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ABOUT CODE CORNER
CCFS would like to remind you to check
with your local “Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ)” for questions and
opinions concerning your local Fire and
Building Codes. The information
contained in this article is supplied as a
courtesy by the International Code
Council (ICC) and is based on the
International Fire and Building Codes and
their respective commentaries. Your
local codes or ordinances may vary.
This month’s Code Corner will focus on flammable and combustible liquids - an issue faced by virtually every col-
lege and university. While flammable and combustible liquids certainly present added dangers by their mere
presence, quality training, following simple operational practices and exercising appropriate storage precaution
will go far toward preventing incidents.
Chapter 34 Flammable and dangerous flammable or combustible liquids account for
the most fires. There are five factors that account for
Combustible Liquids the involvement of flammable liquids in these fires: (1)
personnel inadequately trained in safe operating proce-
General Comments dures; (2) hazardous operations not isolated from other
operations; (3) equipment and flammable or combusti-
Flammable and combustible liquids are essential in
ble liquids improperly used; (4) poor property mainte-
our modern lifestyles. These liquids are used for fuel,
nance and supervision and (5) inadequate control sys-
lubricants, cleaners, solvents, medicine and even
tems.
drinking. The danger associated with flammable and
combustible liquids is that the vapors from these liq-
uids, when combined with air in their flammable These five factors suggest that a holistic approach to
range, will burn or explode at temperatures near our flammable and combustible liquid fire safety is re-
normal living and working environment. quired. By beginning with people, a safety system has a
better chance of working successfully and consistently.
Trained personnel recognize the importance of safe
The use of these liquids is accepted in all occupancies
practices to their personal safety, and are more likely
if the liquids are in appropriate containers and the
to demand that necessary safeguards be installed in
quantity is very limited. When the quantities exceed
their homes and workplaces. Because all of us tend to
these limited amounts or the use of the flammable or
become complacent as time passes, inspectors, owners,
combustible liquids increases the potential danger,
operators, managers and employees must work together
the code requires that measures be taken to control
to maintain vigilance over the system’s continued op-
the potential danger. These measures are to prevent
eration.
the possibility of flammable and combustible liquids
igniting.
3404.3 Container and portable tank storage. Storage
Although the dangers of flammable liquids are well
of flammable and combustible liquids in closed contain-
known, accidents involving flammable liquids remain
ers that do not exceed 60 gallons (227 L) in individual
one of the most common fire scenarios in the United
capacity and portable tanks that do not exceed 660 gal-
States. Statistically, the more common flammable or
lons (2498 L) in individual capacity, and limited trans-
combustible liquids (gasoline) rather than the most
fers incidental thereto, shall comply with this section.
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Storage containers not exceeding 60 gallons (227 L) 3404.3.2.1 Design and construction of storage cabi-
and portable tanks not exceeding 660 gallons (2798 L) nets.
are regulated by this section. The use of these con- Design and construction of liquid storage cabinets shall
tainers and portable tanks is limited to incidental be in accordance with this section.
transfers of flammable or combustible liquids.
Liquid storage cabinets are designed to protect con-
tainers and portable storage tanks and their contents
3404.3.1 Design, construction and capacity of con- from damage and ignition sources. Liquid storage cabi-
tainers and portable tanks. The design, construction nets can be constructed of metal or wood. Cabinets
and capacity of containers for the storage of Class I, II listed under UL 1275 and cabinets constructed accord-
and IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with this section ing to this section are approved.
and Section 6.2 of NFPA 30.
Design, construction and capacity of containers and 3404.3.2.1.1 Materials. Cabinets shall be listed in ac-
portable tanks are addressed in Section 6.2 of NFPA cordance with UL 1275, or constructed of approved
30. wood or metal in accordance with the following:
1. Unlisted metal cabinets shall be constructed of steel
3404.3.1.1 Approved containers. Only approved con- having a thickness of not less than 0.044 inch (1.12
tainers and portable tanks shall be used. mm) (18gage). The cabinet, including the door, shall
be double walled with 11/2-inch (38 mm) airspace be-
It is difficult at best to determine by examination
tween the walls. Joints shall be riveted or welded and
that a container or portable tank complies with Sec-
shall be tight fitting.
tion 6.2 of NFPA 30. One practical approval method is
to require listed containers or portable tanks. 2. Unlisted wooden cabinets, including doors, shall be
constructed of not less than 1-inch (25 mm) exterior
grade plywood. Joints shall be rabbeted and shall be
3404.3.2 Liquid storage cabinets. Where other sec-
fastened in two directions with wood screws. Door
tions of this code require that liquid containers be
hinges shall be of steel or brass. Cabinets shall be
stored in storage cabinets, such cabinets and storage
painted with an intumescent- type paint.
shall be in accordance with Sections 3404.3.2.1
through 3404.3.2.2. Unlisted liquid storage cabinets and cabinet doors
made of steel are to be double-wall cabinets with
Containers and portable storage tanks are to be
tight fitting joints. Minimum steel thickness is 18 gage
stored in liquid storage cabinets.
[0.044 inch (1.12 mm)]. Unlisted liquid storage cabi-
nets and cabinet doors made of wood are to use rabbet
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joints fastened with wood screws in two directions to portable tanks shall be in accordance with this section.
develop a tight joint. The minimum wood is to be 1-
Exceptions:
inch (25 mm) exterior grade plywood. The cabinet is to
be painted with an intumescent- type paint. The ply- 1. Liquids in the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, aircraft,
wood grade will increase the cabinet’s durability and boats or portable or stationary engines.
the intumescent-type paint will reduce the ignition 2. The storage of distilled spirits and wines in wooden
properties of the plywood. barrels or casks.
Indoor storage in containers or portable tanks is
3404.3.2.1.2 Labeling. Cabinets shall be provided governed by this section with two exceptions. The re-
with a conspicuous label in red letters on contrasting quirements of this section are not applicable to fuel in
background which reads: FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE vehicles and portable engines. The small quantity of
AWAY. fuel and the protection provided by the fuel contain-
Label the liquid storage cabinet to restrict ignition ers provide sufficient safety for these uses to be in-
sources from the immediate area. doors. Distilled spirits and wines in wooden barrels or
casks are allowed indoors. This exception is covered in
Section 3401.1.
3404.3.2.1.3 Doors. Doors shall be well fitted, self-
closing and equipped with a three-point latch.
3404.3.3.1 Portable fire extinguishers. Approved
portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accor-
The door is to be self-closing and tight fitting. This dance with specific sections of this chapter and Section
prevents flammable or combustible liquid that has 906.
leaked or spilled in the storage cabinet from easily
Portable fire extinguishers are useful for control-
escaping the storage cabinet.
ling small fires. Section 906 contains the size and spac-
ing for portable fire extinguishers to be used on a fire
involving flammable or combustible liquids that have a
3404.3.2.1.4 Bottom. The bottom of the cabinet shall
liquid depth of 0.25 inch (6.4 mm) or less.
be liquid tight to a height of at least 2 inches (51 mm).
3404.3.3.2 Incompatible materials. Materials that will
To control the flow of any spills, the cabinet is to react with water or other liquids to produce a hazard
be liquid tight for at least 2 inches (51 mm) from the shall not be stored in the same room with flammable
bottom. This prevents flammable or combustible liq- and combustible liquids in accordance with Section
uid that has leaked or spilled in the storage cabinet 2703.9.8.
from easily escaping the storage cabinet.
Materials that generate heat or become combusti-
ble when exposed to water or other liquids are not to
3404.3.2.2 Capacity. The combined total quantity of be in the same room as flammable or combustible liq-
liquids in a cabinet shall not exceed 120 gallons (454 uids. This is to remove a potential ignition source.
L).
The quantity of flammable and combustible liquids in 3404.3.3.3 Clear means of egress. Storage of any liq-
a cabinet is not to exceed 120 gallons (454 L). Control- uids, including stock for sale, shall not be stored near
ling the quantity of flammable and combustible liquids or be allowed to obstruct physically the route of
in a liquid storage cabinet controls the fire hazard by egress.
limiting the amount of liquid that can be involved in a
The means of egress must be usable to be effective.
single incident.
The placement of flammable or combustible liquids
near or in the route used to exit the room or building
3404.3.3 Indoor storage. Storage of flammable and produces a risk that is not acceptable.
combustible liquids inside buildings in containers and
Page 21 CAMPUS FIREZONE
3404.3.3.4 Empty containers or portable tank stor- have a lip or guard because typically this kind of shelv-
age. The storage of empty tanks and containers previ- ing would hold only small containers. Large containers
ously used for the storage of flammable or combustible or tanks would be floor mounted in nearly all labora-
liquids, unless free from explosive vapors, shall be tory settings. These kinds of shelves may also have
stored as required for filled containers and portable other features to prevent containers or portable tanks
tanks. Portable tanks and containers, when emptied, from sliding or being knocked off the shelf.
shall have the covers or plugs immediately replaced in
openings.
3404.3.3.5.3 Orderly storage. Shelf storage of flam-
An empty container or portable tank is as danger- mable and combustible liquids shall be maintained in
ous and possibly more dangerous than a full container an orderly manner.
or portable storage tank. There is a possibility that
The handling of containers and portable tanks in-
the vapor- air mixture in the container or portable
creases the possibility that an accident can occur.
storage tank could reach the LFL. This potential dan-
Containers and portable tanks arranged on shelves in
ger requires that empty containers and portable tanks
an orderly manner make moving one container or port-
be handled and stored as if full of flammable or com-
able tank to get to another unnecessary.
bustible liquid.
3404.3.3.5 Shelf storage. Shelving shall be of ap-
3404.3.4 Quantity limits for storage. Liquid storage
proved construction, adequately braced and anchored.
quantity limitations shall comply with Sections
Seismic requirements shall be in accordance with the
3404.3.4.1 through 3404.3.4.4.
International Building Code.
The quantity of flammable and combustible liquids
Shelving for containers and portable tanks is to be
in an area is limited to reduce the potential fire haz-
adequate to support the container and portable tank
ard.
under normal loads and seismic loads. Failure of shelv-
ing could cause damage to containers and portable Table 2703.1.1(1) lists the quantity permitted per
tanks or leakage. control area. Limiting the quantity per control area
reduces the flammable and combustible liquid hazard
to a level that the fire protection and egress require-
3404.3.3.5.1 Use of wood. Wood of at least 1 inch (25
ments are designed to accept. These limits result in a
mm) nominal thickness is allowed to be used as shelv-
building that can function with a reasonable degree of
ing, racks, dunnage, scuffboards, floor overlay and
safety.
similar installations.
The minimum thickness of wood is to be 1 inch (25
3404.3.4.2 Occupancy quantity limits. The following
mm).
limits for quantities of stored flammable or combusti-
ble liquids shall not be exceeded:
3404.3.3.5.2 Displacement protection. Shelves shall
1. Group A occupancies: Quantities in Group A occu-
be of sufficient depth and provided with a lip or guard
pancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstra-
to prevent individual containers from being displaced.
tion, treatment, laboratory work, maintenance pur-
Exception: Shelves in storage cabinets or on laboratory poses and operation of equipment, and shall not ex-
furniture specifically designed for such use. ceed quantities set forth in Table 2703.1.1(1).
Shelving must be designed and constructed to pre- 2. Group B occupancies: Quantities in drinking, dining,
vent containers or portable tanks from sliding off the office and school uses within Group B occupancies shall
shelving. A container or portable tank that falls from a
not exceed that necessary for demonstration, treat-
shelf is subject to damage or leakage. The exception
ment, laboratory work, maintenance purposes and op-
covers shelving in storage cabinets, which may have
eration of equipment, and shall not exceed quantities
locked doors or doors fitting snugly against the front
set forth in Table 2703.1.1(1).
of shelves to prevent containers from falling. Shelving
that is part of laboratory furniture is not required to 3. Group E occupancies: Quantities in Group E occu-
Page 22 CAMPUS FIREZONE
pancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstra- uses within Group S occupancies shall not exceed that
tion, treatment, laboratory work, maintenance pur- necessary for demonstration, laboratory work, mainte-
poses and operation of equipment, and shall not ex- nance purposes and operation of equipment, and shall
ceed quantities set forth in Table 2703.1.1(1). not exceed quantities set forth in Table 2703.1.1(1).
4. Group F occupancies: Quantities in dining, office, Flammable and combustible liquids may be used in
and school uses within Group F occupancies shall not occupancies other than Group H. These other occupan-
exceed that necessary for demonstration, laboratory cies are not designed specifically for flammable and
work, maintenance purposes and operation of equip- combustible liquids, so there are limitations on the
ment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Ta- quantities that can be in use or stored in these occu-
ble 2703.1.1(1). pancies. The use of flammable and combustible liquids
must be consistent with the function of the occupancy.
5. Group I occupancies: Quantities in Group I occupan-
This prevents these other occupancies from becoming
cies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstration,
a Group H occupancy. The quantities of flammable and
laboratory work, maintenance purposes and operation
combustible liquid are listed in Table 2703.1.1(1). The
of equipment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth
occupancies covered by these limitations are Groups A,
in Table 2703.1.1(1).
B, E, F, I, M, R and S.
6. Group M occupancies: Quantities in dining, office,
and school uses within Group M occupancies shall not
3404.3.4.3 Quantities exceeding limits for control
exceed that necessary for demonstration, laboratory
areas.
work, maintenance purposes and operation of equip-
Quantities exceeding those allowed in control areas set
ment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Ta-
forth in Section 3404.3.4.1 shall be in liquid storage
ble 2703.1.1(1). The maximum allowable quantities for
rooms or liquid storage warehouses in accordance with
storage in wholesale and retail sales areas shall be in
Sections 3404.3.7 and 3404.3.8.
accordance with Section 3404.3.4.1.
It is possible to have a quantity of flammable and
7. Group R occupancies: Quantities in Group R occu-
combustible liquids greater than allowed in Section
pancies shall not exceed that necessary for mainte-
3404.3.4.1. To control the potential hazard, these
nance purposes and operation of equipment, and shall
quantities must be given additional protection by be-
not exceed quantities set forth in Table 2703.1.1(1).
ing in specifically designed liquid storage rooms.
8. Group S occupancies: Quantities in dining and office
The viewpoints Philip Chandler is a long time firefighter
THE INSPECTOR (continued)
expressed in The and a fulltime government fire marshal
Let me leave you with three thoughts: Inspector are working extensively in the college envi-
(1.) Codes are anything but dull; the de- those of the ronment – from large public university
bates leading to their adoption are lively author alone. centers to small private colleges.
They are offered
and strengthen the finished product. (2.)
to initiate His primary responsibilities include code
The more we participate in the process,
thought and enforcement and education.
the more we in the college arena will be debate, however,
rewarded with workable and effective they do not nec- Phil welcomes your comments, thoughts
regulations. (3.) When it comes to pre- essarily repre- and opinions (whether in agreement or
venting the fire next time, nothing can sent the views or opposition) to his viewpoints.
replace savvy fire code officials making opinions of the
Center for Cam- He may be reached at:
their rounds.
pus Fire Safety,
theinspector
its officers, di-
rectors or its @campusfiresafety.org
editorial staff.
