This chapter shall govern the manufacture, storage, handling and use of unstable (reactive) materials, except for the display and storage of unstable (reactive) materials in Group M and storage of unstable (reactive) materials in Group S occupancies complying with the requirements of FC5003.11.
Unstable (reactive) materials shall be manufactured, stored, handled and used in accordance with this chapter. Unstable (reactive) materials that are compressed gases shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 53.
It shall be unlawful to manufacture, store, handle and/or use detonable unstable (reactive) materials except as specifically authorized by FC Chapter 56.
The handling and use of unstable (reactive) materials in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder. The storage of unstable (reactive) materials in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the general supervision of a certificate of fitness holder.
The following term shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings set forth in FC202.
UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL.
UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL.
It shall be unlawful to store, handle or use:
- Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials in Group A, E, I, R or U occupancies.
- Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials in offices in Group B, F, M or S occupancies, or any other areas of such occupancies that are accessible to the public.
The storage, handling and use of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in FC5003.1 shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 50 and this chapter.
Where two or more classes of unstable (reactive) materials are stored in immediate proximity to one another, such area shall be provided with hazard identification signs pursuant to FC Chapter 50 for the most severe class present.
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, where more than one class of unstable (reactive) materials is stored in the same control area, the maximum quantity allowed of each unstable (reactive) material shall be limited as follows: the maximum quantity shall be reduced by multiplying the maximum allowable quantity for each such material by the proportion that such material bears to the total quantity of unstable (reactive) material stored in the control area. The total of the proportional amounts shall not exceed 100 percent.
Where the required storage temperature range, as specified by the manufacturer, extends beyond normal ambient temperatures, high or low temperature limit switches, as applicable, shall be provided in addition to normal temperature controls. These limit switches shall activate an alarm in a supervised area to ensure reporting to the fire department.
Indoor storage of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in FC Table 5003.1.1(1) shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 5004 and this chapter.
Storage of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in a detached building when required in FC5003.8.2.
Indoor storage rooms, areas and buildings containing Class 3 or 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be provided with explosion control in accordance with FC911 and the construction codes, including the Building Code.
In addition to FC5004.12, floors of storage areas for liquids and solids shall be of liquid-tight construction.
Unstable (reactive) materials stored in quantities greater than 500 cubic feet (14 m3) shall be separated into piles, each not larger than 500 cubic feet (14 m3). Aisle width shall not be less than the height of the piles or 4 feet (1219 mm), whichever is greater.
Exception: Materials stored in tanks.
Unstable (reactive) materials shall not be stored in basements or other areas below grade.
Smoke and heat venting shall be provided in accordance with FC910 and the construction codes, including the Building Code.
Outdoor storage of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area indicated in FC Table 5003.1.1(3) shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 5004 and this chapter.
Outdoor storage of Class 3 (detonable) or 4 unstable (reactive) material shall be in accordance with FC Table 5604.5.2(3). The number of pounds of material listed in the table shall be the net weight of the material present. Alternatively, the number of pounds of material shall be based on a trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalent weight.
Outdoor storage of deflagratable Class 3 unstable (reactive) materials shall be in accordance with FC Table 5604.5.2(4). The number of pounds of material listed shall be the net weight of the material present.
Outdoor storage of Class 1 or 2 unstable (reactive) materials shall not be within 20 feet (6096 mm) of buildings not associated with the manufacture or distribution of such materials, lot lines, public streets, private roads or means of egress. The minimum required distance shall not apply when fire barriers that have no openings or penetrations and have a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between the storage and the exposure. The fire barrier shall either be an independent structure, or the exterior wall of the building adjacent to the storage area.
Piles of unstable (reactive) materials shall not exceed 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3).
Aisle widths between piles shall not be less than one-half the height of the pile or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.
Unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in FC Table 5003.1.1(1) or 5003.1.1(3) shall be handled and used in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 5005 and this chapter.
Unstable (reactive) material classified as a Class IV material as defined in Section 42-272 of the Zoning Resolution may be utilized in manufacturing processes or other production in manufacturing districts only when authorized by a special permit pursuant to Section 42-276 of the Zoning Resolution.
It is unlawful to manufacture unstable (reactive) material classified as a Class IV material as defined in Section 42-272 of the Zoning Resolution.
It shall be unlawful to store unstable (reactive) material classified as a Class IV material as defined in Section 42-272 of the Zoning Resolution, except that accessory storage authorized by a special permit pursuant to Section 42-276 of the Zoning Resolution shall be allowed.