This chapter shall govern the storage and handling of combustible fibers.
Combustible fibers shall be stored and handled in accordance with this chapter.
Combustible fibers in quantities requiring a permit shall be stored in an approved facility or other approved location.
It shall be unlawful to store combustible fibers in a quantity that covers more than two-thirds of the floor area of any floor or in a quantity that is to a height greater than two-thirds of the distance from the floor to the ceiling.
The following terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings set forth in FC202.
BALED COTTON.
BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED.
COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS.
SEED COTTON.
BALED COTTON.
BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED.
COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS.
SEED COTTON.
Ashes, rubbish or other combustible waste shall not be placed in wooden or other combustible containers and shall be removed daily from the facility.
Grass, vines, weeds, brush or other combustible vegetation shall not be allowed to accumulate within 15 feet (4570 mm) of any combustible fiber storage location.
A minimum clearance of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be maintained between sprinkler heads and the top of piles.
Hay, straw, seed cotton or similar agricultural products shall not be stored in an area adjoining any combustible fiber storage location unless a clear horizontal distance equal to the height of a pile is maintained between such agricultural products and such storage location. Storage shall be limited to stacks of 100 tons (91 metric tons) each. Stacks shall be separated by a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm) of clear space.
Where located within a building, devices, equipment and systems that generate or emit combustible fibers shall be provided with an approved dust-collecting and exhaust system. Such system shall comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 22 and the construction codes, including the Mechanical Code.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with FC906 governing extra-hazard occupancy protection, as set forth in FC Table 906.3.1.
Loose combustible fibers in quantities of not more than 100 cubic feet (3 m3) located in a building or structure shall be stored in a metal or metal-lined bin equipped with a self-closing cover.
Loose combustible fibers in quantities exceeding 100 cubic feet (3 m3) but not exceeding 500 cubic feet (14 m3) shall be stored in rooms enclosed with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barriers, with openings protected by an approved opening protective assembly having a fire protection rating of 3/4-hour, constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code.
Loose combustible fibers in quantities exceeding 500 cubic feet (14 m3) but not exceeding 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) shall be stored in rooms enclosed with 2-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barriers, with openings protected by an approved opening protective assembly having a fire protection rating of 11/2-hours, and constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code.
Loose combustible fibers in quantities exceeding 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) but not exceeding 2,500 cubic feet (70 m3) shall be stored in rooms enclosed with 2-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barriers, with openings protected by an approved opening protective assembly having a fire protection rating of 11/2-hours, and constructed in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code. The storage room shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system.
Loose combustible fibers in quantities exceeding 2,500 cubic feet (70 m3) but not exceeding 10,000 cubic feet (280 m3) shall be stored in a detached structure suitably located, with openings protected against entrance of sparks. The structure shall not be occupied for any other purpose. Loose combustible fibers in quantities exceeding 10,000 cubic feet (280 m3) may be stored only with the approval of the commissioner.
No hazardous material shall be stored in any room or detached structure containing loose combustible fibers.
Baled combustible fibers shall be limited to single blocks or piles not more than 25,000 cubic feet (700 m3) in volume, not including aisles or clearances. Blocks or piles of baled fiber shall be separated from adjacent storage by aisles not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) wide, or by flash-fire barriers constructed of continuous sheets of noncombustible material extending from the floor to a minimum height of 1 foot (305 mm) above the highest point of the piles and projecting not less than 1 foot (305 mm) beyond the sides of the piles.
Sisal and other fibers in bales bound with combustible tie ropes, jute and other fibers that swell when wet, shall be stored to allow for expansion in any direction without affecting building walls, ceilings or columns. A minimum clearance of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be required between walls and sides of piles, except that where the storage compartment is not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, the minimum clearance at side walls shall be 1 foot (305 mm), provided that a center aisle not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) wide is maintained.
This section shall govern the storage and handling of combustible fibers on waterfront structures, including piers, wharfs and bulkheads except when combustible fibers are stored and handled exclusively in sealed metal shipping containers.
Combustible fiber shall be stored and handled on waterfront structures in accordance with this section.
It shall be unlawful to:
- Unload and store loose combustible fibers on a waterfront structure.
- Conduct hot work operations on a waterfront structure where combustible fibers are in storage or being handled.
A person holding a certificate of fitness for a standpipe system and a certificate of fitness for sprinkler system maintenance shall inspect the standpipe and sprinkler systems not more than 24 hours prior to the delivery of the combustible fibers. Combustible fibers shall not be unloaded if the standpipe or sprinkler system is out of service. While combustible fibers are present on the waterfront structure, the certificate of fitness holder shall inspect the standpipe and sprinkler systems, and portable fire extinguishers at least once each day. A record of all inspections shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by any representative of the department.
Before combustible fibers are unloaded to a waterfront structure from any marine vessel, watercraft or motor vehicle, advance notice of at least 48 hours shall be given to the department by the owner of the waterfront structure.
Waterfront structures where combustible fibers are stored or handled shall be provided with fire protection in accordance with FC 3706.6.1 through 3706.6.4.
The superstructure of the waterfront structure shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system.
The substructure of the waterfront structure shall be protected by one of the following methods:
- Fire stops at intervals of 150 feet (45 720 mm); and
- A sprinkler system arranged for discharge of water to the entire substructure area; or
- Protected openings through decking for revolving nozzles or other water discharge equipment, so arranged as to permit water discharge onto the entire substructure area. Such openings shall be a minimum of 61/2 inches (165 mm) in diameter and spaced at 25 feet (7620 mm) intervals longitudinally and transversely. No cargo shall be stored on deck openings adjacent to the substructure fire stops and those in the main and fire hose aisles.
- A system of water spray nozzles arranged to permit water discharge onto the entire substructure area and installed in accordance with the Building Code.
- A system of trenches across the waterfront structure every 100 feet (30 480 mm). Such trenches shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) in width, shall be of substantial construction that conforms to the rest of the waterfront structure, shall extend to within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the sides of the waterfront structure, and shall have openings protected in sections not to exceed 25 feet (7620 mm) for access or removal in the event of fire. No cargo shall be placed directly above these openings, and durable signs shall be conspicuously posted on the waterfront structure to indicate the location of these openings.
- A system of deck openings and under-deck sprinkler protection approved by the commissioner. Openings shall be spaced at 25 feet (7620 mm) intervals longitudinally and transversely. No cargo shall be placed directly above these openings, and durable signs shall be conspicuously posted on the waterfront structure to indicate the location of these openings.
Any LPG or gasoline-fueled devices, equipment or systems used to handle combustible fibers, or operated in the immediate area of combustible fiber storage or handling, shall be equipped with exhaust spark arresters and carburetor traps.
Bales of combustible fibers facing aisles shall be covered on top and sides with tarpaulins or other suitable covering. Whenever possible, the combustible fibers shall be stacked on one side of the waterfront structure only, preferably at the water end of waterfront structure. Combustible fibers shall be tiered no higher than 12 feet (3658 mm) and a clearance of not less than 18 inches (457 mm) between the sprinkler head and the upper level of the top tier shall be maintained. An aisle space of not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) extending to the side of the waterfront structure shall be provided at right angles to the main aisle at intervals not exceeding 75 feet (22 860 mm) in the combustible fiber storage area.
Waterfront structures upon which combustible fibers are stored or handled shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the requirements of FC 3706.8.1 through 3706.8.3.
A fire guard shall be required and positioned approximately every 200 feet (60 960 mm) throughout the length of the combustible fiber storage area. Persons conducting a fire watch shall have the duties and responsibilities set forth in FC901.7.2.1 with respect to the areas being monitored in connection with combustible fiber storage, and shall be familiar with the location of fire alarm manual pull stations, and standpipe system hose and hose connections in the area.
Access to combustible fibers and the aisles between the stored combustible fibers shall be restricted to personnel handling the combustible fibers, fire guards and representatives of the department.
When loading and unloading combustible fibers, two persons shall be assigned to each loading or unloading operation to stand by with the standpipe hose. These persons shall be instructed as to the location and use of the standpipe system valves and hoses.