.
4. Storing compressed gases in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures in accordance with Sections 5003.8.5 and 5003.8.6. Materials that are incompatible shall not be stored within the same cabinet or exhausted enclosure.

Shelving shall be of substantial construction, and shall be braced and anchored in accordance with the seismic design requirements of the International Building Code for the seismic zone in which the material is located. Shelving shall be treated, coated or constructed of materials that are compatible with the hazardous materials stored. Shelves shall be provided with a lip or guard when used for the storage of individual containers.

Safety cans shall be listed in accordance with UL 30 when used to increase the maximum allowable quantities per control area of flammable or combustible liquids in accordance with Table 5003.1.1(1). Safety cans listed in accordance with UL 1313 are allowed for flammable and combustible liquids when not used to increase the maximum allowable quantities per control area and for other hazardous material liquids in accordance with the listing.

Hazardous material gas containers, cylinders and tanks in transit shall have their protective caps in place. Containers, cylinders and tanks of highly toxic or toxic compressed gases shall have their valve outlets capped or plugged with an approved closure device in accordance with Chapter 53.

Liquids in containers exceeding 5 gallons (19 L) in a corridor or enclosure for a stairway or ramp shall be transported on a cart or truck. Containers of hazardous materials having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 and transported within corridors or interior exit stairways and ramps, shall be on a cart or truck. Where carts and trucks are required for transporting hazardous materials, they shall be in accordance with Section 5003.10.3.

Carts and trucks required by Section 5003.10.2 to be used to transport hazardous materials shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.10.3.1 through 5003.10.3.6.

The aggregate amount of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored and displayed within a single control area of a Group M occupancy or stored in a single control area of a Group S occupancy shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Table 5003.11.1.

1. Hazard categories are as specified in Section 5001.2.2.
2. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. When Note c also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
3. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets in accordance with Section 5003.8. When Note b also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
4. See Table 5003.8.3.2 for design and number of control areas.
5. Maximum allowable quantities for other hazardous material categories shall be in accordance with Section 5003.1.
6. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in outdoor control areas.
7. Maximum allowable quantities are permitted to be increased to 2,250 pounds when individual packages are in the original sealed containers from the manufacturer or packager and do not exceed 10 pounds each.
8. Maximum allowable quantities are permitted to be increased to 4,500 pounds when individual packages are in the original sealed containers from the manufacturer or packager and do not exceed 10 pounds each.
9. Quantities are unlimited where protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
10. Quantities are unlimited in an outdoor control area.
11. Group M occupancies with Class 2 and Class 3 oxidizers exceeding these quantities shall comply with the applicable provisions of NFPA 400, Hazardous Materials Code as adopted by this Chapter 120-3-3.

The aggregate amount of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored and displayed within a single outdoor control area of a Group M occupancy shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Table 5003.11.1.

Storage and display shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.11.3.1 through 5003.11.3.10.

Rooms, buildings or areas used for the storage of hazardous material liquids in individual vessels having a capacity of more than 55 gallons (208 L), or in which the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1,000 gallons (3785 L), shall be provided with spill control to prevent the flow of liquids to adjoining areas. Floors in indoor locations and similar surfaces in outdoor locations shall be constructed to contain a spill from the largest single vessel by one of the following methods:

1. Liquid-tight sloped or recessed floors in indoor locations or similar areas in outdoor locations.
2. Liquid-tight floors in indoor locations or similar areas in outdoor locations provided with liquid-tight raised or recessed sills or dikes.
3. Sumps and collection systems.
4. Other approved engineered systems.

Where required by Table 5004.2.2 buildings, rooms or areas used for the storage of hazardous materials liquids or solids shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with this section when the capacity of an individual vessel or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds the following:

1. Liquids: Capacity of an individual vessel exceeds 55 gallons (208 L) or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 1,000 gallons (3785 L); and
2. Solids: Capacity of an individual vessel exceeds 550 pounds (250 kg) or the aggregate capacity of multiple vessels exceeds 10,000 pounds (4540 kg).

When used as an alternative to spill control and secondary containment for outdoor storage in accordance with the exception in Section 5004.2, containment pallets shall comply with all of the following:

1. A liquid-tight sump accessible for visual inspection shall be provided.
2. The sump shall be designed to contain not less than 66 gallons (250 L).
3. Exposed surfaces shall be compatible with material stored.
4. Containment pallets shall be protected to prevent collection of rainwater within the sump.

Exhaust ventilation systems shall comply with all of the following:

1. Installation shall be in accordance with the International Mechanical Code.
2. Mechanical ventilation shall be at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot [0.00508 m³/(s • m²)] of floor area over the storage area.
3. Systems shall operate continuously unless alternative designs are approved.
4. A manual shutoff control shall be provided outside of the room in a position adjacent to the access door to the room or in an approved location. The switch shall be a break-glass or other approved type and shall be labeled: VENTILATION SYSTEM EMERGENCY SHUTOFF.
5. Exhaust ventilation shall be designed to consider the density of the potential fumes or vapors released. For fumes or vapors that are heavier than air, exhaust shall be taken from a point within 12 inches (305 mm) of the floor. For fumes or vapors that are lighter than air, exhaust shall be taken from a point within 12 inches (305 mm) of the highest point of the room.
6. The location of both the exhaust and inlet air openings shall be designed to provide air movement across all portions of the floor or room to prevent the accumulation of vapors.
7. Exhaust air shall not be recirculated to occupied areas if the materials stored are capable of emitting hazardous vapors and contaminants have not been removed. Air contaminated with explosive or flammable vapors, fumes or dusts; flammable, highly toxic or toxic gases; or radioactive materials shall not be recirculated.

Materials that must be kept at temperatures other than normal ambient temperatures to prevent a hazardous reaction shall be provided with an approved means to maintain the temperature within a safe range. Redundant temperature control equipment that will operate on failure of the primary temperature control system shall be provided. Where approved, alternative means that prevent a hazardous reaction are allowed.

Stationary tanks and equipment containing hazardous material liquids that can generate pressures exceeding design limits because of exposure fires or internal reaction shall have some form of construction or other approved means that will relieve excessive internal pressure. The means of pressure relief shall vent to an approved location or to an exhaust scrubber or treatment system where required by Chapter 60.

Separation of incompatible materials shall be in accordance with Section 5003.9.8.

Except for surfacing, floors of areas where liquid or solid hazardous materials are dispensed or used in open systems shall be of noncombustible, liquid-tight construction.

Where required by other provisions of Section 5005, spill control and secondary containment shall be provided for hazardous material liquids in accordance with Section 5004.2.

Limit controls shall be provided in accordance with Sections 5005.1.4.1 through 5005.1.4.4.

Where mechanical ventilation, treatment systems, temperature control, manual alarm, detection or other electrically operated systems are required, such systems shall be provided with an emergency or standby power system in accordance with NFPA 70 and Section 604.

Manual alarm, detection and automatic fire-extinguishing systems required by other provisions of Section 5005 shall be electrically supervised and monitored by an approved supervisory service or, when approved, shall initiate an audible and visual signal at a constantly attended on-site location.

Adequate lighting by natural or artificial means shall be provided.

Indoor rooms or areas in which hazardous materials are dispensed or used shall be protected by an automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Chapter 9. Sprinkler system design shall not be less than that required for Ordinary Hazard, Group 2, with a minimum design area of 3,000 square feet (279 m²). Where the materials or storage arrangement are required by other regulations to be provided with a higher level of sprinkler system protection, the higher level of sprinkler system protection shall be provided.

Indoor dispensing and use areas shall be provided with exhaust ventilation in accordance with Section 5004.3.

Liquids having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 shall be transferred by one of the following methods:

1. From safety cans complying with UL 30.
2. Through an approved closed piping system.
3. From containers or tanks by an approved pump taking suction through an opening in the top of the container or tank.
4. From containers or tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing or automatic-closing valve when the container or tank and dispensing operations are provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2. Highly toxic liquids shall not be dispensed by gravity from tanks.
5. Approved engineered liquid transfer systems.

Systems shall be suitable for the use intended and shall be designed by persons competent in such design. Controls shall be designed to prevent materials from entering or leaving the process or reaction system at other than the intended time, rate or path. Where failure of an automatic control could result in a dangerous condition or reaction, the automatic control shall be fail-safe.

Dispensing and use of hazardous materials in open containers or systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5005.2.1.1 through 5005.2.1.4.

Use of hazardous materials in closed containers or systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5005.2.2.1 through 5005.2.2.4.

Outdoor dispensing or use of hazardous materials, in either closed or open containers or systems, in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(3) and 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 5005.1 and 5005.3.

Outdoor dispensing or use of hazardous materials, in either closed or open containers or systems, in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(3) and 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001 and 5003.

Outdoor dispensing and use areas for hazardous materials shall be located as required for outdoor storage in accordance with Section 5004.

Outdoor areas where hazardous material liquids are dispensed in vessels exceeding a 1.3-gallon (5 L) capacity or used in open systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity shall be provided with spill control in accordance with Section 5004.2.1.

Where required by Table 5005.2.1.4, outdoor areas where hazardous material liquids are dispensed or used in open systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.2 when the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following:

1. Individual vessel or system: greater than 1.3 gallons (5 L).
2. Multiple vessels or systems: greater than 5.3 gallons (20 L).

Outdoor areas where hazardous material liquids are used in closed systems exceeding 55 gallons (208 L) shall be provided with spill control in accordance with Section 5004.2.1.

Where required by Table 5005.2.1.4, outdoor areas where hazardous material liquids are dispensed or used in closed systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.2 when the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following:

1. Individual vessel or system: greater than 55 gallons (208 L).
2. Multiple vessels or systems: greater than 1,000 gallons (3785 L).

The area surrounding an outdoor dispensing or use area shall be kept clear of combustible materials and vegetation for a minimum distance of 30 feet (9144 mm).

Where overhead noncombustible construction is provided for sheltering outdoor hazardous material use areas, such use shall not be considered indoor use when the area is constructed in accordance with the requirements for weather protection as required in the International Building Code.

Handling of hazardous materials in indoor and outdoor locations in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(1) through 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 5005.1 and 5005.4.

Handling of hazardous materials in indoor locations in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(1) and 5003.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 5005.1. Handling of hazardous materials in outdoor locations in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(3) and 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001 and 5003.

Outdoor handling areas for hazardous materials shall be located as required for outdoor storage in accordance with Section 5004.

Where hazardous materials having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 are transported through corridors, interior exit stairways or ramps or exit passageways, there shall be an emergency telephone system, a local manual alarm station or an approved alarm-initiating device at not more than 150-foot (45 720 mm) intervals and at each exit and exit access doorway throughout the transport route. The signal shall be relayed to an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or constantly attended on-site location and shall also initiate a local audible alarm.