SECTION 415  GROUPS H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5

[F] 415.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to the storage and use of hazardous materials in excess of the maximum allowable quantities per control area listed in Section 307.1. Buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group H shall also comply with the applicable provisions of Section 414 and the International Fire Code.  

[F] 415.2 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in the code, have the meanings shown herein.  

[F] CONTINUOUS GAS-DETECTION SYSTEM. A gas detection system where the analytical instrument is maintained in continuous operation and sampling is performed without interruption. Analysis is allowed to be performed on a cyclical basis at intervals not to exceed 30 minutes.  

[F] EMERGENCY CONTROL STATION. An approved location on the premises where signals from emergency equipment are received and which is staffed by trained personnel.  

[F] EXHAUSTED ENCLOSURE. An appliance or piece of equipment that consists of a top, a back and two sides providing a means of local exhaust for capturing gases, fumes, vapors and mists. Such enclosures include laboratory hoods, exhaust fume hoods and similar appliances and equipment used to locally retain and exhaust the gases, fumes, vapors and mists that could be released. Rooms or areas provided with general ventilation, in themselves, are not exhausted enclosures.  

[F] FABRICATION AREA. An area within a semiconductor fabrication facility and related research and development areas in which there are processes using hazardous production materials. Such areas are allowed to include ancillary rooms or areas such as dressing rooms and offices that are directly related to the fabrication area processes.  

[F] FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR FUMES. The concentration of flammable constituents in air that exceed 25 percent of their lower flammable limit (LFL).

[F] GAS CABINET. A fully enclosed, noncombustible enclo­sure used to provide an isolated environment for compressed gas cylinders in storage or use. Doors and access ports for exchanging cylinders and accessing pressure-regulating controls are allowed to be included.  

[F] GAS ROOM. A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room in which only compressed gases and associated equipment and supplies are stored or used.

[F] HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION MATERIAL (HPM). A solid, liquid or gas associated with semiconductor manufacturing that has a degree-of-hazard rating in health, flammability or reactivity of Class 3 or 4 as ranked by NFPA 704 and which is used directly in research, laboratory or production processes that have as their end product materials that are not hazardous.  

[F] HPM FLAMMABLE LIQUID. An HPM liquid that is defined as either a Class I flammable liquid or a Class II or Class IlI A combustible liquid.  

[F] HPM ROOM. A room used in conjunction with or serving a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy.  

[F] IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND HEALTH (IDLH). The concentration of air-borne contami­nants which poses a threat of death, immediate or delayed per­manent adverse health effects, or effects that could prevent escape from such an environment. This contaminant concen­tration level is established by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) based on both toxicity and flammability. It generally is expressed in parts per million by volume (ppm v/v) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/rn³). If adequate data do not exist for precise establishment of IDLH concentrations, an independent certified industrial hygienist, industrial toxicologist, appropriate regulatory agency or other source approved by the code official shall make such determination.

[F] LIQUID. A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa). When not otherwise identified, the term "liquid" includes both flammable and combustible liquids.

[F] LIQUID STORAGE ROOM. A room classified as a Group H-3 occupancy used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids in a closed condition.

[F] LIQUID USE, DISPENSING AND MIXING ROOMS. Rooms in which Class I, II and IlIA flammable or combustible liquids are used, dispensed or mixed in open containers.

[F] LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL). The minimum concentration of vapor in air at which propagation of flame will occur in the presence of an ignition source. The LFL is sometimes referred to as "LEL" or "lower explosive limit.  

NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE (NTP). A temperature of 70°F (21°C) and a pressure of 1 atmosphere [14.7 psia (101 kPa)].

[F] PHYSIOLOGICAL WARNING THRESHOLD LEVEL. A concentration of airborne contaminants, normally expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter, that represents the concentration at which persons can sense the presence of the contaminant due to odor, irritation or other quick-acting physiological response. When used in conjunction with the permissible exposure limit (PEL) the physiological warning threshold levels are those consistent with the classification system used to establish the PEL. See the definition of "Permissible exposure limit (pEL)" in the International Fire Code.  

[F] SERVICE CORRIDOR. A fully enclosed passage used for transporting HPM and purposes other than required means of egress.

[F] SOLID. A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).

[F] STORAGE, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

1.  The keeping, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders or similar vessels, or

2.  Vessels supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.

[F] USE (MATERIAL). Placing a material into action, including solids, liquids and gases.

[F] WORKSTATION. A defined space or an independent prin­cipal piece of equipment using HPM within a fabrication area where a specific function, laboratory procedure or research activity occurs. Approved or listed hazardous materials storage cabinets, flammable liquid storage cabinets or gas cabinets serving a workstation are included as part of the workstation. A workstation is allowed to contain ventilation equipment, fire protection devices, detection devices, electrical devices and other processing and scientific equipment.

[F] 415.3 Fire separation distance. Group H occupancies shall be located on property in accordance with the other provisions of this chapter. In Groups H-2 and H-3, not less than 25 percent of the perimeter wall of the occupancy shall be an exterior wall.

Exceptions:

1. Liquid use, dispensing and mixing rooms having a floor area of not more than 500 square feet (46.5 m²) need not be located on the outer perimeter of the building where they are in accordance with the International Fire Code and NFP A 30.  

2. Liquid storage rooms having a floor area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m²) need not be located on the outer perimeter where they are in accordance with the International Fire Code and NFP A 30.

3.  Spray paint booths that comply with the International Fire Code need not be located on the outer perimeter.

[F] 415.3.1 Group H occupancy minimum fire separation distance. Regardless of any other provisions, buildings containing Group H occupancies shall be set back to the minimum fire separation distance as set forth in Items 1 through 4 below. Distances shall be measured from the walls enclosing the occupancy to lot lines, including those on a public way. Distances to assumed lot lines established for the purpose of determining exterior wall and opening protection are not to be used to establish the minimum fire separation distance for buildings on sites where explosives are manufactured or used when separation is provided in accordance with the quantity distance tables specified for explosive materials in the International Fire Code.

1.   Group H-1. Not less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) and not less than required by the International Fire Code.

Exceptions: 1. Fireworks manufacturing buildings sepa­rated in accordance with NFP A 1124.  

2.  Buildings containing the following materi­als when separated in accordance with Table 415.3.1:        

2.1. Organic peroxides, unclassified detonable.

2.2. Unstable reactive materials, Class 4.

2.3. Unstable reactive materials, Class 3 detonable.  

2.4. Detonable pyrophoric materials. 2. Group H-2. Not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) where the area of the occupancy exceeds 1,000 square feet (93 m²) and it is not required to be located in a detached building.

3. Groups H-2 and H-3. Not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) where a detached building is required (see Table 415.3.2). 4. Groups H-2 and H-3. Occupancies containing materi­als with explosive characteristics shall be separated as required by the International Fire Code. Where sepa­rations are not specified, the distances required shall not be less than the distances required by Table 415.3.1.  

[F] 415.3.2 Group H-l and H-2 or H-3 detached buildings. Where a detached building is required by Table 415.3.2, there are no requirements for wall and opening protection based on fire separation distance.

[F] 415.4 Special provisions for Group H-l occupancies. Group H -1 occupancies shall be in buildings used for no other purpose, shall not exceed one story in height and be without a basement, crawl spaces or other under-floor spaces. Roofs shall be of lightweight construction with suitable thermal insulation to prevent sensitive material from reaching its decomposition temperature. Group H -1 occupancies containing materials which are in themselves both physical and health hazards in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Table 307.1(2) shall comply with requirements for both Group H -1 and H -4 occupancies.  

[F] 415.4.1 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage areas for organic peroxides, pyrophoric materials and unsta­ble (reactive) materials shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.

[F] 415.5 Special provisions for Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing quanti­ties of hazardous materials in excess of those set forth in Table 415.3.2 shall be in buildings used for no other purpose, shall not exceed one story in height and shall be without basements, crawl spaces or other under-floor spaces. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing water-reactive materials shall be resistant to water penetration. Piping for conveying liquids shall not be over or through areas containing water reactives, unless isolated by approved liquid-tight construction.

Exception: Fire protection piping.

[F] 415.5.1 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage areas for organic peroxides, oxidizers, pyrophoric materials, unstable (reactive) materials and water-reactive solids and liquids shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.

a. For materials that are detonable, the distance to other buildings or lot lines shall be as specified in Table 415.3.1 based on trinitrotoluene (1NT) equivalence of the material. For materials classified as explosives, see Chapter 33 the International Fire Code. For all other materials, the distance shall be as indicated in Section 415.3.1.

b. Maximum Allowable Quantity" means the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 307.7(1).

c. Limited to Division 1.4 materials and articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as an explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) regulations or unpackaged articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles, providing the net explosive weight of individual articles does not exceed 1 pound.

  [F] 415.5.2 Waterproof room. Rooms or areas used for the storage of water-reactive solids and liquids shall be constructed in a manner that resists the penetration of water through the use of waterproof materials. Piping carrying water for other than approved automatic fire sprinkler systems shall not be within such rooms or areas.    

[F] 415.6 Group H-2. Occupancies in Group H-2 shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 415.6.1 through 415.6.4 and the International Fire Code.  

[F] 415.6.1 Combustible dusts, grain processing and storage. The provisions of Sections 415.6.1.1 through 415.6.1.6 shall apply to buildings in which materials that produce combustible dusts are stored or handled. Buildings that store or handle combustible dusts shall comply with the applicable provisions of NFPA 61, NFPA 120, NFPA 651, NFPA 654, NFPA 655, NFPA 664 and NFPA 85, and the International Fire Code.  

[F] 415.6.1.1 Type of construction and height exceptions. Buildings shall be constructed in compliance with the height and area limitations of Table 503 for Group H - 2; except that where erected of Type I or II construc­tion, the heights and areas of grain elevators and similar structures shall be unlimited, and where of Type IV construction, the maximum height shall be 65 feet (19 812 mm) and except further that, in isolated areas, the maximum height of Type IV structures shall be increased to 85 feet (25 908 mm).

[F] 415.6.1.2 Grinding rooms. Every room or space occupied for grinding or other operations that produce combustible dusts shall be enclosed with fire barriers that have not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating where the area is not more than 3,000 square feet (279 m²), and not less than a 4-hour fire-resistance rating where the area is greater than 3,000 square feet (279 m²).

[F] 415.6.1.3 Conveyors. Conveyors, chutes, piping and similar equipment passing through the enclosures of rooms or spaces shall be constructed dirt tight and vapor tight, and be of approved noncombustible materials complying with Chapter 30.

[F] 415.6.1.4 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided as specified in the International Fire Code, or spaces shall be equipped with the equivalent mechanical ventilation complying with the International Mechanical Code.  

[F] 415.6.1.5 Grain elevators. Grain elevators, malt houses and buildings for similar occupancies shall not be located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of interior lot lines or structures on the same lot, except where erected along a railroad right-of-way.  

[F] 415.6.1.6 Coal pockets. Coal pockets located less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from interior lot lines or from structures on the same lot shall be constructed of not less than Type IE construction. Where more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from interior lot lines, or where erected along a railroad right-of-way, the minimum type of construction of such structures not more than 65 feet (19 812 mm) in height shall be Type IV.

[F] 415.6.2 Flammable and combustible liquids. The storage, handling, processing and transporting of flamma­ble and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with the International Mechanical Code and the International Fire Code.

[F] 415.6.2.1 Mixed occupancies. Where the storage tank area is located in a building of two or more occupancies, and the quantity of liquid exceeds the maximum allowable quantity for one control area, the use shall be completely separated from adjacent fire areas in accor­dance with the requirements of Section 508.3.3.

[F] 415.6.2.1.1 Height exception. Where storage tanks are located within only a single-story building, the height limitation of Section 503 shall not apply for Group H. [F] 415.6.2.2 Tank protection. Storage tanks shall be noncombustible and protected from physical damage. A fire barrier wall or horizontal assemblies or both around the storage tank (s) shall be permitted as the method of protection from physical damage.

[F] 415.6.2.3 Tanks. Storage tanks shall be approved tanks conforming to the requirements of the International Fire Code.  

[F] 415.6.2.4 Suppression. Group H shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, installed in accordance with Section 903.  

[F] 415.6.2.5 Leakage containment. A liquid-tight containment area compatible with the stored liquid shall be provided. The method of spill control, drainage control and secondary containment shall be in accordance with the International Fire Code.

[F] 415.6.2.6 Leakage alarm. An approved automatic alarm shall be provided to indicate a leak in a storage tank and room. The alarm shall sound an audible signal, 15 dBa above the ambient sound level, at every point of entry into the room in which the leaking storage tank is located. An approved sign shall be posted on every entry door to the tank storage room indicating the potential hazard of the interior room environment, or the sign shall state:

WARNING, WHEN ALARM SOUNDS, THE ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE ROOM MAY BE HAZARDOUS. The leakage alarm shall also be supervised in accordance with Chapter 9 to transmit a trouble signal.

[F] 415.6.2.7 Tank vent. Storage tank vents for Class I, II or IlIA liquids shall terminate to the outdoor air in accordance with the International Fire Code.  

[F] 415.6.2.8 Room ventilation. Storage tank areas storing Class I, II or IlIA liquids shall be provided with mechanical ventilation. The mechanical ventilation system shall be in accordance with the International Mechanical Code and the International Fire Code.

[F] 415.6.2.9 Explosion venting. Where Class I liquids are being stored, explosion venting shall be provided in accordance with the International Fire Code.  

[F] 415.6.2.10 Tank openings other than vents. Tank openings other than vents from tanks inside buildings shall be designed to ensure that liquids or vapor concentrations are not released inside the building.

[F] 415.6.3 Liquefied petroleum gas-distribution facilities. The design and construction of propane, butane, propylene, butylene and other liquefied petroleum gas-distribution facilities shall conform to the applicable provisions of Sections 415.6.3.1 through 415.6.3.5.2. The storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas systems shall conform to the International Fire Code. The design and installation of piping, equipment and systems that utilize liquefied petroleum gas shall be in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code. Liquefied petroleum gas-dis­tribution facilities shall be ventilated in accordance with the International Mechanical Code and Section 415.6.3.1.

[F] 415.6.3.1 Air movement. Liquefied petroleum gas distribution facilities shall be provided with air inlets and outlets arranged so that air movement across the floor of the facility will be uniform. The total area of both inlet and outlet openings shall be at least 1 square inch (645 mm²) for each 1 square foot (0.093 m²) of floor area. The bottom of such openings shall not be more than 6 inches (152 mm) above the floor.

[F] 415.6.3.2 Construction. Liquefied petroleum gas-distribution facilities shall be constructed in accordance with Section 415 .6.3.3 for separate buildings, Section 415.6.3.4 for attached buildings or Section 415.6.3.5 for rooms within buildings.

[F] 415.6.3.3 Separate buildings. Where located in sep­arate buildings, liquefied petroleum gas-distribution facilities shall be occupied exclusively for that purpose or for other purposes having similar hazards. Such buildings shall be limited to one story in height and shall con­form to Sections 415.6.3.3.1 through 415.6.3.3.3.

[F] 415.6.3.3.1 Floors. The floor shall not be located below ground level and any spaces beneath the floor shall be solidly filled or shall be unenclosed.

[F] 415.6.3.3.2 Materials. Walls, floors, ceilings, columns and roofs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.

[F] 415.6.3.3.3 Explosion venting. Explosion vent­ing shall be provided in accordance with the Interna­tional Fire Code.

[F] 415.6.3.4 Attached buildings. Where liquefied petroleum gas-distribution facilities are located in an attached structure, the attached perimeter shall not exceed 50 percent of the perimeter of the space enclosed and the facility shall comply with Sections 415.6.3.3 and 415.6.3.4.1. Where the attached perimeter exceeds 50 percent, such facilities shall comply with Section 415.6.3.5.

[F] 415.6.3.4.1 Fire separation. Separation of the attached structures shall be provided by fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and shall not have openings. Fire barriers between attached structures occupied only for the storage of LP-gas are permitted to have fire door assemblies that comply with Section 715. Such fire barriers shall be designed to withstand a static pressure of at least 100 pounds per square foot (psf) (4788 Pa), except where the building to which the structure is attached is occu­pied by operations or processes having a similar hazard.

[F] 415.6.3.5 Rooms within buildings. Where liquefied petroleum gas-distribution facilities are located in rooms within buildings, such rooms shall be located in the first story above grade plane and shall have at least one exte­rior wall with sufficient exposed area to provide explosion venting as required in the International Fire Code. The building in which the room is located shall not have a basement or unventilated crawl space and the room shall comply with Sections 415.6.3.5.1 and 415.6.3.5.2.

[F] 415.6.3.5.1 Materials. Walls, floors, ceilings and roofs of such rooms shall be constructed of approved noncombustible materials.  

[F] 415.6.3.5.2 Common construction. Walls and floor/ceiling assemblies common to the room and to the building where the room is located shall be fire barriers with not less than a l-hour fire-resistance rating and without openings. Common walls for rooms occupied only for storage of LP-gas are permitted to have opening protectives complying with Section 715. The walls and ceilings shall be designed to with­stand a static pressure of at least 100 psf (4788 Pa).

[F] 415.6.4 Dry cleaning plants. The construction and installation of dry cleaning plants shall be in accordance with the requirements of this code, the International Mechanical Code, the International Plumbing Code and NFPA 32. Dry cleaning solvents and systems shall be classified in accordance with the International Fire Code.

[F] 415.7.1 Gas rooms. When gas rooms are provided, such rooms shall be separated from other areas by not less than a l-hour fire barrier.

[F] 415.7.2 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage areas for corrosive liquids and highly toxic or toxic materials shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.

[F] 415.7.3 Separation-highly toxic solids and liquids. Highly toxic solids and liquids not stored in approved hazardous materials storage cabinets shall be isolated from other hazardous materials storage by a fire barrier having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

[F] 415.8.1 General. In addition to the requirements set forth elsewhere in this code, Group H-5 shall comply with the provisions of Section 415.8 and the International Fire Code.  

[F] 415.8.2 Fabrication areas.

 [F] 415.8.2.1 Hazardous materials in fabrication areas.

[F] 415.8.2.1.1 Aggregate quantities. The aggregate quantities of hazardous materials stored and used in a single fabrication area shall not exceed the quantities set forth in Table 415.8.2.1.1.

[F] 415.8.2.1.2 Hazardous production materials. The maximum quantities of hazardous production materials (HPM) stored in a single fabrication area shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area established by Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2).

[F] 415.8.2.2 Separation. Fabrication areas, whose sizes are limited by the quantity of hazardous materials allowed by Table 415.8.2.1.1, shall be separated from each other, from corridors and from other parts of the building by not less than l-hour fire barriers.

1. Doors within such fire barrier walls, including doors to corridors, shall be only self-closing fire door assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than ³/₄ hour. 2. Windows between fabrication areas and corridors are permitted to be fixed glazing listed and labeled for a fire protection rating of at least ³/₄ hour in accordance with Section 715.

[F] 415.8.2.3 Location of occupied levels. Occupied levels of fabrication areas shall be located at or above the first story above grade plane.

[F] 415.8.2.4 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors within fabrication areas shall be of noncombustible construction.Openings through floors of fabrication areas are per­mitted to be unprotected where the interconnected levels are used solely for mechanical equipment directly related to such fabrication areas (see also Section 415.8.2.5).  Floors forming a part of an occupancy separation shall be liquid tight.

[F] 415.8.2.5 Shafts and openings through floors. Ele­vator shafts, vent shafts and other openings through floors shall be enclosed when required by Section 707. Mechanical, duct and piping penetrations within a fabri­cation area shall not extend through more than two floors. The annular space around penetrations for cables, cable trays, tubing, piping, conduit or ducts shall be sealed at the floor level to restrict the movement of air. The fabrication area, including the areas through which the ductwork and piping extend, shall be considered a single conditioned environment.

[F] 415.8.2.6 Ventilation. Mechanical exhaust ventilation at the rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot (0.044 L/s/m²) of floor area shall be provided throughout the portions of the fabrication area where HPM are used or stored. The exhaust air duct system of one fabrication area shall not connect to another duct system outside that fabrication area within the building. A ventilation system shall be provided to capture and exhaust gases, fumes and vapors at workstations. Two or more operations at a workstation shall not be connected to the same exhaust system where either one or the combination of the substances removed could constitute a fire, explosion or hazardous chemical reaction within the exhaust duct system. Exhaust ducts penetrating occupancy separations shall be contained in a shaft of equivalent fire-resistance-rated construction. Exhaust ducts shall not pene­trate fire walls.  Fire dampers shall not be installed in exhaust ducts .  

[F] 415.8.2.7 Transporting hazardous production materials to fabrication areas. HPM shall be trans­ported to fabrication areas through enclosed piping or tubing systems that comply with Section 415.8.6.1, through service corridors complying with Section 415.8.4, or in corridors as permitted in the exception to Section 415.8.3. The handling or transporting of HPM within service corridors shall comply with the Interna­tional Fire Code.

[F] 415.8.2.8 Electrical.

[F] 415.8.2.8.1 General. Electrical equipment and devices within the fabrication area shall comply with the ICC Electrical Code. The requirements for hazardous locations need not be applied where the average air change is at least four times that set forth in Section 415.8.2.6 and where the number of air changes at any location is not less than three times that required by Section 415.8.2.6. The use of recalculated air shall be permitted.

[F] 415.8.2.8.2 Workstations. Workstations shall not be energized without adequate exhaust ventilation. See Section 415.8.2.6 for workstation exhaust ventilation requirements.

[F] 415.8.3 Corridors. Corridors shall comply with Chapter 10 and shall be separated from fabrication areas as specified in Section 415.8.2.2. Corridors shall not contain HPM and shall not be used for transporting such materials, except through closed piping systems as provided in Section 415.8.6.3.

1. Corridors. Corridors adjacent to the fabrication area where the alteration work is to be done shall comply with Section 1017 for a length determined as follows:

1.1  The length of the common wall of the corridor and the fabrication area; and

1.2. For the distance along the corridor to the point of entry of HPM into the corridor serving that fabrication area.

2. Emergency alarm system. There shall be an emer­gency telephone system, a local manual alarm sta­tion or other approved alarm-initiating device within corridors at not more than ISO-foot (45 720 mm) intervals and at each exit and doorway. The signal shall be relayed to an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or the emergency control station and shall also initiate a local audible alarm.

3. Pass throughs. Self-closing doors having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour shall separate pass-throughs from existing corridors. Pass-throughs shall be constructed as required for the corridors and protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system.

[F] 415.8.4 Service corridors.

[F] 415.8.4.1 Occupancy. Service corridors shall be classified as Group H-5.

[F] 415.8.4.2 Use conditions. Service corridors shall be separated from corridors as required by Section 415.8.2.2. Service corridors shall not be used as a required corridor.  

[F] 415.8.4.3 Mechanical ventilation. Service corridors shall be mechanically ventilated as required by Section 415.8.2.6 or at not less than six air changes per hour, whichever is greater.   

[F] 415.8.4.4 Means of egress. The maximum distance of travel from any point in a service corridor to an exit, exit access corridor or door into a fabrication area shall not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm). Dead ends shall not exceed 4 feet (1219 mm) in length. There shall be not less than two exits, and not more than one-half of the required means of egress shall require travel into a fabrication area. Doors from service corridors shall swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be self-closing.  

[F] 415.8.4.5 Minimum width. The minimum clear width of a service corridor shall be 5 feet (1524 mm), or 33 inches (838 mm) wider than the widest cart or truck used in the corridor, whichever is greater.

[F] 415.8.4.6 Emergency alarm system. Emergency alarm systems shall be provided in accordance with this section and Sections 414.7.1 and 414.7.2. The maximum allowable quantity per control area provisions shall not apply to emergency alarm systems required for HPM.

[F] 415.8.4.6.1 Service corridors. An emergency alarm system shall be provided in service corridors, with at least one alarm device in each service corridor.

[F] 415.8.4.6.2 Exit access corridors and exit enclosures. Emergency alarms for exit access corridors and exit enclosures shall comply with Section 414.7.2.

[F] 415.8.4.6.3 Liquid storage rooms, RPM rooms and gas rooms. Emergency alarms for liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms and gas rooms shall comply with Section 414.7.1.

[F] 415.8.4.6.4 Alarm-initiating devices. An approved emergency telephone system, local alarm manual pull stations, or other approved alarm-initiating devices are allowed to be used as emergency alarm-initiating devices.

[F] 415.8.4.6.5 Alarm signals. Activation of the emergency alarm system shall sound a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station.

[F] 415.8.5 Storage of hazardous production materials.

[F] 415.8.5.1 General. Storage of HPM in fabrication areas shall be within approved or listed storage cabinets or gas cabinets or within a workstation. The storage of HPM in quantities greater than those listed in Section 1804.2 of the International Fire Code shall be in liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms or gas rooms as appropriate for the materials stored. The storage of other hazardous materials shall be in accordance with other applicable provisions of this code and the International Fire Code.

[F] 415.8.5.2 Construction.

[F] 415.8.5.2.1 RPM rooms and gas rooms. HPM rooms and gas rooms shall be separated from other areas by not less than a 2-hour fire barrier where the area is 300 square feet (27.9 m²) or more and not less than a l-hour fire barrier where the area is less than 300 square feet (27.9 m²),  

[F] 415.8.5.2.2 Liquid storage rooms. Liquid stor­age rooms shall be constructed in accordance with the following requirements:

1. Rooms in excess of 500 square feet (46.5 m²) shall have at least one exterior door approved for fire department access.

2. Rooms shall be separated from other areas by fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1-hour for rooms up to 150 square feet (13.9 m²) in area and not less than 2 hours where the room is more than 150 square feet (13.9 m²) in area.

3. Shelving, racks and wainscoting in such areas shall be of noncombustible construction or wood of not less than 1 inch (25 mm) nominal thickness. 4. Rooms used for the storage of Class I flammable liquids shall not be located in a basement. 

[F] 415.8.5.2.3 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors of HPM rooms and liquid storage rooms shall be of noncombustible liquid-tight construction. Raised grating over floors shall be of noncombustible materials.

[F] 415.8.5.3 Location. Where HPM rooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms are provided, they shall have at least one exterior wall and such wall shall be not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from lot lines, including lot lines adjacent to public ways.

[F] 415.8.5.4 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided where required by Section 414.5.1.

[F] 415.8.5.5 Exits. Where two exits are required from HPM rooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms, one shall be directly to the outside of the building.

[F] 415.8.5.6 Doors. Doors in a fire barrier wall, including doors to corridors, shall be self-closing fire door assemblies having a fire-protection rating of not less than ³/₄ hour.  

[F] 415.8.5.7 Ventilation. Mechanical exhaust ventila­tion shall be provided in liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms and gas rooms at the rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot (0.044 L/s/m²) of floor area or six air changes per hour, whichever is greater, for categories of material. Exhaust ventilation for gas rooms shall be designed to operate at a negative pressure in relation to the surrounding areas and direct the exhaust ventilation to an exhaust system.

[F] 415.8.5.8 Emergency alarm system. An approved emergency alarm system shall be provided for HPM rooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms. Emergency alarm-initiating devices shall be installed outside of each interior exit door of such rooms. Activation of an emergency alarm-initiating device shall sound a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station. An approved emergency telephone system, local alarm manual pull stations or other approved alarm-initi­ating devices are allowed to be used as emergency alarm-initiating devices.

[F] 415.8.6 Piping and tubing.

[F] 415.8.6.1 General. Hazardous production materials piping and tubing shall comply with this section and ASME B31.3.

[F] 415.8.6.2 Supply piping and tubing.

[F] 415.8.6.2.1 RPM having a health-hazard ranking of 3 or 4. Systems supplying HPM liquids or gases having a health-hazard ranking on or 4 shall be welded throughout, except for connections, to the systems that are within a ventilated enclosure if the material is a gas, or an approved method of drainage or containment is provided for the connections if the material is a liquid.

[F] 415.8.6.2.2 Location in service corridors. Hazardous production materials supply piping or tubing in service corridors shall be exposed to view.  

[F] 415.8.6.2.3 Excess flow control. Where HPM gases or liquids are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 kPa), excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping originates from within a liquid storage room, HPM room or gas room, the excess flow con­trol shall be located within the liquid storage room, HPM room or gas room. Where the piping originates from a bulk source, the excess flow control shall be located as close to the bulk source as practical. 

[F] 415.8.6.3 Installations in corridors and above other occupancies. The installation of HPM piping and tubing within the space defined by the walls of corridors and the floor or roof above, or in concealed spaces above other occupancies, shall be in accordance with Section 415.8.6.2 and the following conditions:

1. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed within the space unless the space is less than 6 inches (152 mm) in the least dimension.

2. Ventilation not less than six air changes per hour shall be provided. The space shall not be used to convey air from any other area.  

3. Where the piping or tubing is used to transport HPM liquids, a receptor shall be installed below such piping or tubing. The receptor shall be designed to collect any discharge or leakage and drain it to an approved location. The I-hour enclo­sure shall not be used as part of the receptor.

4. HPM supply piping and tubing and nonmetallic waste lines shall be separated from the corridor and from occupancies other than Group H-5 by fire barriers that have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Where gypsum wallboard is used, joints on the piping side of the enclosure are not required to be taped, provided the joints occur over framing members. Access openings into the enclosure shall be protected by approved fire protection-rated assemblies.

5. Readily accessible manual or automatic remotely activated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves shall be installed on piping and tubing other than waste lines at the following locations:

5.1. At branch connections into the fabrication area. 5.2. At entries into corridors.

[F] 415.8.6.4 Identification. Piping, tubing and HPM waste lines shall be identified in accordance with ANSI A13.1 to indicate the material being transported.

[F] 415.8.7 Continuous gas detection systems. A continu­ous gas detection system shall be provided for HPM gases when the physiological warning threshold level of the gas is at a higher level than the accepted PEL for the gas and for flammable gases in accordance with this section.

[F] 415.8.7.1 Where required. A continuous gas-detection system shall be provided in the areas identified in Sections 415.8.7.1.1 through 415.8.7.1.4.

[F] 415.8.7.1.1 Fabrication areas. A continuous gas-detection system shall be provided in fabrication areas when gas is used in the fabrication area.

[F] 415.8.7.1.2 RPM rooms. A continuous gas-detection system shall be provided in HPM rooms when gas is used in the room.

[F] 415.8.7.1.3 Gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures and gas rooms. A continuous gas-detection system shall be provided in gas cabinets and exhausted enclosures. A continuous gas-detection system shall be provided in gas rooms when gases are not located in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures.

[F] 415.8.7.1.4 Corridors. When gases are transported in piping placed within the space defined by the walls of a corridor and the floor or roof above the corridor, a continuous gas-detection system shall be provided where piping is located and in the corridor.

[F] 415.8.7.2 Gas-detection system operation. The continuous gas-detection system shall be capable of monitoring the room, area or equipment in which the gas is located at or below the PEL or ceiling limit of the gas for which detection is provided. For flammable gases, the monitoring detection threshold level shall be vapor concentrations in excess of 20 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL). Monitoring for highly toxic and toxic gases shall also comply with the requirements for such material in the International Fire Code.

[F] 415.8.7.2.1 Alarms. The gas detection system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station when a short-term hazard condition is detected. The alarm shall be both visual and audible and shall provide warning both inside and outside the area where the gas is detected. The audible alarm shall be distinct from all other alarms.

[F] 415.8.7.2.2 Shutoff of gas supply. The gas detection system shall automatically close the shutoff valve at the source on gas supply piping and tubing related to the system being monitored for which gas is detected when a short-term hazard condition is detected. Automatic closure of shutoff valves shall comply with the following:

1. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure, the shutoff valve in the gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure for the specific gas detected shall automatically close.

2. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a room and compressed gas containers are not in gas cabinets or an exhausted enclosure, the shutoff valves on all gas lines for the specific gas detected shall automatically close.  

3. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a piping distribution manifold enclosure, the shutoff valve supplying the manifold for the compressed gas container of the specific gas detected shall automatically close.

[F] 415.8.8 Manual fire alarm system. An approved manual fire alarm system shall be provided throughout buildings containing Group H-5. Activation of the alarm system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergency control station. The fire alarm system shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 907.

415.8.9 Emergency control station. An emergency con­trol station shall be provided in accordance with Sections 415.8.9.1 through 415.8.9.3.

415.8.9.1 Location. The emergency control station shall be located on the premises at an approved location outside the fabrication area.  

415.8.9.2 Staffing. Trained personnel shall continu­ously staff the emergency control station.    

415.8.9.3 Signals. The emergency control station shall receive signals from emergency equipment and alarm and detection systems. Such emergency equipment and alarm and detection systems shall include, but not be limited to, the following where such equipment or systems are required to be provided either in this chapter or else where in this code:

I.  Automatic fire sprinkler system alarm and monitoring systems.

2.  Manual fire alarm systems.  

3.  Emergency alarm systems.  

4.  Continuous gas-detection systems.

5.  Smoke detection systems.

6.  Emergency power system.  

7.  Automatic detection and alarm systems for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids required in Section 1805.2.3.5 of the International Fire Code.

8.  Exhaust ventilation flow alarm devices for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids cabinet exhaust ventilation systems required in Section 1805.2.3.5 of the International Fire Code.

[F] 415.8.10 Emergency power system. An emergency power system shall be provided in Group H-5 occupancies where required in Section 415.8.10.1. The emergency power system shall be designed to supply power automatically to required electrical systems when the normal electrical supply system is interrupted.

[F] 415.8.10.1 Required electrical systems. Emergency power shall be provided for electrically operated equipment and connected control circuits for the following systems:

1. HPM exhaust ventilation systems.

2. HPM gas cabinet ventilation systems.

3. HPM exhausted enclosure ventilation systems.  

4. HPM gas room ventilation systems.

5. HPM gas detection systems.

6. Emergency alarm systems.

7. Manual fire alarm systems.

8. Automatic sprinkler system monitoring and alarm systems.  

9.  Automatic alarm and detection systems for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids required in Section 1805.2.3.5 of the International Fire Code.  

10.  Flow alarm switches for pyrophoric liquids and Class 3 water-reactive liquids cabinet exhaust ventilation systems required in Section 1805.2.3.5 of the International Fire Code.

11.  Electrically operated systems required elsewhere in this code or in the International Fire Code applicable to the use, storage or handling of HPM.

[F] 415.8.10.2 Exhaust ventilation systems. Exhaust ventilation systems are allowed to be designed to operate at not less than one-half the normal fan speed on the emergency power system where it is demonstrated that the level of exhaust will maintain a safe atmosphere.

[F] 415.8.11 Automatic sprinkler system protection in exhaust ducts for RPM.

[F] 415.8.11.1 Exhaust ducts for RPM. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in exhaust ducts conveying gases, vapors, fumes, mists or dusts generated from HPM in accordance with this section and the International Mechanical Code.

[F] 415.8.11.2 Metallic and noncombustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in metallic and noncombustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts when all of the following conditions apply:  

1. Where the largest cross-sectional diameter is equal to or greater than 10 inches (254 mm).

2. The dusts are within the building.

3. The ducts are conveying flammable gases, vapors or fumes.

[F] 415.8.11.3 Combustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts. Automatic sprinkler system protection shall be provided in combustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts where the largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is equal to or greater than 10 inches (254 mm).