International Building Code 415.3
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY
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 perimeterwall 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 NFPA 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 NFPA 30.
3. Spray paint booths that comply with the International
Fire Code need not be located on the outer perimeter.
International Building Code 415.3.2
Group H-1 and H-2 or H-3 detached buildings.
Where a detached building is required by Table
415.3.2, there are no requirements forwall and opening protection
based on fire separation distance.
International Building Code 415.4
Special provisions for Group H-1 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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).
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.6.3.1
Air movement. Liquefied petroleum gasdistribution
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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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).
Exceptions:
1. Ducts listed or approved for applications without
automatic fire sprinkler system protection.
2. Ducts not more than 12 feet (3658 mm) in
length installed below ceiling level.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
Exception: Where existing fabrication areas are altered
or modified,HPMis allowed to be transported in existing
corridors, subject to the following conditions:
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 150-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.
International Building Code 415.8.4
Service corridors.
International Building Code 415.8.4.1
Occupancy. Service corridors shall be
classified as Group H-5.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.5
Storage of hazardous production materials.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.5.2
Construction.
International Building Code 415.8.5.2.1
HPM 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 1-hour fire barrier where the area is less than
300 square feet (27.9 m2).
International Building Code 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 1inch (25 mm) nominal
thickness.
4. Rooms used for the storage of Class I flammable
liquids shall not be located in a basement.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.5.3
Location. Where HPM rooms, liquid storage
rooms and gas rooms are provided, they shall have at
least one exteriorwall and suchwall shall be not less than
30 feet (9144 mm) from lot lines, including lot lines adjacent
to public ways.
International Building Code 415.8.5.4
Explosion control. Explosion control
shall be provided where required by Section 414.5.1.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.6
Piping and tubing.
415.8.6.1 General. Hazardous production materials
piping and tubing shall comply with this section and
ASME B31.3.
International Building Code 415.8.6.2
Supply piping and tubing.
415.8.6.2.1 HPMhaving a health-hazard ranking
of 3 or 4. Systems supplying HPM liquids or
gases having a health-hazard ranking of 3 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.
International Building Code 415.8.6.2.2
Location in service corridors. Hazardous
production materials supply piping or tubing
in service corridors shall be exposed to view.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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 1-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 enclo-
sure 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.
Exception: Transverse crossings of the
corridors by supply piping that is
enclosed within a ferrous pipe or tube for
the width of the corridor need not comply
with Items 1 through 5.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.7.1.2
HPM rooms. A continuous
gas-detection system shall be provided in HPM
rooms when gas is used in the room.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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 providewarning both inside and
outside the area where the gas is detected. The audible
alarm shall be distinct from all other alarms.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
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.
EMERGENCY CONTROL STATION. An approved
location on the premises where signals from emergency equipment
are received and which is staffed by trained personnel.
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.
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.
FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR FUMES. The concentration
of flammable constituents in air that exceed 25 percent of
their lower flammable limit (LFL).
International Building Code 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 NFPA 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.
International Building Code 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 constructioInternational Building Code 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 towater 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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).
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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 IB 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.6.2.3
Tanks. Storage tanks shall be approved
tanks conforming to the requirements of the International
Fire Code.
International Building Code 415.6.2.4
Suppression. Group H shall be equipped
throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system,
installed in accordance with Section 903.
International Building Code 415.6.2.5
Leakage containment.Aliquid-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.
Exception: Rooms where only double-wall storage
tanks conforming to Section 415.6.2.3 are used to
store Class I, II and IIIA flammable and combustible
liquids shall not be required to have a leakage containment
area.
International Building Code 415.6.2.7
Tank vent. Storage tank vents for Class I,
II or IIIA liquids shall terminate to the outdoor air in
accordance with the International Fire Code.
International Building Code 415.6.2.8
Room ventilation. Storage tank areas storing
Class I, II or IIIA 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.6.3.3.2
Materials. Walls, floors, ceilings,
columns and roofs shall be constructed of
noncombustible materials.
International Building Code 415.6.3.3.3
Explosion venting. Explosion venting
shall be provided in accordance with the International
Fire Code.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.6.3.5.1
Materials.Walls, floors, ceilings and
roofs of such rooms shall be constructed of approved
noncombustible materials.
International Building Code 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 1-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).
Exception: Where the building, within which the
room is located, is occupied by operations or processes
having a similar hazard.
International Building Code 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
NFPA32. Dry cleaning solvents and systems shall be classified
in accordance with the International Fire Code.
International Building Code 415.7
Groups H-3 and H-4. Groups H-3 and H-4 shall be
constructed in accordance with the applicable provisions of
this code and the International Fire Code.
2006 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE 65
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY
International Building Code 415.7.1
Gas rooms. When gas rooms are provided, such
rooms shall be separated from other areas by not less than a
1-hour fire barrier.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8
Group H-5.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.11
Automatic sprinkler system protection in
exhaust ducts for HPM.
International Building Code 415.8.11.1
Exhaust ducts for HPM. An approved
automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in exhaust
ducts conveying gases, vapors, fumes, mists or dusts
generated from HPMin accordance with this section and
the International Mechanical Code.
International Building Code 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 ducts are within the building.
3. The ducts are conveying flammable gases, vapors
or fumes.
International Building Code 415.8.11.4
Automatic sprinkler locations. Sprinkler
systems shall be installed at 12-foot (3658 mm)
intervals in horizontal ducts and at changes in direction.
In vertical ducts, sprinklers shall be installed at the top
and at alternate floor levels.
International Building Code 415.8.2
Fabrication areas.
International Building Code 415.8.2.1
Hazardous materials in fabrication
areas.
International Building Code 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.
Exception: The quantity limitations for any hazard
category in Table 415.8.2.1.1 shall not apply
where the fabrication area contains quantities of
hazardous materials not exceeding the maximum
allowable quantities per control area established
by Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2).
International Building Code 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).
International Building Code 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 1-hour fire barriers.
Exceptions:
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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.2.8
Electrical.
International Building Code 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 aver-
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.4.6.3
Liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms
and gas rooms. Emergency alarms for liquid storage
rooms, HPM rooms and gas rooms shall comply with
Section 414.7.1.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
Exception: A continuous gas-detection system is
not required for occasional transverse crossings of
the corridors by supply piping that is enclosed in a
ferrous pipe or tube for the width of the corridor.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
Exception: Where the gas-detection sampling
point initiating the gas detection system alarm is at
the use location or within a gas valve enclosure of a
branch line downstream of a piping distribution
manifold, the shutoff valve for the branch line
located in the piping distribution manifold enclosure
shall automatically close.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 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.
International Building Code 415.8.9.1
Location. The emergency control station
shall be located on the premises at an approved location
outside the fabrication area.
International Building Code 415.8.9.2
Staffing. Trained personnel shall continuously
staff the emergency control station.
International Building Code 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 elsewhere
in this code:
1. 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.
International Building Code TABLE 415.3.1
MINIMUM SEPARATION DISTANCES FOR BUILDINGS CONTAINING EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS
QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALa
MINIMUM DISTANCE (feet)
International Building Code TABLE 415.3.2
REQUIRED DETACHED STORAGE
DETACHED STORAGE IS REQUIRED WHEN THE QUANTITY OF MATERIAL EXCEEDS THAT LISTED HEREIN
International Building Code TABLE 415.8.2.1.1
QUANTITY LIMITS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN A SINGLE FABRICATION AREA IN GROUP H-5a