FlammablePresentation_2016

2016 Fire CodeFlammable and Combustible

Liquids

PRESENTED BY

Reinhard Hanselka,

PhD, PE , CRB

Presentation images provided by

International Code Council (ICC)

Description

� This course provides a basic understanding of the flammable and combustible liquid storage, use, dispensing, handling and mixing requirements in IFC Chapter 57 and NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

• General fire code requirements for hazardous materials and specialized requirements for Laboratories, Bio-Pharm, vehicle fuel-dispensing activities (IFC Chapter 23), dry cleaning (IFC Chapter 12) and other specialized uses of flammable and combustible liquids are not covered in detail due to the time limitations of a single-day course.

Course Outline

�Definitions and classification of flammable & combustible liquids

�Above-ground vessel storage

�Underground tank storage

�Containers and portable tank storage

Course Outline (cont.)

�Use, dispensing, mixing and handling

�Biotech and Laboratory use

�Special processes involving flammable & combustible liquids

�Special requirements• Spill control and secondary containment• Classified electrical locations• Ventilation

Improper Ventilation

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

How do you keep

this…from becoming this ?

� Flammable and

combustible liquids

are those liquids

that are capable of

supporting

combustion

� Flammable &

combustible liquids

may be easily

ignitable and have

high heat release

rates.

� Liquids can present

two- or three-

dimension fires (pool

or dripping/running

spill) that spread

rapidly

� If vapor is suspended

in air in a confined

space, a deflagration

can occur.

� Vapor can migrate

to ignition sources

remote from a

spill.

� A Real Problem

with HPLC’s

Focus on Flammable & Combustible Liquids

Classification of Flammable & Combustible

Liquids

�The CFC classifies liquids that burn as either FLAMMABLE or COMBUSTIBLE .

�To classify a flammable liquid, theflash point and boiling point must be determined.• Flash points and boiling points are determined by

experimentation.

�Combustible liquids are also classified by flash point tests but do not require determination of the material’s boiling point.

Understanding the Flash Point System

� Section 5702.1 defines FLASH

POINT as: “The minimum

temperature in degrees

Fahrenheit at which a liquid

will give off sufficient vapors

to form an ignitable mixture

with air near the surface or in

the container, but will not

sustain combustion. The flash

point of a liquid shall be

determined by appropriate test

procedure and apparatus as

specified in ASTM D 56, ASTM

D 93 or ASTM D 3278.”


�Section 5702.1

defines FIRE POINT

as: “The lowest

temperature at

which a liquid will

ignite and achieve

sustained burning

when exposed to a

test flame in

accordance with

ASTM D 92.”


� All of the adopted flash point tests are closed cup tests.

• More conservative

• More reproducible

� Flash point testing is a LIMITED method for determining the ignitability of a particular liquid.

• Serves better as a basis of comparing liquids than as an absolute measure of fire risk

� The CFC defines:

• Liquids with a flash point less than 100°F as FLAMMABLE

• Liquids with a flash point at or above 100°F as COMBUSTIBLE

• This differs from DOT

DOT Classification of Liquids

� Flammable Liquid

• Generally applies to liquids with a flash point less than 140°F

• There are MANY exceptions

• In some cases, a liquid with a flash point exceeding 100°F may be reclassified as a combustible liquid

� Combustible Liquid

• Generally applies to liquids with a flash point 140°F to 200°F

• Liquids with flash points exceeding 200°F are not considered combustible under DOT regulations

FLAMMABLE

3

DOT Classification of Liquids

� Be careful that differences

between the IFC, CMC and

DOT classification systems

don’t lead to

miscommunication between

an owner (who often deals

with transportation

regulations) and a fire

inspector (who primarily deals

in fire codes) when speaking

about “flammable liquids.”

FLAMMABLE

3

Max. Qty.

Per

Control

Area

= 30 Gallons FLOORMax. Qty.

Per Floor

Qty. with

4 Lab

Suites

Per Floor

10 3 50% 50% 50% 50% 60

9 6 50% 50% 50% 50% 60

8 6 50% 50% 50% 50% 60

7 6 50% 50% 50% 50% 60

6 15 75% 75% 75% 75% 90

5 15 75% 75% 75% 75% 90

4 15 75% 75% 75% 75% 90

3 60 100% 100% 100% 100% 120

2 75% 75% 135 100% 100% 100% 100% 120

1 100% 100% 100% 100% 240 100% 100% 100% 100% 120

30Basement

Level - 175% 75% 135 100% 100% 100% 100% 120

Basement

Level - 260 75% 75% 75% 75% 90

120 UFC TOTAL 696 1080

30

IFC 2006

30

30

12.50%

12.50%

12.50%

12.50%

5% 5%

12.50% 12.50%

5% 5%

5% 5%

L-Occupancy

= 30 Gallons= 60 Gallons

50% 50%

50% 50%

75%

75%

5%

TOTALS

4TH FLOOR

LIMITS

FL-1B Use Open

CLASSIFICATION OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

CLASSIFICATION1 FLASH POINT (ºF) VAPOR PRESSURE

(PSI ABSOLUTE)

BOILING POINT

(ºF)

Class IA Less than 73 Less than or equal to 40 Less than 100

Class IB Less than 73 Less than or equal to 40 Greater than or

equal to 100

Class IC

Greater than 73 and

less than or equal to

100

Less than or equal to 40 N/A

Class II Greater than 100 and

less than 140 N/A N/A

Class IIIA Greater than or equal to

140 and less than 200 N/A N/A

Class IIIB Greater than or equal to

200 N/A N/A

N/A = Not applicable to classification.

1 When heated, sprayed or mixed, Class II or III liquids can assume the characteristics of lower

flash point liquids. Under such conditions the appropriate provisions of Chapter 34 for the actual

flash point shall apply.

When flammable or combustible liquids present multiple hazards, all hazards must be addressed.

Ignition and Burning Comparison of

Two Class I Liquid “Types”

� Heptane is a “typical” flammable

liquid.

� Styrene resin is viscous and has a

low vapor pressure, both important

considerations in evaluating true

fire risk.

� Flash point doesn’t necessarily

indicate how easily a liquid ignites

and burns. It is simply a relative

measure of ignitibility of vapors in a

test environment

Styrene Resin

Heptane

Navigating the IFC

� The CFC is organized into 7 “parts.”

� Unlike some legacy codes, the parts

are

• Not formally identified;

• Not separated by breaks in chapter

numbering.

� The CFC has 47 chapters and 10

appendices.

Chapter 57


� Chapter 57 is largely derived from the legacy 1997

Uniform Fire Code, but it gives more deference to

NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

� Most IFC regulations are similar to provisions in

NFPA 30, but there are some differences.

Chapter 57 Major Subsections

� 5701 General

� 5702 Definitions

� 5703 General requirements

� 5704 Storage• 5704.2 Above-ground and

underground tank storage

• 5704.3 Indoor portable tank and container storage

• 5704.4 Outdoor portable tank and container storage

� 5705 Dispensing, use, mixing and handling

� 5706 Special operations

Chapter 57 Flammable and

Combustible Liquids

It should be noted that

Chapter 57 differs from

the other hazardous

material chapters in

that many of the

requirements in

Sections 5704 and 5705

apply regardless of the

indoor or outdoor

Maximum Allowable

Quantities (MAQs).

Section 5701 General

Provisions in this section apply to all

storage, use and handling of

flammable and combustible liquids,

exceptF

Section 5701.2 Non-applicability

Chapter 57 requirements do not apply to the following:

� Specific provisions for liquids in vehicle fueling stations, repair garages, airports and marinas (Chapter 22).

� Medicine; foodstuffs; cosmetics; commercial, institutional and industrial products in similar packaging to the items listed here that are maximum 50 percent by volume water-miscible flammable or combustible liquid with the remainder being nonflammable in retail or wholesale storage uses.

� Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 1.3 gallon containers in retail or wholesale sales or storage uses; distilled spirits and wines in wooden barrels and casks.

Section 5701.2 Non-applicability (cont.)

Chapter 57 requirements do not apply to the following:

� Storage and use of fuel oil tanks and containers connected to oil-burning equipment.

� Refrigerant liquids and oils in refrigeration systems.

� Storage and display of aerosols.

� Liquids without fire points.

Section 5701 Material Classification

�Section 5701.1 – Flammable and combustible liquids with multiple hazards must also comply with Chapter 50.• Example: Acetic acid is a Class II combustible liquid

that is also corrosive.

• Example: Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide which is a Class II or IIIA combustible liquid and a Class II or III organic peroxide

�Section 5701.5 – When combustible liquids are heated above their flash points, they are regulated as flammable liquid.

Section 5703 General Requirements

� 5703.1 Electrical

� 5703.2 Fire Protection

� 5703.4 Spill Control

and Secondary

Containment

� 5703.5 Labels and

Signs

� 5703.6 Piping, Valves

and Fittings

Section 5703.6.2 Piping Systems

� Piping systems must be designed in accordance with NFPA

30 and ASME B31.3, Process Piping.

� Piping systems may be either metallic or nonmetallic.

� Low melt point materials

� At a minimum, the system design should indicate the:

• Design temperature and ressure

• Pipe and fitting specifications

• Method of pipe assembly

• Method of pipe erection and support

• Method of testing and test medium

A Properly Designed and Installed

Piping System

And then there is thisF

Section 5704 Storage

Section 5704.2 Tank Storage

� Section 5704.2 addresses tanks over 660 gallons:

• Construction

• Installation

• Venting

– Normal vents

– Emergency vents

• Separation requirements

• Secondary containment

• Protection from corrosion


� 5704.2.2 Use of

tank vehicles and

cars for storage

� 5704.2.3 Labeling

and signs

� 5704.2.4 Sources of

ignition

� 5704.2.5 Explosion

control

Section 5704.2 Tank Storage (cont.)

� 5704.2.6 Separation

from incompatible

materials

� 5704.2.7 Design

and construction• 3404.2.7.3 Normal venting –

60 gallons!!!

• 3404.2.7.4 Emergency venting

• 3404.2.7.5 Tank openings

other than vents

� 5704.2.8 Vaults


� 5704.2.9 Above-

ground tanks• 5704.2.9.1 Existing

noncompliant installations

• 5704.2.9.2 Fire protection

• 5704.2.9.3 Supports

• 5704.2.9.5 Above-ground

storage tanks in buildings

• 5704.2.9.6 Location of

tanks outdoors

• 5704.2.9.7 Protected tanks

Section 5704.2 Tank Storage (cont.)

� 5704.2.10 Drainage and

diking

� 5704.2.11 Underground

tanks

� 5704.2.12 Testing

� 5704.2.13

Abandonment of tanks

Section 5704.2.7

Design and Construction of Tanks

�The IFC permits the use of the following types of storage tanks:• Shop-fabricated tanks which can

be listed for underground orabove-ground installation

• Field erected above-ground tanks

• Protected above-ground tanks

• Vaulted tanks

• Special enclosures( See Chapter 22—motor fueling)

Section 5704.2.7

Design and Construction of Tanks

� Design, fabrication and construction must be in

accordance with NFPA 30’s recognized standards.– UL 58 – Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable & Combustible Liquids– UL 142 – Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable & Combustible Liquids

– API 620 – Welded, Low-pressure Storage Tanks

– API 650 – Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage

– API 2000 – Venting Atmospheric & Low-pressure Storage Tanks

– ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code – Section VIII - Pressure Vessels

– UL 2085 – Protected Aboveground Tanks for Flammable & Combustible Liquids

– UL 2245 – Below-Grade Vaults for Flammable Liquid Storage

� IFC Section 5704.2.7 requires a permanent marking

or nameplate on ASTs indicating the standard used

as the basis of design, fabrication and construction

(origin 1997 UFC).

Field-Erected versus Shop-Fabricated

Above-ground Storage Tanks

Field-Erected ASTs

� Volume and the diameter are unlimited.

� The tank bottom is the thickest part of the tank.

� Generally constructed inside of a containment dike.

� Are subject to a periodic internal and external corrosion examination.

� Are approved.

Shop-Fabricated ASTs

� Volume is limited to ≈ 50,000 gallons.

� The tank wall is thinner than the tank heads.

� Can be constructed with integral secondary containment.

� Are not subject to a periodic internal corrosion examination.

� Are listed.

API 650 Field-Erected AST

UL 2245 Vaulted Below-grade AST

2,000 Gallon w.c. ASME Pressure Vessel

Section 5704.2.2 Use of Tank Vehicles

and Tank Cars for Storage

�Tank vehicles and tank cars are not permitted to be used as storage tanks.

�However, Section 5706.5 permits their use for bulk transfer and process transfer operations.

Use of a DOT Tanker as an Above-

ground Storage Tank

Section 5704.2.9.1

Existing Noncompliant Installations

� Section 5704.2.9.1 ensures that any existing above-ground storage tank (AST) is properly installed and maintained.

� An existing AST found to be in violation of the IFC or the NFPA standards adopted by reference that were in effect at the time of construction must be brought into compliance or removed from service.

Section 5704.2.9.2 Fire Protection

� The requirements for fire protection systems on field-erected storage tanks are found in Section 5704.2.9.2.1 and apply to:• Tanks operating at

atmospheric pressure.

• Contents that are Class I or II liquids or crude oil.

• All tanks within a group having a surface area > 1,500 ft².

• Tanks located in relation to fired fuel sources.

• Situations when required by the fire code official.

Section 5704.2.9.2.2

Foam Fire Protection Systems

� Section 5704.2.9.2.2 requires foam fire protection systems to be in accordance with NFPA 11, Low-, Medium- and High-Expansion Foam Systems.

� The requirements in NFPA 11 are dependent on several variables including:

• Tank diameter and height,

• The classification of the stored liquid,

• If ATC type foam is required,

• When fixed foam chambers are used, if the roof is either fixed or floating, and

• If the roof is floating, the design of the foam dam.

Photograph courtesy of

Tyco/Ansul Products,

Marinette WI

Section 5704.2.9.2.2.1 Foam Storage

� The IFC permits the storage

of AFFF on site or off site. If

off-site storage is the

selected method, it must

comply with the following:

• The foam is compatible with the

hazards being protected.

• Adequate material handling and

logistical resources are available.

• A sufficient volume of AFFF is

accumulated before commencing the

fire attack.Photograph courtesy of Tyco/Ansul

Products, Marinette WI

Section 5704.2.9.2.3

Fire Protection of Tank Supports

� Tanks storing Class I, II or IIIA liquids elevated more than 12 inches above grade require that columns or supports have a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating based on the fire exposure criteria in ASTM E 1529.

� Protected ASTs, tanks protected by a water spray system or tanks inside of buildings protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system are exempt from the requirement.

Section 5704.2.9.6

Above-ground Tank Location

� Section 5703.2.9.6.1 allows

the jurisdiction to establish

locations where above-

ground storage of Class I

and II liquids is prohibited.

� The NFPA 30 tank siting

requirements depend on the

type of tank, and the

classification and stability of

the liquid stored.

Table 22.4.1.1(a) Location of Aboveground Storage Tanks Storing Stable Liquids — Internal Pressure Not to Exceed a Gauge Pressure of 2.5 PSI (17 kPa)

Minimum Distance (ft)

Type of Tank Protection

From Property Line That Is or Can Be Built Upon, Including the Opposite Side of A Public Waya

From Nearest Side of Any Public Way or from Nearest Important Building on the Same Propertya

Protection from exposuresb

½ x diameter of tank 1/6 x diameter of tank Floating roof

None Diameter of tank but need not exceed 175 ft

1/6 x diameter of tank

Approved foam or inerting system on tanks not exceeding 150 ft. in diameterd

½ x diameter of tank 1/6 x diameter of tank

Protection from exposuresb

Diameter of tank 1/3 x diameter of tank

Vertical with weak roof-to-shell seam

None 2 x diameter of tank but need not exceed 350 feet

1/3 x diameter of tank

Approved foam or inerting systemb on the tank or approved foam system on vertical tanks

½ x Table 22.4.1.1(b) ½ x Table 22.4.1.1(b)

Protection of exposuresb

Table 22.4.1.1 (b) Table 22.4.1.1 (b)

Horizontal and vertical tanks with emergency relief venting to limit pressures to 2.5 PSIG (17.2 kPa gauge)

None 2 x Table 22.4.1.1 (b) Table 22.4.1.1 (b)

Protected aboveground tank

None ½ x Table 22.4.1.1(b) ½ x Table 22.4.1.1(b)

a. The minimum distance cannot be less than 5 feet (1.5 m) b. See 3.3.42, Protection for Exposures c. See NFPA 69, Standard on Explosion Protection Systems d. For tanks over 150 ft (45 m) in diameter, use “Protection for exposures” or “none” as applicable

Table 22.4.1.1 (b) Reference Table for Use in Tables 22.4.1.1(a), 22.4.1.3, and 22.4.1.5

Tank Capacity (gal) Minimum Distance From Property Line That Is or Can Be

Built Upon, Including the Opposite Side of A Public Way

(ft)

Minimum Distance From Nearest Side of Any Public

Way or from Nearest Important Building on the

Same Property (ft) 275 or less 5 5 276 to 750 10 5

751 to 12,000 15 5 12,001 to 30,000 20 5 30,001 to 50,000 30 15

50,001 to 100,000 50 25 100,001 to 500,000 80 25

500,001 to 1,000,000 100 35 1,000,001 to 2,000,000 135 45 2,000,001 to 3,000,000 165 55

3,000,001 or more 175 60

Table 22.4.2.1 Minimum Shell-to-Shell Spacing of Aboveground Storage Tanks

Fixed or Horizontal Tanks Tank Diameter Floating Roof Tanks

Class I or II Liquids Class IIIA Liquids

All tanks not over 150 ft (45 m) in diameter

1/6 x ∑ of adjacent tank diameters but not less than 3 ft (0.9 m)



Tanks larger than 150 ft (45 m) in diameter:

If remote impounding is provided in accordance with 22.11.1

1/6 x ∑ of adjacent tank diameters

¼ x ∑ of adjacent tank diameters


If open diking is provided is provided in accordance with 22.11.2




Location of ASTs

� Four 65,000-gallon

(nominal) vertical API 12F

ASTs are being installed at

a terminal.

� Each tank will store Class

IC stable flammable liquids.

� Each tank has an

emergency vent with an

opening pressure of 1 psig.

� All four tanks are within a

single containment dike.

� Protection of exposures will

be provided by a public fire

department.

AST Site Plan

N

Control Building

Property Line

SS

IB

PL

PL

� NFPA 30 • The distance to the

South and West terminal Property Line (PL)

• The distance to the Control Building, which is an Important Building (IB)

• The Shell to Shell (SS) tank separation distance

Solution: Location of ASTs

� Separation Distance to Property Lines (PL)

• Apply Table 22.4.1.1 (a). Minimum PL distance is based on Table

22.4.1.1 (b). For a nominal 65,000- gallon AST, the minimum PL

separation distance is 50 feet.

� Separation Distance to Important Building (IB)

• The control building is on the same property as the ASTs.

• Table 22.4.1.1 (a) states the separation distance is based on Table

22.4.1.1 (b). For a nominal 65,000-gallon AST the minimum IB

separation distance is 15 feet.

� Tank Shell to Shell (SS) Separation Distance

• Apply Table 22.4.2.1. The each tank’s diameter < 150 feet. Shop

drawings indicate each tank has a nominal 14 foot diameter. The

sum diameter of the three adjacent tanks is 42 feet. (42 feet x

0.167 = Minimum 7 foot SS distance).

Section 5704.2.7

Above-ground Tank Openings

� Atmospheric ASTs are constructed with openings to accommodate:

• Normal vent

• Emergency vent

• Other tank openings

� Other tank openings may be located above or below the liquid level of the tank, except if it is a protected AST or is used for motor vehicle fuel dispensing.

Section 5704.2.7.3.3

Normal Tank Vents

� Atmospheric storage tanks require a method of relieving the internal pressure caused by the introduction or withdrawal of product.

� Section 5704.2.7.3.3 requires the normal vents for tanks that contain Class I, II or IIIA liquids be terminated:• At a safe point outside of buildings

• Not less than 12 feet above the adjacent ground level

• Not less than 5 feet from property lines and building openings

2009 IF

C F

lam

mable

and

Com

bustible

Liq

uid

s

57

Normal vent

pressure – vacuum type

This SUCKED…literally

Make sure that it is the

IMPORTANCE OF EMERGENCY VENTS!

If you only remember ONE THING

from this classF

Workbook Page

Practical Application

Chemical LEL UEL Optimal

Acetone 2.5% 15% 5.0%

Acetylene 2.5% 83% 8.0%

Ammonia 15% 28% 17%

Gasoline 1.4% 7.6% 1.6%

Hydrogen 4.0% 75% 8.0%

Methane 5.0% 15% 9.0%

Toluene 1.2% 7.1% 2.5%

Explosive Limits

Section 5704.2.7.4

Emergency Relief Venting for Tanks

� Stationary ASTs require emergency relief vents to

relieve excessive internal pressures resulting from

fire exposure on or near the tank.

� Incidents in Kansas City, KS, Amarillo and

Kennadale, TX and Gadsden, AL, resulted in fire

fighters’ deaths because adequate emergency

venting was not provided or the vents were

disabled.

� Vent designs include long-bolt vents, venting by

construction or the use of direct-action

emergency vents.

62

Emergency Vent Normal Vent

2009 IFC FLammable and Combustible Liquids

63

Emergency vents

An absolute must to prevent explosive

tank ruptures.

Graphite rupture pin on hinged vent

Section 5704.2.7.4


� Determining the required vent capacity for an atmospheric storage tank is based on the tank’s orientation, its wetted area, and the minimum volume of free air discharged per hour specified in NFPA 30, Section 22.7 and Annex B [2008 ed.].

� Three steps to determine adequacy of emergency vent:

1. Calculating the tank wetted area

2. Determining the required discharge flow rate based on the material stored in the tank

3. Ensuring the emergency vent will relieve enough vapor to achieve the required flow rate

Section 5704.2.7.4


� Listed shop-fabricated ASTs will often have a nameplate specifying the minimum flow rate required for emergency vent.

� NFPA 30 Section 22.7.3.10 [2008 ed.] requires the vent discharge capacity to be indicated on the emergency vent.

� To determine if the emergency vent is properly sized, compare the nameplate data to the emergency vent flow rate.

� Vent device flows assume a maximum 1-foot pipe extension based on calculations in API 2000, Venting Atmospheric and Low Pressure Storage Tanks: Nonrefrigerated and Refrigerated.

Section 5704.2.7.4


Emergency Vent Discharge

Rate: 233,000 SCFH

Hopper Model 34

Emergency Vent

198,000 SCFH @ 8 oz.

Methyl Iso Bad Karma

67

What’s Missing?

68

Pitting indicates a reused

underground tank.

Other ConsiderationsF

Pressure Relief for Vessels

Short on space for your tank farm?

� A protected above-ground storage tank is one

method of resolving safety concerns regarding

above-ground tanks for liquid storage

� PASTs must:

• Be listed to UL 2085

(2-hour temp. limited fire test)

• Have impact protection

• Have secondary containment

• Have overfill protection

• Have openings on top only

� NFPA 30A fire-resistant

tanks are not recognized.

Section 5704.2.9.7

Protected Above-ground Tanks

Section 5704.2.9.7

Protected Above-ground Tanks

� Tanks for fuel storage are specifically regulated in

Chapter 22.

� Above-ground tanks for fuel

storage are limited to a volume

of:

• 12,000 gallons per tank

• 48,000 gallons aggregate

� Table 2206.2.3 specifies

tank siting requirements

based on tank volume

and exposures such as

property lines, important

buildings and adjacent tanks.

Section 5704.2.8

Tank Vaults

� Vaults are used for installing ASTs below grade.

• Premanufactured vaults must be listed in accordance with UL 2245.

• Construction must be a minimum of 6-inches of reinforced concrete.

• Vaults containing Class I liquids require mechanical ventilation.

• Overfill protection, leak monitoring and alarm systems are required.

• Vaults require approved automatic or manual means of applying a fire suppression agent.

Section 5704.2.9.5

Stationary Tanks Inside Buildings

� Typically requires a Group H

occupancy in accordance

with the IBC.

� Tanks for Class I, II and IIIA

liquids require a means of

overfill protection to prevent

liquid from spilling into the

building.

� Section 5704.2.7.5.6 requires

connections that are made

and broken, including fill

connections, to be outside.

� An area surrounding

tanks must be provided

with drainage control or

diking to prevent

accidental discharge

from endangering other

tanks, adjoining

property or waterways.

� Depending on the total

volume within the

containment basin,

intermediate diking may

be required by NFPA 30.

Section 5704.2.10

Drainage and Diking for Tanks

Section 5704.2.10

Drainage and Diking for Tanks

� The IFC requires a dike to

contain the volume of the

largest tank in the dike

plus the volume displaced

by other tanks in the same

dike.

� Walls to be earth, steel,

concrete or solid masonry.

� Must have method to

remove excess water.

Section 5704.2.11

Underground Storage Tanks

� Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) are constructed of carbon steel or fiberglass reinforced plastic.

� Tanks must be located:

• Away from loads caused by foundations,

• At least 3 feet from nearest wall of a basement, pit, cellar or property line, and

• At least 1 foot from other tanks.

Photograph courtesy of the Steel Tank Institute,

Lake Zurich IL

Section 5704.2.11


� Tanks must be

sufficiently covered with

earth or other coverings

to prevent damage.

� Fill pipes require a spill

container and an overfill

prevention device.

� Spill containers must

have a capacity of at

least 5 gallons and be

equipped with a drain

valve.

Section 5704.2.11.4


� An overfill prevention system must:

• Activate an audible and visual alarm when 90% of tank capacity is reached,

• Shut off flow when 95% of tank capacity is reached, or

• Reduce the flow to 15 gpm, the tank will not fill for 30 minutes and none of the fittings is exposed to product.

Section 5704.3

Container and Portable Tank Storage

� 5704.3 addresses portable tanks ≤ 660 gallons and containers ≤ 60 gallons in volume.

� Their design, construction and maximum volume requirements are established in NFPA 30.

Section 5704.3

Container and Portable Tank Storage

�5704.3.1 Design, construction and capacity

�5704.3.2 Liquid storage cabinets

�5704.3.3 Indoor storage

�5704.3.4 Quantity limits for indoor storage

�5704.3.5 Storage in control areas

�5704.3.6 Wholesale and retail sales

�5704.3.7 Liquid storage rooms

�5704.3.8 Liquid storage warehouses

Section 5704.3.1

Containers and Portable Tanks

� Section 5002.1.1 defines a container as a vessel of 60 gallons or less used for transporting or storing flammable or combustible liquids.

� The IFC, by reference to NFPA 30, requires containers storing Class I, II and IIIA liquids to be constructed in accordance with DOT requirements.

� NFPA 30 limits the volume of a container or portable tank based on container construction materials and the class of liquid contained.

� NFPA 30 regulates storage of plastic containers in other than Group M occupancies. Special regulations for storage in plastic containers in Group M occupancies are set forth in the IFC.

NFPA 30 – Table 9.4.3

Table 9.4.3 Maximum Allowable Size ─ Containers, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and Portable Tanks

Flammable Liquids Combustible Liquids

Container Type Class IA Class IB Class IC Class II Class IIIA

Glass 1 pint (0.5 L) 1 quart (1 L) 1.3 gal (5 L) 1.3 gal (5 L) 5.3 gal (20 L)

Metal (other than drums) or approved plastic

1.3 gal (5 L) 5.3 gal (20 L) 5.3 gal (20 L) 5.3 gal (20 L) 5.3 gal (20 L)

Safety cans 2.6 gal (10 L) 5.3 gal (20 L) 5.3 gal (20 L) 5.3 gal (20 L) 5.3 gal (20 L)

Metal drum (e.g., UN 1A1/1A2)

119 gal (450 L) 119 gal (450 L) 119 gal (450 L) 119 gal (450 L) 119 gal (450 L)

Approved metal portable tanks and IBCa

793 gal (3000 L) 793 gal (3000 L) 793 gal (3000 L) 793 gal (3000 L) 793 gal (3000 L)

Rigid plastic IBCs (UN 31H1 or 31H2) and composite IBCs with rigid inner receptacle (UN 31HZ1)

NP NP NP 793 gal (3000 L) 793 gal (3000 L)

Composite IBCs with flexible inner receptacle (UN 31HZ2) and DOT/UN approved flexible IBCs

NP NP NP NP NP

Non-bulk Bag-In-Box NP NP NP NP NP

Polyethylene UN 1H1 and UN 1H2, or as authorized by DOT exemption

1.3 gal (5 L) 5.3 gal (20 L) 5.3 gal (20 L) 119 gal (450 L) 119 gal (450 L)

Fiber drum

NMFC or UFC Type 2A; Type 2a, 3B-H, or 3B-L; or Type 4A

NP NP NP 119 gal (450 L) 119 gal (450 L)

NP: Not permitted for the container categories so classified unless a fire protection system is provided that is Developed in accordance with 16.3.6 and is approved for specific container and protection against static electricity is provided.

Fire Protection Issues for Containers

and Intermediate Bulk Containers

� Two issues that

require special

consideration with

respect to fire

protection are:• Storage of plastic

containers of Class I and II

liquids in Group S-1

occupancies

• Use of relieving-style

containers for storage

Plastic Containers

� For a fire code official to “approve” a

container, it must comply with NFPA 30,

Table 9.4.3 and Chapter 12.

�Section 12.8.4, Liquids in Plastic

Containers states:

Class I and II liquids in plastic containers shall not

be stored in general-purpose warehouses but shall

be stored in inside liquid storage areas that meet the

requirements of this chapter.

�This section has two exceptions.

Plastic Containers

� Exception No. 1: The following liquids, packaged

in plastic containers, are permitted to be stored in

general-purpose warehouses in accordance with

the protection and storage limitations specified in

Section 12.8 as follows:

(1) Products containing not more than 50 percent by

volume of water- miscible liquids, with the remainder

of the product consisting of components that do not

burn and where packaged in individual containers

(2) Products containing more than 50-percent water-

miscible liquids in individual containers not

exceeding 16 oz (0.5 L) capacity in cartons

Plastic Containers

� Exception No. 2: Class I

and II liquids in plastic

containers are

permitted to be stored

in a general-purpose

warehouse if the

packaging systems are

listed and labeled for

use with these

commodities. All other

provisions of Section

12.8 also apply.

Fire Protection of Plastic Containers

� In the case of liquid storage rooms and liquid storage warehouses, fire protection of plastic containers containing Class I and II liquids will generally need to be designed as an Alternative Means and Method to Note “b” in Table 5704.3.6.3(3):

In buildings protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the storage height for containers and portable tanks shall not exceed the maximum storage height permitted for the fire protection scheme set forth in NFPA 30 or the maximum storage height demonstrated in a full-scale fire test, whichever is greater. NFPA 30 criteria and fire test results for metallic containers and portable tanks shall not be applied to nonmetallic containers and portable tanks.

Relieving Style Containers

Have a liquid storage room?

Plastic caps (bungs) can

reduce the risk of rupturing a

drum in a fire event.

Relieving Style Containers

� Protection schemes in NFPA 30 for liquid storage call for “relieving style” containers.

� The listed plastic bungs are designed to melt during a fire and prevent explosive rupture of the vessel.

� Covering plastic bungs with a foil seal may prevent proper operation and is not permitted.


There’s more to sprinkler

design than just hanging

sprinklers from a pipe

This was styrene

monomer…heptane would

have leveled the building!

Even plastic bungs cannot

entirely ensure that rupture

will not occur.


Even plastic bungs cannot

entirely ensure that rupture

will not occur.

This was styrene

monomer…heptane would

have leveled the building!

Venting is the desired result

Section 5704.3.1 Portable Tanks

� The IFC does not define

PORTABLE TANK; however, it

is any packaging over 60

gallons that is designed to be

loaded into, onto or

temporarily attached to a

transport vehicle.

� NFPA 30 requires portable

tanks to be equipped with an

emergency vent.

� Portable tanks and

intermediate bulk containers

must also meet the

requirements in NFPA 30

Table 9.4.3.

Section 5704.3.1

Intermediate Bulk Containers

� Intermediate Bulk Containers,

often called “totes”, are portable

tanks with a volume up to 793

gallons (3000 L).

• They can be designed for a one-time

use or continuous duty

• Normally designed for gravity

dispensing

� A significant fire protection

concern is the use of plastic IBCs

for the storage liquids.

Section 5704.3.1

Intermediate Bulk Containers

� The National Fire Protection

Research Foundation fire

testing of Intermediate Bulk

Containers found:

• Sprinkler protection using only water

can protect plastic IBCs storing

Class II and IIIA water-miscible

liquids.

� NFPA 30 does not permit

storage of Class I liquids in

nonmetallic IBCs, due to

concerns about static causing

ignition during filling.

Section 5704.3.3 Container & Portable

Tank Storage Inside of Buildings

� Section 5704.3.3 applies to

containers with capacities less

than 60 gallons and portable

tanks less than 660 gallons.

• Storage of liquid in vehicle fuel

tanks and liquor in wooden barrels

or casks is exempt from these

provisions.

Section 5704.3.4 Maximum Allowable

Quantity & Control Areas

� A control area is an area in a building where limited quantities of flammable or combustible liquids are allowed to be stored or used without requiring reclassification to more hazardous occupancy.

� IBC Section 414.2 requires two or more control areas be separated from each other by 1-hour or greater fire barriers, with floor construction and members supporting the floor rated for 2 hours.

� The concept of the control area is to limit the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) of hazardous materials per control area rather than per building, and then limit the number of control areas within each building.

� Any combination of hazardous materials up to the MAQ is allowed in a control area.

TABLE 2703.1.1(1)

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa,j,m,n,p

MATERIAL CLASS

GROUP WHEN

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANITY IS EXCEEDED

STORAGEb USE-CLOSED SYSTEM

b USE-OPEN SYSTEM

b

Solid pounds

(cubic feet)

Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Gas cubic feet at NTP

Solid pounds

(cubic feet)

Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Gas cubic feet

at NTP

Solid pounds (cubic feet)

Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Combustible

liquidsc, i

II

IIIA

IIIB

H-2 or H-3

H-2 or H-3

Not Applicable

Not

Applicable

120d,e

330d,e

13,200e,f

Not

Applicable

Not

Applicable

120d

330d

13,200f

Not

Applicable

Not

Applicable

30d

80d

3,300d

Flammable liquidsc IA

IB and IC

H-2

or

H-3

Not

Applicable

30d,e

120d,e

Not

Applicable

Not

Applicable

30d

120d

Not

Applicable

Not

Applicable

10d

30d

Organic peroxide UD

I

II

III

IV

V

H-1

H-2

H-3

H-3

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

1e,g

5d,e

50d,e

125d,e

Not Limited

Not Limited

(1)e,g

(5)d,e

(50)d,e

(125)d,e

No Limit

No Limit

Not

Applicable

0.25e,g

1d,e

50d,e

125d,e

Not Limited

Not Limited

(0.25)e,g

(1)d,e

(50)d,e

(125)d,e

No Limit

No Limit

Not

Applicable

0.25g

1e

50e

125e

Not Limited

Not Limited

(0.25)g

(1)e

(50)e

(125)e

No Limit

No Limit

a. For use of control areas, see Section 2703.8.3.

b. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.

c. The quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail and wholesale sales occupancies shall not be limited providing the liquids are packaged in individual containers not

exceeding 1.3 gallons. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics containing not

more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable shall not be limited, provided that such materials

are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.

d. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with

Section 903.3.1.1.Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.

e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, day boxes, gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or listed

safety cans. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.

g. Allowed only in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

i. The maximum allowable quantity shall not apply to fuel storage complying with Section 603.3.2.

j. Quantities in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at the head of each column.

Section 5704.3.4 Maximum Allowable

Quantity

• The number of control areas in a building

is limited by IBC Table 414.2.2 and IFC

Table 5003.8.3.2.

99

Table 5003.1.1(1) – Fuel Oil Systems

� IFC Table 5003.1.1(1), Note “i” allows up to 3,000 gallons of fuel oil when the installation complies with Section 603.3.2.

� IMC Section 202 defines a fuel oil as a liquid with a flash point temperature > 100°F.

� Tanks inside buildings must meet IFC Section 5704.2.9.4. Piping must meet ASME B31.9, Building Services Piping, in accordance with Section 5703.6.2 and IMC Chapter 13, Fuel Oil Systems.

Table 5003.1.1(1) – Safety Cans

� Note “e” and Section 5003.9.10

require the use of listed safety cans

to increase the MAQ of Class I, II and

IIIA liquids.

� Safety cans must be listed as

meeting UL 30 or Factory Mutual

Global standards.

• UL listings are limited to metallic cans.

• FM listings cover nonmetallic and metallic

cans.


Justrite Manufacturing Inc.,

LLC, Des Plaines IL

Section 5704.3.2.1

Liquid Storage Cabinets

� Cabinets are required to be listed as meeting UL 1275 or can be constructed of metal or wood based on the prescriptive requirements in Section 5704.3.2.1.1.

� The IFC permits up to 120 gallons of liquid inside of each cabinet.

� Doors shall be self-closing and equipped with a 3-point latch.

� The bottom 2 inches of the cabinet shall be liquid tight.


Justrite Manufacturing Inc.,

LLC, Des Plaines IL

Flammable Liquid Cabinet After Fire

Section 5704.3.3.9

Idle Combustible Pallets

� Because of their heat release and burning rates, Section 5704.3.3.9 requires a minimum 8-foot separation between idle combustible pallets and liquid storage.

� In a sprinklered building, the height of storage is limited by the requirements in Section 12.1 of NFPA 13.

� In an unsprinklered building, pallets are limited to a maximum storage height of 6 feet and a maximum pile area of 2,500 ft.²

Section 5704.3.5.1

Storage in Basements

� Section 5704.3.5.1 permits

basement storage of Class I

liquids.

� The quantity limit is based on

the use-open system MAQ and

that the basement is protected

by a fire protection system in

accordance with IFC Chapter 9.

� For Class I liquids in each of 3

control areas in a basement

located one level below the

grade plane:

• Class IA MAQ: 15 gallons/CA

• Class IB & IC MAQ: 45 gallons/CA

Section 5704.3.6

Group M Occupancies

� Group M provisions were developed recognizing demonstrated fire protection designs and understanding that the density method of regulating liquid storage and display in retail occupancies was difficult to enforce.

� Table 5704.3.4.1 allows 7,500 gallons of Class IB, IC, II and IIIA liquids in one control area of Group M occupancies when the automatic sprinkler design is in accordance with Note b.

� Up to 15,000 gallons can be stored when the automatic sprinkler protection meets the criteria in Tables 5704.3.6.3(4) through (8).

Section 5704.3.6

Group M Occupancies

� To obtain the 7,500 gallon quantity limit:• Shelf storage is limited to 6 feet and cartoned, palletized,

or racked storage is limited to 4 feet, 6 inches, the height of a typical pallet load.

• The height of liquid storage is limited by Table 3404.3.6.3(1).

� To assist in the enforcement of these requirements, the code official may require a storage plan to be developed.

� Class I liquid containers in Group M occupancies must be constructed of metal• Except for not more than 120 gallons of nonmetallic

containers not exceeding 16 ounces capacity.

� Maximum container size is 5 gallons.

Section 5704.3.6

Group M Occupancies

Section 5704.3.6 Because Plastic

Containers Are Limited

� Some retailers have switched to steel

packaging to make use of the increased

MAQ amounts allowed in Group M

occupancies, due to the required use of steel

containers.

Sections 5704.3.7 and 5704.3.8

Liquid Storage Rooms & Warehouses

� When the MAQ is exceeded in

a control area, three options

are available: 1) reduce the

quantity below the MAQ

amount; 2) move the storage

outdoors; or 3) construct a

liquid storage room or

warehouse.

� To determine if an occupancy

is a LIQUID STORAGE ROOM

or LIQUID STORAGE

WAREHOUSE, the quantity is

compared to the values in

Table 5704.3.6.3(2) for solid-

pile and palletized storage or

Table5704.3.6.3(3) for rack

storage.

Section 5704.3.7 Liquid Storage Rooms

� A Group H-2 or H-3 occupancy is assigned when the amount of Class I, II or IIIA liquids exceeds the MAQ.

� Quantity limits are based on the amount stored in containers or portable tanks and the method of storage.

� For solid pile & palletized storage, see the “Maximum Quantity Per Room” column in Table 5704.3.6.3 (2).

� For rack storage see the “Maximum Quantity Per Room” column in Table 5704.3.6.3(3).

Section 5704.3.8

Liquid Storage Warehouse

� Required when quantities exceed those for liquid storage rooms.

� Liquid storage warehouses are classified as Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies, and must meet the same requirements of the IBC and IFC for liquid storage rooms.

• Warehouses must also have occupant-use hose lines to reach all portions of the storage areas.

� Pile arrangements and aisle spacing are limited, but quantities are not.

Sections 5704.3.7 and 5704.3.8

Liquid Storage Rooms

� Liquid storage rooms and warehouses are classified as Group H-3 or H-2 occupancies.

� Rooms or warehouses must meet the requirements of IBC Sections 307, 414 and 415.

� Automatic sprinkler protection must comply with IFC Chapter 57 and NFPA 30.

� Rooms require spill control, secondary containment and mechanical ventilation in accordance with CMC Section 505.

1/11/02 – University of California at Santa Cruz

A three-alarm fire Friday on the fourth floor of Sinsheimer

Laboratories injured no one but gutted two large research

labs, damaged other areas of the building, and closed

several other buildings in the Science Hill area of campusF

Laboratory Fires

Fire Protection of Flammable &

Combustible Liquids

� In comparison to other

stored commodities and

goods, designing

automatic sprinkler

systems for the protection

of flammable and

combustible liquids

represents a challenge.

� Fire protection for these

hazardous materials is an

“either/or” proposition.


Combustible Liquids

20 40 60 80 100

100

80

60

40

20

10

30

50

70

90

Viscosity at room temperature [in thousands of centipoise (cp)]

Weig

ht

(perc

ent flam

mable

or

com

bustible

liq

uid

com

ponent)

� Automatic sprinkler systems for liquid storage rooms and warehouses must also comply with NFPA 30 (see Sections 5704.3.7.5 and 5704.3.8.4).

� The following variables must be evaluated:

• Container, portable tank or IBC?

• Container material of construction

• Miscibility of the stored liquid

• Viscosity of the stored liquid

• Pressure-relieving construction

• Solid-pile, palletized or rack storage?

• Classification and chemical stability of the stored liquid


Combustible Liquids

� In many cases the only viable protection option is the use of rack storage.

� When rack storage is selected NFPA 30, Chapter 16 commonly specifies fire protection based on four various design schemes.

� Schemes “A” through “D” all require the construction of horizontal barriers and the installation of in-rack or in-rack and face sprinklers.

Containers and Portable Tanks Inside

of Buildings

1. A sprinklered Group F occupancy contains 90 gallons of Class IB liquids stored in two approved liquid cabinets (split 45 gallons in each cabinet). The 9,000-square-foot building is considered as one control area. What is the MAQ for this control area?

2. What is minimum air exchange rate required for a ventilation system in a Group H, Division 3, liquid storage room?

Containers and Portable Tanks Inside

of Buildings

3. What is the maximum amount of liquid permitted in a single control area of Group M occupancy which contains rack storage of Class IB, IC, II and IIIA liquids protected in accordance with Table 5704.3.6.3(4)?

4. How many gallons of Class IC flammable liquids can be stored in an unsprinkleredbasement located one level below the grade plane?

Section 5704.4 Outdoor Storage of

Containers and Portable Tanks

� 5704.4.1 Plans

� 5704.4.2 Location on

property

� 5704.4.3 Spill control and

containment

� 5704.4.4 Security

� 5704.4.5 Protection from

vehicles

� 5704.4.6 Clearance from

combustibles

� 5704.4.7 Weather protection

� 5704.4.8 Empty container

and tank storage

Section 5704.4

Outdoor Container & Portable Tank Storage

� Storage requirements and pile volume limits in Table 5704.4.2 are based on the classification of the liquid and if it is stored in containers or portable tanks.

� Quantity/pile limits are based on the most hazardous class of liquid present.

� Limited quantities are permitted adjacent to buildings.

Section 5705

Dispensing, Use, Mixing and Handling

Section 5705


� When flammable and combustible liquids are taken out of storage and put into use, the fire risk increases.

� Because product transfer, dispensing, mixing, blending and a variety of other processes may liberate flammable vapors into the atmosphere, where they can be ignited, additional safeguards and protection methods are often required.

Section 5705


� Section 5705 sets forth

minimum safety

requirements to prevent

or control fires and

explosions associated

with the use of

flammable and

combustible liquids.

Section 5705


• Permitted liquid transfer

methods

• Cleaning with flammable and

combustible liquids

• Solvent distillation units

• Use, dispensing, mixing rooms

• Explosion control

• Special ventilation for open

systems

Section 5705.2.4

Liquid Transfer

� Class I liquids and Class II and IIIA liquids heated above their flash point in containers exceeding 5.3 gallons must be transferred:

• From UL 30 listed safety cans,

• Through approved closed piping system,

• From containers or tanks by a pump taking suction from the top,

• By gravity through an approved self-or automatic closing valve when spill control and secondary containment are provided and only Class IB, IC, II or III liquids are used, or

• Using approved engineered systems. 127

Section 5705.3.5.2

Maximum Allowable Quantities

� Quantities per control area are limited to those in Table 5003.1.1(1) and occupancy limits of Section 5705.3.5.2.

� Quantities are limited in open or closed systems.

� The MAQ may be increased 100% in sprinklered buildings.

� When the MAQ is exceeded the use must occur in a Group H, Division 2 or 3, liquid use, dispensing and (UDM) mixing room. (See IBC Section 414.5 and IFC Section 5705.3.5.3.)

Section 5705.3.6 Cleaning Operations

� Cleaning with flammable and

combustible liquids is only

permitted in a:

• Code-compliant Group H-2 or H-3

UDM room, or

• Listed parts cleaning machine.

� Listed machines must use a solvent

that is approved for use in the

cleaning machine and not exceed

the quantity limits in Section

5705.3.6.2.1.

� Multiple machines require

separation in accordance with

Section 5705.3.6.2.5.

Photograph courtesy of Safety

Kleen Corporation, Plano TX

Section 5705.3.7

Closed System UDM Rooms

� Mechanical ventilation designed to exhaust not less than 1 cfm per square foot.Explosion control in accordance with the IBC is required for:

• Class IA liquids, and

• Otherwise where an explosive environment can occur as a result of the process.

� Spill control and secondary containment are required when:

• Individual container volume exceeds 55 gallons, or

• The aggregate capacity of containers is greater than 1,000 gallons.

Section 5705.3.7

Open System UDM Rooms

� Requirements for use-open systems are more restrictive because of the ease that vapor can be ignited:• Explosion control is required for

Class IA and IB liquids.

• Spill control is required when liquids are dispensed into containers greater than 1.1 gallon capacity, or liquids are used and mixed in open containers greater than 5.3 gallon capacity.

Section 5705.3.8 Dispensing, Use,

Mixing & Handling Outside Buildings

� Refer to Chapter 23 for motor-vehicle fuel dispensing.

� Spill control and drainage control are required.

� Location on property must satisfy the distances in Section 5705.3.8.2.

� Table 5705.3.8.2 specifies dispensing MAQ for outdoor areas. These MAQs are much lower than those in Chapter 50.

Section 5705.4

Solvent Distillation Units

� SDUs are an appliance that receives contaminated flammable or combustible liquids and distills the contents to remove contaminants and recover the solvents.

� Section 5705.4.1 limits SDUs to a maximum capacity of 60 gallons and requires they be listed in accordance with UL 2208.

Closed Cup Flash Point and Boiling

Point Temperatures for 4 Solvents

Ace

ton

e

He

xa

ne

Me

thyl E

thyl

Ke

ton

e

To

lue

ne

Tfp (°F)Tbp (°F)-50

0

50

100

150

200

250

Section 5705.4

Solvent Distillation Units

� SDUs that exceed 60 gallons

are treated by Section

5705.4.2 as process vessels.

� SDUs are prohibited in

basements and must be listed

for processing any liquids that

are also classified as unstable

(reactive), including

nitrocellulose.

� These appliances require

labeling and a manufacturer’s

instruction manual.

135

Section 5706 Special Operations

Section 5706 Special Operations

� 5706.2 Farms and construction sites

� 5706.3 Well drilling and operations

� 5706.4 Bulk plants or terminals

� 5706.5 Bulk transfer and process transfer operations

� 5706.6 Tank vehicles and vehicle operation

� 5706.7 Refineries

� 5706.8 Vapor recovery and vapor-processing systems

Special Controls for


Spill Control and Secondary

Containment

� From Chapter 50

• Spill control– Largest single container

• Secondary containment– Largest container + 20 minutes of sprinkler water discharge

(indoor)

– Unlike other hazardous materials, additional free board for rainwater accumulation is not required for outdoor tank dikes or outdoor tank car and tank vehicle loading and unloading areas

• For storage and closed use, thresholds are 55-gallon individual container and 1,000-gallon aggregate (aggregate for secondary containment only)

• For open use, thresholds are 1.3-gallon individual container and 5.3-gallon aggregate

Section 5004.2 Spill Control and

Secondary Containment

Secondary Containment

A 600-gallon tank of a flammable liquid is stored in a room

classified as a Group H, Division 3-Occupancy. The 1,000-square-foot room is protected by the building sprinkler system which has been hydraulically calculated to provide 0.45 gallon per minute over the most remote 4,000 square feet.

Using the IFC answer the following questions:

Hazardous (Classified) Locations


� Hazardous locations are those locations, areas or spaces where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to the presence of flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dusts or ignitable fibers or flyings.

� An area is classified as a hazardous location when a flammable gas or vapor may be present in explosive or ignitable quantities under normal or abnormal conditions.

� The presence or likelihood of flammable gases, liquids or vapors in process vessels or piping does not imply that classification outside of the vessel or piping is required.

� For classification to occur, there must be a means for leakage or release outside of the system.

Classified Electrical Locations

� The IFC’s classified electrical location requirements are set forth in Section 5703.1.

� Section 5703.1.1 requires classified electrical equipment in locations using or handling Class I liquids when specified in Table 5703.1.1.

� The fire code official can eliminate classified location electrical equipment when it is demonstrated that the atmosphere can be maintained at less than 25% LFL.

Classified Electrical Locations

� For specific applications, the NEC references NFPA 497, Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas, and NFPA 496, Standard for Purged and Pressurized Enclosures for Electrical Equipment

Electrical Equipment in Hazardous

(Classified) Locations

� The conventional method of classification is

contained in NEC Section 500-2. The requirements

for classifying electrical equipment are based on

the ignitability of a material and whether a

flammable atmosphere is or can be present.

� The three elements of the system are

• The class of material

• The group of material

• The likelihood of a flammable concentration being present

(Division)


� The class designation is assigned based on the type of material. Class I materials are flammable liquids, gases or vapors.

� For a hazardous (classified) location to be properly identified, the material group must be assigned.

� Flammable liquids applied as flammable finishes are classified as Group D materials.

Division 1 Locations

�Open process equipment and inadequate

ventilation are conditions that will require a

Division 1 area classification.• Locations where flammable liquids or liquefied gases are

transferred from one container to another

• Open vats or tanks

• Inadequately ventilated pump rooms

• Interior of a spray booth or spraying room

Class I, Division 1, Location Example

Class I, Group D,

Division 1Liquid Limit

Switch

1-Pentanol

Division 2 Locations

� Locations where flammables are contained in

closed piping systems for which leaks or releases

can occur only due to accidental breakdown,

rupture or abnormal operation of equipment.

� Locations adjacent to Division 1 locations where

transmission of gases or vapors can occur but is

prevented by positive pressure ventilation.

� Adequately ventilated areas where flammable

liquids are handled but the potential for leakage

exists.

Class I, Division 2, Location Example

The pump room is most

likely a Class I, Group

D, Division 2 location.

Flammable

Liquid Pump

Adequate Mechanical Ventilation


� The NEC® requires all listed equipment to contain markings indicating that it can be installed in a given hazardous (classified) location based on its:

• Class

• Division

• Group

• Equipment Temperature

• Ambient Temperature Range

Photo courtesy of Cooper Industries, Crouse

Hinds Electrical Division

Changing Classified Locations

� Reduce or eliminate leak sources and open process equipment.

� Change facility from indoors to outdoors.

� Do not erect small buildings around compressors or other equipment that process flammables.

� Reduce process temperatures to below the flash points for the liquids.

� Inside of a building, provide adequate mechanical ventilation with safeguards to ensure operation.

� Construct vapor barriers or unpierced walls to limit the area of classified locations for vapors and gases.

� Change to a pneumatic or hydraulic source of power.

Section 5003.7.3

Powered Industrial Trucks

�Electrical classification also impacts

requirements for powered industrial

trucks.

Section 5003.7.3


�Powered industrial trucks shall be listed

and labeled for their environment.

LPS

Section 5003.7.3


� Powered industrial trucks are regulated by

NFPA 505.

� Types that may be approved for classified

locations are:

• -X

• -Y

• -E

• -S

� For example:

• LPS

• ES

• EX

LPS

157

Section 5004.3 Exhaust Ventilation

� For liquid storage rooms, liquid storage warehouses, use dispensing and mixing rooms and other hazardous uses, special ventilation is required that:• Exhausts 1 cfm per square foot of floor space

• Operates continuously, except for emergency shutoff, unless otherwise approved

• Has makeup air provided

• Has intakes not more than 12 inches above the floor for heavier-than-air vapors

• Provides for air movement across the entire floor

• Is provided with “legally required standby power” (Section 5004.7)

2009 IF

C F

lam

mable

and

Com

bustible

Liq

uid

s

159

Special

exhaust

ventilation

160

A little planning can

help prevent running

air around in a circleF

Yes, that’s a tank

car outside !!!

161

Makeup air for exhaust ventilationis essential for proper operation.

Summary

� This provides a basic familiarity with the requirements for flammable and combustible liquids in the CFC, including:

• Hazards and classification of flammable and combustible liquids

• Above-ground stationary tanks

• Underground tanks

• Containers and portable tanks

• Use, dispensing, mixing and handling

• Special requirements– Spill control and secondary containment

– Classified electrical locations

– Ventilation and Mitigation

FlammablePresentation_2016

Documents

flammable liquids

combustible liquids

flash point systemsection

combustible liquid storage

adopted flash point

theflash point

flash point system section

flash points