The storage and use of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in accordance with this chapter. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter 30.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
