The storage and use of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in accordance with this chapter. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter 30.
Exceptions:
- Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies complying with Section 2703.11.
- Detonable unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in accordance with Chapter 33.
Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.6.
The following word and term shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meaning shown herein.
UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL. A material, other than an explosive, which in the pure state or as commercially produced, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense or become self-reactive and undergo other violent chemical changes, including explosion, when exposed to heat, friction or shock, or in the absence of an inhibitor, or in the presence of contaminants, or in contact with incompatible materials. Unstable (reactive) materials are subdivided as follows:
Class 4. Materials that in themselves are readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. This class includes materials that are sensitive to mechanical or localized thermal shock at normal temperatures and pressures.
Class 3. Materials that in themselves are capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but which require a strong initiating source or which must be heated under confinement before initiation. This class includes materials that are sensitive to thermal or mechanical shock at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Class 2. Materials that in themselves are normally unstable and readily undergo violent chemical change but do not detonate. This class includes materials that can undergo chemical change with rapid release of energy at normal temperatures and pressures, and that can undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Class 1. Materials that in themselves are normally stable but which can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressure.
Quantities of unstable (reactive) materials not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area shall be in accordance with Sections 4303.1.1 through 4303.1.2.5.
The storage and use of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 2703.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703 4301 and 4303.
The indoor storage of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in accordance with Sections 4303.1.2.1 through 4303.1.2.5.
In Group A, E, I or U occupancies, any amount of Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in accordance with the following:
- Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in hazardous material storage cabinets complying with Section 2703.8.7.
- The hazardous material storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.
Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall not be stored or used within Group R occupancies.
Class 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall not be stored or used in retail sales portions of Group M occupancies.
Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall not be stored or used in offices of Group B, F, M or S occupancies.
In classrooms in Group B, F or M occupancies, any amount of Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in accordance with the following:
- Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in hazardous material storage cabinets complying with Section 2703.8.7.
- The hazardous material storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.
The storage and use of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 2703.1 shall be in accordance with Chapter 27 and this chapter.
Indoor storage of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1(1) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2704 and this chapter.
In addition, Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) detonable materials shall be stored in accordance with the International Building Code requirements for explosives.
Storage of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in detached buildings when required in Section 2703.8.2.
Indoor storage rooms, areas and buildings containing Class 3 or 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be provided with explosion control in accordance with Section 911.
In addition to Section 2704.12, 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.
Outdoor storage of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1(3) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2704 and this chapter.
Outdoor storage of Class 4 or 3 (detonable) unstable (reactive) material shall be in accordance with Table 3304.5.2(2). 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 Table 3304.5.2(3). The number of pounds of material listed shall be the net weight of the material present.
Outdoor storage of Class 2 or 1 unstable (reactive) materials shall not be located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of buildings not associated with the manufacture or distribution of such materials, lot lines, public streets, public alleys, public ways or means of egress. The minimum required distance shall not apply when fire barriers without openings or penetrations having 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.
The use of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1(1) or 2703.1.1(3) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2705 and this chapter.