(Effective January 1, 2014)
When mixed with lower flash-point liquids, Class II or III liquids are capable of assuming the characteristics of the lower flash-point liquids. Under such conditions, the appropriate provisions of this chapter for the actual flash point of the mixed liquid shall apply.
When heated above their flash points, Class II and III liquids assume the characteristics of Class I liquids. Under such conditions, the appropriate provisions of this chapter for flammable liquids shall apply.
TABLE 5703.1.1
CLASS I ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LOCATIONSa
LOCATION | GROUP D DIVISION | EXTENT OF CLASSIFIED AREA |
Underground tank fill opening | 1 2 | Pits, boxes or spaces below grade level, any part of which is within the Division 1 or 2 classified area. Up to 18 inches above grade level within a horizontal radius of 10 feet from a loose-fill connection and within a horizontal radius of 5 feet from a tight-fill connection. |
Vent—Discharging upward | 1 2 | Within 3 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions. Area between 3 feet and 5 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions. |
Drum and container filling Outdoor or indoor with adequate ventilation | 1 2 | Within 3 feet of vent and fill opening, extending in all directions. Area between 3 feet and 5 feet from vent of fill opening, extending in all directions. Also up to 18 inches above floor or grade level within a horizontal radius of 10 feet from vent or fill opening. |
Pumps, bleeders, withdrawal fittings, meters and similar devices Indoor Outdoor | 2 2 | Within 5 feet of any edge of such devices, extending in all directions. Also up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 25 feet horizontally from any edge of such devices. Within 3 feet of any edge of such devices, extending in all directions. Also up to 18 inches above floor or grade level within 10 feet horizontally from an edge of such devices. |
Pits Without mechanical ventilation With mechanical ventilation Containing valves, fittings or piping, and not within a Division 1 or 2 classified area | 1 2 2 | Entire area within pit if any part is within a Division 1 or 2 classified area. Entire area within pit if any part is within a Division 1 or 2 classified area. Entire pit. |
Drainage ditches, separators, impounding basins Indoor Outdoor | 1 or 2 2 | Same as pits. Area up to 18 inches above ditch, separator or basin. Also up to 18 inches above grade within 15 feet horizontal from any edge. |
Tank vehicle and tank carb Loading through open dome Loading through bottom connections with atmospheric venting | 1 2 1 2 | Within 3 feet of edge of dome, extending in all directions. Area between 3 feet and 15 feet from edge of dome, extending in all directions. Within 3 feet of point of venting to atmosphere, extending in all directions. Area between 3 feet and 15 feet from point of venting to atmosphere, extending in all direc- tions. Also up to 18 inches above grade within a horizontal radius of 10 feet from point of loading connection. |
Deleted | ||
(continued)
TABLE 5703.1.1—continued
CLASS I ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT LOCATIONSa
LOCATION | GROUP D DIVISION | EXTENT OF CLASSIFIED AREA |
Tank vehicle and tank carb—continued Loading through closed dome with atmospheric venting Loading through closed dome with vapor control Bottom loading with vapor control or any bottom unloading | 1 2 2 2 | Within 3 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions. Area between 3 feet and 15 feet from open end of vent, extending in all directions. Also within 3 feet of edge of dome, extending in all directions. Within 3 feet of point of connection of both fill and vapor lines, extending in all directions. Within 3 feet of point of connection, extending in all directions. Also up to 18 inches above grade within a horizontal radius of 10 feet from point of connection. |
Storage and repair garage for tank vehicles | 1 2 | Pits or spaces below floor level. Area up to 18 inches above floor or grade level for entire storage or repair garage. |
Garages for other than tank vehicles | Ordinary | Where there is an opening to these rooms within the extent of an outdoor classified area, the entire room shall be classified the same as the area classification at the point of the opening. |
Outdoor drum storage | Ordinary | — |
Indoor warehousing where there is no flammable liquid transfer | Ordinary | Where there is an opening to these rooms within the extent of an indoor classified area, the room shall be classified the same as if the wall, curb or partition did not exist. |
Indoor equipment where flammable vapor/air mixtures could exist under normal operations | 1 2 | Area within 5 feet of any edge of such equipment, extending in all directions. Area between 5 feet and 8 feet of any edge of such equipment, extending in all directions. Also, area up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 5 feet to 25 feet horizontally from any edge of such equipment.c |
Outdoor equipment where flammable vapor/air mixtures could exist under normal operations | 1 2 | Area within 3 feet of any edge of such equipment, extending in all directions. Area between 3 feet and 8 feet of any edge of such equipment extending in all directions. Also, area up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 3 feet to 10 feet horizontally from any edge of such equipment. |
Tank—Above ground Shell, ends or roof and dike area Vent Floating roof | 1 2 1 2 1 | Area inside dike where dike height is greater than the distance from the tank to the dike for more than 50 percent of the tank circumference. Area within 10 feet from shell, ends or roof of tank. Area inside dikes to level of top of dike. Area within 5 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions. Area between 5 feet and 10 feet from open end of vent, extending in all directions. Area above the roof and within the shell. |
Office and restrooms | Ordinary | Where there is an opening to these rooms within the extent of an indoor classified location, the room shall be classified the same as if the wall, curb or partition did not exist. |
Exception: Solvent distillation units in accordance with Section 5705.4.
TABLE 5703.6.2
PIPING STANDARDS
In all cases, nonmetallic piping shall be used in accordance with Section 27.4.6 of NFPA 30.
Exception: Vapor-recovery piping is allowed to be tested using an inert gas.
In lieu of the minimum 4-foot (1219 mm) straight run length, approved and listed flexible joints are allowed to be used under dispensers and suction pumps, at submerged pumps and tanks, and where vents extend above ground.
Nonmetallic joints shall be approved and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Exceptions:
Exception: Areas designated as smoking and hot work areas, and areas where hot work permits have been issued in accordance with this code.
Exception: When determined by the fire code official that the use of such devices can result in damage to the tank.
Vent-line flame arresters shall be installed in accordance with their listing or API 2000 and maintained in accordance with Section 21.8.6 of NFPA 30 or API 2000. In-line flame arresters in piping systems shall be installed and maintained in accordance with their listing or API 2028. Pressure-vacuum vents shall be installed in accordance with Section 21.4.3 of NFPA 30 or API 2000 and maintained in accordance with Section 21.8.6 of NFPA 30 or API 2000.
Exception: Vent pipe outlets on tanks storing Class IIIB liquid inside buildings and connected to fuel-burning equipment shall be located such that the vapors are released to a safe location outside of buildings.
Exceptions:
Filling and emptying connections to indoor tanks containing Class IIIB liquids and connected to fuel-burning equipment shall be located at a finished ground level location outside of buildings. Such openings shall be provided with a liquid-tight cap which shall be closed when not in use. A sign in accordance with Section 5003.6 that displays the following warning shall be permanently attached at the filling location:
TRANSFERRING FUEL OTHER THAN
CLASS IIIB COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID TO
THIS TANK CONNECTION IS A VIOLATION
OF THE FIRE CODE AND IS STRICTLY
PROHIBITED
An approved means or method in accordance with Section 5704.2.9.7.6 shall be provided to prevent the overfilling of Class IIIB liquid storage tanks connected to fuel-burning equipment inside buildings.
Exception: Outside above-ground tanks with a capacity of 1,320 gallons (5000 L) or less.
Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, below-grade vaults are allowed to be constructed on site, provided that the design is in accordance with the International Building Code and that special inspections are conducted to verify structural strength and compliance of the installation with the approved design in accordance with Section 1707 of the International Building Code. Installation plans for below-grade vaults that are constructed on site shall be prepared by, and the design shall bear the stamp of, a professional engineer. Consideration shall be given to soil and hydrostatic loading on the floors, walls and lid; anticipated seismic forces; uplifting by groundwater or flooding; and to loads imposed from above such as traffic and equipment loading on the vault lid.
The top of an at-grade or below-grade vault shall be designed to relieve safely or contain the force of an explosion occurring inside the vault. The top and floor of the vault and the tank foundation shall be designed to withstand the anticipated loading, including loading from vehicular traffic, where applicable. The walls and floor of a vault installed below grade shall be designed to withstand anticipated soil and hydrostatic loading.
Vaults shall be designed to be wind and earthquake resistant, in accordance with the International Building Code.
Exception: Storage of foam-producing materials off the premises is allowed as follows:
Exceptions:
Exception: Crude oil storage tanks in production fields with no other exposures adjacent to the storage tank.
Exceptions:
Exception: Liquids with boilover characteristics and unstable liquids in accordance with Sections 5704.2.9.6.1.4 and 5704.2.9.6.1.5.
Exception: Tanks used for storing Class IIIB liquids are allowed to be spaced 3 feet (914 mm) apart unless within a diked area or drainage path for a tank storing Class I or II liquids.
The separation between tanks containing unstable liquids shall not be less than one-half the sum of their diameters.
An approved means shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of Class I, II or IIIA liquids under adjacent LP-gas containers such as by dikes, diversion curbs or grading. When flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks are within a diked area, the LP-gas containers shall be outside the diked area and at least 10 feet (3048 mm) away from the centerline of the wall of the diked area.
Exceptions:
Exception: Where climatic conditions are such that the sign may be obscured by ice or snow, or weathered beyond readability or otherwise impaired, said procedures and chart shall be located in the office window, lock box or other area accessible to the person filling the tank.
Exceptions:
Exceptions:
Exception: Tanks within operating facilities.
Exception: Piping is allowed to be abandoned in place where the fire code official determines that removal is not practical. Abandoned piping shall be capped and safeguarded as required by the fire code official.
Exception: Piping associated with bulk plants, terminal facilities and refineries.
Exceptions:
Exception: Shelves in storage cabinets or on laboratory furniture specifically designed for such use.
For Group M occupancy wholesale and retail sales uses, indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area indicated in Table 5704.3.4.1.
Storage of hazardous production material flammable and combustible liquids in Group H-5 occupancies shall be in accordance with Chapter 27.
TABLE 5704.3.4.1
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF
FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL SALES OCCUPANCIESa
TYPE OF LIQUID | MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA (gallons) | ||
Sprinkleredb in accordance with footnote densities and arrangements | Sprinklered in accordance with Tables 5704.3.6.3(4) through 5704.3.6.3(8) and Table 5704.3.7.5.1 | Nonsprinklered | |
Class IA | 60 | 60 | 30 |
Class IB, IC, II and IIIA | 7,500c | 15,000c | 1,600 |
Class IIIB | Unlimited | Unlimited | 13,200 |
Exception: In sprinklered buildings, an aggregate quantity of 120 gallons (454 L) of water-miscible Class IB and Class IC liquids is allowed in nonmetallic containers, each having a capacity of 16 ounces (0.473 L) or less.
Exception: Metal containers not exceeding 55 gallons (208 L) are allowed to store up to 240 gallons (908 L) of the maximum allowable quantity per control area of Class IB and IC liquids in a control area. The building shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Table 5704.3.4.1. The containers shall be provided with plastic caps without cap seals and shall be stored upright. Containers shall not be stacked or stored in racks and shall not be located in areas accessible to the public.
Combustible commodities shall not be stored above flammable and combustible liquids.
TABLE 5704.3.6.3(1)
MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHT IN CONTROL AREA
TYPE OF LIQUID | NONSPRINKLERED AREA (feet) | SPRINKLERED AREAa (feet) | SPRINKLERED WITH IN-RACK PROTECTIONa, b (feet) |
Flammable liquids: Class IA Class IB Class IC | 4 4 4 | 4 8 8 | 4 12 12 |
Combustible liquids: Class II Class IIIA Class IIIB | 6 8 8 | 8 12 12 | 12 16 20 |
TABLE 5704.3.6.3(2)
STORAGE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PALLETIZED OR SOLID-PILE STORAGE IN LIQUID STORAGE ROOMS AND WAREHOUSES
CLASS | STORAGE LEVEL | MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHT | MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER PILE (gallons) | MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER ROOMa (gallons) | ||||
Drums | Containersb (feet) | Portable tanksb (feet) | Containers | Portable tanks | Containers | Portable tanks | ||
IA | Ground floor Upper floors Basements | 1 1 0 | 5 5 Not Allowed | Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed | 3,000 2,000 Not Allowed | Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed | 12,000 8,000 Not Allowed | Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed |
IB | Ground floor Upper floors Basements | 1 1 0 | 6.5 6.5 Not Allowed | 7 7 Not Allowed | 5,000 3,000 Not Allowed | 20,000 10,000 Not Allowed | 15,000 12,000 Not Allowed | 40,000 20,000 Not Allowed |
IC | Ground floord Upper floors Basements | 1 1 0 | 6.5c 6.5c Not Allowed | 7 7 Not Allowed | 5,000 3,000 Not Allowed | 20,000 10,000 Not Allowed | 15,000 12,000 Not Allowed | 40,000 20,000 Not Allowed |
II | Ground floord Upper floors Basements | 3 3 1 | 10 10 5 | 14 14 7 | 10,000 10,000 7,500 | 40,000 40,000 20,000 | 25,000 25,000 7,500 | 80,000 80,000 20,000 |
III | Ground floor Upper floors Basements | 5 5 3 | 20 20 10 | 14 14 7 | 15,000 15,000 10,000 | 60,000 60,000 20,000 | 50,000 50,000 25,000 | 100,000 100,000 40,000 |
TABLE 5704.3.6.3(3)
STORAGE ARRANGEMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE IN LIQUID STORAGE ROOMS AND WAREHOUSES
CLASS | TYPE RACK | STORAGE LEVEL | MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHTb (feet) | MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER ROOMa (gallons) |
Containers | Containers | |||
IA | Double row or Single row | Ground floor Upper floors Basements | 25 15 Not Allowed | 7,500 4,500 Not Allowed |
IB IC | Double row or Single row | Ground floor Upper floors Basements | 25 15 Not Allowed | 15,000 9,000 Not Allowed |
II | Double row or Single row | Ground floor Upper floors Basements | 25 25 15 | 24,000 24,000 9,000 |
III | Multirow Double row Single row | Ground floor Upper floors Basements | 40 20 20 | 48,000 48,000 24,000 |
TABLE 5704.3.6.3(4)
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION FOR SOLID-PILE AND PALLETIZED STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS AND PORTABLE TANKSa
STORAGE CONDITIONS | CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND | MINIMUM HOSE STREAM DEMAND (gpm) | MINIMUM DURATION SPRINKLERS AND HOSE STREAMS (hours) | ||||
Class liquid | Container size and arrangement | Density (gpm/ft2) | Area (square feet) | Maximum spacing (square feet) | |||
High temperature sprinklers | Ordinary temperature sprinklers | ||||||
IA | 5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pileb | 0.30 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 750 | 2 |
Containers greater than 5 gallons, on end or side, palletized or solid pile | 0.60 | 5,000 | 8,000 | 80 | 750 | ||
IB, IC and II | 5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pileb | 0.30 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 500 | 2 |
Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, one high | 0.25 | 5,000 | 8,000 | 100 | |||
II | Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, more than one high, on end or side | 0.60 | 5,000 | 8,000 | 80 | 750 | 2 |
IB, IC and II | Portable tanks, one high | 0.30 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 500 | 2 |
II | Portable tanks, two high | 0.60 | 5,000 | 8,000 | 80 | 750 | 2 |
III | 5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pile | 0.25 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 120 | 500 | 1 |
Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, on end or sides, up to three high | 0.25 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 120 | 500 | 1 | |
Containers greater than 5 gallons, on pallets or solid pile, on end or sides, up to 18 feet high | 0.35 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 100 | 750 | 2 | |
Portable tanks, one high | 0.25 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 120 | 500 | 1 | |
Portable tanks, two high | 0.50 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 80 | 750 | 2 |
TABLE 5704.3.6.3(5)
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 5-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESS WITH OR WITHOUT
CARTONS ON CONVENTIONAL WOOD PALLETSa
CLASS LIQUID | CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND | IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMAND | MINIMUM HOSE STREAM DEMAND (gpm) | MINIMUM DURATION SPRINKLER AND HOSE STREAM (hours) | ||||||
Density (gpm/ft2) | Area (square feet) | Maximum spacing | Racks up to 9 feet deep | Racks more than 9 feet to 12 feet deep | 30 psi (standard orifice) | Number of sprinklers operating | ||||
High- temperature sprinklers | Ordinary temperature sprinklers | 14 psi (large orifice) | ||||||||
I (maximum 25-foot height) Option 1 | 0.40 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 80 ft2/head | 1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2. One line sprinklers above each level of storage 3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4. Shields required where multilevel | 1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2. One line sprinklers above each level of storage 3. Locate in transverse flue spaces, staggered vertical and within 20 inches of aisle 4. Shields required where multilevel | 30 psi (0.5- inch orifice) | 1. Eight sprinklers if only one level 2. Six sprinklers each on two levels if only two levels 3. Six sprinklers each on top three levels, if three or more levels 4. Hydraulically most remote | 750 | 2 |
I (maximum 25-foot height) Option 2 | 0.55 | 2,000b | Not Applicable | 100 ft2/head | 1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2. See 2 above 3. See 3 above 4. See 4 above | 1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2. See 2 above 3. See 3 above 4. See 4 above | 14 psi (0.53-inch orifice) | See 1 through 4 above | 500 | 2 |
I and II (maximum 14- foot storage height) (maximum three tiers) | 0.55c | 2,000d | Not Applicable | 100 ft2/head | Not Applicable None for maximum 6-foot-deep racks | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 500 | 2 |
II (maximum 25-foot height) | 0.30 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 100 ft2/head | 1. Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally 2. One line sprinklers between levels at nearest 10-foot vertical intervals 3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4. Shields required where multilevel | 1. Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally 2. Two lines between levels at nearest 10-foot vertical intervals 3. Locate in transverse flue spaces, staggered vertical and within 20 inches of aisle 4. Shields required where multilevel | 30 psi | Hydraulically most remote—six sprinklers at each level, up to a maximum of three levels | 750 | 2 |
III (40-foot height) | 0.25 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 120 ft2/head | Same as for Class II liquids | Same as for Class II liquids | 30 psi | Same as for Class II liquids | 500 | 2 |
TABLE 5704.3.6.3(6)
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa
CLASS LIQUID | CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND | IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMAND | MINIMUM HOSE STREAM DEMAND (gpm) | MINIMUM DURATION SPRINKLER AND HOSE STREAM (hours) | |||||||
Density (gpm/ ft2) | Area (square feet) | Maximum spacing | On-side storage racks up to 9-foot-deep racks | On-end storage (on pallets) up to 9-foot-deep racks | Minimum nozzle pressure | Number of sprinklers operating | |||||
High- temperature sprinklers | Ordinary temperature sprinklers | ||||||||||
IA (maximum 25-foot height) | 0.60 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 80 ft2/head | 1. Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart hor- izontally 2. One line sprinklers above each tier of storage 3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4. Shields required where multilevel | 1. Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally 2. One line sprinklers above each tier of storage 3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered ver- tical 4. Shields required where multilevel | 30 psi | Hydraulically most remote— six sprinklers at each level | 1,000 | 2 | |
IB, IC and II (maximum 25-foot height) | 0.60 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 100 ft2/head | 1. See 1 above 2. One line sprinklers every three tiers of storage 3. See 3 above 4. See 4 above | 1. See 1 above 2. See 2 above 3. See 3 above 4. See 4 above | 30 psi | Hydraulically most remote— six sprinklers at each level | 750 | 2 | |
III (maximum 40-foot height) | 0.25 | 3,000 | 5,000 | 120 ft2/head | 1. See 1 above 2. One line sprinklers every sixth level (maximum) 3. See 3 above 4. See 4 above | 1. See 1 above 2. One line sprinklers every third level (maximum) 3. See 3 above 4. See 4 above | 15 psi | Hydraulically most remote— six sprinklers at each level | 500 | 1 |
TABLE 5704.3.6.3(7)
AUTOMATIC AFFF WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS GREATER THAN 5-GALLON CAPACITYa,b
CLASS LIQUID | CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND | IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMANDc | DURATION AFFF SUPPLY (minimum) | DURATION WATER SUPPLY (hours) | ||||||
Density (gpm/ft2) | Area (square feet) | On-end storage of drums on pallets, up to 25 feet |
Minimum nozzle pressure (psi) | Number of sprinklers operating | Hose stream demandd (gpm) | |||||
High- temperature sprinklers | Ordinary temperature sprinklers | |||||||||
IA, IB, IC and II | 0.30 | 1,500 | 2,500 | 1. Ordinary temperature sprinkler up to 10 feet apart horizontally 2. One line sprinklers above each level of storage 3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertically 4. Shields required for multilevel | 30 | Three sprinklers per level | 500 | 15 | 2 |
TABLE 5704.3.6.3(8)
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASS I LIQUID STORAGE IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 1-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESS
WITH UNCARTONED OR CASE-CUT SHELF DISPLAY UP TO 6.5 FEET, AND PALLETIZED STORAGE ABOVE IN A DOUBLE-ROW RACK ARRAYa
STORAGE HEIGHT | CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND | IN-RACK SPRINKLER ARRANGEMENT AND DEMAND | MINIMUM HOSE STREAM DEMAND (gpm) | MINIMUM DURATION SPRINKLERS AND HOSE STREAM (hours) | ||||||
Density (gpm/ft2) | Area (square feet) | Maximum spacing | Racks up to 9 feet deep | Racks 9 to 12 feet | Minimum nozzle pressure | Number of sprinklers operating | ||||
High temperature | Ordinary temperature | |||||||||
Maximum 20-foot storage height | 0.60 | 2,000b | Not Applicable | 100 ft2/head | 1. Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2. One line of sprinklers at the 6-foot level and the 11.5-foot level of storage 3. Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4. Shields required where multilevel | Not Applicable | 30 psi (standard orifice) or 14 psi (large orifice) | 1. Six sprinklers each on two levels 2. Hydraulically most remote 12 sprinklers | 500 | 2 |
Additional aisles shall be provided for access to doors, required windows and ventilation openings, standpipe connections, mechanical equipment and switches. Such aisles shall be at least 3 feet (914 mm) in width, unless greater widths are required for separation of piles or racks, in which case the greater width shall be provided.
Requirements for portable tank design shall be in accordance with Chapters 9 and 12 of NFPA 30. Shelving, racks, dunnage, scuffboards, floor overlay and similar installations shall be of noncombustible construction or of wood not less than a 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness. Adequate material-handling equipment shall be available to handle tanks safely at upper tier levels.
Automatic foam-water systems and automatic aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) water sprinkler systems shall not be used except when approved.
Protection criteria developed from fire modeling or full-scale fire testing conducted at an approved testing laboratory are allowed in lieu of the protection as shown in Tables 5704.3.6.3(2) through 5704.3.6.3(7) and Table 5704.3.7.5.1 when approved.
TABLE 5704.3.7.5.1
AUTOMATIC AFFF-WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLID-PILE AND
PALLETIZED STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 5-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESSa, b
PACKAGE TYPE | CLASS LIQUID | CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND | STORAGE HEIGHT (feet) | HOSE DEMAND (gpm)c | DURATION AFFF SUPPLY (minimum) | DURATION WATER SUPPLY (hours) | ||||
Density (gpm/ft2) | Area (square feet) | Temperature rating | Maximum spacing | Orifice size (inch) | ||||||
Cartoned | IB, IC, II and III | 0.40 | 2,000 | 286°F | 100 ft2/head | 0.531 | 11 | 500 | 15 | 2 |
Uncartoned | IB, IC, II and III | 0.30 | 2,000 | 286°F | 100 ft2/head | 0.5 or 0.531 | 12 | 500 | 15 | 2 |
A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 20-B shall be located outside of, but not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) from, the door opening into a liquid storage room.
Automatic foam-water systems and automatic AFFF water sprinkler systems shall not be used except where approved.
Protection criteria developed from fire modeling or full-scale fire testing conducted at an approved testing laboratory are allowed in lieu of the protection as shown in Tables 5704.3.6.3(2) through 5704.3.6.3(7) and Table 5704.3.7.5.1 where approved.
TABLE 5704.4.2
OUTDOOR LIQUID STORAGE IN CONTAINERS AND PORTABLE TANKS
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 IB IC II III | 1,100 2,200 4,400 8,800 22,000 | 10 12 12 12 18 | 2,200 4,400 8,800 17,600 44,000 | 7 14 14 14 14 | 5 5 5 5 5 | 50 50 50 25 10 | 10 10 10 5 5 |
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.
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.
Exception: Air transfer of Class II and III liquids at temperatures below their flash points.
Exception: Liquids in original shipping containers not exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity.
Exception: Where such devices are impractical, approved automatic or manually controlled fire-extinguishing devices shall be provided.
Exception: Where the exterior wall facing the adjoining lot line is a blank wall having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 4 hours, the fire code official is authorized to modify the distances. The distance shall not be less than that set forth in the International Building Code, and when Class IA or unstable liquids are involved, explosion control shall be provided in accordance with Section 911.
TABLE 5705.3.4(1)
SEPARATION OF PROCESSING VESSELS FROM LOT LINES
PROCESSING VESSELS WITH EMERGENCY RELIEF VENTING | LOCATIONa | |
Stable liquids | Unstable liquids | |
Not in excess of 2.5 psig | Table 5705.3.4(2 ) | 2.5 times Table 5705.3.4(2) |
Over 2.5 psig | 1.5 times Table 5705.3.4(2) | 4 times Table 5705.3.4(2) |
TABLE 5705.3.4(2)
REFERENCE TABLE FOR USE WITH TABLE 5705.3.4(1)
TANK CAPACITY (gallons) | MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM LOT LINE OF A LOT WHICH IS OR CAN BE BUILT UPON, INCLUDING THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF A PUBLIC WAY (feet) | MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM NEAREST SIDE OF ANY PUBLIC WAY OR FROM NEAREST IMPORTANT BUILDING ON THE SAME PROPERTY (feet) |
275 or less | 5 | 5 |
276 to 750 | 10 | 5 |
751 to 12,000 | 15 | 5 |
12,001 to 30,000 | 20 | 5 |
30,001 to 50,000 | 30 | 10 |
50,001 to 100,000 | 50 | 15 |
100,001 to 500,000 | 80 | 25 |
500,001 to 1,000,000 | 100 | 35 |
1,000,001 to 2,000,000 | 135 | 45 |
2,000,001 to 3,000,000 | 165 | 55 |
3,000,001 or more | 175 | 60 |
Exception: Cleaning with Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with Section 5705.3.6.
Use of hazardous production material flammable and combustible liquids in Group H-5 occupancies shall be in accordance with Chapter 27.
Exception: Cleaning with Class I, II, or IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with Section 5705.3.6.
Exceptions:
Exception: Materials used in commercial and industrial process-related cleaning operations in accordance with other provisions of this code and not involving facilities maintenance cleaning operations.
Exception: Where natural ventilation can be shown to be effective for the materials used, dispensed or mixed.
Exception: When process vessels are designed to contain fully the worst-case explosion anticipated within the vessel under process conditions considering the most likely failure.
Dispensing of liquids into motor vehicle fuel tanks at motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be in accordance with Chapter 23.
Exceptions:
TABLE 5705.3.8.2
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES FOR
DISPENSING OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE
LIQUIDS IN OUTDOOR CONTROL AREASa, b
CLASS OF LIQUID | QUANTITY (gallons) |
Flammable Class IA Class IB Class IC Combination Class IA, IB and IC | 10 15 20 30c |
Combustible Class II Class IIIA Class IIIB | 30 80 3,300 |
Exception: In refineries and distilleries.
Exceptions:
Exception: Appliances listed for the distillation of unstable (reactive) solvents.
Exception: Permanent above-ground tanks of greater capacity which meet the requirements of Section 5704.2.
Emergency vents shall be in accordance with Section 5704.2.7.4. Emergency vents shall be arranged to discharge in a manner which prevents localized overheating or flame impingement on any part of the tank in the event that vapors from such vents are ignited.
The gravity discharge outlet shall be provided with an approved hose equipped with a self-closing valve at the discharge end of a type that can be padlocked to its hanger.
Exception: Engines used in the drilling, production and serving of wells.
Exception: Marine motor fuel-dispensing facilities in accordance with Chapter 23.
Protection shall consist of a metallic bond wire permanently electrically connected to the fill stem. The fill pipe assembly shall form a continuous electrically conductive path downstream from the point of bonding. The free end of such bond wire shall be provided with a clamp or equivalent device for convenient attachment to a metallic part in electrical contact with the cargo tank of the tank vehicle or tank car. For tank vehicles, protection shall consist of a flexible bond wire of adequate strength for the intended service and the electrical resistance shall not exceed 1 megohm. For tank cars, bonding shall be provided where the resistance of a tank car to ground through the rails is 25 ohms or greater.
Such bonding connection shall be fastened to the vehicle, car or tank before dome covers are raised and shall remain in place until filling is complete and all dome covers have been closed and secured.
Exceptions:
Filling through open domes into the tanks of tank vehicles or tank cars that contain vapor-air mixtures within the flammable range, or where the liquid being filled can form such a mixture, shall be by means of a downspout which extends to near the bottom of the tank.
When top loading a tank vehicle with vapor control, flow control shall be in accordance with Section 5706.5.1.10. Self-closing valves shall not be tied or locked in the open position.
Exception: Tank vehicles are allowed under weather protection canopies and canopies of automobile motor vehicle fuel-dispensing stations.
Exceptions:
Exception: Where unloading is performed with a pump deriving its power from the tank vehicle motor.
Devices shall relieve to other portions of the system or to another approved location.
Exception: When unloading is performed with a pump deriving its power from the tank vehicle motor.
Provisions shall be made to prevent liquids spilled during dispensing operations from flowing into buildings or off-site. Acceptable methods include, but shall not be limited to, grading driveways, raising doorsills or other approved means.
Exceptions:
Exception: Tank vehicles where the operator carries and can utilize a remote emergency shutoff device which, when activated, immediately causes flow of fuel from the tank vehicle to cease.
Exception: In cases of accident, breakdown or other emergencies, tank vehicles are allowed to be parked and left unattended at any location while the operator is obtaining assistance.
Exceptions:
Exception: For tanks, venting shall comply with Section 5704.2.7.3.