Heads up:
There are no amended sections in this chapter.
User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 58 sets requirements for the storage and use of flammable gases. For safety purposes, there is a limit on the quantities of flammable gas allowed per control area. Exceeding these limitations increases the possibility of damage to both property and individuals. The principal hazard posed by flammable gas is its ready ignitability, or even explosivity, when mixed with air in the proper proportions. Consequently, occupancies storing or handling large quantities of flammable gas are classified as Group H-2 (high hazard) by the International Building Code®.
The storage and use of flammable gases and flammable cryogenic fluids shall be in accordance with this chapter, NFPA 2 and NFPA 55. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter 53 and cryogenic fluids shall also comply with Chapter 55. Flammable cryogenic fluids shall comply with Section 5806. Hydrogen motor fuel-dispensing stations and repair garages and their associated above-ground hydrogen storage systems shall also be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with Chapter 23.
Exceptions:
- Gases used as refrigerants in refrigeration systems (see Section 605).
- Liquefied petroleum gases and natural gases regulated by Chapter 61.
- Fuel-gas systems and appliances regulated under the South Carolina Fuel Gas Code other than gaseous hydrogen systems and appliances.
- Pyrophoric gases in accordance with Chapter 64.
Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.6.
The storage and use of flammable gases in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 5801 and 5803.
Flammable gases shall not be stored or used in Group A, E, I or R occupancies or in offices in Group B occupancies.
Exceptions:
- Cylinders of nonliquefied compressed gases not exceeding a capacity of 250 cubic feet (7.08 m3) or liquefied gases not exceeding a capacity of 40 pounds (18 kg) each at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) used for maintenance purposes, patient care or operation of equipment.
- Food service operations in accordance with Section 6103.2.1.7.
- Hydrogen gas systems located in a hydrogen fuel gas room constructed in accordance with Section 421 of the South Carolina Building Code.
Medical gas system supply cylinders shall be located in medical gas storage rooms or gas cabinets as set forth in Section 5306.
The aggregate quantities of flammable gases used for maintenance purposes and operation of equipment shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 5003.1.1(1).
Cylinders and pressure vessels for flammable gases shall be designed, constructed, installed, tested and maintained in accordance with Chapter 53.
Compressed gas systems conveying flammable gases shall be provided with approved manual or automatic emergency shutoff valves that can be activated at each point of use and at each source.
A manual or automatic fail-safe emergency shutoff valve shall be installed on supply piping at the cylinder or bulk source. Manual or automatic cylinder valves are allowed to be used as the required emergency shutoff valve where the source of supply is limited to unmanifolded cylinder sources.
A manual or automatic emergency shutoff valve shall be installed on the supply piping at the point of use or at a point where the equipment using the gas is connected to the supply system.
Ignition sources in areas containing flammable gases in storage or in use shall be controlled in accordance with Section 5003.7.
Exception: Fuel gas systems connected to building service utilities in accordance with the South Carolina Fuel Gas Code.
Static-producing equipment located in flammable gas storage areas shall be grounded.
"No Smoking" signs shall be posted at entrances to rooms and in areas containing flammable gases in accordance with Section 5003.7.1.
Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed and maintained in accordance with Section 604 and NFPA 70.
Exposed noncurrent-carrying metal parts, including metal gas piping systems, that are part of flammable gas supply systems located in a hazardous (electrically classified) location shall be bonded to a grounded conductor in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 70.
Static-producing equipment located in flammable gas storage or use areas shall be grounded.
Containers of liquefied flammable gases and flammable gases in solution shall be positioned in the upright position or positioned so that the pressure relief valve is in direct contact with the vapor space of the container.
Exceptions:
- Containers of flammable gases in solution with a capacity of 1.3 gallons (5 L) or less.
- Containers of flammable liquefied gases, with a capacity not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L), designed to preclude the discharge of liquid from safety relief devices.
The storage and use of flammable gases in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Chapter 50 and this chapter.
Indoor storage of flammable gases in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 5003.1.1(1), shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 5004, and this chapter.
Buildings or portions thereof containing flammable gases shall be provided with explosion control in accordance with Section 911.
Outdoor storage of flammable gases in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 5003.1.1(3) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 5004, and this chapter.
The use of flammable gases in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 5003.1.1(1) or 5003.1.1(3) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 5005, and this chapter.
The storage and use of flammable cryogenic fluids shall be in accordance with Sections 5806.2 through 5806.4.8.3 and Chapter 55.
Storage of flammable cryogenic fluids in stationary containers outside of buildings is prohibited within the limits established by law as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited [JURISDICTION TO SPECIFY].
Above-ground tanks for the storage of liquid hydrogen shall be in accordance with Sections 5806.3.1 through 5806.3.2.1.
The inner vessel of storage tanks in liquid hydrogen service shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section VIII, Division 1, of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and shall be vacuum jacketed in accordance with Section 5806.3.2.
The vacuum jacket used as an outer vessel for storage tanks in liquid hydrogen service shall be of welded steel construction designed to withstand the maximum internal and external pressure to which it will be subjected under operating conditions to include conditions of emergency pressure relief of the annular space between the inner and outer vessel. The jacket shall be designed to withstand a minimum collapsing pressure differential of 30 psi (207 kPa).
A connection shall be provided on the exterior of the vacuum jacket to allow measurement of the pressure within the annular space between the inner and outer vessel. The connection shall be fitted with a bellows-sealed or diaphragm-type valve equipped with a vacuum gauge tube that is shielded to protect against damage from impact.
Underground tanks for the storage of liquid hydrogen shall be in accordance with Sections 5806.4.1 through 5806.4.8.3.
Storage tanks for liquid hydrogen shall be designed and constructed in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Section VIII, Division 1) and shall be vacuum jacketed in accordance with Section 5806.4.8.
Storage tanks shall be located outside in accordance with the following:
- Tanks and associated equipment shall be located with respect to foundations and supports of other structures such that the loads carried by the latter cannot be transmitted to the tank.
- The distance from any part of the tank to the nearest wall of a basement, pit, cellar or lot line shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm).
- A minimum distance of 1 foot (305 mm), shell to shell, shall be maintained between underground tanks.
The tank shall be buried such that the top of the vacuum jacket is covered with not less than 1 foot (305 mm) of earth and with concrete not less than 4 inches (102 mm) thick placed over the earthen cover. The concrete shall extend not less than 1 foot (305 mm) horizontally beyond the footprint of the tank in all directions. Underground tanks shall be set on firm foundations constructed in accordance with the South Carolina Building Code and surrounded with not less than 6 inches (152 mm) of noncorrosive inert material, such as sand.
Exception: The vertical extension of the vacuum jacket as required for service connections.
Vent pipes for underground storage tanks shall be in accordance with Section 5503.3.
Underground liquid hydrogen piping shall be vacuum jacketed or protected by approved means and designed in accordance with Chapter 55.
The vacuum jacket shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section VIII of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and shall be designed to withstand the anticipated loading, including loading from vehicular traffic, where applicable. Portions of the vacuum jacket installed below grade shall be designed to withstand anticipated soil, seismic and hydrostatic loading.
The vacuum jacket shall be protected by approved or listed corrosion-resistant materials or an engineered cathodic protection system. Where cathodic protection is utilized, an approved maintenance schedule shall be established. Exposed components shall be inspected not less than twice a year. Records of maintenance and inspection events shall be maintained.
An approved method shall be provided to indicate loss of vacuum within the vacuum jacket(s).
The hazard classification of the metal hydride storage system, as required by Section 5001.2.2, shall be based on the hydrogen stored without regard to the metal hydride content.
Metal hydride storage systems shall be listed or approved for the application and designed in a manner that prevents the addition or removal of the metal hydride by other than the original equipment manufacturer.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 5303.2.
Metal hydride storage system cylinders, containers or tanks shall be inspected, tested and requalified for service at not less than 5-year intervals.
Marking and labeling of cylinders, containers, tanks and systems shall be in accordance with Section 5303.4 and Sections 5807.1.5.1 through 5807.1.5.4.
Metal hydride storage systems shall be marked with all of the following:
- Manufacturer's name.
- Service life indicating the last date the system can be used.
- A unique code or serial number specific to the unit.
- System name or product code that identifies the system by the type of chemistry used in the system.
- Emergency contact name, telephone number or other contact information.
- Limitations on refilling of containers to include rated charging pressure and capacity.
Metal hydride storage system valves shall be marked with all of the following:
- Manufacturer's name.
- Service life indicating the last date the valve can be used.
- Metal hydride service in which the valve can be used, or a product code that is traceable to this information.
Metal hydride storage system pressure relief devices shall be marked with all of the following:
- Manufacturer's name.
- Metal hydride service in which the device can be used, or a product code that is traceable to this information.
- Activation parameters to include temperature, pressure or both.
The required markings for pressure relief devices that are integral components of valves used on cylinders, containers and tanks shall be allowed to be placed on the valve.
Cylinders, containers and tanks used in metal hydride storage systems shall be marked with all of the following:
- Manufacturer's name.
- Design specification to which the vessel was manufactured.
- Authorized body approving the design and initial inspection and test of the vessel.
- Manufacturer's original test date.
- Unique serial number for the vessel.
- Service life identifying the last date the vessel can be used.
- System name or product code that identifies the system by the type of chemistry used in the system.
Metal hydride storage systems, whether full or partially full, shall not be exposed to artificially created high temperatures exceeding 125°F (52°C) or subambient (low) temperatures unless designed for use under the exposed conditions.
Metal hydride storage systems shall not be placed in areas where they are capable of being damaged by falling objects.
Piping, including tubing, valves, fittings and pressure regulators, serving metal hydride storage systems, shall be maintained gas tight to prevent leakage.
Leaking systems shall be removed from service.
The refilling of listed or approved metal hydride storage systems shall be in accordance with the listing requirements and manufacturer's instructions.
The refilling of metal hydride storage systems serving powered industrial trucks shall be in accordance with Section 309.
The purity of hydrogen used for the purpose of refilling containers shall be in accordance with the listing and the manufacturer's instructions.
Electrical components for metal hydride storage systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in accordance with NFPA 70.
Where a metal hydride storage system is used on mobile equipment, the equipment shall be designed to restrain containers, cylinders or tanks from dislodgement, slipping or rotating when the equipment is in motion.
Metal hydride storage systems used on motorized equipment, shall be installed in a manner that protects valves, pressure regulators, fittings and controls against accidental impact.
Metal hydride storage systems, including cylinders, containers, tanks and fittings, shall not extend beyond the platform of the mobile equipment.
Valves on containers, cylinders and tanks shall remain closed except when containers are connected to closed systems and ready for use.
Where required by this code, hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 5808.1 through 5808.7 and the South Carolina Building Code.
Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall not be located below grade.
Hydrogen fuel gas rooms not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area in Table 5003.1.1(1) shall be separated from other areas of the building in accordance with Section 509.1 of the South Carolina Building Code.
Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be provided with a ventilation system designed to maintain the room at a negative pressure in relation to surrounding rooms and spaces.
Operable windows in interior walls shall not be permitted. Fixed windows shall be permitted where in accordance with Section 716 of the South Carolina Building Code.
Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 2311.8.2.
Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be provided with a gas detection system that complies with Sections 916, 5808.5.1 and 5808.5.2.
Activation of a gas detection system alarm shall result in both of the following:
- Initiation of distinct audible and visible alarm signals both inside and outside of the hydrogen fuel gas room.
- Automatic activation of the mechanical exhaust ventilation system.
Failure of the gas detection system shall automatically activate the mechanical exhaust ventilation system, stop hydrogen generation and cause a trouble signal to sound at an approved location.
Explosion control shall be provided where required by Section 911.
Mechanical ventilation and gas detection systems shall be connected to a standby power system in accordance with Section 1203.
