CHAPTER 34 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS 34_Flammable... · CHAPTER 34 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS ... flame in accordance with ASTM D 92. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID

CHAPTER 34

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

SECTION FC 3401GENERAL

3401.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the storage, handlingand use of flammable and combustible liquids, including thedispensing and mixing of such liquids, including flammableand combustible liquids subject to the New York State Depart-ment of Environmental Conservation regulations, as set forthin 6 NYCRR Parts 595 through 614.

Exceptions. This chapter shall not apply to:

1. Medicines, foodstuffs, cosmetics, and commercial,institutional and industrial products in the same con-centration and packaging containing not more than 50percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and withthe remainder of the solution not being flammable,and alcoholic beverages in retail or wholesale sales orstorage uses when packaged in individual containersnot exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).

2. Installation of fuel oil storage tanks and auxiliarystorage tanks for oil-burning equipment, except thatthis chapter shall apply with respect to permit require-ments and requirements relating to out-of-service fueloil tanks.

3. Refrigerant liquids and oils in refrigerating systems(see Section 606).

4. Storage and display of aerosol products complyingwith the requirements of Chapter 28.

5. Storage and use of liquids that have no fire point whentested in accordance with ASTM D 92.

6. Liquids with a flash point greater than 95°F (35°C) ina water-miscible solution or dispersion with a waterand inert (noncombustible) solids content of morethan 80 percent by weight, which do not sustain com-bustion.

7. Liquids without flash points that can be flammableunder some conditions, such as certain halogenatedhydrocarbons and mixtures containing halogenatedhydrocarbons.

8. The storage of distilled spirits and wines in woodenbarrels and casks.

3401.2 Reserved.

3401.3 Design and installation documents. The commis-sioner may require design and installation documents, specifi-cations and calculations in connection with the installation,alteration or repair of tanks and related devices, equipment andsystems pursuant to this chapter, including fire protection sys-tems.

3401.4 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sec-tion 105.6.

3401.5 Material classification. Flammable and combustibleliquids shall be classified in accordance with the definitions inSection 3402.1.

3401.6 Supervision. Manufacture, storage, handling and useof flammable and combustible liquids, including the dispens-ing of such liquids, shall be supervised as set forth in Sections3401.6.1 through 3401.6.3.

3401.6.1 Manufacture. The manufacture of flammable andcombustible liquids shall be under the personal supervisionof a certificate of fitness holder.

3401.6.2 Storage. The storage of flammable and combusti-ble liquids, excluding combustible liquids with a flash pointover 300ºF (149ºC), in quantities exceeding 275 gallons(1041 L) or in any building or structure classified as GroupH occupancy, shall be under the general supervision of acertificate of fitness holder.

3401.6.3 Handling and use. The handling and use of flam-mable and combustible liquids, including the dispensing ofsuch liquids, excluding combustible liquids with a flashpoint over 300ºF (149ºC), shall be under the personal super-vision of a certificate of fitness holder when the total quanti-ties stored, handled and used in or upon a premises exceeds275 gallons (1041 L) or in any building or structure classi-fied as Group H occupancy.

3401.7 Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful to:

1. Manufacture, refine or distill petroleum or coal tar, or theliquid products thereof.

2. Operate a refinery.

3. Install an aboveground flammable liquid storage tankindoors.

4. Store or transport in the harbor or the city any flammableor combustible liquid, except in a barge or marine vesselconstructed, protected and operated in accordance withthe regulations of the United States Coast Guard.

3401.8 Certificate of license. Persons who install, alter, test orrepair any flammable or combustible liquid storage systemshall hold a certificate of license or shall be employed by andperform such duties under the general supervision of a personholding such certificate.

SECTION FC 3402DEFINITIONS

3402.1 Definitions. The following terms shall, for the pur-poses of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, havethe meanings shown herein.

ALCOHOL-BASED HAND RUB. An alcohol-containingpreparation designed for application to the hands for antimicrobacterial3 or other medicinal purpose and containing eth-

2008 NEW YORK CITY FIRE CODE 281

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anol or isopropanol in an amount not exceeding 70 percent byvolume.

BULK PLANT OR TERMINAL. Any premises upon whichflammable or combustible liquids are received from marinevessel, pipeline, tank car or cargo tank and are stored orblended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids bymarine vessel, pipeline, tank car, cargo tank or container.

BULK TRANSFER. The loading or unloading of flammableor combustible liquids from or between marine vessels, pipe-lines, tank cars, cargo tanks or storage tanks.

COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. For purposes of transportation, acombustible liquid, as defined in the regulations of the UnitedStates Department of Transportation, as set forth in 49 CFRSection 173.120. For all other purposes, a liquid, other than acompressed gas or cryogenic fluid, having a closed cup flashpoint at or above 100°F (38°C), classified as follows:

Class II. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C).

Class IIIA. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at orabove 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93°C).

Class IIIB. Liquids having closed cup flash points at orabove 200°F (93°C).

FIRE POINT. The lowest temperature at which a liquid willignite and achieve sustained burning when exposed to a testflame in accordance with ASTM D 92.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID STOR-AGE SYSTEM. A flammable or combustible liquid storagetank and all devices, equipment and systems associated withsuch tank, including the tank, piping, valves, fill connection,vent lines, pumps and any other ancillary equipment, exceptliquid motor fuel storage and dispensing systems and flamma-ble and combustible liquid storage systems at a bulk plant orterminal used for bulk transfer operations.

FLAMMABLE LIQUID. For purposes of transportation, aflammable liquid defined in the regulations of the United StatesDepartment of Transportation, as set forth in 49 CFR Section173.120. For all other purposes, a liquid, other than a com-pressed gas or cryogenic fluid, having a closed cup flash pointbelow 100°F (38°C), classified as follows:

Class IA. Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C)and having a boiling point below 100°F (38°C).

Class IB. Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C)and having a boiling point at or above 100°F (38°C).

Class IC. Liquids having a flash point at or above 73°F(23°C) and below 100°F (38°C).

FLASH POINT. The minimum temperature in degrees Fahr-enheit at which a liquid will give off sufficient vapors to forman ignitable mixture with air near the surface or in the con-tainer, but will not sustain combustion. The flash point of a liq-uid shall be determined by appropriate test procedure andapparatus as specified in ASTM D 56, ASTM D 93 or ASTM D3278.

LIQUID STORAGE ROOM. A room classified as a GroupH-3 occupancy used for the storage of flammable or combusti-ble liquids.

PROCESS TRANSFER. The transfer of flammable or com-bustible liquids between cargo tanks or tank cars and contain-ers, tanks piping and other equipment that is to be used inprocess operations.

PROCESSING VESSEL. A tank or other container used inmanufacturing or other process operation that involves the useof a flammable or combustible liquid supplied from other thana cargo tank, tank car or pipeline.

REFINERY. A plant in which flammable or combustible liq-uids are produced on a commercial scale from crude petro-leum, gasoline or other hydrocarbon sources.

REMOTE SOLVENT RESERVOIR. A liquid solvent con-tainer enclosed against evaporative losses to the atmosphereduring periods when the container is not being utilized, exceptfor a solvent return opening not larger than 16 square inches(10 322 mm2), which allows pump-cycled used solvent to drainback into the reservoir from a separate solvent sink or workarea.

SOLVENT DISTILLATION UNIT. An appliance thatreceives contaminated flammable or combustible liquids andwhich distills the contents to remove contaminants and recoverthe solvents.

TANK, PRIMARY. A listed atmospheric tank used to storeliquid.

TANK, PROTECTED ABOVEGROUND. An atmosphericaboveground tank listed in accordance with UL 2085 or equiv-alent standard that is provided with integral secondary contain-ment, protection from physical damage, and an insulationsystem intended to reduce the heat transferred to the primarytank when the tank is exposed to a high-intensity4 liquid poolfire.

SECTION FC 3403GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3403.1 Electrical. Electrical wiring and equipment shall beinstalled and maintained in accordance with the ElectricalCode.

3403.1.1 Classified locations for flammable liquids.Areas where flammable liquids are stored, handled or used,including the dispensing or mixing of such liquids, shall bein accordance with Table 3403.1.1 and the Electrical Code.A classified area shall not extend beyond any floor, roof orother solid partition having no openings. The extent of theclassified area is allowed to be reduced, or eliminated,where sufficient technical justification is provided to thecommissioner that a concentration in the area in excess of 25percent of the lower flammable limit cannot be generated.

3403.1.2 Classified locations for combustible liquids.Areas where Class II or III liquids are heated above theirflash points shall have electrical installations in accordancewith Section 3403.1.1 and the Electrical Code.

Exception: Solvent distillation units in accordance withSection 3405.4.

282 2008 NEW YORK CITY FIRE CODE


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TAB

LE

3403

.1.1

CL

AS

SIE

LE

CT

RIC

AL

EQ

UIP

ME

NT

LO

CA

TIO

NS

a

LO

CA

TIO

NG

RO

UP

DD

IVIS

ION

EX

TE

NT

OF

CL

AS

SIF

IED

AR

EA

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ergr

ound

tank

fill

open

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1 2

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ele

vel,

any

part

ofw

hich

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ithi

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ivis

ion

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assi

fied

area

.U

pto

18in

ches

abov

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leve

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hin

aho

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usof

10fe

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llco

nnec

tion

and

wit

hin

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radi

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tion

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isch

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ngup

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hin

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end

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ding

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ecti

ons.

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abe

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feet

and

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end

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ding

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rect

ions

.

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ons.

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abe

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feet

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ntof

fill

open

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ndin

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all

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ns.A

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upto

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abov

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and

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ith

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me

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the

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part

itio

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st.

(con

tinu

ed)


FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDSTA

BL

E34

03.1

.1—

con

tin

ued

CL

AS

SIE

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OF

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AS

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IED

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ntin

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ding

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osph

eric

vent

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load

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fill

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with

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ary

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st.

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able

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ixtu

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dex

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unde

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rmal

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feet

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ade

leve

lwit

hin

5fe

etto

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etho

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ntal

lyfr

oman

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tw

here

flam

mab

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por/

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mix

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uld

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der

norm

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erat

ions

1 2

Are

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ithi

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yed

geof

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rect

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rea

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such

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tion

s.A

lso,

area

upto

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ove

floo

ror

grad

ele

velw

ithi

n3

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to10

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ally

from

any

edge

ofsu

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k—A

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grou

ndSh

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ends

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kear

ea

Ven

t

Floa

ting

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ain

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ight

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cefr

omth

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the

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for

mor

eth

an50

perc

ento

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rcum

fere

nce.

Are

aw

ithin

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ding

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rect

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.A

rea

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eth

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ithi

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esh

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For

SI:

1in

ch=

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mm

,1fo

ot=

304.

8m

m.

a.L

ocat

ions

ascl

assi

fied

inth

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lect

rica

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Whe

ncl

assi

fyin

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dera

tion

shal

lbe

give

nto

the

fact

that

tank

cars

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rgo

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scan

besi

tuat

edat

vary

ing

poin

ts.T

here

fore

,the

peri

met

erof

the

load

ing

orun

load

ing

posi

tions

shal

lbe

used

.c.

The

rele

ase

ofC

lass

Iliq

uids

can

gene

rate

vapo

rsto

the

exte

ntth

atth

een

tire

build

ing,

and

poss

ibly

azo

nesu

rrou

ndin

git,

are

cons

ider

eda

Cla

ssI,

Div

isio

n2

loca

tion.

➡

3403.1.3 Other applications. The commissioner maydetermine the extent of the Class I electrical equipmentand wiring location when a condition is not specificallycovered by these requirements or the Electrical Code.

3403.1.4 Tank grounding. Tanks shall be properlygrounded.

3403.2 Fire protection. Fire protection for the storage, han-dling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids, includingthe dispensing and mixing of such liquids, and on-site trans-portation, shall be provided in accordance with this chapter andChapter 9.

3403.2.1 Portable fire extinguishers and hose lines. Por-table fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance withSection 906. Where required, hose lines shall be provided inaccordance with Section 905.

3403.3 Site assessment. The commissioner may require an1

owner or operator of a tank system to conduct a site assessmentupon a determination that a potential fire or explosion hazardexists as a result of a spill, leak or discharge from such system.Such site assessments shall be conducted to ascertain potentialfire hazards and shall be completed and submitted to thedepartment within a time period established by the commis-sioner, not to exceed 60 days.

3403.4 Spill control and secondary containment. Where themaximum allowable quantity per control area is exceeded, andwhen required by Section 2704.2, rooms, buildings or areasused for storage, handling or use of Class I, II and III-A liquids,including the dispensing or mixing of such liquids, shall beprovided with spill control and secondary containment inaccordance with Section 2704.2.

3403.5 Labeling and signage. The commissioner may requirewarning signs for the purpose of identifying the hazards ofmanufacturing, storing, handling or using flammable liquids,including the dispensing or mixing of such liquids. Signage foridentification and warning such as for the inherent hazard offlammable liquids or smoking shall be provided in accordancewith this chapter and Sections 2703.5 and 2703.6.

3403.5.1 Style. Warning signs shall be of a durable material.Signs warning of the hazard of flammable liquids shall havewhite lettering on a red background and shall read: DAN-GER—FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. Letters shall not be lessthan 3 inches (76 mm) in height and 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) instroke.

3403.5.2 Location. Signs shall be posted in locations asrequired by the commissioner. Piping containing flamma-ble liquids shall be identified in accordance with ANSIA13.1.

3403.5.3 Warning labels. Individual containers, packagesand cartons shall be identified, marked, labeled and plac-arded in accordance with federal regulations and applicablestate laws.

3403.5.4 Identification. Color coding or other approvedidentification means consistent with the New York StateDepartment of Environmental Conservation regulations, asset forth in 6 NYCRR Section 613.3(b), shall be provided oneach loading and unloading riser for flammable or combus-

tible liquids to identify the contents of the tank served by theriser.

3403.6 Piping systems. Piping systems for flammable andcombustible liquids shall be in accordance with this section.

Exception: Piping that is integral to stationary or portableengines, including engines in aircraft, watercraft and motorvehicles, and piping associated with boilers and pressurevessels regulated by the construction codes, including theMechanical Code.

3403.6.1 Reserved.

3403.6.2 Design and manufacture of system compo-nents. Piping system components shall be designed andmanufactured in accordance with NFPA 30, Chapter 3,except as modified by this section.

3403.6.2.1 Special materials. Low-melting-point mate-rials, such as aluminum, copper or brass, that soften onfire exposure, such as nonmetallic materials, andnonductile material, such as cast iron, shall be acceptablefor use underground only in accordance with ANSIB31.9. Aboveground piping system components shall beconstructed of Schedule 40 steel or a higher schedulesteel.

3403.6.3 Testing. Unless tested in accordance with theapplicable section of ANSI B31.9, piping, before being cov-ered, enclosed or placed in use, shall be hydrostaticallytested to 150 percent of the maximum anticipated operatingpressure of the system, or pneumatically tested to 110 per-cent of the maximum anticipated pressure of the system, butnot less than 15 pounds per square inch1 gauge (psig) (103.4kPa) at the highest point of the system. This test shall bemaintained for a sufficient time period to complete visualinspection of joints and connections. For a minimum of 60minutes, there shall be no leakage or permanent distortion.Pneumatic testing shall be conducted using an inert gas,except that air may be used if the piping system does notcontain flammable or combustible liquid vapors. Pipingsystem tests shall be conducted at the owner’s risk by his orher representative before a representative of the department.Care shall be exercised to ensure that these pressures are notapplied to vented storage tanks. Such storage tanks shall betested independently from the piping.

3403.6.3.1 Existing piping. Existing piping shall betested in accordance with this section, upon a determina-tion by the commissioner that such piping may be leak-ing. Piping that could contain flammable or combustibleliquid vapors shall not be tested pneumatically, exceptthat vapor-recovery piping may be tested pneumaticallyusing an inert gas. Such tests shall be conducted at theowner’s risk by his or her representative.

3403.6.4 Protection from vehicles. Posts or other approvedmeans shall be provided in accordance with Section 312 toprotect piping, valves, fittings or ancillary equipment sub-ject to vehicular damage.

3403.6.5 Protection from corrosion and galvanic action.Where subject to external corrosion, piping, relatedfluid-handling components and supports for both under-ground and aboveground applications shall be fabricated



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from noncorrosive materials, coated or otherwise providedwith corrosion protection. Dissimilar metallic parts thatpromote galvanic action shall not be joined.

3403.6.6 Valves. Piping systems shall contain a sufficientnumber of manual control valves and check valves to oper-ate the system properly and to protect the facility under bothnormal and emergency conditions. Piping systems in con-nection with pumps shall contain a sufficient number ofsuch valves to control properly the flow of liquids in normaloperation and in the event of physical damage or fire expo-sure.

3403.6.6.1 Backflow protections. Connections to pipe-lines or piping by which tank cars, cargo tanks, or marinevessels or other equipment discharge liquids into storagetanks shall be provided with check valves or block valvesfor automatic protection against backflow where the pip-ing arrangement is such that backflow from the system ispossible. Where loading and unloading is done through acommon pipe system, a check valve is not requiredexcept as required by the applicable provisions of theNew York State Department of Environmental Conser-vation regulations, as set forth in 6 NYCRR Section613.3(c)(4). However, a block valve shall be providedwhich is located so as to be readily accessible or remotelyoperable.

3403.6.6.2 Manual drainage. Manual drainage-controlvalves shall be located at approved locations remotefrom the tanks, diked area, drainage system andimpounding basin to ensure their operation in a fire con-dition.

3403.6.7 Connections. Aboveground tanks with connec-tions located below normal liquid level shall be providedwith internal or external isolation valves located as close aspractical to the shell of the tank. Except for liquids whosechemical characteristics are incompatible with steel, suchvalves, when external, and their connections to the tankshall be of steel.

3403.6.8 Piping supports. Piping systems shall be substan-tially supported and protected from physical damage anddesigned to accommodate settlement, vibration, expansion,contraction or exposure to fire. The supports shall be con-structed of steel, concrete or other approvednoncombustible material.

3403.6.9 Flexible joints. Flexible joints shall be listed andapproved and shall be installed on underground liquid,vapor and vent piping at all of the following locations:

1. Where piping connects to underground tanks.

2. Where piping ends at pump islands and vent risers.

3. At points where differential movement in the pipingcan occur.

3403.6.9.1 Fiberglass-reinforced plastic piping. Fiber-glass-reinforced plastic piping is not required to be pro-vided with flexible joints in locations where both of thefollowing conditions are present:

1. Piping does not exceed 4 inches (102 mm) in diam-eter.

2. Piping has a straight run of not less than 4 feet(1219 mm) on one side of the connection whensuch connections result in a change of direction.

3403.6.9.1.1 Flexible joints. In lieu of the minimum4-foot (1219 mm) straight run length required in Sec-tion 3403.6.9.1(2), approved and listed flexible jointsare allowed to be used under dispensers and suctionpumps, at submerged pumps and tanks, and wherevents extend aboveground.

3403.6.10 Pipe joints. Joints shall be liquid-tight4 and shallbe welded, flanged or threaded except that listed flexibleconnectors are allowed in accordance with Section3403.6.9. Threaded or flanged joints shall fit tightly byusing approved methods and materials for the type of joint.Joints in piping systems used for Class I liquids shall bewelded when located in concealed spaces within buildingsor structures. Nonmetallic joints shall be subject to theapproval of the commissioner and shall be installed inaccordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Pipe jointsthat are dependent on the friction characteristics or resil-iency of combustible materials for liquid tightness of pipingshall not be used in buildings or structures. Piping shall besecured to prevent disengagement at the fitting.

3403.6.11 Bends. The bending of pipe and tubing shall beperformed in accordance with ANSI B31.9.

3403.6.12 Contents. Piping system components shall bedocumented as being compatible with the liquid to whichsuch components will be exposed. Such documentationshall be approved and submitted to the department uponrequest.

SECTION FC 3404STORAGE

3404.1 General. Flammable and combustible liquids in con-tainers and tanks shall be stored in accordance with this sec-tion, Chapter 27 and the New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation regulations, as set forth in 6NYCRR Parts 596, 598, 599, 612, 613 and 614.

3404.1.1 Aboveground storage prohibited. Except as spe-cifically authorized in Section 3406, it shall be unlawful tostore flammable liquids in an aboveground storage tank.

3404.1.2 Tank capacity limitations. Except at a bulk plantor terminal or as otherwise specified in this chapter, thecapacity of flammable and combustible liquid storage tanksshall not exceed the amounts set forth in Sections3404.1.2.1 through 3404.1.2.4.

3404.1.2.1 Underground flammable liquid tanks.Individual underground flammable liquid storage tanksshall not exceed a capacity of 4,000 gallons (15 140 L).The aggregate capacity of underground flammable liq-uid storage tanks at a premises shall not exceed 20,000gallons (75 700 L).

3404.1.2.2 Underground combustible liquid tanks.Individual underground combustible liquid storage tanksshall not exceed a capacity of 12,000 gallons (45 420 L).The aggregate capacity of underground combustible liq-



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uid storage tanks at a premises shall not exceed 40,000gallons (151 400 L).

3404.1.2.3 Aboveground, outdoor combustible liquidtanks. The aggregate capacity of aboveground combus-tible liquid tanks installed outdoors at a premises shallnot exceed 30,000 gallons (113 550 L).

3404.1.2.4 Aboveground, indoor combustible liquidtanks. The aggregate capacity of aboveground combus-tible liquid tanks installed indoors shall not exceed20,000 gallons (75 700 L).

3404.2 Tank storage. The provisions of this section shallapply to:

1. The storage of flammable liquids in stationary above-ground tanks located outdoors and underground tanks.

2. The storage of combustible liquids in stationary above-ground tanks indoors and outdoors, and undergroundtanks.

3. Existing storage tank installations at bulk plants and ter-minals which have not been used for the storage of flam-mable or combustible liquids for a period in excess of 2years from the date of completion of construction of thetank structure, if the tank is to be placed in service.

3404.2.1 Change of tank contents. Tanks subject tochange in contents shall be subject to the approval of thecommissioner and in accordance with this chapter, includ-ing Section 3404.2.7. Prior to a change in contents, the com-missioner may require testing of a tank for leaks anddocumentation of compatibility. Tanks that have previouslycontained Class I liquids shall not be loaded with Class II orClass III liquids until such tanks and all piping, pumps,hoses and meters connected thereto have been completelydrained and flushed.

3404.2.2 Use of cargo tanks, tank cars, barges andmarine vessels as storage tanks. Cargo tanks, tank cars,barges and marine vessels shall not be used as storage tanks.

Exception: A barge or marine vessel moored oranchored to privately owned waterfront property storingfuel oil to be used on such waterfront property, when thebarge or vessel is located within the bulkhead line and theriparian ownership to the bulkhead line is under the sameownership as the waterfront property, the fuel oil is usedonly by the owner of such barge or vessel and the fuel oilis used beyond a radius of 200 feet (60 960 mm) from thewaterfront. Fuel oil stored shall have the specific gravityof not more than 16 degrees Baume. Such barges andmarine vessels shall be located wholly within the bulk-head line and in such a position as not to constitute anencumbrance to navigation, and shall be constructed,equipped and protected against fire in compliance withthe requirements of the commissioner.

3404.2.3 Labeling and signs. Labeling and signs for stor-age tanks and storage tank areas shall comply with therequirements of Sections 3404.2.3.1 and 3404.2.3.2.

3404.2.3.1 Smoking and open flame. Signs shall beposted in storage areas prohibiting open flames and

smoking. Signs shall comply with the requirements ofSection 3403.5.

3404.2.3.2 Label or placard. Tanks more than 100 gal-lons (379 L) in capacity, which are used for the storage ofClass I, II or IIIA liquids, shall bear a label and placardidentifying the material therein. Placards shall be inaccordance with NFPA 704.

Exception: Tanks located underground.

3404.2.4 Sources of ignition. Open flames are prohibited instorage areas in accordance with Section 2703.7.

3404.2.5 Explosion control. Explosion control shall beprovided in accordance with Section 911.

3404.2.6 Separation from incompatible materials. Flam-mable and combustible liquids shall be stored separatedfrom incompatible materials, in accordance with Section2703.9.8.

3404.2.7 Design and installation requirements for tanks.Tanks shall be designed, constructed and installed in accor-dance with NFPA 30. Each tank shall bear a permanentnameplate or marking indicating the standard used as thebasis of design.

3404.2.7.1 Materials used in tank construction. Thematerials used in tank construction shall be in accor-dance with NFPA 30.

3404.2.7.2 Pressure limitations for tanks. Tanks shallbe designed for the pressures to which they will be sub-jected in accordance with NFPA 30.

3404.2.7.3 Tank vents for normal venting. Tank ventsfor normal venting shall be installed and maintained inaccordance with Sections 3404.2.7.3.1 through3404.2.7.3.6.

3404.2.7.3.1 Vent lines. Vent lines from tanks shallnot be used for purposes other than venting unlessapproved.

3404.2.7.3.2 Vent-line flame arresters and ventingdevices. Vent-line flame arresters and venting devicesshall be installed in accordance with their listings.Use of flame arresters in piping systems shall be inaccordance with API 2028.

3404.2.7.3.3 Vent pipe outlets. Vent pipe outletsshall be located such that the vapors are released at asafe point outdoors and not less than 15 feet (4572mm) above the adjacent ground level. Vapors shall bedischarged upward or horizontally away from adja-cent walls to assist in vapor dispersion. Vent outletsshall be located such that flammable or combustiblevapors will not be trapped by eaves or other obstruc-tions and shall be at least 10 feet (3048 mm) frombuilding openings or lot lines.

3404.2.7.3.4 Installation of vent piping. Vent pipingshall be designed, sized, constructed and installed inaccordance with Section 3403.6. Vent pipes shall beinstalled such that they will drain toward the tankwithout sags or traps in which liquid can collect. Vent



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pipes shall be installed in such a manner so as not to besubject to physical damage or vibration.

3404.2.7.3.5 Manifolding. Tank vent piping shall notbe manifolded unless required for special purposessuch as vapor recovery, vapor conservation or air pol-lution control.

3404.2.7.3.5.1 Aboveground tanks. For above-ground tanks, manifolded vent pipes shall be ade-quately sized to prevent system pressure limitsfrom being exceeded when manifolded tanks aresubject to the same fire exposure.

3404.2.7.3.5.2 Underground tanks. For under-ground tanks, manifolded vent pipes shall be sizedto prevent system pressure limits from beingexceeded when manifolded tanks are filled simul-taneously.

3404.2.7.3.5.3 Tanks storing Class I liquids.Vent piping for tanks storing Class I liquids shallnot be manifolded with vent piping for tanks stor-ing Class II and III liquids unless positive meansare provided to prevent the vapors from Class I liq-uids from entering tanks storing Class II and IIIliquids, to prevent contamination and possiblechange in classification of less volatile liquid.

3404.2.7.3.6 Tank venting for tanks and pressurevessels storing Class IB and IC liquids. Tanks andpressure vessels storing Class IB or IC liquids shall beequipped with venting devices which shall remainclosed except when venting under pressure or vacuumconditions, or with listed flame arresters. The ventsshall be installed and maintained in accordance withSection 2.2.5.1 of NFPA 30 or API 2000.

3404.2.7.4 Emergency venting. Aboveground tanksshall be equipped with additional venting that willrelieve excessive internal pressure caused by exposure tofires. Emergency vents shall not discharge indoors. Theventing shall be installed and maintained in accordancewith Section 2.2.5.2 of NFPA 30.

Exception: Tanks storing Class IIIB liquids that arelarger than 12,000 gallons (45 420 L) in capacity,located outdoors and not within the diked area or thedrainage path of Class I or II liquids, do not requireemergency relief venting.

3404.2.7.5 Tank openings other than vents. Tankopenings for other than vents shall comply with therequirements of Sections 3404.2.7.5.1 through3404.2.7.5.8.

3404.2.7.5.1 Connections below liquid level. Con-nections for tank openings below the liquid level shallbe liquid-tight4.

3404.2.7.5.2 Filling, emptying and vapor recoveryconnections. Filling, emptying and vapor recoveryconnections to tanks shall be located outdoors at alocation free from sources of ignition and not less than10 feet (3048 mm) away from building openings or lotlines. Such openings shall be provided with a

liquid-tight cap which shall be closed when not in useand properly identified.

3404.2.7.5.3 Piping, connections and fittings. Pip-ing, connections, fittings and other appurtenancesshall be installed in accordance with Section 3403.6.

3404.2.7.5.4 Manual gauging. Openings for manualgauging, if independent of the fill pipe, shall be pro-vided with a liquid-tight cap or cover. Covers shall bekept closed when not gauging. Openings for manualgauging shall not be permitted for tanks installedindoors.

3404.2.7.5.5 Fill pipes and discharge lines. Fortop-loaded tanks, a metallic fill pipe shall be designedand installed to minimize the generation of static elec-tricity by terminating the pipe within 6 inches (152mm) of the bottom of the tank, and it shall be installedin a manner which avoids excessive vibration.

3404.2.7.5.5.1 Class I liquids. For Class I liquidsother than crude oil, gasoline and asphalt, the fillpipe shall be designed and installed in a mannerwhich will minimize the possibility of generatingstatic electricity by terminating within 6 inches(152 mm) of the bottom of the tank.

3404.2.7.5.5.2 Underground tanks. For under-ground tanks, fill pipe and discharge lines shallenter only through the top. Fill lines shall be slopedtoward the tank. Underground tanks for Class I liq-uids shall be equipped with a tight fill device forconnecting the fill hose to the tank.

3404.2.7.5.6 Location of connections. Filling, with-drawal and vapor-recovery connections that are madeand broken shall be located outdoors at a locationaway from sources of ignition and not less than 5 feet(1524 mm) away from building openings. Such con-nections shall be closed and liquid-tight4 when not inuse and shall be properly identified.

3404.2.7.5.7 Protection against vapor release. Tankopenings provided for purposes of vapor recoveryshall be protected against vapor release by means of aspring-loaded check valve or dry-break connections,or other approved device, unless the opening is a pipeconnected to a vapor processing system. Openingsdesigned for combined fill and vapor recovery shallalso be protected against vapor release unless connec-tion of the liquid delivery line to the fill pipe simulta-neously connects the vapor recovery line.Connections shall be vapor tight.

3404.2.7.5.8 Overfill prevention. An approvedmeans or method in accordance with Section3404.2.9.6.6 shall be provided to prevent the overfillof all flammable and combustible liquid storagetanks.

3404.2.7.6 Repair or alteration of tanks and piping.The repair or alteration, including welding, cutting andhot tapping of storage tanks and piping that have beenplaced in service, shall be in accordance with NFPA 30.



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Hot tapping shall only be permitted with the approval ofthe commissioner.

3404.2.7.7 Design of supports. The design of the sup-porting structure for tanks shall be in accordance with theconstruction codes, including the Building Code andNFPA 30.

3404.2.7.8 Locations subject to flooding. When a tankis located in an area where it is subject to buoyancybecause of a rise in the water table, flooding or accumu-lation of water from fire suppression operations, the tankshall be secured from movement in accordance with Sec-tions 2.3.2.6 and 2.3.3.5 of NFPA 30.

3404.2.7.9 Corrosion protection. Where subject toexternal corrosion, tanks shall be fabricated from corro-sion-resistant materials, coated or provided with corro-sion protection in accordance with Section 2.2.6.1 ofNFPA 30 and the New York State Department of Envi-ronmental Conservation regulations, as set forth in 6NYCRR Part 614.

3404.2.7.10 Leak reporting. A consistent or accidentalloss of liquid, or other indication of a leak from a tanksystem, shall be reported immediately to the departmentand other authorities having jurisdiction.

3404.2.7.10.1 Leaking tank disposition. Leakingtanks shall be promptly emptied, repaired andreturned to service, sealed in place or removed inaccordance with Section 3404.2.13 or 3404.2.14.

3404.2.7.11 Tank lining. Steel tanks are allowed to belined only for the purpose of protecting the interior fromcorrosion or providing compatibility with a material tobe stored. Only those liquids tested for compatibilitywith the lining material are allowed to be stored in linedtanks. Tank lining shall not be used for purposes ofrepairing a tank.

3404.2.8 Reserved.

3404.2.9 Aboveground tanks. Aboveground storage ofcombustible liquids in tanks shall comply with the require-ments of Section 3404.2 and Sections 3404.2.9.1.2 through3404.2.9.6.10. Except as specifically authorized in Section3406, the storage of flammable liquid in aboveground stor-age tanks is prohibited.

3404.2.9.1 Reserved.

3404.2.9.1.1 Reserved.

3404.2.9.1.2 Foam fire protection system installa-tion. Where foam fire protection is approved for arequired fire extinguishing system pursuant to thischapter, it shall be designed and installed in accor-dance with NFPA 11 and NFPA 11A.

3404.2.9.1.2.1 Foam storage. Where foam fireprotection is approved for a required fire extin-guishing system pursuant to this chapter, thefoam-producing materials shall be stored on thepremises.

3404.2.9.1.3 Fire protection of supports. Supportsor pilings for aboveground tanks storing Class I, II orIIIA liquids elevated more than 12 inches (305 mm)above grade shall have a fire-resistance rating of notless than 2 hours in accordance with the fire exposurecriteria specified in ASTM E 1529.

Exception: Structural supports tested as part of aprotected aboveground tank in accordance withUL 2085.

3404.2.9.1.4 Inerting of tanks with boilover liq-uids. Liquids with boilover characteristics shall notbe stored in fixed roof tanks larger than 150 feet (45720 mm) in diameter unless an approved gas enrich-ment or inerting system is provided on the tank.

3404.2.9.2 Supports, foundations and anchorage.Supports, foundations and anchorages for abovegroundtanks shall be designed and constructed in accordancewith NFPA 30 and the construction codes, including theBuilding Code.

3404.2.9.3 Stairs, platforms and walkways. Stairs,platforms and walkways shall be of noncombustible con-struction and shall be designed and constructed in accor-dance with NFPA 30 and the construction codes,including the Building Code.

3404.2.9.4 Aboveground tank overfill prevention.Aboveground tanks shall not be filled in excess of 95 per-cent of their capacity. An approved overfill preventionsystem shall be provided for each tank. During tank-fill-ing operations, the system shall automatically shut offthe flow of liquid to the tank when the quantity of liquidin the tank reaches 95 percent of tank capacity. For rigidhose liquid-delivery systems, an approved means shallbe provided to empty the fill hose into the tank after theautomatic shutoff device is activated.

3404.2.9.5 Outdoor aboveground tanks. Outdooraboveground tanks shall comply with the requirementsof Sections 3404.2.9.5.1 through 3404.2.9.5.3.

3404.2.9.5.1 Locations of aboveground tanks. Out-door aboveground tanks shall be located in accor-dance with Sections 3404.2.9.5.1.1 through3404.2.9.5.1.5, as applicable.

3404.2.9.5.1.1 Location of tanks with pressures2.5 psig or less. Aboveground tanks operating atpressures not exceeding 2.5 psig (17.2 kPa) forstorage of Class I, II or IIIA liquids, which aredesigned with a floating roof or a weakroof-to-shell seam, or equipped with emergencyventing devices limiting pressure to 2.5 psig (17.2kPa), shall be located in accordance with Table2.3.2.1.1(a) of NFPA 30.

Exceptions:

1. Vert ical tanks having a weakroof-to-shell seam and storing Class IIIAliquids are allowed to be located atone-half the distances specified in Table



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2.3.2.1.1(a) of NFPA 30, provided thetanks are not within a diked area or drain-age path for a tank storing Class I or II liq-uids.

2. Liquids with boilover characteristics andunstable liquids in accordance with Sec-tions 3404.2.9.5.1.4 and 3404.2.9.5.1.5.

3. For protected aboveground tanks in accor-dance with Section 3404.2.9.6, the dis-tances in Table 2.3.2.1.1(b) of NFPA 30shall apply and shall be reduced byone-half, but not to less than 5 feet (1524mm).

3404.2.9.5.1.2 Location of tanks with pressuresexceeding 2.5 psig. Aboveground tanks for the stor-age of Class I, II or IIIA liquids operating at pres-sures exceeding 2.5 psig (17.2 kPa) or equippedwith emergency venting allowing pressures toexceed 2.5 psig (17.2 kPa) shall be located in accor-dance with Table 2.3.2.1.2 of NFPA 30.

Exception: Liquids with boilover characteristicsand unstable liquids in accordance with Sections3404.2.9.5.1.4 and 3404.2.9.5.1.5.

3404.2.9.5.1.3 Location of tanks for boilover liq-uids. Aboveground tanks for storage of liquids withboilover characteristics shall be located in accor-dance with Table 2.3.2.1.3 of NFPA 30.

3404.2.9.5.1.4 Location of tanks for unstable liq-uids. Aboveground tanks for the storage of unstableliquids shall be located in accordance with Table2.3.2.1.4 of NFPA 30.

3404.2.9.5.1.5 Location of tanks for Class IIIBliquids. Aboveground tanks for the storage of ClassIIIB liquids, excluding unstable liquids, shall belocated in accordance with Table 2.3.2.1.5 of NFPA30, except when located within a diked area ordrainage path for a tank or tanks storing Class I or IIliquids. Where a Class IIIB liquid storage tank iswithin the diked area or drainage path for a Class I orII l iquid, dis tances required by Sect ion3404.2.9.5.1.2 shall apply.

3404.2.9.5.2 Separation between adjacent stable orunstable liquid tanks. The separation between tankscontaining stable liquids shall be in accordance withTable 2.3.2.2.1 of NFPA 30. Where tanks are in a dikedarea containing Class I or II liquids, or in the drainagepath of Class I or II liquids, and are compacted in threeor more rows or in an irregular pattern, the commis-sioner may require greater separation than specified inTable 2.3.2.2.1 of NFPA 30 or other means to maketanks in the interior of the pattern accessible forfirefighting purposes. The separation between tankscontaining unstable liquids shall not be less thanone-half the sum of their diameters.

Exception: Tanks used for storing Class IIIB liq-uids are allowed to be spaced 3 feet (914 mm)apart unless within a diked area or drainage pathfor a tank storing Class I or II liquids.

3404.2.9.5.3 Separation between adjacent tankscontaining flammable or combustible liquids andLPG. The minimum horizontal separation betweenan LPG container and a Class I, II or IIIA liquid stor-age tank shall be 20 feet (6096 mm) except in thecase of Class I, II or IIIA liquid tanks operating atpressures exceeding 2.5 psig (17.2 kPa) or equippedwith emergency venting allowing pressures toexceed 2.5 psig (17.2 kPa), in which case the provi-sions of Section 3404.2.9.5.2 shall apply. Anapproved means shall be provided to prevent theaccumulation of Class I, II or IIIA liquids underadjacent LPG containers such as by dikes, diversioncurbs or grading. When flammable or combustibleliquid storage tanks are within a diked area, the LPGcontainers shall be outside the diked area and at least10 feet (3048 mm) away from the centerline of thewall of the diked area.

Exception: Horizontal separation is not requiredbetween LPG containers and underground flam-mable and combustible liquid tanks.

3404.2.9.6 Additional requirements for protectedaboveground tanks. In addition to the requirements ofthis chapter for aboveground tanks, the installation ofprotected aboveground tanks shall be in accordancewith Sections 3404.2.9.6.1 through 3404.2.9.6.10.

3404.2.9.6.1 Tank construction. The constructionof a protected aboveground tank and its primary tankshall be in accordance with Section 3404.2.7.

3404.2.9.6.2 Normal and emergency venting.Normal and emergency venting for protected above-ground tanks shall be provided in accordance withSections 3404.2.7.3 and 3404.2.7.4. The vent capac-ity reduction factor shall not be allowed.

3404.2.9.6.3 Flame arresters. Approved flamearresters or pressure vacuum breather valves shall beinstalled in normal vents.

3404.2.9.6.4 Secondary containment. Protectedaboveground tanks shall be provided with secondarycontainment, drainage control or diking in accor-dance with Section 2704.2 and 6 NYCRR Part613.3(c)(6). A means shall be provided to establishthe integrity of the secondary containment in accor-dance with NFPA 30.

3404.2.9.6.5 Vehicle impact protection. Whereprotected aboveground tanks, piping, electrical con-duit or dispensers are subject to vehicular impact,they shall be protected therefrom, either by havingthe impact protection incorporated into the systemdesign in compliance with the impact test protocolof UL 2085, or by meeting the provisions of Section312, or where necessary, a combination of both.



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Where posts or other approved barriers are provided,they shall be independent of each aboveground tank.

3404.2.9.6.6 Overfill prevention sign. A durablesign shall be conspicuously posted on or immediatelyadjacent to the fill point for the tank, setting forth thefilling procedure and the tank calibration chart. Thefilling procedure shall require the person filling thetank to determine the gallonage (literage) required tofill it to 90 percent of capacity before commencing thefill operation.

3404.2.9.6.7 Fill pipe connections. The fill pipe shallbe provided with a means for making a direct connec-tion to the cargo tank’s fuel delivery hose so that thedelivery of fuel by means of a liquid-tight connectionis not exposed to the open air during the filling opera-tion. Where any portion of the fill pipe exterior to thetank extends below the level of the top of the tank, acheck valve shall be installed in the fill pipe not morethan 12 inches (305 mm) from the fill hose connec-tion.

3404.2.9.6.8 Spill containers. A spill container hav-ing a capacity of not less than 15 gallons (56.8 L) shallbe provided for each fill connection. For tanks with atop fill connection, spill containers shall benoncombustible and shall be fixed to the tank andequipped with a manual drain valve that drains intothe primary tank. For tanks with a remote fill connec-tion, a portable spill container shall be allowed.

3404.2.9.6.9 Tank openings. Tank openings in pro-tected aboveground tanks shall be through the toponly.

3404.2.9.6.10 Antisiphon devices. Approvedantisiphon devices shall be installed in each externalpipe connected to the protected aboveground tankwhen the pipe extends below the level of the top of thetank.

3404.2.10 Drainage and diking. The area surrounding atank or group of tanks shall be provided with drainage con-trol or shall be diked to prevent accidental discharge of liq-uid from endangering adjacent tanks, adjoining property orreaching waterways. The area shall be in compliance withthe requirements of the New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation regulations, as set forth in 6NYCRR Section 613.3(c)(6).

Exceptions:

1. For tanks having a capacity of less than 10,000 gal-lons (37 850 L), the commissioner may modifythese requirements based on an approved technicalreport which demonstrates that such tank or groupof tanks does not constitute a hazard to other tanks,waterways or adjoining property, after consider-ation of special features such as topographical con-ditions, nature of occupancy and proximity tobuildings or structures on the same or adjacentproperty, capacity, and construction of proposedtanks and character of liquids to be stored, and

nature and quantity of private and public fire pro-tection provided.

2. Drainage control and diking is not required forlisted secondary containment tanks.

3404.2.10.1 Volumetric capacity. The volumetriccapacity of the diked area shall not be less than the great-est amount of liquid that can be released from the largesttank within the diked area. The capacity of the diked areaenclosing more than one tank shall be calculated bydeducting the volume of the tanks other than the largesttank below the height of the dike.

3404.2.10.2 Diked areas containing multiple tanks.Diked areas containing multiple tanks shall be subdi-vided in accordance with NFPA 30.

3404.2.10.3 Protection of piping from exposure fires.Piping shall not pass through adjacent diked areas orimpounding basins, unless provided with a sealed sleeveor otherwise protected from exposure to fire.

3404.2.10.4 Combustible materials in diked areas.Diked areas shall be kept free from combustible materi-als, drums and barrels.

3404.2.10.5 Equipment, controls and piping in dikedareas. Pumps, manifolds and fire protection equipmentor controls shall not be located within diked areas ordrainage basins or in a location where such equipmentand controls would be endangered by fire in the dikedarea or drainage basin. Piping above ground shall beminimized and located as close as practical to the shell ofthe tank in diked areas or drainage basins.

Exceptions:

1. Pumps, manifolds and piping integral to thetanks or equipment being served which is pro-tected by intermediate diking, berms, drainageor fire protection, such as water spray, monitorsor resistive coating.

2. Fire protection equipment or controls which areappurtenances to the tanks or equipment beingprotected, such as foam chambers or foam pip-ing and water or foam monitors and hydrants,or hand and wheeled extinguishers.

3404.2.10.6 Dike construction. All dike walls shall beof steel or reinforced concrete, designed to be liq-uid-tight4 and to withstand a full hydraulic head, andconstructed to provide access to and from the diked area.Where stairways or other means are required to providesuch access, they shall be constructed of steel. No dikewall shall be higher than 60 percent of the tank height.

3404.2.11 Underground tanks. Underground storage offlammable and combustible liquids in tanks shall complywith the requirements of Section 3404.2 and Sections3404.2.11.1 through 3404.2.11.5.2.

3404.2.11.1 Contents. Underground tanks shall notstore petroleum products containing mixtures of anonpetroleum nature, such as ethanol or methanolblends, without evidence of compatibility.



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3404.2.11.2 Location. Flammable and combustible liq-uid storage tanks located underground, either outdoorsor under buildings, shall be in compliance with the fol-lowing requirements:

1. Tanks shall be installed so that the external forcesexerted from building foundations and supportloads are not transmitted to the tanks. The distancefrom any part of a tank to the nearest wall of anybasement, pit, cellar or any property line shall notbe less than 3 feet (914 mm). Tanks shall not beplaced less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from a subwaywall.

2. Tanks shall be installed so that the highest point ofthe tank is not less than 2 feet (610 mm)2 below thelevel of the lowest cellar floor of any buildingwithin a radius of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the tank.No tank shall be located under a sidewalk orbeyond the property line.

3. A minimum distance of 1 foot (305 mm), shell toshell, shall be maintained between undergroundtanks.

4. Manufacturer’s installation instructions.

3404.2.11.3 Depth and cover. Excavation for under-ground storage tanks shall be made with due care toavoid undermining of foundations of existing structures.Underground tanks shall be set on firm foundations andsurrounded with at least 6 inches (152 mm) ofnoncorrosive inert material, in accordance with the man-ufacturer’s installation instructions.

3404.2.11.4 Overfill protection and prevention sys-tems. Fill pipes shall be equipped with a spill containerof not less than 15-gallon (56.8 L) capacity and anapproved overfill prevention system to automaticallyprevent overflow in accordance with NFPA 30 and Sec-tion 3404.2.9.4.

3404.2.11.5 Leak prevention. Leak prevention forunderground tanks shall comply with the requirementsof Sections 3404.2.11.5.1 and 3404.2.11.5.2.

3404.2.11.5.1 Inventory control. Daily inventoryrecords shall be maintained for underground storagetank systems.

3404.2.11.5.2 Leak detection. Underground storagetank systems shall be provided with an approvedmethod of leak detection from any component of thesystem that is designed and installed in accordancewith NFPA 30. Leak detection systems shall be testedat the time of installation at the owner’s risk by his orher representative before a representative of thedepartment.

3404.2.11.6 Periodic tank and piping test. Any under-ground single-walled flammable or combustible liquidstorage tank existing prior to the effective date of thiscode that is single-walled or is not provided with a leakdetection system meeting the requirements of Section3404.2.11.5.2 shall be precision tested at least once every5 years.

Exception: Bulk plant and terminal tanks.

3404.2.11.7 Emergency tank and piping system test.The commissioner may require a tank and piping systemto be precision tested, pressure tested or tested by otherapproved method in accordance with this section todetermine the condition of the tank or piping or when thecommissioner has good cause to believe that a leakexists. Storage systems that may contain flammable orcombustible liquid vapor shall not be tested pneumati-cally. Such tests shall be conducted at the owner’s risk byhis or her representative.

3404.2.12 Testing. Tank testing required by Sections3404.2.12.1 through 3404.2.12.3 shall be at the owner’s riskby his or her representative before a representative of thedepartment.

3404.2.12.1 Acceptance testing. Prior to being placedinto service, tanks shall be tested in accordance with Sec-tion 2.4 of NFPA 30.

3404.2.12.2 Testing of underground tanks. Under-ground tanks shall be tested hydrostatically at 15 poundsper square inch (psig)(103.4 kPa), or 150 percent of themaximum anticipated static head pressure, whichever isgreater, for the inner tank, and pneumatically or hydro-statically at 5 pounds per square inch (psig)(34.5 kPa) forthe annular space (secondary containment tank). When apneumatic test is allowed, an inert gas shall be used;however, air may be used if the tank does not contain anyflammable or combustible liquid vapor. Test pressureshall be maintained for sufficient time to complete visualinspection, but not less than 1 hour. A tank shall bedeemed to have passed the test if it shows no evidence ofleakage or permanent deformation.

3404.2.12.3 Testing of aboveground tanks. Above-ground tanks shall be tested hydrostatically at 15 poundsper square inch (psig)(103.4 kPa) for the inner tank, andpneumatically or hydrostatically at 5 pounds per squareinch (psig)(34.5 kPa) for the annular space (secondarycontainment tank). When a pneumatic test is allowed, aninert gas shall be used; however, air may be used if thetank does not contain any flammable or combustible liq-uid vapor. Test pressure shall be maintained for sufficienttime to complete visual inspection, but not less than 1hour. A tank shall be deemed to have passed the test if itshows no evidence of leakage or permanent deformation.

3404.2.13 Out-of-service tanks. Tanks taken out of ser-vice3 shall be removed in accordance with Section3404.2.14, or safeguarded in accordance with Sections3404.2.13.1 through 3404.2.13.2.3 and API 1604.

Exceptions:

1. Tanks within operating facilities at bulk plants andterminals.

2. Tanks connected to fuel oil burning equipmentthat is used seasonally or as one of the fuels indual-fueled equipment.

3. Tanks that are used for seasonal storage or standbystorage.



3404.2.13.1 Underground tanks. Underground tankstaken out of service3 shall comply with the requirementsof Sections 3404.2.13.1.2 through 3404.2.13.1.4.

3404.2.13.1.1 Reserved.

3404.2.13.1.2 Out of service3 for 30 days. Under-ground tanks not used for a period of 30 days or moreshall be removed from the premises in accordancewith Section 3404.2.14 or safeguarded in compliancewith the following requirements:

1. Flammable or combustible liquids shall beremoved from the tank and connecting piping.

2. The tank and connecting piping shall be ren-dered free of flammable and combustiblevapors using an inert gas.

3. Except for any active fire extinguishing systempiping, the tank and connecting piping, includ-ing fill line, gauge opening, vapor return andpump connection, shall be capped or pluggedand secured from tampering and the fill connec-tion covered with concrete.

4. Vent lines shall remain open and be maintainedin accordance with Sections 3404.2.7.3 and3404.2.7.4.

3404.2.13.1.3 Out of service3 for 1 year. Under-ground tanks that have been out of service3 for aperiod of 1 year or more shall be removed from thepremises in accordance with Section 3404.2.14 orsealed in place in compliance with the followingrequirements:

1. Flammable and combustible liquids shall beremoved from the tank and connected piping.

2. The tank and connecting piping shall be ren-dered free of flammable and combustiblevapors, using an inert gas.

3. All tanks and connecting piping, including fireextinguishing system lines, fill line, gaugeopening, vapor return and pump connection,shall be disconnected, capped or plugged andsecured from tampering, and the fill connectionsealed with concrete to prevent its use.

4. The tank shall be filled completely with anapproved, inert solid material.

3404.2.13.2 Aboveground tanks. Aboveground tankstaken out of service3 shall comply with the requirementsof Sections 3404.2.13.2.2 and 3404.2.13.2.3.

3404.2.13.2.1 Reserved.

3404.2.13.2.2 Out of service3 for 30 days. Above-ground tanks not used for a period of 30 days or moreshall be removed from the premises in accordancewith Section 3404.2.14 or safeguarded in compliancewith the following requirements:

1. Tank and connecting piping shall be safe-guarded in accordance with Sect ion3404.2.13.1.2.

2. The tank shall be protected from flotation inaccordance with good engineering practice.

3404.2.13.2.3 Out of service3 for 1 year. Above-ground tanks that have been out of service3 for aperiod of 1 year or more shall be removed from thepremises in accordance with Section 3404.2.14 orsealed in place in compliance with the followingrequirements:

1. Flammable and combustible liquids shall beremoved from the tank and connected piping.

2. The tank and connecting piping shall be ren-dered free of flammable and combustiblevapors using an inert gas.

3. All piping, including fire extinguishing systemlines, fill line, gauge opening, vapor return andpump connection, shall be disconnected,capped or plugged and secured from tampering,and the fill connection sealed with concrete toprevent its use.

4. The tank shall be adequately protected fromflotation in accordance with good engineeringpractice.

5. The tank shall be stenciled with the date that itwas sealed in place.

3404.2.14 Removal and disposal of tanks. Removal anddisposal of tanks shall comply with the requirements of Sec-tions 3404.2.14.1 and 3404.2.14.2.

3404.2.14.1 Removal. Removal of aboveground andunderground tanks shall be in compliance with the fol-lowing requirements:

1. Flammable and combustible liquids shall beremoved from the tank and connecting piping.

2. The tank and connecting piping shall be renderedfree of flammable and combustible vapors usingan inert gas.

3. Piping at tank openings shall be disconnected.

4. Piping shall be removed from the premises.

Exception: Piping may be sealed-in-place4

where the commissioner determines thatremoval is not practical. Sealed-in-place4 pip-ing shall be capped and safeguarded by fillingwith concrete or other approved material, andthe fill connection removed from the fill pipe.

5. Tank openings shall be capped or plugged, leavinga 0.125-inch to 0.25-inch-diameter (3.2 mm to 6.4mm) opening for pressure equalization.

6. Tanks shall be removed from the premises.

3404.2.14.2 Disposal. Tanks and piping shall be dis-posed of lawfully.

3404.3 Container storage. Storage of flammable and combus-tible liquids in closed containers that do not exceed 60 gallons(227 L) in individual capacity, and transfers incidental thereto,shall comply with the requirements of this section. It shall beunlawful to store flammable and combustible liquids in con-



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tainers with an individual capacity of greater than 60 gallons(227 L).

3404.3.1 Design, construction and capacity of contain-ers. The design, construction and capacity of containers forthe storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be inaccordance with this section and Section 4.2 of NFPA 30. Itshall be unlawful to store flammable and combustible liq-uids in portable tanks, intermediate bulk containers andfiber drums.

3404.3.1.1 Approved containers. Only approved con-tainers shall be used.

3404.3.2 Liquid storage cabinets. Where other sections ofthis code require that liquid containers be stored in storagecabinets, such cabinets and storage shall be in accordancewith Sections 3404.3.2.1 through 3404.3.2.3.

3404.3.2.1 Design of storage cabinets. Design of liquidstorage cabinets shall be in accordance with this section.

3404.3.2.1.1 Materials. Cabinets shall be listed inaccordance with UL 1275.

3404.3.2.1.2 Labeling. Cabinets shall be providedwith a conspicuous label in red letters on contrastingbackground which reads: FLAMMABLE—KEEPFIRE AWAY.

3404.3.2.1.3 Doors. Doors shall be well fitted,self-closing and equipped with a three-point latch.

3404.3.2.1.4 Bottom. The bottom of the cabinet shallbe liquid-tight4 to a height of at least 2 inches (51mm).

3404.3.2.2 Capacity. The combined total quantity of liq-uids in a cabinet shall not exceed 120 gallons (454 L).

3404.3.2.3 Number of storage cabinets. Not more thanthree storage cabinets shall be located in a single firearea, except that in a Group F occupancy, additional cabi-nets are allowed to be located in the same fire area if theadditional cabinets (or groups of up to three cabinets) areseparated from other cabinets or groups of cabinets by atleast 100 feet (30 480 mm).

3404.3.3 Indoor storage. Storage of flammable and com-bustible liquids indoors in containers shall be in accordancewith this section.

Exceptions:

1. Liquids in the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, air-craft, watercraft or portable or stationary engines.

2. The storage of distilled spirits and wines inwooden barrels or casks.

3404.3.3.1 Portable fire extinguishers. Approved por-table fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordancewith specific sections of this chapter and Section 906.

3404.3.3.2 Incompatible materials. Materials that willreact with water or other liquids to produce a hazard shallnot be stored in the same room with flammable and com-bustible liquids in accordance with Section 2703.9.8.

3404.3.3.3 Clear means of egress. Storage of any liq-uids, including stock for sale, shall not be stored near orbe allowed to obstruct physically the route of egress.

3404.3.3.4 Empty containers storage. The storage ofempty containers previously used for the storage of flam-mable or combustible liquids shall be stored as requiredfor filled containers. Containers, when emptied, shallhave the covers or plugs immediately replaced in open-ings, be removed to an outdoor location and, if notcleaned on the premises, the empty containers shall beremoved from the premises as soon as practical, but atleast daily.

3404.3.3.5 Shelf storage. Shelving shall be of approvednoncombustible construction, adequately braced andanchored. Seismic requirements shall be in accordancewith the construction codes, including the BuildingCode.

3404.3.3.5.1 Reserved.

3404.3.3.5.2 Displacement protection. Shelvesshall be of sufficient depth and provided with a lip orguard to prevent individual containers from being dis-placed.

Exception: Shelves in storage cabinets or on labo-ratory furniture specifically designed for such use.

3404.3.3.5.3 Orderly storage. Shelf storage of flam-mable and combustible liquids shall be maintained inan orderly manner.

3404.3.3.6 Rack storage. Where storage on racks isallowed elsewhere in this code, a minimum 4-foot-wide(1219 mm) aisle shall be provided between adjacent racksections and any adjacent storage of liquids. Main aislesshall be a minimum of 8 feet (2438 mm) wide.

3404.3.3.7 Pile or palletized storage. Solid pile andpalletized storage in liquid warehouses shall be arrangedso that piles are separated from each other by at least 4feet (1219 mm). Aisles shall be provided and arranged sothat no container is more than 20 feet (6096 mm) from anaisle. Main aisles shall be a minimum of 8 feet (2438mm) wide.

3404.3.3.8 Limited combustible storage. Limitedquantities of combustible commodities are allowed to bestored in liquid storage areas where the ordinary com-bustibles, other than those used for packaging the liq-uids, are separated from the liquids in storage by aminimum of 8 feet (2438 mm) horizontally, either byopen aisles or by open racks, and where protection is pro-vided in accordance with Chapter 9.

3404.3.3.9 Idle combustible pallets. Storage of emptyor idle combustible pallets inside an unprotected liquidstorage area shall be limited to a maximum pile size of2,500 square feet (232 m2) and to a maximum storageheight of 6 feet (1829 mm). Storage of empty or idlecombustible pallets inside a protected liquid storage areashall comply with the requirements of NFPA 13. Palletstorage shall be separated from liquid storage by aislesthat are at least 8 feet (2438 mm).



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3404.3.3.10 Containers in piles. Containers in pilesshall be stacked in such a manner as to provide stabilityand to prevent excessive stress on container walls. Ade-quate material-handling equipment shall be available tohandle containers safely at the upper tier level.

3404.3.4 Quantity limits for storage. Liquid storage quan-tity limitations shall comply with the requirements of Sec-tions 3404.3.4.1 through 3404.3.4.5.

3404.3.4.1 Maximum allowable quantity per controlarea. For occupancies other than Group M wholesaleand retail sales uses, indoor storage of flammable andcombustible liquids shall not exceed the maximumallowable quantities per control area indicated in Table2703.1.1(1) and shall not exceed the additional limita-tions set forth in this section. For Group M occupancywholesale and retail sales uses, indoor storage of flam-mable and combustible liquids shall not exceed the maxi-mum allowable quantities per control area indicated inTable 3404.3.4.1, except that no gasoline or flammableliquid motor fuel may be stored in portable containers forwholesale or retail sale. Storage of hazardous productionmaterial flammable and combustible liquids in GroupH-5 occupancies shall be in accordance with Chapter 18.

3404.3.4.2 Limitations on storage. The quantity offlammable or combustible liquid stored shall be limitedby occupancy as follows:

1. Group A, B, E, F, I and S occupancies. Flamma-ble and combustible liquids shall be stored only forlawful uses incidental to the occupancy, includingmaintenance and operation of equipment, and inquantities not to exceed that which is necessary forsuch use.

2. Group M occupancies. Flammable and combus-tible liquids shall be stored only for lawful usesincidental to the occupancy, including mainte-

nance and operation of equipment, and in quanti-ties not to exceed that which is necessary for suchuse. The maximum allowable quantities for stor-age in wholesale and retail sales areas shall be inaccordance with Section 3404.3.4.1.

3. Group R occupancies. Flammable and combusti-ble liquids shall be stored only for maintenanceand operation of equipment, and in quantities notto exceed that which is necessary for such use.Quantities within a dwelling unit shall be storedonly for household use and in quantities belowpermit amounts. It shall be unlawful to store gaso-line or other flammable liquid motor fuel within adwelling unit.

4. Gasoline and other flammable liquid motorfuel. Storage of gasoline and other flammable liq-uid motor fuel in portable containers in quantitiesrequiring a permit is subject to the approval of thecommissioner, regardless of the occupancy classi-fication of the premises.

3404.3.4.3 Quantities exceeding limits for controlareas. Quantities exceeding those allowed in controlareas set forth in Section 3404.3.4.1 shall be in liquidstorage rooms or liquid storage warehouses in accor-dance with Sections 3404.3.7 and 3404.3.8.

3404.3.4.4 Liquids for maintenance and operation ofequipment. In all occupancies, quantities of flammableand combustible liquids requiring a permit pursuant toSection 105.6, used for maintenance purposes and theoperation of equipment, shall be stored in liquid storagecabinets in accordance with Section 3404.3.2. Quantitiesnot requiring a permit pursuant to Section 105.6 areallowed to be stored outside of a cabinet when inapproved containers and locations.



TABLE 3404.3.4.1MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN WHOLESALE AND

RETAIL SALES USES PER CONTROL AREAa

TYPE OF LIQUID

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA (gallons)

Sprinkleredb per footnotedensities and arrangements

Sprinklered per Tables 3404.3.6.3(4) through 3404.3.6.3(8) and Table3404.3.7.5.1 and the construction codes, including the Building Code Nonsprinklered

Class IA 60 60 30

Class IB, IC, II and IIIA 7,500c 15,000c 1,600

Class IIIB Unlimited Unlimited 13,200

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929m2, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2.a. Control areas shall be separated from each other by not less than a 1-hour fire barrier wall.b. To be considered as sprinklered, a building shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system with a design providing minimum densities as follows:

1. For uncartoned commodities on shelves 6 feet or less in height where the ceiling height does not exceed 18 feet, quantities are those permitted with a minimumsprinkler design density of Ordinary Hazard Group 2.

2. For cartoned, palletized or racked commodities where storage is 4 feet 6 inches or less in height and where the ceiling height does not exceed 18 feet, quantitiesare those permitted with a minimum sprinkler design density of 0.21 gallon per minute per square foot over the most remote 1,500-square foot area.

c. Where wholesale and retail sales or storage areas exceed 50,000 square feet in area, the maximum allowable quantities are allowed to be increased by 2 percent foreach 1,000 square feet of area in excess of 50,000 square feet, up to a maximum of 100 percent of the table amounts. A control area separation is not required. Thecumulative amounts, including amounts attained by having an additional control area, shall not exceed 30,000 gallons.

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3404.3.4.5 Citywide permits. No citywide permitauthorizing the storage and use of flammable or combus-tible liquids shall be valid for:

1. The storage or use of gasoline in quantities exceed-ing 5 gallons (19 L).

2. The storage or use of flammable liquids in quanti-ties exceeding 250 gallons (946 L).

3. The storage or use of combustible liquids in quan-tities exceeding 300 gallons (1136 L).

4. The storage or use of any paint, varnish, or otherflammable or combustible liquid commonly usedfor painting, varnishing, lacquering, staining,waxing or other finishing operations in quantitiesexceeding 200 gallons (757 L), except as other-wise limited in Chapter 15 for floor finishing oper-ations.

3404.3.5 Storage in control areas. Storage of flammableand combustible liquids in control areas shall be in accor-dance with Sections 3404.3.5.1 through 3404.3.5.4.

3404.3.5.1 Storage below grade. Class I liquids shallnot be permitted in basements, cellars or other areasbelow grade. Class II and III liquids shall be allowed tobe stored in basements, cellars or other areas below gradeprovided that such basement, cellar or other below gradearea is protected throughout by a sprinkler system, andother fire protection is provided in accordance withChapter 9 and the construction codes, including theBuilding Code.

Exception: Class IIIB liquids may be stored in base-ments, cellars and other areas below grade that are notprotected throughout by a sprinkler system whenstored in a room or other area that is segregated, verti-cally and horizontally, from surrounding spaces by afire separation of not less than 2-hour fire-resistancerating and such room or other area is protectedthroughout by a sprinkler system.

3404.3.5.2 Storage pile heights. Containers having lessthan a 30-gallon (114 L) capacity which contain Class I

or II liquids shall not be stacked more than 3 feet (914.4mm) or two containers high, whichever is greater, unlessstacked on fixed shelving or otherwise satisfactorilysecured. Containers of Class I or II liquids having acapacity of 30 gallons (114 L) or more shall not be storedmore than one container high. Containers shall be storedin an upright position.

3404.3.5.3 Storage distance from ceilings and roofs.Piles of containers shall not be stored closer than 3 feet(914 mm) to the nearest beam, chord, girder or otherobstruction, and shall be 3 feet (914 mm) below sprinklerdeflectors or discharge orifices of water spray or otheroverhead fire extinguishing system.

3404.3.5.4 Combustible materials. In areas that areinaccessible to the public, Class I, II and IIIA liquidsshall not be stored in the same pile or rack section as ordi-nary combustible commodities unless such materials arepackaged together as kits.

3404.3.6 Wholesale and retail sales. Flammable and com-bustible liquids in Group M occupancy wholesale and retailsales shall be in accordance with Sections 3404.3.6.1through 3404.3.6.5, or NFPA 30 Sections 4.4.3.3, 4.5.6.7,4.8.2, Tables 4.8.2(a) through (f), and Figures 4.8.2(a)through (d).

3404.3.6.1 Container type. Containers for Class I liq-uids shall be metal.

Exception: In sprinklered buildings, an aggregatequantity of 120 gallons (454 L) of water-miscibleClass IB and Class IC liquids is allowed in nonmetal-lic containers, each having a capacity of 16 ounces(0.473 L) or less.

3404.3.6.2 Container capacity. Containers for Class Iliquids shall not exceed a capacity of 5 gallons (19 L).

Exception: Metal containers not exceeding 55 gal-lons (208 L) are permitted to store up to 240 gallons(908 L) of the maximum allowable quantity per con-trol area of Class IB and IC liquids in a control area.The building shall be protected throughout by a sprin-kler system in accordance with Table 3404.3.4.1. The



TABLE 3404.3.6.3(1)MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHT IN CONTROL AREA

TYPE OF LIQUID NONSPRINKLERED AREA (feet) SPRINKLERED AREA (feet)SPRINKLEREDa WITH IN-RACK

PROTECTION (feet)

Flammable liquids:Class IAClass IBClass IC

444

488

41212

Combustible liquids:Class IIClass IIIAClass IIIB

688

81212

121620

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.a. In-rack protection shall be in accordance with Table 3404.3.6.3(5), 3404.3.6.3(6), 3404.3.6.3(7) or 3404.3.6.3(8) and the construction codes, including the Build-

ing Code.

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TABLE 3404.3.6.3(2)STORAGE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PALLETIZED OR SOLID-PILE STORAGE IN LIQUID STORAGE ROOMS AND WAREHOUSES

CLASSSTORAGE

LEVEL

MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHTMAXIMUM QUANTITY

PER PILE (gallons)MAXIMUM QUANTITYPER ROOMa (gallons)

Drums Containersb (feet) Containers Containers

IAGround floorUpper floorsBasementsd

11

Not Allowed

55

Not Allowed

3,0002,000

Not Allowed

12,0008,000

Not Allowed

IBGround floorUpper floorsBasementsd

11

Not Allowed

6.56.5

Not Allowed

5,0003,000

Not Allowed

15,00012,000

Not Allowed

ICGround floorUpper floorsBasementsd

11

Not Allowed

6.5c

6.5c

Not Allowed

5,0003,000

Not Allowed

15,00012,000

Not Allowed

IIGround floorUpper floorsBasementsd

331

10105

10,00010,0007,500

25,00025,0007,500

IIIGround floorUpper floorsBasementsd

553

202010

15,00015,00010,000

50,00050,00025,000

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.a. See Section 3404.3.8.1 for unlimited quantities in liquid storage warehouses.b. Storage heights are allowed to be increased for Class IB, IC, II and III liquids in metal containers having a capacity of 5 gallons or less where an automatic

AFFF-water protection system has been approved by the commissioner and the commissioner of buildings.c. These height limitations are allowed to be increased to 10 feet for containers having a capacity of 5 gallons or less.d. Basements include cellars and other areas below grade.

TABLE 3404.3.6.3(3)STORAGE ARRANGEMENTS FOR RACK STORAGE IN LIQUID STORAGE ROOMS AND WAREHOUSES

CLASS TYPE RACK STORAGE LEVEL

MAXIMUM STORAGE HEIGHT(feet)

MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER ROOM(gallons)

Containers Containers

IA Double row or Single rowGround floorUpper floorsBasements

2515

Not Allowed

7,5004,500

Not Allowed

IBIC

Double row or Single rowGround floorUpper floorsBasements

2515

Not Allowed

15,0009,000

Not Allowed

II Double row or Single rowGround floorUpper floorsBasements

252515

24,00024,0009,000

IIIMultirow

Double roomSingle row

Ground floorUpper floorsBasements

402020

48,00048,00024,000

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

➡



BL

E34

04.3

.6.3

(4)

SP

RIN

KL

ER

SY

ST

EM

PR

OT

EC

TIO

NF

OR

SO

LID

-PIL

EA

ND

PAL

LE

TIZ

ED

STO

RA

GE

OF

LIQ

UID

SIN

CO

NTA

INE

RS

AN

DP

OR

TAB

LE

TAN

KS

a

ST

OR

AG

EC

ON

DIT

ION

SC

EIL

ING

SP

RIN

KL

ER

DE

SIG

NA

ND

DE

MA

ND

MIN

IMU

MH

OS

ES

TR

EA

MD

EM

AN

D(g

pm

)

MIN

IMU

MD

UR

AT

ION

SP

RIN

KL

ER

SA

ND

HO

SE

ST

RE

AM

S(h

ou

rs)

Cla

ssL

iqu

idC

on

tain

ersi

zean

dar

ran

gem

ent

Den

sity

(gp

m/f

t2 )

Are

a(s

qu

are

feet

)

Max

imu

msp

acin

g(s

qu

are

feet

)H

igh

-tem

per

atu

resp

rin

kler

sO

rdin

ary

tem

per

atu

resp

rin

kler

s

IA

5ga

llons

orle

ss,w

ithor

with

out

cart

ons,

pall

etiz

edor

soli

dpi

leb

0.30

3,00

05,

000

100

750

2C

onta

iner

sgr

eate

rth

an5

gall

ons,

onen

dor

side

,pal

leti

zed

orso

lid

pile

0.60

5,00

08,

000

8075

0

IB,I

Can

dII

5ga

llons

orle

ss,w

ithor

with

out

cart

ons,

pall

etiz

edor

soli

dpi

leb

0.30

3,00

05,

000

100

500

2C

onta

iner

sgr

eate

rth

an5

gall

ons

onpa

llets

orso

lidpi

le,o

nehi

gh0.

255,

000

8,00

010

0

IIC

onta

iner

sgr

eate

rth

an5

gall

ons

onpa

llet

sor

soli

dpi

le,m

ore

than

one

high

,on

end

orsi

de0.

605,

000

8,00

080

750

2

III

III

5ga

llons

orle

ss,w

ithor

with

out

cart

ons,

pall

etiz

edor

soli

dpi

le0.

253,

000

5,00

012

050

01

Con

tain

ers

grea

ter

than

5ga

llon

son

palle

tsor

solid

pile

,on

end

orsi

des,

upto

thre

ehi

gh0.

253,

000

5,00

012

050

01

Con

tain

ers

grea

ter

than

5ga

llon

s,on

palle

tsor

solid

pile

,on

end

orsi

des,

upto

18fe

ethi

gh0.

353,

000

5,00

010

075

02

For

SI:

1fo

ot=

304.

8m

m,1

gallo

n=

3.78

5L

,1sq

uare

foot

=0.

0929

m2 ,1

gallo

npe

rm

inut

e=

3.78

5L

/m,1

gallo

npe

rm

inut

epe

rsq

uare

foot

=40

.75

L/m

in/m

2 .a.

The

desi

gnar

eaco

ntem

plat

esth

eus

eof

Cla

ssII

stan

dpip

esy

stem

s.W

here

Cla

ssI

stan

dpip

esy

stem

sar

eus

ed,t

hear

eaof

appl

icat

ion

shal

lbe

incr

ease

dby

30pe

rcen

twith

outr

evis

ing

dens

ity.

b.Fo

rst

orag

ehe

ight

sab

ove

4fe

etor

ceili

nghe

ight

sgr

eate

rth

an18

feet

,an

appr

oved

engi

neer

ing

desi

gnsh

allb

epr

ovid

edin

acco

rdan

cew

ithSe

ctio

n10

4.7.

2.

➡ ➡ ➡



TAB

LE

3404

.3.6

.3(5

)S

PR

INK

LE

RS

YS

TE

MP

RO

TE

CT

ION

RE

QU

IRE

ME

NT

SF

OR

RA

CK

STO

RA

GE

OF

LIQ

UID

SIN

CO

NTA

INE

RS

OF

5-G

AL

LO

NC

APA

CIT

YO

RL

ES

SW

ITH

OR

WIT

HO

UT

CA

RTO

NS

ON

CO

NV

EN

TIO

NA

LW

OO

DPA

LL

ET

Sa

CL

AS

SL

IQU

ID

CE

ILIN

GS

PR

INK

LE

RD

ES

IGN

AN

DD

EM

AN

DIN

-RA

CK

SP

RIN

KL

ER

AR

RA

NG

EM

EN

TA

ND

DE

MA

ND

MIN

IMU

MH

OS

ES

TR

EA

MD

EM

AN

D(g

pm

)

MIN

IMU

MD

UR

AT

ION

SP

RIN

KL

ER

AN

DH

OS

ES

TR

EA

M(h

ou

rs)

Den

sity

(gp

m/f

t2 )

Are

a(s

qu

are

feet

)

Max

imu

msp

acin

gR

acks

up

to9

feet

dee

pR

acks

mo

reth

an9

feet

to12

feet

dee

p

30p

si(s

tan

dar

do

rifi

ce)

Nu

mb

ero

fsp

rin

kler

so

per

atin

gH

igh

-te

mp

erat

ure

spri

nkl

ers

Ord

inar

yte

mp

erat

ure

spri

nkl

ers

14p

si(l

arg

eo

rifi

ce)

I(m

axim

um25

-foo

thei

ght)

Opt

ion

1

0.40

3,00

05,

000

80ft

2 /hea

d

1.O

rdin

ary

tem

per

atu

re,

quic

k-re

spon

sesp

rink

lers

,m

axim

um8

feet

3in

ches

hori

zont

alsp

acin

g

2.O

neli

nesp

rink

lers

abov

eea

chle

velo

fst

orag

e

3.L

ocat

ein

long

itud

inal

flue

spac

e,st

agge

red

vert

ical

4.Sh

ield

sre

quir

edw

here

mul

-ti

leve

l

1.O

rdin

ary

tem

pera

ture

,qu

ick-

resp

onse

spri

n-kl

ers,

max

imum

8fe

et3

inch

esho

rizo

ntal

spac

-in

g

2.O

ne

lin

esp

rin

kle

rsab

ove

each

leve

lof

stor

-ag

e

3.L

ocat

ein

tran

sver

sefl

uesp

aces

,st

agge

red

vert

i-ca

lan

dw

ithin

20in

ches

ofai

sle

4.S

hiel

dsre

quir

edw

here

mul

tile

vel

30ps

i(0

.5-i

nch

orif

ice)

1.E

ight

spri

nkle

rsif

only

one

leve

l

2.S

ixsp

rink

lers

each

ontw

ole

vels

ifon

lytw

ole

vels

3.S

ixsp

rink

lers

each

onto

pth

ree

leve

ls,

ifth

ree

orm

ore

leve

ls

4.H

yd

rau

lica

lly

mo

stre

mot

e

750

2

I(m

axim

um25

-foo

thei

ght)

Opt

ion

2

0.55

2,00

0bN

otA

ppli

cabl

e10

0ft

2 /hea

d

1.O

rdin

ary

tem

per

atu

re,

quic

k-re

spon

sesp

rink

lers

,m

axim

um8

feet

3in

ches

hori

zont

alsp

acin

g

2.Se

e2

abov

e

3.Se

e3

abov

e

4.Se

e4

abov

e

1.O

rdin

ary

tem

pera

ture

,qu

ick-

resp

onse

spri

n-kl

ers,

max

imum

8fe

et3

inch

esho

rizo

ntal

spac

-in

g

2.Se

e2

abov

e

3.Se

e3

abov

e

4.Se

e4

abov

e

14ps

i(0

.53-

inch

orif

ice)

See

1th

roug

h4

abov

e50

02

Ian

dII

(max

imum

14-f

oots

tora

gehe

ight

)(m

axim

umth

ree

tier

s)

0.55

c2,

000b,

dN

otA

ppli

cabl

e10

0ft

2 /hea

dN

otA

ppli

cabl

eN

one

for

max

imum

6-fo

ot-d

eep

rack

sN

otA

ppli

cabl

eN

otA

ppli

cabl

eN

otA

ppli

cabl

e50

02

II(m

axim

um25

-foo

thei

ght)

0.30

3,00

05,

000

100

ft2 /h

ead

1.O

rdin

ary

tem

pera

ture

spri

n-kl

ers

8fe

etap

art

hori

zon-

tall

y

2.O

neli

nesp

rink

lers

betw

een

leve

lsat

near

est1

0-fo

otve

r-ti

cali

nter

vals

3.L

ocat

ein

long

itud

inal

flue

spac

e,st

agge

red

vert

ical

4.Sh

ield

sre

quir

edw

here

mul

-ti

leve

l

1.O

rdin

ary

tem

pera

ture

spri

nkle

rs8

feet

apar

tho

rizo

ntal

ly

2.T

wo

line

sbet

wee

nle

vels

atne

ares

t10

-foo

tve

rti-

cali

nter

vals

3.L

ocat

ein

tran

sver

sefl

uesp

aces

,st

agge

red

vert

i-ca

lan

dw

ithin

20in

ches

ofai

sle

4.S

hiel

dsre

quir

edw

here

mul

tile

vel

30ps

i

Hyd

raul

ical

lym

ost

rem

ote—

six

spri

nkle

rsat

each

leve

l,up

toa

max

imum

ofth

ree

leve

ls

750

2

III

(40-

foot

heig

ht)

0.25

3,00

05,

000

120

ft2 /h

ead

Sam

eas

for

Cla

ssII

liqu

ids

Sam

eas

for

Cla

ssII

liqu

ids

30ps

iSa

me

asfo

rC

lass

IIli

quid

s50

02

For

SI:

1in

ch=

25.4

mm

,1fo

ot=

304.

8m

m,1

squa

refo

ot=

0.09

29m

2 ,1po

und

per

squa

rein

ch=

6.89

5kP

a,1

gall

on=

3.78

5L

,1ga

llon

per

min

ute

=3.

785

L/m

,1

gall

onpe

rm

inut

epe

rsq

uare

foot

=40

.75

L/m

in/m

2 .a.

The

desi

gnar

eaco

ntem

plat

esth

eus

eof

Cla

ssII

stan

dpip

esy

stem

s.W

here

Cla

ssI

stan

dpip

esy

stem

sar

eus

ed,t

hear

eaof

appl

icat

ion

shal

lbe

incr

ease

dby

30pe

rcen

twit

hout

revi

sing

dens

ity.

b.W

hen

the

inst

alla

tion

uses

list

edor

appr

oved

extr

a-la

rge

orif

ices

,hig

h-te

mpe

ratu

requ

ick-

resp

onse

orst

anda

rdel

emen

tspr

inkl

ers,

such

spac

esm

aybe

prov

ided

wit

ha

max

imum

30-f

ootc

eili

nghe

ight

prov

ided

min

imum

7.5-

foot

aisl

esar

em

aint

aine

d.c.

For

fric

tion

lid

cans

and

othe

rm

etal

cont

aine

rseq

uipp

edw

ith

plas

tic

nozz

les

orca

ps,t

hede

nsit

ysh

allb

ein

crea

sed

to0.

65gp

mpe

rsq

uare

foot

usin

gli

sted

orap

prov

edex

tra-

larg

eor

ific

e,hi

gh-t

empe

ratu

requ

ick-

resp

onse

spri

nkle

rs.

d.W

hen

the

inst

alla

tion

uses

list

edor

appr

oved

extr

a-la

rge

orif

ice,

high

-tem

pera

ture

quic

k-re

spon

seor

stan

dard

elem

ents

prin

kler

s,su

chsp

aces

may

bepr

ovid

edw

ith

am

axim

um18

-foo

tcei

ling

heig

htpr

ovid

edm

inim

um7.

5-fo

otai

sles

and

only

met

alco

ntai

ners

are

stor

ed.



BL

E34

04.3

.6.3

(6)

SP

RIN

KL

ER

SY

ST

EM

PR

OT

EC

TIO

NR

EQ

UIR

EM

EN

TS

FO

RR

AC

KS

TOR

AG

EO

FL

IQU

IDS

INC

ON

TAIN

ER

SG

RE

AT

ER

TH

AN

5-G

AL

LO

NC

APA

CIT

Ya

CL

AS

SL

IQU

ID

CE

ILIN

GS

PR

INK

LE

RD

ES

IGN

AN

DD

EM

AN

DIN

-RA

CK

SP

RIN

KL

ER

AR

RA

NG

EM

EN

TA

ND

DE

MA

ND

MIN

IMU

MH

OS

ES

TR

EA

MD

EM

AN

D(g

pm

)

MIN

IMU

MD

UR

AT

ION

SP

RIN

KL

ER

AN

DH

OS

ES

TR

EA

M(h

ou

rs)

Den

sity

(gp

m/f

t2 )

Are

a(s

qu

are

feet

)

Max

imu

msp

acin

gO

n-s

ide

sto

rag

era

cks

up

to9-

foo

t-d

eep

rack

s

On

-en

dst

ora

ge

(on

pal

lets

)u

pto

9-fo

ot-

dee

pra

cks

Min

imu

mn

ozz

lep

ress

ure

Nu

mb

ero

fsp

rin

kler

so

per

atin

g

Hig

h-

tem

per

atu

resp

rin

kler

s

Ord

inar

yte

mp

erat

ure

spri

nkl

ers

IA(m

axim

um25

-foo

the

ight

)0.

603,

000

5,00

080

ft2 /

head

1.O

rdin

ary

tem

pera

-tu

resp

rink

lers

8fe

etap

art

hori

zon-

tall

y

2.O

nelin

esp

rink

lers

abov

eea

chti

erof

stor

age

3.L

ocat

ein

long

itu-

dina

lfl

uesp

ace,

stag

gere

dve

rtic

al

4.S

hie

lds

req

uir

edw

here

mul

tile

vel

1.O

rdin

ary

tem

pera

-tu

resp

rink

lers

8fe

etap

art

hori

zon-

tall

y

2.O

nelin

esp

rink

lers

abov

eea

chti

erof

stor

age

3.L

ocat

ein

long

itu-

dina

lfl

uesp

ace,

stag

gere

dve

rtic

al

4.S

hie

lds

req

uir

edw

here

mul

tile

vel

30ps

i

Hyd

raul

ical

lym

ost

rem

ote—

six

spri

nkle

rsat

each

leve

l

1,00

02

IB,I

Can

dII

(max

imum

25-f

oot

heig

ht)

0.60

3,00

05,

000

100

ft2 /

head

1.Se

e1

abov

e

2.O

nelin

esp

rink

lers

ever

yth

ree

tier

sof

stor

age

3.Se

e3

abov

e

4.Se

e4

abov

e

1.Se

e1

abov

e

2.Se

e2

abov

e

3.Se

e3

abov

e

4.Se

e4

abov

e30

psi

Hyd

raul

ical

lym

ost

rem

ote—

six

spri

nkle

rsat

each

leve

l

750

2

III

(max

imum

40-f

oot

heig

ht)

0.25

3,00

05,

000

120

ft2 /

head

1.Se

e1

abov

e

2.O

nelin

esp

rink

lers

ever

ysi

xth

leve

l(m

axim

um)

3.Se

e3

abov

e

4.Se

e4

abov

e

1.Se

e1

abov

e

2.O

nelin

esp

rink

lers

ever

yth

ird

leve

l(m

axim

um)

3.Se

e3

abov

e

4.Se

e4

abov

e

15ps

i

Hyd

raul

ical

lym

ost

rem

ote—

six

spri

nkle

rsat

each

leve

l

500

1

For

SI:

1fo

ot=

304.

8m

m,1

squa

refo

ot=

0.09

29m

2 ,1po

und

per

squa

rein

ch=

6.89

5kP

a,1

gallo

n=

3.78

5L

,1ga

llon

per

min

ute

=3.

785

L/m

,1ga

llon

per

min

ute

per

squa

refo

ot=

40.7

5L

/min

/m2 .

a.T

hede

sign

assu

mes

the

use

ofC

lass

IIst

andp

ipe

syst

ems.

Whe

rea

Cla

ssI

stan

dpip

esy

stem

isus

ed,t

hear

eaof

appl

icat

ion

shal

lbe

incr

ease

dby

30pe

rcen

twith

outr

evis

ing

dens

ity.



TAB

LE

3404

.3.6

.3(7

)A

UTO

MA

TIC

AF

FF

WA

TE

RP

RO

TE

CT

ION

RE

QU

IRE

ME

NT

SF

OR

RA

CK

STO

RA

GE

OF

LIQ

UID

SIN

CO

NTA

INE

RS

GR

EA

TE

RT

HA

N5-

GA

LL

ON

CA

PAC

ITY

a,b

CL

AS

SL

IQU

ID

CE

ILIN

GS

PR

INK

LE

RD

ES

IGN

AN

DD

EM

AN

DIN

-RA

CK

SP

RIN

KL

ER

AR

RA

NG

EM

EN

TA

ND

DE

MA

ND

c

DU

RA

TIO

NA

FF

FS

UP

PL

Y(m

inim

um

)

DU

RA

TIO

NW

AT

ER

SU

PP

LY

(ho

urs

)D

ensi

ty(g

pm

/ft2 )

Are

a(s

qu

are

feet

)

On

-en

dst

ora

ge

of

dru

ms

on

pal

lets

,up

to25

feet

Min

imu

mn

ozz

lep

ress

ure

(psi

)

Nu

mb

ero

fsp

rin

kler

so

per

atin

g

Ho

sest

ream

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➡

containers shall be provided with plastic caps withoutcap seals and shall be stored upright. Containers shallnot be stacked or stored in racks and shall not belocated in areas accessible to the public.

3404.3.6.3 Fire protection and storage arrangements.Fire protection and container storage arrangements shallbe in accordance with Table 3404.3.6.3(1) or the follow-ing:

1. Storage on shelves shall not exceed 6 feet (1829mm) in height, and shelving shall be metal.

2. Storage on pallets or in piles greater than 4 feet 6inches (1372 mm) in height, or where the ceilingexceeds 18 feet (5486 mm) in height, shall be pro-tected by a sprinkler system in accordance withTable 3404.3.6.3(4), and the storage heights andarrangements shall be limited to those specified inTable 3404.3.6.3(2).

3. Storage on racks greater than 4 feet 6 inches (1372mm) in height, or where the ceiling exceeds 18 feet(5486 mm) in height shall be protected in accor-dance with Tables 3404.3.6.3(5), 3404.3.6.3(6),3404.3.6.3(7) and 3404.3.6.3(8) and the construc-tion codes, including the Building Code as appro-priate, and the storage heights and arrangementsshall be limited to those specified in Table3404.3.6.3(3).

3404.3.6.3.1 Combustible commodities. Combusti-ble commodities shall not be stored above flammableand combustible liquids.

3404.3.6.4 Container warning labels. All containers offlammable liquids offered for sale shall bear a warninglabel in accordance with federal laws, rules and regula-tions, painted or printed on the container, indicating theliquid is flammable, and shall be kept away from heat andan open flame.

3404.3.6.5 Storage plan. The commissioner mayrequire that aisle and storage plans be submitted to thedepartment in accordance with Chapter 27.

3404.3.7 Liquid storage rooms. Liquid storage roomsshall comply with the requirements of Sections 3404.3.7.1through 3404.3.7.5.2.

3404.3.7.1 General. Quantities of liquids exceedingthose set forth in Section 3404.3.4.1 for storage in con-trol areas shall be stored in a liquid storage room comply-ing with the requirements of this section and constructedand separated as required by the construction codes,including the Building Code.

3404.3.7.2 Quantities and arrangement of storage.The quantity limits and storage arrangements in liquidstorage rooms shall be in accordance with Tables3404.3.6.3(2) and 3404.3.6.3(3) and Sections3404.3.7.2.1 through 3404.3.7.2.3.

3404.3.7.2.1 Mixed storage. Where two or moreclasses of liquids are stored in a pile or rack section:

1. The quantity in that pile or rack shall not exceedthe smallest of the maximum quantities for theclasses of liquids stored in accordance withTable 3404.3.6.3(2) or 3404.3.6.3(3); and

2. The height of storage in that pile or rack shallnot exceed the smallest of the maximumheights for the classes of liquids stored in accor-dance with Table 3404.3.6 .3(2) or3404.3.6.3(3).

3404.3.7.2.2 Separation and aisles. Piles shall beseparated from each other by at least 4-foot (1219mm) aisles. Aisles shall be provided so that all con-tainers are 20 feet (6096 mm) or less from an aisle.Where the storage of liquids is on racks, a minimum4-foot-wide (1219 mm) aisle shall be providedbetween adjacent rows of racks and adjacent storageof liquids. Main aisles shall be a minimum of 8 feet(2438 mm) wide. Additional aisles shall be providedfor access to doors, required windows and ventilationopenings, standpipe connections, mechanical equip-ment and switches. Such aisles shall be at least 3 feet(914 mm) in width, unless greater widths are requiredfor separation of piles or racks, in which case thegreater width shall be provided.

3404.3.7.2.3 Stabilizing and supports. Containersand piles shall be separated by pallets or dunnage toprovide stability and to prevent excessive stress tocontainer walls. Adequate material-handling equip-



TABLE 3404.3.7.5.1AUTOMATIC AFFF-WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLID-PILE AND PALLETIZED STORAGE OF LIQUIDS

IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 5-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESSa,b

PACKAGETYPE

CLASSLIQUID

CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMANDSTORAGE

HEIGHT(feet)

HOSEDEMAND

(gpm)c

DURATIONAFFF

SUPPLY(minimum)

DURATIONWATERSUPPLY(hours)

Density(gpm/ft2)

Area(square feet)

Temperaturerating

Maximumspacing

Orifice size(inch)

Cartoned IB, IC, IIand III 0.40 2,000 286�F 100 ft2/head 0.531 11 500 15 2

Uncartoned IB, IC, IIand III 0.30 2,000 286�F 100 ft2/head 0.5 or

0.531 12 500 15 2

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m,1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2, °C. = [(°F)-32]/1.8.

a. System shall be a closed-head wet system with approved devices for proportioning aqueous film-forming foam.b. Maximum ceiling height of 30 feet.c. Hose stream demand includes 1.5-inch inside hand hose, when required.

➡

ment shall be readily available and used to handlecontainers safely at upper tier levels.

3404.3.7.3 Spill control and secondary containment.Liquid storage rooms shall be provided with spill controland secondary containment in accordance with Section2704.2.

3404.3.7.4 Ventilation. Liquid storage rooms shall beventilated in accordance with Section 2704.3.

3404.3.7.5 Fire protection. Fire protection for liquidstorage rooms shall comply with the requirements ofSections 3404.3.7.5.1 and 3404.3.7.5.2.

3404.3.7.5.1 Fire extinguishing systems. Liquidstorage rooms shall be protected throughout by sprin-kler systems installed in accordance with Chapter 9,Tables 3404.3.6.3(4) through 3404.3.6.3(8) andTable 3404.3.7.5.1 and the construction codes,including the Building Code. In-rack sprinklers shalladditionally comply with the requirements of NFPA13 and the construction codes, including the BuildingCode. Foam fire extinguishing systems and aqueousfilm-forming foam (AFFF) fire extinguishing sys-tems shall not be used except when approved by thecommissioner and the Commissioner of Buildings.Protection criteria developed from fire modeling orfull-scale fire testing conducted at an approved testinglaboratory are allowed in lieu of the protection asrequired in Tables 3404.3.6 .3(2) through3404.3.6.3(8) and Table 3404.3.7.5.1 and the con-struction codes, including the Building Code whenapproved by the commissioner and the Commissionerof Buildings.

3404.3.7.5.2 Portable fire extinguishers. A mini-mum of one portable fire extinguisher complyingwith the requirements of Section 906 and having a rat-ing of not less than 20-B shall be located not less than10 feet (3048 mm) or more than 50 feet (15 240 mm)from any Class I or II liquid storage area located out-side of a liquid storage room. A minimum of one por-table fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than20-B shall be located outside of, but not more than 10feet (3048 mm) from, the door opening into a liquidstorage room.

3404.3.8 Liquid warehouses. Buildings used for storage offlammable or combustible liquids in quantities exceedingthose set forth in Section 3404.3.4 for control areas and Sec-tion 3404.3.7 for liquid storage rooms shall comply with therequirements of Sections 3404.3.8.1 through 3404.3.8.5and shall be constructed and separated as required by theconstruction codes, including the Building Code.

3404.3.8.1 Quantities and storage arrangement.Except as may be limited by the commissioner at a par-ticular premises in the interest of public safety, anyamount of flammable and combustible liquids may bestored in a liquid warehouse as defined in NFPA 30. Thearrangement of such storage shall be in accordance withTable 3404.3.6.3(2) or 3404.3.6.3(3).

3404.3.8.1.1 Mixed storage. Mixed storage shall bein accordance with Section 3404.3.7.2.1.

3404.3.8.1.2 Separation and aisles. Separation andaisles shall be in accordance with Section3404.3.7.2.2.

3404.3.8.2 Spill control and secondary containment.Liquid warehouses shall be provided with spill controland secondary containment as set forth in Section2704.2.

3404.3.8.3 Ventilation. Liquid warehouses storing con-tainers greater than 5 gallons (19 L) in capacity shall beventilated in accordance with the Mechanical Code.

3404.3.8.4 Fire extinguishing systems. Liquid ware-houses shall be protected throughout by sprinkler sys-tems installed in accordance with Chapter 9 and Tables3404.3.6.3(4) through 3404.3.6.3(8) and Table3404.3.7.5.1, or Section 4.8.2 and Tables 4.8.2(a)through (f) of NFPA 30. In-rack sprinklers shall addi-tionally comply with the requirements of NFPA 13 andthe construction codes, including the Building Code.Foam fire extinguishing systems and automatic aqueousfilm-forming foam fire extinguishing systems shall notbe used except when approved. Protection criteria devel-oped from fire modeling or full-scale fire testing con-ducted at an approved testing laboratory are allowed inlieu of the protection as required in Tables 3404.3.6.3(2)through 3404.3.6.3(8) and Table 3404.3.7.5.1 and theconstruction codes, including the Building Code, whenapproved by the commissioner and the Commissioner ofBuildings.

3404.3.8.5 Warehouse hose lines. In liquid warehouses,either 1.5-inch (38 mm) lined or 1-inch (25 mm) hardrubber hand hose lines shall be provided in sufficientnumber to reach all liquid storage areas and shall be inaccordance with Section 905 and the construction codes,including the Building Code.

3404.4 Outdoor storage of containers. Storage of flammableand combustible liquids in closed containers outdoors shall bein accordance with Section 3403 and Sections 3404.4.1through 3404.4.8. Capacity limits for containers shall be inaccordance with Section 3404.3.

3404.4.1 Plans. Storage shall be in accordance withapproved plans.

3404.4.2 Location on property. Outdoor storage of liquidsin containers shall be in accordance with Table 3404.4.2.Storage of liquids near buildings located on the same prop-erty shall be in accordance with this section.

3404.4.2.1 Mixed liquid piles. Where two or moreclasses of liquids are stored in a single pile, the quantityin the pile shall not exceed the smallest of maximumquantities for the classes of material stored.

3404.4.2.2 Fire apparatus access. Storage of containersshall be provided with fire apparatus access roads inaccordance with Chapter 5 and the construction codes,including the Building Code.




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3404.4.2.4 Storage adjacent to buildings. A maximumof 1,100 gallons (4163 L) of liquids stored in closed con-tainers is allowed adjacent to a building located on thesame premises and under the same owner, provided that:

1. The building does not exceed one story in height.Such building shall be of fire-resistance-rated con-struction with noncombustible exterior surfaces ornoncombustible construction and shall be usedprincipally for the storage of liquids; or

2. The exterior building wall adjacent to the storagearea shall have a fire-resistance rating of not lessthan 2 hours, having no openings to abovegradeareas within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally ofsuch storage and no openings to belowgrade areaswithin 50 feet (15 240 mm) horizontally of suchstorage.

3404.4.2.4.1 Separation. The quantity of liquidsstored adjacent to a building protected in accordancewith Section 3404.4.2.4(2) may exceed 1,100 gallons(4163 L), provided that the maximum quantity perpile does not exceed 1,100 gallons (4163 L) and eachpile is separated by a 10-foot-minimum (3048 mm)clear space along the common wall. Where the quan-tity stored exceeds 1,100 gallons (4163 L) adjacent toa building complying with Section 3404.4.2.4(1), orthe provisions of Section 3404.4.2.4(1) cannot bemet, a minimum distance in accordance with the col-umn for distance to a lot line in Table 3404.4.2 shall bemaintained between buildings and the nearest con-tainer.

3404.4.3 Spill control and secondary containment. Stor-age areas shall be provided with spill control and secondarycontainment in accordance with Section 3403.4.

Exception: Containers stored on approved containmentpallets in accordance with Section 2704.2.3 and contain-ers stored in cabinets and lockers with integral spill con-tainment.

3404.4.4 Security. Storage areas shall be protected againsttampering or trespassers by fencing or other approved con-trol measures.

3404.4.5 Protection from vehicles. Posts or other meansshall be provided to protect outdoor storage tanks fromvehicular damage. When posts are installed, the posts shallbe installed in accordance with Section 312.

3404.4.6 Clearance from combustibles. The storage loca-tion shall be kept free from vegetation and other combusti-ble waste as set forth in Sections 3404.6.1 and 3404.6.2.

3404.4.6.1 Vegetation. Brush, grass, vines, weeds andother vegetation capable of being ignited that is locatedwithin 15 feet (4572 mm) of a flammable or combustibleliquid storage location shall be regularly mowed orpruned and the clippings removed from the premises.

3404.4.6.2 Combustible waste. Rubbish and other com-bustible waste shall not be allowed to accumulate within15 feet (4572 mm) of a flammable or combustible liquidstorage location.

3404.4.7 Weather protection. Weather protection for out-door storage shall be in accordance with Section 2704.13.

3404.4.8 Empty containers storage. The storage of emptycontainers previously used for the storage of flammable orcombustible liquids shall be stored as required for filledcontainers. Containers when emptied shall have the coversor plugs immediately replaced in openings.

SECTION FC 3405HANDLING AND USE

3405.1 Scope. The handling and use of flammable and com-bustible liquids, including the dispensing and mixing of suchliquids, shall be conducted in accordance with this chapter.Cargo tank and tank car loading and unloading and other spe-cial operations shall be conducted in accordance with Section3406.

Exception: Containers of organic coatings having no firepoint and which are opened for pigmentation are notrequired to comply with the requirements of this section.

3405.2 Liquid transfer. Liquid transfer equipment and meth-ods for transfer of Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall be subject tothe approval of the commissioner and be in accordance withSections 3405.2.1 through 3405.2.6.



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TABLE 3404.4.2OUTDOOR LIQUID STORAGE IN CONTAINERS

CLASS OF LIQUID

CONTAINER STORAGE— MAXIMUM PER PILE MINIMUM DISTANCEBETWEEN PILES OR

RACKS (feet)MINIMUM DISTANCE TO

LOT LINEd (feet)

MINIMUM DISTANCE TOPUBLIC STREET OR

PRIVATE ROADd (feet)Quantitya, b (gallons) Height (feet)

IAIBICIIIII

1,1002,2004,4008,80022,000

1012121218

55555

5050502510

10101055

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon 3.785 L.a. For mixed class storage, see Section 3404.4.2.b. For storage in racks, the quantity limits per pile do not apply, but the rack arrangement shall be limited to a maximum of 50 feet in length and two rows or 9 feet in

depth.c. Reserved.d. When the total quantity stored does not exceed 50 percent of the maximum allowed per pile, the distances are allowed to be reduced 50 percent, but not less than 3

feet.

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3405.2.1 Pumps. Positive-displacement pumps shall beprovided with pressure relief discharging back to the tank,pump suction or other approved location, or shall be pro-vided with interlocks to prevent over-pressure.

3405.2.2 Pressured systems. Gases shall not be used topressurize containers or tanks to provide for transfer.

3405.2.3 Piping, hoses and valves. Piping, hoses andvalves used in liquid transfer operations shall be subject tothe approval of the commissioner or listed for the intendeduse.

3405.2.4 Class I, II and III liquids. Class I and II liquids orClass III liquids in containers exceeding 5.3 gallons (20 L)capacity that are at a temperature higher than 20°F (11°C)less than their flash points shall not be dispensed by gravity,but shall be transferred by one of the following methods:

1. From safety cans complying with the requirements ofUL 30.

2. Through an approved closed piping system.

3. From containers or tanks by an approved pump takingsuction through an opening in the top of the containeror tank.

4. Approved engineered liquid transfer systems.

3405.2.5 Manual container filling operations for Class Iliquids. Class I liquids and Class II or III liquids at a temper-ature higher than 20°F (11°C) less than their flash pointsshall not be transferred into containers unless the nozzle andcontainers are electrically interconnected. Acceptablemethods of electrical interconnection include:

1. Metallic floor plates on which containers stand whilefilling, when such floor plates are electrically con-nected to the fill stem; or

2. Where the fill stem is bonded to the container duringfilling by means of a bond wire.

3405.2.6 Automatic container-filling operations forClass I liquids. Container-filling operations for Class I liq-uids involving conveyor belts or other automatic-feedingoperations shall be designed to prevent static accumula-tions.

3405.3 Indoor use. Indoor use of flammable and combustibleliquids, including the dispensing and mixing of such liquids,shall be in accordance with Sections 3405.2 and 3405.3.1through 3405.3.5.3.

3405.3.1 Closure of mixing or blending vessels. Vesselsused for mixing or blending of Class I liquids and Class II orIII liquids at a temperature higher than 20°F (11°C) less thantheir flash points shall be provided with self-closing,tight-fitting, noncombustible lids that will control a firewithin such vessel.

Exception: Where such devices are determined by thecommissioner to be impractical, a fire extinguishing sys-tem shall be provided.

3405.3.2 Bonding of vessels. Where differences of poten-tial could be created, vessels containing Class I liquids, orClass II or III liquids at a temperature higher than 20°F(11°C) less than their flash points shall be electrically con-nected by bond wires, ground cables, piping or similarmeans to a static grounding system to maintain equipment atthe same electrical potential to prevent sparking.

3405.3.3 Heating, lighting and cooking devices, equip-ment and systems. Heating, lighting and cooking devices,equipment and systems which utilize Class I liquids shallnot be operated indoors, and shall comply with the require-ments of Chapters 3 and 14, as applicable.

3405.3.4 Location of processing vessels. Processing ves-sels shall be located with respect to distances to lot lines, inaccordance with Tables 3405.3.4(1) and 3405.3.4(2). Pro-cessing vessels for flammable liquids shall be limited to notmore than 550 gallons (2082 L). Processing vessels forClass II and IIIA combustible liquids shall be limited to notmore than 1,100 gallons (4164 L). Processing vessels forClass IIIB combustible liquids shall be limited to not morethan 20,000 gallons (75 700 L).

Exception: Where the exterior wall facing the adjoininglot line is a blank wall having a fire-resistance rating ofnot less than 4 hours, the commissioner may modify thedistances. The distance shall not be less than that set forthin the construction codes, including the Building Code,and when Class IA or unstable liquids are involved,explosion control shall be provided in accordance withSection 911.

3405.3.5 Quantity limits for use. Liquid use quantity limi-tations shall comply with the requirements of Sections3405.3.5.1 through 3405.3.5.3.

3405.3.5.1 Maximum allowable quantity per controlarea. Indoor use of flammable and combustible liquids,including the dispensing and mixing of such liquids,shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantity per



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TABLE 3405.3.4(1)SEPARATION OF PROCESSING VESSELS FROM LOT LINES

PROCESSING VESSELS WITH EMERGENCY RELIEF VENTING

LOCATION

Stable liquids Unstable liquids

Not in excess of 2.5 psig Table 3405.3.4(2) 2.5 times Table 3405.3.4(2)

Over 2.5 psig 1.5 times Table 3405.3.4(2) 4 times Table 3405.3.4(2)

For SI: 1 pound per square inch gauge = 6.895 kPa.

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control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1(1) and shall notexceed the additional limitations set forth in Section3405.3.5.

Exception: Cleaning with Class I, II and IIIA liquidsshall be in accordance with Section 3405.3.6.

Use of hazardous production material flammable andcombustible liquids in Group H-5 occupancies shall bein accordance with Chapter 18.

3405.3.5.2 Limitations on handling and use. Thequantity of flammable or combustible liquid handled andused, including the quantity dispensed and mixed, shallbe limited by occupancy as follows:

1. Group A, B, E, F, I and S occupancies. Flamma-ble and combustible liquids shall be handled andused only for lawful uses incidental to the occu-pancy, including maintenance and operation ofequipment, and in quantities not to exceed thosewhich are necessary for such use.

2. Group M occupancies. Flammable and combus-tible liquids shall be handled and used only forlawful uses incidental to the occupancy, includingmaintenance and operation of equipment, and inquantities not to exceed those which are necessaryfor such use.

3. Group R occupancies. Flammable and combusti-ble liquids shall be handled and used only formaintenance and operation of equipment, and inquantities not to exceed those which are necessaryfor such use. Quantities used within a dwellingunit shall be for household uses only and in quanti-ties below permit amounts. It shall be unlawful tohandle or use gasoline or other flammable liquidmotor fuel within a dwelling unit.

4. Gasoline and other flammable liquid motorfuel. Gasoline and other flammable liquid motorfuel in portable containers in quantities requiring apermit is subject to the approval of the commis-sioner, regardless of the occupancy classificationof the premises.

3405.3.5.2.1 Citywide permits. A citywide permitauthorizing the use of flammable or combustible liq-uids shall not be deemed to authorize the handling anduse of such liquids in amounts exceeding the quantitylimitations set forth in Section 3404.3.4.5.

3405.3.5.3 Quantities exceeding limits for controlareas. Quantities exceeding the maximum allowablequantity per control area indicated in Sections3405.3.5.1 and 3405.3.5.2 shall be in compliance withthe following requirements:

1. For open systems, indoor use of flammable andcombustible liquids, including the dispensing andmixing of such liquids, shall be within a room orbuilding complying with the construction codes,including the Building Code and Sections3405.3.7.1 through 3405.3.7.5.

2. For closed systems, indoor use of flammable andcombustible liquids, including the dispensing andmixing of such liquids, shall be within a room orbuilding complying with the requirements of theconstruction codes, including the Building Codeand Sections 3405.3.7 through 3405.3.7.4 and3405.3.7.6.

3405.3.6 Cleaning with flammable and combustible liq-uids. Cleaning with Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall beaccordance with this section.

Exceptions:

1. Dry cleaning shall be in accordance with Chapter12.

2. Spray-nozzle cleaning shall be in accordance withSection 1503.3.5.

3405.3.6.1 Cleaning operations. Class I-A liquids andgasoline shall not be used to clean facilities or for othermaintenance purposes, except as authorized by this codeor the rules in connection with commercial and industrialprocess-related operations. The cleaning with Class I-B,I-C or II liquids shall be conducted as follows:

1. In a room or building in accordance with Section3405.3.7; or

2. In a machine listed and approved for the purpose inaccordance with Section 3405.3.6.2.

3405.3.6.2 Listed and approved machines. Parts clean-ing and degreasing conducted in listed and approvedmachines in accordance with Section 3405.3.6.1 shall bein accordance with Sections 3405.3.6.2.1 through3405.3.6.2.7.



TABLE 3405.3.4(2)REFERENCE TABLE FOR USE WITH TABLE 3405.3.4(1)

TANK CAPACITY (gallons) MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM LOT LINE (feet)MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM A BUILDING, PUBLIC

STREET OR PRIVATE ROAD (feet)

275 or less 5 5

Over 275 to 750 10 5

Over 750 to 12,000 15 5

Over 12,000 to 20,000 20 5

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

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3405.3.6.2.1 Solvents. Solvents shall be classifiedand shall be compatible with the machines withinwhich they are used.

3405.3.6.2.2 Machine capacities. The quantity ofsolvent shall not exceed the listed design capacity ofthe machine for the solvent being used with themachine.

3405.3.6.2.3 Solvent quantity limits. Solvent quan-tities shall be limited as follows:

1. Machines without remote solvent reservoirsshall be limited to quantities set forth in Section3405.3.5.

2. Machines with remote solvent reservoirs usinga Class I-B or I-C liquid shall be limited toquantities set forth in Section 3405.3.5.

3. Machines with remote solvent reservoirs usingClass II liquids shall be limited to 35 gallons(132 L) per machine. The total quantities shallnot exceed an aggregate of 240 gallons (908 L)per control area in buildings not protectedthroughout by a sprinkler system and an aggre-gate of 480 gallons (1817 L) per control area inbuildings protected throughout by a sprinklersystem.

4. Machines with remote solvent reservoirs usingClass IIIA liquids shall be limited to 80 gallons(303 L) per machine.

3405.3.6.2.4 Immersion soaking of parts. Workareas of machines with remote solvent reservoirs shallnot be used for immersion soaking of parts.

3405.3.6.2.5 Separation. Multiple machines shall beseparated from each other by a distance of not lessthan 30 feet (9144 mm) or by a fire barrier with a mini-mum 1-hour fire-resistance rating.

3405.3.6.2.6 Ventilation. Machines shall be locatedin areas adequately ventilated to prevent accumula-tion of vapors.

3405.3.6.2.7 Installation. Machines shall beinstalled in accordance with their listings.

3405.3.7 Rooms or buildings for quantities exceeding themaximum allowable quantity per control area. Whererequired by Section 3405.3.5.3 or 3405.3.6.1, rooms orbuildings used for the handling and use of flammable andcombustible liquids, including the dispensing and mixing ofsuch liquids, shall be in accordance with Sections3405.3.7.1 through 3405.3.7.6.3.

3405.3.7.1 Construction, location and fire protection.Rooms or buildings classified in accordance with theBuilding Code as Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies basedon use of flammable or combustible liquids, includingthe dispensing or mixing of such liquids, shall be con-structed in accordance with the construction codes,including the Building Code.

3405.3.7.2 Basements and other areas below grade. Inrooms or buildings classified in accordance with the

Building Code as Group H-2 or H-3, dispensing ormixing of flammable or combustible liquids shall not beconducted in basements, cellars or other areas belowgrade.

3405.3.7.3 Fire protection. Rooms or buildings classi-fied in accordance with the construction codes, includingthe Building Code, as Group H-2 or H-3 occupanciesshall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system.

3405.3.7.4 Doors. Interior doors to rooms or portions ofsuch buildings shall be self-closing fire doors in accor-dance with the construction codes, including the Build-ing Code.

3405.3.7.5 Open systems. Handling and use of flamma-ble and combustible liquids, including the dispensingand mixing of such liquids, in open systems shall be inaccordance with Sections 3405.3.7.5.1 through3405.3.7.5.3.

3405.3.7.5.1 Ventilation. Continuous mechanicalventilation shall be provided and shall comply withthe requirements of the construction codes, includingthe Building Code and the Mechanical Code.

3405.3.7.5.2 Explosion control. Explosion controlshall be provided in accordance with Section 911.

3405.3.7.5.3 Spill control and secondary contain-ment. Spill control shall be provided in accordancewith Section 3403.4 where Class I, II or IIIA liquidsare dispensed into containers exceeding a 1.3-gallon(5 L) capacity or mixed or used in open containers orsystems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity. Spillcontrol and secondary containment shall be providedin accordance with Section 3403.4 when the capacityof an individual container exceeds 55 gallons (208 L)or the aggregate capacity of multiple containers ortanks exceeds 100 gallons (378.5 L).

3405.3.7.6 Closed systems. Handling and use of flam-mable or combustible liquids in closed containers,including the mixing of such liquids, shall be in accor-dance with Sections 3405.3.7.6.1 through 3405.3.7.6.3.

3405.3.7.6.1 Ventilation. Closed systems designedto be opened as part of normal operations shall be pro-vided with ventilation in accordance with Section3405.3.7.5.1.

3405.3.7.6.2 Explosion control. Explosion controlshall be provided when an explosive environment canoccur as a result of the use, including any mixing pro-cess. Explosion control shall be designed in accor-dance with Section 911.

Exception: When process vessels are designed tocontain fully the worst-case explosion anticipatedwithin the vessel under process conditions consid-ering the most likely failure.

3405.3.7.6.3 Spill control and secondary contain-ment. Spill control shall be provided in accordancewith Section 3403.4 when flammable or combustibleliquids are dispensed into containers exceeding a1.3-gallon (5 L) capacity or mixed or used in open



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containers or systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L)capacity. Spill control and secondary containmentshall be provided in accordance with Section 3403.4when the capacity of an individual container or tankexceeds 55 gallons (208 L) or the aggregate capacityof multiple containers or tanks exceeds 1,000 gallons(3785 L).

3405.3.8 Outdoor handling and use. Outdoor handlingand use of flammable and combustible liquids, includingthe dispensing of such liquids, shall be in accordance withSections 3405.3.8.1 through 3405.3.8.3.

Exception: Dispensing of liquids into motor vehicle fueltanks at liquid motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be inaccordance with Chapter 22.

3405.3.8.1 Spill control and drainage control. Out-door handling and use of flammable and combustible liq-uids, including the dispensing areas for such liquids,shall be provided with spill control as set forth in Section3403.4.

3405.3.8.2 Location on property. Dispensing activitieswhich exceed the quantities set forth in Table 3405.3.8.2shall not be conducted within 15 feet (4572 mm) ofbuildings or combustible materials or within 25 feet(7620 mm) of building openings, lot lines, public streetsor private roads. Dispensing activities that exceed thequantities set forth in Table 3405.3.8.2 shall not be con-ducted within 15 feet (4572 mm) of storage of Class I, IIor III liquids unless such liquids are stored in tanks whichare listed and labeled as 2-hour protected tank assem-blies in accordance with UL 2085. The commissionermay impose by rule, or as a condition of a permit, addi-tional restrictions on dispensing activities, including dis-pensing locations, dispenser requirements, containerrequirements and fire protection requirements, upon adetermination that such additional restrictions arerequired in the interest of public safety.

Exceptions:

1. The requirements shall not apply to areas whereonly the following liquids are dispensed: ClassIII liquids; liquids that are heavier than water;water-miscible liquids; and liquids with viscos-ities greater than 10,000 centipoise (cp).

2. Flammable and combustible liquid dispensingin chemical plants, process facilities, oil blend-ing and packaging facilities, bulk plants andterminals.

TABLE 3405.3.8.2MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES FOR DISPENSING

OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS INOUTDOOR CONTROL AREASa

CLASS OF LIQUID QUANTITY (gallons)

FlammableClass IAClass IBClass ICCombination Class IA, IB and IC

10152030c

CombustibleClass IIClass IIIAClass IIIB

3080

3,300

For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785 L.a. For definition of “Outdoor Control Area,” see Section 2702.1.b. Reserved.c. Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control area

of each individual class.

3405.3.8.3 Location of processing vessels. Processingvessels shall be located with respect to distances to lotlines in accordance with Table 3405.3.4(1).

3405.4 Solvent distillation units. Solvent distillation unitsshall comply with the requirements of Sections 3405.4.1through 3405.4.9.

3405.4.1 Unit with a capacity of 60 gallons or less. Sol-vent distillation units used to recycle Class I, II or IIIA liq-uids having a distillation chamber capacity of 60 gallons(227 L) or less shall be listed, labeled and installed in accor-dance with Section 3405.4 and UL 2208.

Exceptions:

1. Solvent distillation units installed in dry cleaningfacilities in accordance with Chapter 12.

2. Solvent distillation units used in continuousthrough-put industrial processes where the sourceof heat is remotely supplied using steam, hotwater, oil or other heat transfer fluids, the tempera-ture of which is below the auto-ignition point ofthe solvent.

3. Solvent distillation units listed for and used in lab-oratories.

4. Approved research, testing and experimental pro-cesses.

3405.4.2 Units with a capacity exceeding 60 gallons. Sol-vent distillation units used to recycle Class I, II or IIIA liq-uids, having a distillation chamber capacity exceeding 60gallons (227 L) shall be used in locations that comply with



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the use and mixing requirements of Section 3405 and otherapplicable provisions in this chapter.

3405.4.3 Prohibited processing. It shall be unlawful toprocess Class I, II and IIIA liquids also classified as unstable(reactive) in solvent distillation units.

3405.4.4 Labeling. Solvent distillation units shall haveaffixed by the manufacturer a permanent label indicating thecapacity of the distillation chamber, the distance the unitshall be placed away from sources of ignition, and the prod-ucts for which the unit has been listed for use.

3405.4.5 Manufacturer’s instruction manual. Aninstruction manual shall be provided. The manual shall bereadily available to the user and for inspection by anydepartment representative. The manual shall include instal-lation, use and servicing instructions. It shall identify theliquids for which the unit has been listed for distillation pur-poses along with each liquid’s flash point and auto-ignitiontemperature. For units with adjustable controls, the manualshall include directions for setting the heater temperaturefor each liquid to be distilled.

3405.4.6 Location. Solvent distillation units shall be usedin locations in accordance with the listing. Solvent distilla-tion units shall not be used in basements, cellars or otherareas below grade.

3405.4.7 Storage of liquids. Distilled liquids and liquidsawaiting distillation shall be stored in accordance with Sec-tion 3404.

3405.4.8 Storage of residues. Hazardous residue from thedistillation process shall be stored in accordance with Sec-tion 3404 and Chapter 27.

3405.4.9 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fireextinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section906. At least one portable fire extinguisher having a ratingof not less than 40-B shall be located not less than 10 feet(3048 mm) or more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from any sol-vent distillation unit.

3405.5 Alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I orClass II liquids. The storage, handling and use of dispenserscontaining alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I orClass II liquids shall be in compliance with the followingrequirements:

1. Dispensers shall be of the nonaerosol3, disposable andnonrefillable3 type.

2. The maximum capacity of each dispenser shall be 34ounces (1.0 L).

3. The minimum separation between dispensers shall be 48inches (1219 mm).

4. Dispensers shall not be installed directly adjacent to,above or below any electrical receptacle, switch, appli-ance, device or other ignition source. The wall spacebetween the dispenser and the floor shall remain clearand unobstructed.

5. Dispensers shall be wall mounted with the bottom ofeach dispenser a minimum of 42 inches (1067 mm) and a

maximum of 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finishedfloor.

6. Dispensers shall not release their contents except whenthe dispenser is manually activated.

7. The storage of dispensers shall be in compliance with theapplicable requirements of Section 3404.

8. In occupancies with carpeted floors, dispensers mayonly be installed in smoke compartments or fire areasprotected throughout by a sprinkler system.

3405.5.1 Corridor installations. Dispensers installed incorridors shall additionally comply with the followingrequirements:

1. The maximum quantity allowed in a corridor within acontrol area shall be 10 gallons (38 L).

2. The minimum corridor width shall be 72 inches (1829mm).

3. Projections into a corridor shall be in accordance withthe construction codes, including the Building Code.

4. The corridor shall be protected throughout by a sprin-kler system or smoke detection system.

SECTION FC 3406SPECIAL OPERATIONS

3406.1 Scope. Flammable and combustible liquids shall bestored, handled and used in connection with special operations,including the following operations, in compliance with therequirements of this section:

1. Storage and dispensing of flammable and combustibleliquids at construction sites.

2. Bulk plants or terminals.

3. Bulk transfer and process transfer operations utilizingcargo tanks and tank cars.

4. Cargo tanks and cargo tank operation.

5. Vapor recovery and vapor-processing systems.

3406.1.1 General. Special operations involving the storage,handling and use of flammable and combustible liquidsshall be conducted in accordance with Sections 3401, 3403,3404 and 3405, except as otherwise provided in this section.

3406.2 Storage and dispensing of flammable and combusti-ble liquids at construction sites. Temporary storage and dis-pensing of flammable and combustible liquids at constructionsites shall be in accordance with Sections 3406.2.1 through3406.2.8.

Exception: Storage and use of fuel oil connected withnonportable oil-burning equipment regulated by theMechanical Code.

3406.2.1 Combustibles and open flames near tanks. Stor-age areas shall be kept free from weeds and other combusti-ble waste. It shall be unlawful to smoke, or light or maintainan open flame in a flammable or combustible liquid storagearea.



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3406.2.2 Marking of tanks and containers. Tanks andcontainers for aboveground storage of liquids shall be con-spicuously marked with the name of the product which theycontain and the words: FLAMMABLE—KEEP FIRE ANDFLAME AWAY. Tanks shall bear the additional marking:KEEP 50 FEET FROM BUILDINGS.

3406.2.3 Containers for storage and use. Flammable andcombustible liquid shall only be stored in metal containersof a type meeting the requirements of the regulations of theUnited States Department of Transportation, as set forth in49 CFR Part 178, or in containers of an approved design.

3406.2.3.1 Liquid handling devices. Discharge devicesshall be of a type that do not develop an internal pressureon the container. Pumping devices or approved self-clos-ing faucets used for dispensing liquids shall not leak andshall be well-maintained. Individual containers shall notbe interconnected and shall be kept closed when not inuse.

3406.2.3.2 Outdoor storage. Containers stored out-doors shall be in accordance with Section 3404 and theconstruction codes, including the Building Code.

3406.2.4 Temporary tanks. The capacity of temporaryaboveground tanks containing flammable or combustibleliquids shall not exceed 660 gallons (2498 L). Tanks shall beof the single-compartment design, shall be constructed ofsteel, and shall meet the requirements of the New York StateDepartment of Environmental Conservation regulations, asset forth in 6 NYCRR Parts 613 and 614.

3406.2.4.1 Fill-opening security. Fill openings shall beequipped with a locking closure device. Fill openingsshall be separate from vent openings.

3406.2.4.2 Vents. Tanks shall be provided with a methodof normal and emergency venting. Normal vents shallalso be in accordance with Section 3404.2.7.3. Emer-gency vents shall be in accordance with Section3404.2.7.4. Emergency vents shall be arranged to dis-charge in a manner which prevents localized overheatingor flame impingement on any part of the tank in the eventthat vapors from such vents are ignited.

3406.2.4.3 Location. Tanks containing flammable orcombustible liquids shall be kept outdoors and at least 50feet (15 240 mm) from buildings, combustible materialand combustible waste. Additional distance shall be pro-vided when necessary to ensure that vehicles, equipmentand containers being filled directly from such tanks willnot be less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from structures orcombustible storage.

3406.2.5 Type of tank. Tanks shall be provided with topopenings only.

Exception: Aerial crane refueling operations when con-ducted in accordance with Section 3406.2.5.2.

3406.2.5.1 Tanks with top openings only. Tanks withtop openings shall be mounted as follows:

1. On well-constructed metal legs connected to shoesor runners designed so that the tank is stabilized

and the entire tank and its supports can be movedas a unit; or

2. For stationary tanks, on a stable base of timbers orblocks approximately 6 inches (152 mm) in heightwhich prevents the tank from contacting theground.

3406.2.5.1.1 Pumps and fittings. Tanks with topopenings only shall be equipped with a tightly andpermanently attached, approved pumping device hav-ing an approved hose of sufficient length for fillingconstruction equipment or containers to be servedfrom the tank. Either the pump or the hose shall beequipped with a padlock to its hanger to prevent tam-pering. An antisiphoning device shall be provided inthe pump discharge unless a self-closing nozzle isused. Siphons or internal pressure discharge devicesshall not be used.

3406.2.5.2 Tanks for gravity discharge. Tanks with aconnection in the bottom or the end for gravity-dispens-ing liquids for aerial crane refueling operations shall bemounted and equipped as follows:

1. Support lugs used to elevate the tank for gravitydischarge shall be designed to carry all requiredloads and provide stability.

2. Bottom or end openings for gravity discharge shallbe equipped with a valve located adjacent to thetank shell which will close automatically in theevent of fire through the operation of a heat-acti-vated releasing device. Where this valve cannot beoperated manually, it shall be supplemented by asecond, manually operated valve.

3. The gravity discharge outlet shall be provided withan approved hose equipped with a self-closingvalve at the discharge end of a type that can be pad-locked to its hanger.

3406.2.6 Spill control drainage control and diking.Indoor storage and dispensing areas shall be provided withspill control and drainage control as set forth in Section3403.4. Outdoor storage areas shall be provided with drain-age control or diking as set forth in Section 3404.2.10.

3406.2.7 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fireextinguishers with a minimum rating of 20-B:C and com-plying with the requirements of Section 906 shall be pro-vided where required by this code.

3406.2.8 Dispensing from cargo tanks. Where approved,liquids used as fuels are allowed to be transferred fromcargo tanks into the fuel tanks of construction equipment ata construction site, subject to the following requirements:

1. The cargo tank is used solely for the purpose of sup-plying fuel to construction equipment at a construc-tion site.

2. The dispensing hose does not exceed 100 feet (30480 mm) in length.

3. The dispensing nozzle is an approved type.



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4. The dispensing hose is properly placed on theapproved reel or in a compartment provided beforethe cargo tank is moved.

5. Signs prohibiting smoking and open flames within25 feet (7620 mm) of the cargo tank and construc-tion equipment being refueled are prominentlyposted on the cargo tank.

6. Electrical devices and wiring in areas where fueldispensing is conducted are in accordance with theElectrical Code.

7. Cargo tank-dispensing equipment is operated onlyby a person holding a certificate of fitness.

8. Provision has been made to control and mitigate theaccidental or unauthorized release of flammable andcombustible liquid.

9. The cargo tank has a capacity of not more than 1,920gallons (7267 L), and contains no Class IA liquidand not more than 640 gallons (2422 L) of any otherClass I liquid.

10. Dispensing is conducted at least 50 feet (15 240mm) from buildings, structures, combustible mate-rial or combustible waste.

3406.3 Reserved.

3406.4 Bulk plants and terminals. Any premises in or uponwhich flammable and combustible liquids are received bymarine vessels, pipelines, tank cars or cargo tanks and whichare stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributingsuch liquids by marine vessels, pipelines, tanks cars, cargotanks or containers shall be designed, installed, operated andmaintained in accordance with Sections 3406.4.1 through3406.4.10.4.

3406.4.1 Building construction. Buildings and structuresshall be constructed in accordance with the constructioncodes, including the Building Code.

3406.4.1.1 Design and installation documents. A com-plete set of design and installation documents, includinga site plan of the bulk plant or terminal shall be filed withthe department.

3406.4.2 Means of egress. Rooms in which flammable andcombustible liquids are stored, handled or used shall bearranged such that occupants engaging in such handling anduse have readily available access to a means of egress in theevent of fire.

3406.4.3 Heating. Rooms in which Class I liquids arestored, handled or used shall be heated only by means notconstituting a source of ignition, such as steam or hot water.

3406.4.4 Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided forrooms, enclosures and other areas in buildings or structuresin which Class I liquids are handled or used, including anypumping or transfer. Ventilation systems shall be designedin a manner that takes into consideration the relatively highspecific gravity of the vapors. When natural ventilation isapproved, adequate openings in outside walls at floor level,unobstructed except by louvers or coarse screens, shall beprovided. When natural ventilation is not approved,

mechanical ventilation shall be provided in accordance withthe construction codes, including the Mechanical Code.

3406.4.4.1 Basements and other areas below grade.Class I liquids shall not be stored, handled or used withina building or structure having a basement, cellar or otherarea below grade into which flammable vapors cantravel, unless such area is provided with ventilationdesigned to prevent the accumulation of flammablevapors therein.

3406.4.4.2 Dispensing of Class I liquids. Containers ofClass I liquids shall not be drawn from or filled indoorsunless a provision is made to prevent the accumulation offlammable vapors in hazardous concentrations. Wheremechanical ventilation is required, it shall be kept inoperation while flammable vapors could be present.

3406.4.5 Storage. Except as otherwise provided in Section3406.4, storage of flammable and combustible liquids inbulk plants and terminals shall be in compliance with theapplicable requirements of Section 3404.

3406.4.5.1 Distance to lot line. The distance betweenany part of an aboveground flammable or combustibleliquid storage tank and the nearest lot line shall be as pro-vided in Table 3406.4.5.1, except where Sections3406.4.5.1.1 through 3406.4.5.1.4 require a greater dis-tance.

TABLE 3406.4.5.1DISTANCE BETWEEN AN ABOVEGROUND

STORAGE TANK AND LOT LINES

TANK CAPACITY MINIMUM DISTANCE (FEET)

� 30,000 gallons 20

Over 30,000 to 50,000 gallons 30

Over 50,000 to 100,000 50

Over 100,000 to 500,000 80

Over 500,000 to 1,000,000 100

Over 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 135

Over 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 165

Over 3,000,000 to 6,000,000 175

3406.4.5.1.1 Vertical cylindrical tanks over 50,000gallons (189 250 L) storing a flammable liquid. Forvertical cylindrical tanks over 50,000 gallons (189250 L) storing a flammable liquid, the distance shallnot be less than the greater dimension of height ordiameter of the tank, up to a maximum distance of 175feet (53 340 mm).

3406.4.5.1.2 Rectangular tanks over 50,000 gal-lons (189 250 L) storing a flammable liquid. Forrectangular tanks over 50,000 gallons (189 250 L)storing a flammable liquid, the distance shall not beless than the total of the length and the width of thetank divided by two, up to a maximum distance of 175feet (53 340 mm).

3406.4.5.1.3 Vertical cylindrical tanks over 50,000gallons (189 250 L) storing a combustible liquid.



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For vertical cylindrical tanks over 50,000 gallons(189 250 L) storing a combustible liquid, the distanceshall not be less than 1/2 the greater dimension ofheight or diameter of the1 tank, up to a maximum dis-tance of 175 feet (53 340 mm).

3406.4.5.1.4 Rectangular tanks over 50,000 gal-lons (189 250 L) storing a combustible liquid. Forrectangular tanks over 50,000 gallons (189 250 L)storing a combustible liquid, the distance shall not beless than the total of the length and the width of thetank divided by 4, up to a maximum distance of 175feet (53 340 mm).

3406.4.5.2 Distance between aboveground tanks. Thedistance between any part of an aboveground storagetank and adjacent tanks shall be in accordance with Table3406.4.5.2.

TABLE 3406.4.5.2DISTANCE BETWEEN ABOVEGROUND STORAGE TANKS

ADJACENT TANK CAPACITY MINIMUM DISTANCE (FEET)

� 50,000 gallons 3

Over 50,000 to 100,000 gallons 6

Over 100,000 to 200,000 gallons 12

Over 200,000 gallons 25

3406.4.5.3 Height of aboveground storage tanks. Themaximum height of aboveground flammable and com-bustible liquid storage tanks shall not exceed 40 feet (12192 mm).

Exception: Aboveground vertical cylindrical tanksstoring combustible liquids shall not exceed 48 feet(14 630 mm) in height.

3406.4.5.4 Distance from aboveground tanks tobuildings. The distance between any part of an above-ground storage tank and buildings or structures used forhousing of fire extinguishing equipment, central heatingplant or electrical distribution equipment shall not be lessthan 50 feet (15 240 mm).

3406.4.5.5 Maximum capacity for abovegroundtanks. The maximum capacity of any aboveground tankused for storage of a flammable liquid shall not exceed500,000 gallons (1892 500 L). The maximum capacityof any aboveground tank used for storage of combustibleliquid shall not exceed 6,000,000 gallons (22 710 000 L).

3406.4.5.6 Distance from aboveground tanks to expo-sures. No aboveground tank shall be installed within:

1. 1,000 feet (304 800 mm) of the nearest wall of abuilding occupied as a school or hospital, or anentrance to or exit from a tunnel for motor vehi-cles, subway or railroad trains, or the ventilatingbuildings or shafts of such tunnels.

2. 250 feet (76 200 mm) of any point under a bridgefor pedestrians, motor vehicles, subway or railroadtrains, a public park or a land zoned for residentialpurposes.

3406.4.5.7 Depth of underground storage tanks. Themaximum distance between the top and bottom plates ofan underground flammable and combustible liquid stor-age tank shall not exceed 40 feet (12 192 mm).

3406.4.5.8 Underground tank location. Undergroundtanks shall be located such that the top plate thereof shallbe at least 2 feet (610 mm)2 below the established grade.No such tank shall be buried within 10 feet (3048 mm) ofany building or adjoining property line. Individualunderground tanks shall be covered with 2 feet (610mm)2 of earth or 4 inches (102 mm)2 of reinforced con-crete extending 10 feet (3048 mm) beyond all the verticalwalls of the tank, and the excavation made to receive thetank shall be backfilled with well-compacted clean sandor earth, free of any ash or other corrosive substance, andfree from stones larger than will pass through a 1-inch(25 mm)2 mesh. Underground tanks may be erected ingroups of 2 or more, when such tanks are separated by aspace of 1 foot (305 mm)2, and provided the reinforcedconcrete top cover extends unbroken over the open spacebetween the tanks.

3406.4.5.9 Mounded-over tanks. Mounded-over tanksshall be considered underground tanks. A mounded-overtank may be erected with its base at any desired elevationnot higher than the grade plane of the premises. It shall beenclosed with a steel, reinforced-concrete, orclosed-face-concrete cribbing wall extending from theestablished grade to the top of the top cover, with theexterior face of the wall at least 10 feet (3048 mm) fromthe exterior face of the wall of the tank, and backfilledbetween the tank and the enclosing wall with compactedclean earth or sand containing no ash or other corrosivesubstance. The wall and backfill may be replaced withcompacted similar fill, extending from the establishedgrade to the level of the top cover on the tank, at the nor-mal angle of repose of the material so used, with the pro-vision that the width of the sloped material at the level ofthe top of the top cover shall be at least 10 feet (3048 mm)wide. When two or more mounded-over tanks, eitherrectangular or vertical-cylindrical, are grouped together,the tanks shall be at least 1 foot (305 mm)2 apart fromeach other, and the group of tanks shall be enclosedaround the periphery with the same type of wall andbackfill described above for one mounded-over tank.

3406.4.5.10 Maximum capacity of flammable liquidunderground tanks. Underground storage tanks usedfor storage of a flammable liquid shall not exceed500,000 gallons (1892 500 L), except that the commis-sioner may approve the installation of underground tankswith a capacity not to exceed 6,000,000 gallons (22 710000 L) where such greater capacity is determined to benecessary because of the capacity of the marine vessel,pipeline or tank car delivering such liquid and wheresuch increased capacity does not endanger the publicsafety.

3406.4.5.11 Maximum capacity of combustible liquidunderground tanks. Underground storage tanks usedfor storage of a combustible liquid shall not exceed



6,000,000 gallons (22 710 000 L). Such tanks may becompartmented; however, in no case shall any compart-ment exceed 4,000,000 gallons (15 140 000 L).

3406.4.6 Overfill protection. To prevent an overfill duringthe transfer of flammable or combustible liquid from amarine vessel, pipeline, tank car, cargo tank or storage tank,each tank shall be equipped with an approved electricallyoperated overfill protection system. Such system shall be inaccordance with API 2350.

3406.4.6.1 Alarms. Audible and visible alarms shall beactivated automatically when the liquid level in the tankapproaches 95 percent of tank capacity and again when itattains a level of 98 percent of tank capacity. This alarmshall be connected to both the marine vessel, pipeline,tank car or cargo tank receiving point, as applicable, andto the facilty dispatcher’s office.

3406.4.6.2 Tanks filled from pipelines. Tanks filled bypipelines1 shall be provided with a shutoff valve in the fillline that will automatically shut off the flow to the tankwhen the liquid level in the tank approaches 95 percent.

3406.4.7 Wharves. This section shall apply to all wharves,piers, bulkheads and other structures over or contiguous tonavigable water having a primary function of transferringliquid cargo in bulk between shore installations and marinevessels, including barges, lighter boats or similar watercraft.

Exception: Marine liquid motor fuel-dispensing facili-ties designed, installed, operated and maintained inaccordance with Chapter 22.

3406.4.7.1 Transferring approvals. Handling pack-aged cargo of liquids, including full and empty drums,bulk fuel and stores, over a wharf during cargo transfershall be subject to the approval and under the personalsupervision of the bulk plant or terminal certificate of fit-ness holder and the senior deck officer on duty.

3406.4.7.2 Transferring location. Wharves at whichliquid cargoes are to be transferred in bulk quantities toor from marine vessels shall be at least 100 feet (30 480mm) from any bridge over a navigable waterway; or fromany entrance to, or superstructure of, any vehicular orrailroad tunnel under a waterway. The termination of thefixed piping used for loading or unloading at a wharfshall be at least 200 feet (60 960 mm) from a bridge orfrom an entrance to, or superstructures of, a tunnel.

3406.4.7.3 Superstructure and decking material.Superstructure and decking shall be designed for theintended use. Decking shall be constructed of materialsthat will afford the desired combination of flexibility,resistance to shock, durability, strength and fire resis-tance.

3406.4.7.4 Wharf tanks prohibited. It shall be unlaw-ful to install, operate or maintain on wharfs any tankscontaining flammable and combustible liquids.

3406.4.7.5 Transferring equipment. Loading pumpscapable of building up pressures in excess of the safeworking pressure of cargo hose or loading arms shall beprovided with bypasses, relief valves or other arrange-

ments to protect the loading facilities against excessivepressure. Relief devices shall be tested at least annuallyto determine that they function satisfactorily at their setpressure.

3406.4.7.6 Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equip-ment. Piping systems shall be in accordance with Sec-tion 3403.6 except as otherwise provided as follows:

1. Piping systems shall be designed to protectagainst physical damage resulting from themotion of the wharf from wave action, currents,tides or the mooring of marine vessels.

2. Pipe joints that depend on the friction character-istics of combustible materials or on the groovingof pipe ends for mechanical continuity of pipingshall not be used.

3. Swivel joints may be used in piping to whichhoses are connected and for articulated,swivel-joint transfer systems, provided that thedesign of the swivel joints is such that themechanical strength of the joint will not beimpaired if the packing materials fail such as byexposure to fire.

4. Each pipe used to convey Class I or II liquidsleading to a wharf shall be provided with areadily accessible block valve located on shorenear the approach to the wharf and outside of anydiked area. Where more than one line is used toconvey liquid, the valves shall be grouped in onelocation.

5. Means shall be provided for ready access tocargo line valves located below the wharf deck.

6. Piping systems shall contain a sufficient numberof valves to operate the system properly and tocontrol the flow of liquid both during normaloperation and in the event of physical damage.

7. Piping on wharves shall be bonded and groundedwhere Class I and II liquids are transported. Ifexcessive stray current conditions exist, insulat-ing joints shall be installed. Bonding and ground-ing connections on piping shall be located on thewharf side of hose riser insulating flanges, whereused, and shall be accessible for inspection.

8. Hose or articulated swivel-joint pipe connectionsused for cargo transfer shall be capable of accom-modating the combined effects of change in draftand maximum tidal range, and mooring linesshall be kept adjusted to prevent surge of themarine vessel from placing stress on the cargotransfer system.

9. Hoses shall be supported to avoid kinking andphysical damage, including damage from chaf-ing.

10. Piping, hoses, valves and fittings shall be con-structed of steel. Valves shall be rated for not lessthan 150 pounds per square inch (psig)(1034kPa).



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3406.4.7.7 Loading and unloading. Loading or unload-ing shall not commence until the bulk plant or terminalcertificate of fitness holder and officer in charge of themarine vessel agree that the marine vessel has been prop-erly moored and connections have been properly made.

3406.4.7.8 Construction work. Construction workshall not be performed on the wharf except as approvedby the commissioner upon a determination that suchwork can be safely performed, and subject to such termsand conditions as the commissioner may prescribe in theinterest of public safety.

3406.4.8 Sources of ignition. Class I, II or IIIA liquids shallnot be used, drawn or dispensed where flammable vaporscan reach a source of ignition.

3406.4.9 Drainage control. Loading and unloading areasshall be provided with drainage control in accordance withSection 3404.2.10.

3406.4.10 Fire protection. Fire protection shall be in accor-dance with Chapter 9 and Sections 3406.4.10.1 through3406.4.10.8.

3406.4.10.1 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fireextinguishers with a rating of not less than 20-B andcomplying with the requirements of Section 906 shall belocated within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of hose connections,pumps and separator tanks.

3406.4.10.2 Fire hoses. Fire hose connected to a watersupply in a size appropriate for the water supply shall beprovided in accordance with Section 905 and the con-struction codes, including the Building Code, so thatmanifolds where connections are made and broken canbe reached by at least one hose stream.

3406.4.10.3 Obstruction of equipment. Material shallnot be placed on wharves in such a manner that wouldobstruct access to firefighting apparatus or equipment orimportant pipeline or other delivery control valves.

3406.4.10.4 Fire apparatus access. An unobstructedfire apparatus access road to the shore end of the wharfshall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 5.

3406.4.10.5 Fire protection systems. Abovegroundtanks, mounded-over tanks, underground tanks, tank carloading and unloading racks, cargo tank loading racks,cargo tank unloading areas, marine vessel loading andunloading areas and all other portions of a bulk plant orterminal shall be provided with fire extinguishing sys-tems that are approved by the commissioner, inspectedby a representative of the department and tested at theowner’s risk by his or her representative before a repre-sentative of the department. Such systems shall includean approved yard hydrant system and tank monitor noz-zles.

3406.4.10.5.1 Cargo tank loading racks. A fireextinguishing system shall be provided over andunder each cargo tank loading position. At least oneremote control valve shall be provided to control theextinguishing agent for each three loading positions.Piping systems shall be installed so they can be thor-

oughly drained. The fire extinguishing system shallbe sized to provide protection for the three largestadjacent loading positions.

3406.4.10.6 Emergency alarm transmission. Manualpull stations shall be provided at one or more approvedlocations that will automatically transmit a signal to thedepartment via an approved central station.

3406.4.10.7 Periodic tests. Fire extinguishing systems,fire protection systems and tank overfill protection shallbe tested once every 2 years at the owner’s risk by his orher representative before a representative of the depart-ment. Tests of foam extinguishing systems shall producefoam at the most remote tank and produce water flow ateach tank. In the event that the discharge of foam to themost remote tank would result in a reportable hazardousmaterial release in accordance with federal, state or locallaws, rules or regulations, such other test acceptable tothe commissioner may be conducted.

3406.4.10.8 Color coding and labeling. Fire protectionsystems shall be color-coded and labeled in accordancewith Sections 3406.4.10.8.1 through 3406.4.10.8.2.Copies of the color code shall be posted in all centrallocations for fire extinguishing media, such as the foamhouse location.

3406.4.10.8.1 Color coding. Fire protection systemsshall be color-coded as follows:

1. Standpipe and/or yard hydrant systems:

1.1. Piping, valve bodies and handles,hydrants and hydrant or hose houses:Red with contrasting white bands.

1.2. Department siamese connections: Red.

2. Sprinkler systems (wet or dry):

2.1. Piping and valve bodies and handles:Red with contrasting bright greenbands.

2.2. Department siamese connections: Redwith green caps.

3. Nonautomatic3 sprinkler systems (includingfog spray systems):

3.1. Piping and valve bodies and handles:Red with contrasting aluminum bands.

3.2. Department siamese connections: Alu-minum.

4. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems—pip-ing, valve bodies and handles: Red with con-trasting brown bands.

5. Steam extinguishing systems—piping, valvebodies and handles: Red with contrasting blackbands.

6. Foam extinguishing systems:

6.1. Piping, valve bodies and handles,hydrants and hydrant or hose houses:Red with contrasting bright orangebands.



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6.2. Department water connections: Red. Adurable sign that reads “WATER FORFOAM SYSTEM,” shall be conspicu-ously posted immediately adjacent tosuch connections.

6.3. Department foam connection: Red withcontrasting bright orange band or caps.A durable sign that reads “CHEMICALFOAM DIRECT TO TANKS” or “...%MECHANICAL FOAM SOLUTIONDIRECT TO TANKS,” shall be con-spicuously posted immediately adja-cent to such connections.

3406.4.10.8.2 Labeling. Bands, or piping immedi-ately adjacent to bands, shall be labeled to indicate thenames of the extinguishing media. The letters shall bein a contrasting color of a suitable size in proportionto the pipe diameters. The width of each band shall benot less than the pipe diameter and shall be spaced notmore than 30 feet (9144 mm) apart. Bands, letteringand piping shall be painted in sun- and weather-resis-tant colors and paint; but bands and lettering may beapplied by means of pressure sensitive tape that issun- and weather-resistant.

3406.4.11 Interconnected piping. All tanks shall be con-nected by a system of steel pipes in a manner that the con-tents of each tank may be transferred to another tankwithout resulting in product contamination, or flash pointreduction of the stored liquid.

3406.4.12 Supervision. Bulk plants and terminals, includ-ing transfer operations, shall be continuously under the per-sonal supervision of a person holding a certificate of fitnessfor such facility. Such supervision shall satisfy the certifi-cate of fitness supervision requirements of this code for allfire protection systems at the facility, including standpipesystems, sprinkler systems, yard hydrant systems and foamsystems.

3406.4.13 Oil spills. Bulk plants and terminals storingpetroleum products and petroleum product pipelines oper-ating within the city shall provide oil-absorbent4 material,oil-dispersant4 material, booms and other such material andequipment for the control and remediation of oil spills insuch quantity and at such locations as set forth in Sections3406.4.13.1 through 3406.4.13.4.

Exceptions:

1. Bulk plants and terminals storing petroleum prod-ucts when such facility has in place a spill preven-tion control and countermeasure plan meeting therequirements of United States Department ofTransportation regulations, as set forth in 40 CFRPart 112.

2. Petroleum product pipelines when such pipelineoperator has in place for its New York City1 opera-tions a response plan for onshore oil pipelinesmeeting the requirements of United States Depart-ment of Transportation regulations, as set forth in49 CFR Part 194.

3406.4.13.1 Quantities of clean-up materials andequipment. Oil spill clean-up materials and equipmentshall be stored for use at each bulk plant and terminal andlocations designated for pipeline operations in accor-dance with Table 3406.4.13.1, the rules or as a conditionof the permit for the facility.

TABLE 3406.4.13.1OIL SPILL MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT TO BE STORED AT

EACH BULK PLANT AND TERMINAL OR PIPELINE

MATERIALOR

EQUIPMENT

TOTAL PETROLEUM PRODUCT STORAGE

1,000,000GALLONSOR LESS

5,000,000GALLONSOR LESS

10,000,000GALLONS

OR LESS ORPIPELINE

OPERATION

OVER10,000,000GALLONS

Absorbentmaterial torecover

3,000gallons

5,000gallons

10,000gallons

20,000gallons

Boom 300 feet300 feet plus enough to encircle marinevessel or barge which may be loadingor unloading at the premises

3406.4.13.2 Availability. Adequate storage facilities,materials-handling4 equipment and personnel shall beprovided by the bulk plant and terminal or pipeline oper-ator. Such materials-handling4 equipment and personnelshall be continuously available to properly deploy andapply the materials and equipment specified in Section3406.4.13.1.

3406.4.13.3 Use of clean-up service. The commissionermay approve the utilization of an oil spill clean-up ser-vice as a “back-up” spill mitigation measure, authorizingthe material quantities to be reduced by 2/3 of those spec-ified in Table 3406.4.13.1, but to a quantity not less than3,000 gallons (11 356 L)2 of absorbent material and 300feet (91 440 mm)2 of boom, and subject to the followingconditions:

1. A responsible officer of the bulk plant and terminalor pipeline operation shall submit a sworn affidavitidentifying the oil spill clean-up service withwhich it has contracted to perform such services,averring that such oil spill clean-up service meetsthe standards set forth in Section 3406.4.13.4 andsetting forth the nature of the services to be ren-dered.

2. The department shall be notified, in writing, within10 business days of the date when the utilization ofthe clean-up service is cancelled or the servicegoes out of business.

3. Such approval may be rescinded by the commis-sioner for good cause for failure of the spillclean-up service to timely respond to an oil spill, tohave adequate equipment, materials or personnel,or to obey or cooperate with the department repre-sentatives in charge of the scene of the oil spill.

3406.4.13.4 Oil spill clean-up service standards. Anoil spill clean-up service may be retained by a bulk plant,bulk terminal or pipeline operation pursuant to Section



3406.4.13.3 provided it is capable of meeting the follow-ing standards:

1. It maintains the stockpile of material and equip-ment required by Section 3406.4.13.1 for storageof over 10,000,000 gallons (37 850 000 L) ofpetroleum products, regardless of the amount ofpetroleum products actually stored at the contract-ing bulk plants, bulk terminals or pipelines.

2. A supervisor will respond to the spill site within 1hour from time of notification.

3. It is capable of delivering, on a 24-hour,7-day-a-week basis, sufficient materials, equip-ment and personnel to the contracting bulk plant,bulk terminal or pipeline within 2 hours from timeof notification.

4. Such service is licensed and operated in accor-dance with all applicable federal, state and locallaws.

3406.4.14 Valves. All inlet and outlet nozzles of tanks shallbe provided with a valve of steel construction of a 150pounds per square inch (psig)(1034 kPa) rating located asclose as practicable to the tank.

3406.4.15 Dike construction. All dike walls shall be ofsteel or reinforced concrete, designed to be liquid-tight4 andto withstand a full hydraulic head, and constructed so as toafford ready access. Where stairways or other similar meansare required to afford such access, they shall be constructedof steel or other approved noncombustible material.

3406.4.16 Dike capacity. Each single dike wall enclosureshall have a capacity equal to 110 percent of the tank’scapacity. Tanks arranged in groups with a total capacity notexceeding 500,000 gallons (1892 500 L) may be enclosed ina single dike wall enclosure. Each group tank dike area shallhave a net capacity not less than that of the largest tank plus10 percent of the aggregate capacity of all other tanks servedby the dike enclosure. That portion of the surface occupiedby tank or tanks shall be included when computing the dikedarea.

3406.4.17 Tank and piping test. Tank and piping shall betested at the time of installation at the owner’s risk by his orher representative before a representative of the departmentas follows:

1. Aboveground, underground and mounded-over tanksshall be filled to capacity with water and maintainedfor not less than 24 hours.

2. Piping shall be hydrostatically tested to a pressure of100 pounds per square inch (psig)(689.5 kPa) or 150percent of the maximum operating pressure, which-ever is greater, for 30 minutes.

3406.4.17.1 Periodic test. Underground piping shall betested once every 10 years at the owner’s risk by his orher representative before a representative of the depart-ment. Such test shall be made at 100 pounds per squareinch (psig)(689.5 kPa) or 150 percent of the maximumoperating pressure, whichever is greater, for 30 minutes.

3406.5 Bulk transfer and process transfer operations. Bulktransfer and process transfer operations shall be subject to theapproval of the commissioner and be in accordance with Sec-tions 3406.5.1 through 3406.5.4.4. Liquid motor fuel-dispens-ing facilities shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 22.

3406.5.1 General. The provisions of Sections 3406.5.1.1through 3406.5.1.16 shall apply to bulk transfer operationsand process transfer operations; Sections 3406.5.2 and3406.5.2.1 shall apply to bulk transfer operations; Sections3406.5.3 through 3406.5.3.3 shall apply to process transferoperations; and Sections 3406.5.4 through 3406.5.4.4 shallapply to dispensing from cargo tanks and tank cars.

3406.5.1.1 Location. Bulk transfer and process transferoperations shall be conducted in approved locations.Tank cars shall be unloaded only on private sidings orrailroad-siding facilities equipped for transferring flam-mable or combustible liquids. Cargo tank and tank cartransfer facilities shall be separated from buildings,aboveground tanks, combustible materials, lot lines,public streets and private roads by a distance of 25 feet(7620 mm) for Class I liquids and 15 feet (4572 mm) forClass II and III liquids measured from the nearest posi-tion of any loading or unloading valve or connection.Buildings for pumps or shelters for personnel shall beconsidered part of the transfer facility.

3406.5.1.2 Weather protection canopies. Whereweather protection canopies are provided, they shall beconstructed in accordance with Section 2704.13.Weather protection canopies shall not be located within15 feet (4572 mm) of a building or combustible materialor within 25 feet (7620 mm) of building openings, lotlines, public streets or private roads.

3406.5.1.3 Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided toprevent accumulation of vapors in accordance with Sec-tion 3405.3.7.5.1.

3406.5.1.4 Sources of ignition. Sources of ignition shallbe controlled or eliminated in accordance with Section2703.7.

3406.5.1.5 Spill control and secondary containment.Areas where transfer operations are located shall be pro-vided with spill control and secondary containment inaccordance with Section 3403.4. The spill control andsecondary containment system shall have a designcapacity capable of containing the capacity of the largesttank compartment located in the area where transferoperations are conducted. Containment of the rainfallvolume specified in Section 2704.2.2.6 is not required.

3406.5.1.6 Fire protection. Fire protection shall be inaccordance with Section 3406.4.10.5.

3406.5.1.7 Static protection. Static protection shall beprovided to prevent the accumulation of static chargesduring transfer operations. Bonding facilities shall beprovided during the transfer through open domes whereClass I liquids are transferred, or where Class II and IIIliquids are transferred into cargo tanks or tank cars whichcould contain vapors from previous cargoes of Class Iliquids. Protection shall consist of a metallic bond wire



permanently electrically connected to the fill stem. Thefill pipe assembly shall form a continuous electricallyconductive path downstream from the point of bonding.The free end of such bond wire shall be provided with aclamp or equivalent device for convenient attachment toa metallic part in electrical contact with the cargo tank ortank car. For cargo tanks, protection shall consist of aflexible bond wire of adequate strength for the intendedservice and the electrical resistance shall not exceed 1megohm. For tank cars, bonding shall be provided wherethe resistance of a tank car to ground through the rails is25 ohms or greater. Such bonding connection shall befastened to the cargo tank or tank car before dome coversare raised and shall remain in place until filling is com-plete and all dome covers have been closed and secured.

Exceptions:

1. Where cargo tanks or tank cars are loadedexclusively with products not having astatic-accumulating tendency, such as asphalt,cutback asphalt, most crude oils, residual oilsand water-miscible liquids.

2. When Class I liquids are not handled at thetransfer facility and the cargo tanks are usedexclusively for Class II and III liquids.

3. Where cargo tanks or tank cars are loaded orunloaded through closed top or bottom connec-tions when the hose is conductive.

3406.5.1.7.1 Filling through open domes. Fillingthrough open domes into the tanks of cargo tanks ortank cars that contain vapor-air mixtures within theflammable range, or where the liquid being filled canform such a mixture, shall be by means of adownspout which extends to near the bottom of thetank. It shall be unlawful to fill a cargo tank or tank carwith gasoline through an open dome.

3406.5.1.8 Stray current protection. Tank car loadingfacilities where Class I, II or IIIA liquids are transferredthrough open domes shall be protected against stray cur-rents by permanently bonding the pipe to at least one railand to the transfer apparatus. Multiple pipes entering thetransfer areas shall be permanently electrically bondedtogether. In areas where excessive stray currents areknown to exist, all pipes entering the transfer area shallbe provided with insulating sections to isolate electri-cally the transfer apparatus from the pipelines.

3406.5.1.9 Top loading. When top loading a cargo tankwith Class I and II liquids without vapor control, valvesused for the final control of flow shall be of the self-clos-ing type and shall be manually held open except whereautomatic means are provided for shutting off the flowwhen the tank is full. When used, automatic shutoff sys-tems shall be provided with a manual shutoff valvelocated at a safe distance from the loading nozzle to stopthe flow if the automatic system fails. When top loading acargo tank with vapor control, flow control shall be inaccordance with Section 3406.5.1.10. Self-closingvalves shall not be tied or locked in the open position.

3406.5.1.10 Bottom loading. When bottom loading acargo tank or tank car with or without vapor control, apositive means shall be provided for loading a predeter-mined quantity of liquid, together with an automatic sec-ondary shutoff control to prevent overfill. Theconnecting components between the transfer equipmentand the cargo tank or tank car required to operate the sec-ondary control shall be functionally compatible.

3406.5.1.10.1 Dry disconnect coupling. When bot-tom loading a cargo tank, the coupling between theliquid loading hose or pipe and the cargo tank pipingshall be a dry disconnect coupling.

3406.5.1.10.2 Venting. When bottom loading a cargotank or tank car that is equipped for vapor control andvapor control is not required or used for the productbeing loaded, the tank shall be vented to the atmo-sphere to prevent pressurization of the tank. Suchventing shall be at a height equal to or greater than thetop of the cargo tank or tank car.

3406.5.1.10.3 Vapor-tight connection. Connectionsto the plant vapor control system shall be designed toprevent the escape of vapor to the atmosphere whennot connected to a cargo tank or tank car.

3406.5.1.10.4 Vapor recovery and processingequipment. Vapor recovery and processing equip-ment at bulk plants and terminals shall comply withthe requirements of Section 3406.8.

3406.5.1.11 Switch loading. Cargo tanks or tank carswhich have previously contained Class I liquids shall notbe loaded with Class II or III liquids until such tanks orcars and all piping, pumps, hoses and meters connectedthereto have been completely drained and flushed.

3406.5.1.12 Loading racks. Where provided, loadingracks, stairs or platforms shall be constructed ofnoncombustible materials. Buildings for pumps or forshelter of loading personnel are allowed to be part of theloading rack. Wiring and electrical equipment locatedwithin 25 feet (7620 mm) of any portion of the loadingrack shall be in accordance with Section 3403.1.1.

3406.5.1.13 Transfer apparatus. Bulk and processtransfer apparatus shall be of an approved type.

3406.5.1.14 Inside buildings. Cargo tanks and tank carsshall not be located indoors while transferring Class I, IIor III liquids.

Exception: Cargo tanks are allowed under weatherprotection canopies and canopies of automotive liq-uid motor fuel-dispensing facilities.

3406.5.1.15 Cargo tank and tank car certification.Certification shall be maintained for cargo tanks and tankcars in accordance with the regulations of the UnitedStates Department of Transportation, as set forth in Parts100-178.

3406.5.1.15.1 Loading and unloading from cargotanks. It shall be unlawful for any person to load acargo tank with any flammable or Class II or IIIAcombustible liquid or to receive or accept delivery of



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such products in or from a cargo tank, except in orfrom a cargo tank for which a department permit hasbeen issued and is displayed pursuant to the provi-sions of Chapter 27. The provisions of this sectionshall not prohibit the loading of a cargo tank with anyliquid products with a flash point over 200°F (93°C)nor the receiving or acceptance of delivery from acargo tank of any liquid products with a flash pointover 200°F (93°C), provided that such cargo tank isdesigned, constructed, and equipped in accordancewith the regulations of the United States Departmentof Transportation governing the transportation ofdangerous articles by common, contract, private andproprietary carriers engaged in interstate commerce.

3406.5.1.16 Cargo tank and tank car stability. Cargotanks and tank cars shall be stabilized against movementduring loading and unloading in accordance with Sec-tions 3406.5.1.16.1 through 3406.5.1.16.3.

3406.5.1.16.1 Cargo tanks. When a cargo tank isparked for loading or unloading, such cargo tank shallbe secured in a manner that will prevent unintentionalmovement.

3406.5.1.16.2 Chock blocks. At least two chockblocks not less than 5 inches by 5 inches by 12 inches(127 mm by 127 mm by 305 mm) in size and dished tofit the contour of the tires shall be used during transferoperations of cargo tanks.

3406.5.1.16.3 Tank cars. Brakes shall be set and thewheels shall be blocked to prevent rolling.

3406.5.2 Bulk transfer. Bulk transfer shall be in accor-dance with Sections 3406.5.1 and 3406.5.2.1.

3406.5.2.1 Vehicle motor. Motors of cargo tanks or tankcars shall be shut off during the making and breaking ofhose connections and during the unloading operation.

Exception: Where unloading is performed with apump deriving its power from the cargo tank motor.

3406.5.3 Process transfer. Process transfer shall be inaccordance with Section 3406.5.1 and Sections 3406.5.3.1through 3406.5.3.3.

3406.5.3.1 Piping, valves, hoses and fittings. Piping,valves, hoses and fittings which are not a part of the cargotank or tank car shall be designed and installed in accor-dance with Section 3403.6. Caps or plugs which preventleakage or spillage shall be provided at all points of con-nection to transfer piping.

3406.5.3.1.1 Shutoff valves. Approved automati-cally or manually activated shutoff valves shall beprovided where the transfer hose connects to the pro-cess piping, and on both sides of any exteriorfire-resistance-rated wall through which the pipingpasses. Manual shutoff valves shall be arranged suchthat they are readily accessible from grade. Valvesshall not be locked in the open position.

3406.5.3.1.2 Hydrostatic relief. Hydrostatic pres-sure-limiting or relief devices shall be provided wherepressure buildup in trapped sections of the system

could exceed the design pressure of the componentsof the system. Devices shall relieve to other portionsof the system or to another approved location.

3406.5.3.1.3 Antisiphon valves. Antisiphon valvesshall be provided when the system design wouldallow siphonage.

3406.5.3.2 Vents. Normal and emergency vents shall bemaintained in good working order at all times.

3406.5.3.3 Motive power. Motors of cargo tanks andtank cars shall be shut off during the making and break-ing of hose connections and during the unloading opera-tion.

Exception: When unloading is performed with apump deriving its power from the cargo tank motor.

3406.5.4 Dispensing from cargo tanks and tank cars. Itshall be unlawful to dispense any flammable or combustibleliquid from a cargo tank or tank car into the fuel tanks ofmotor vehicles, except as authorized by and conducted inaccordance with Sections 3406.5.4.3 and 3406.5.4.4.



3406.5.4.3 Aircraft fueling. Transfer of liquids fromaircraft-refueling vehicles to the fuel tanks of aircraftshall be in accordance with Chapter 11.

3406.5.4.4 Fueling of vehicles at construction sites.The transfer of liquid from cargo tanks to constructionequipment at construction sites shall be conducted inaccordance with Section 3406.2.8.

3406.6 Reserved.

3406.7 Reserved.

3406.8 Vapor recovery and processing systems for use inbulk plants and terminals. Vapor recovery and processingsystems installed at bulk plants and terminals, including sys-tems associated with piping, loading racks, dikes, fire detectionand fire protection equipment, shall be designed, installed,operated and maintained in accordance with Sections 3406.8.1through 3406.8.3. Such compliance shall be required for allvapor recovery processing systems, whether installed volun-tarily or pursuant to the requirements of the United States Envi-ronmental Protection Agency, United States Coast Guard orNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

3406.8.1 General. Vapor recovery and processing systemsshall comply with the requirements of Section 5.10 of NFPA30, except as otherwise provided in this section, the regula-tions of the United States Environmental ProtectionAgency, United States Coast Guard and New York StateDepartment of Environmental Conservation, as applicable,and the following general requirements:

1. Electrical equipment shall comply with the require-ments of the Electrical Code. Upon request, proof ofcompliance with the Electrical Code shall be filedwith the department.



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2. The installation of any refrigerating system shallcomply with the requirements of Chapter 6 and theMechanical Code.

3. All tanks and piping shall be grounded. Static bond-ing connections shall be made between loading arm,vehicle and vapor recovery unit. An interlock shallbe provided to prevent pumping operations untilproperly grounded.

4. All product pumps and compressors shall be of atype approved for such use.

5. Pressure vessels shall conform to the ASME Boilerand Pressure Vessel Code. The manufacturer datasheet for the pressure vessel shall be maintained onthe premises and made available for inspection toany representative of the department.

6. Knock-out vessels shall be provided with a high liq-uid level sensor that will initiate shutdown of the liq-uid transfer into the vessel and the vapor recovery orprocessing system.

7. A flame arrestor and mist eliminator element shallbe provided at final emission vent.

8. A fire detection system shall be provided that willinitiate shutdown of the vapor recovery and process-ing system in the event of fire.

9. An annunciator panel with audible and visiblealarms shall be provided in the dispatcher’s office.The annunciator panel shall monitor and shut downthe vapor recovery and processing system upon anyequipment malfunction, including a malfunction ofthe fire detection system.

10. Insulation material shall be noncombustible.

11. Lightning protection shall be provided in accor-dance with NFPA 780.

12. Pressure relief valves shall be provided on all pres-sure vessels and wherever else required by the sys-tem design, and shall be sized in accordance with theASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Pressurerelief valves shall discharge to a safe location. Noshutoff valve may be permitted in the line of relief.Tanks and equipment shall have independent vent-ing for over-pressure or vacuum conditions thatmight occur from malfunction of the vapor recoveryor recovery unit.

13. A reinforced concrete base shall be provided andapproved by the agency having jurisdiction.

14. Vapor recovery and processing systems shall beplaced in an unpierced dike of such construction andcapacity as the commissioner may prescribe. Nodrains shall be permitted, and any drain pump usedshall be manually activated.

15. Vapor recovery and processing systems shall beinstalled at least 25 feet (7620 mm) from bulk stor-age tanks, warehouses, loading racks, dispatchers’offices, transfer facilities, buildings housing fireprotection systems, central heating plants or electri-

cal distribution systems, other plant buildings,building lines and adjoining lot lines. When vesselsin the vapor recovery and processing system operatein excess of 50 pounds per square inch gauge(psig)(345 kPa), but less than 150 pounds per squareinch gauge (psig)(1034 kPa), the minimum distanceshall be 50 feet (15 240 mm), unless a protectivestructure, such as masonry or concrete fire wall, isinstalled in the line of sight between such vessel andthe exposure, in which case the minimum distanceof 25 feet (7620 mm) shall be applicable.

16. Vents on vapor-processing equipment shall be notless than 15 feet (4572 mm) from ground level, withoutlets located and directed so that flammablevapors will disperse to below the lower flammablelimit (LFL) before reaching a potential ignitionsource.

17. The vapor recovery and processing system shall beprotected from physical damage, including damageby motor vehicles utilizing dikes, posts, or otherapproved means.

18. The entire vapor recovery and processing systemshall be inspected for proper operation on a periodicbasis, but not less than once every six months, by aqualified person. Such inspection shall be docu-mented in a log book maintained at the facility forsuch purpose.

19. Durable signs reading “DANGER—NO SMOK-ING, MATCHES, OPEN LIGHTS OR SPARK-ING DEVICES AT THIS EQUIPMENT” shall beconspicuously posted at or near the vapor recoveryand processing system in addition to the “No Smok-ing” signs required throughout the facility.

20. One or more foam hydrants, yard hydrants, monitornozzles and portable fire extinguishers having aminimum 40-B:C rating, shall be provided within50 feet (15 240 mm) of the vapor recovery and pro-cessing system and shall be readily available for use.

21. All piping associated with a vapor recovery and pro-cessing system, including piping connecting suchsystem to storage tanks, shall be hydrostaticallytested to a pressure of 100 pounds per square inchgauge (psig)(690 kPa) or 11/2 times the maximumworking pressure, whichever is greater, for a periodof 2 hours, and shall show no leaks. Such hydro-static testing shall be conducted at the owner’s riskby his or her representative before a representativeof the department. In lieu of such hydrostatic testing,the commissioner may accept an affidavit from themanufacturer attesting to the integrity of pipingintegral to the vapor recovery and processing sys-tem.

22. Where a storage tank is connected to a vapor recov-ery and processing system, a mist eliminator shall beprovided in the vapor line at or adjacent to the tankto remove entrained liquid and return same to thetank or an approved collection system.



23. The vapor recovery and processing system shall bedesigned to minimize and dissipate static electricityin accordance with NFPA 77.

3406.8.2 Atmospheric condensation and refrigerationvapor recovery and processing systems. A vapor con-denser system shall be placed in an unpierced dike or withina concrete trench of adequate width and depth to hold atleast 1 hour’s vapor recovery.

3406.8.3 Absorption vapor recovery and processing sys-tems. Absorption vapor recovery and processing systemsshall comply with the following requirements:

1. A lean oil storage tank shall be protected by a foamfire extinguishing system.

2. The entire vapor recovery and processing system,including the lean oil storage tank, shall be placed inan unpierced dike. The height of the dike shall bebased upon the size of the lean oil storage tank andshall have a capacity of at least 110 percent of suchtank, but in any event not less than the maximumpumping capacity of the system for 20 minutes ofoperation.

3. Heaters used shall be of a type approved for such useand shall be equipped with an automatic shut-offdevice that activates upon reaching the high tempera-ture limit for the absorption vapor recovery and pro-cessing system.

4. All absorbers, saturators, heat exchangers and con-densers shall conform to ASME Boiler and PressureVessel Code and the provisions of Chapter 30.

5. A relief valve shall be provided for compressors,stripper columns and other pressure vessels.

6. Lean oil tanks and vapor vessels shall be constructedand installed in accordance with this chapter and API650.

7. Upon installation, a vapor vessel bladder shall bepneumatically tested at 11/4 times the maximum oper-ating pressure for 4 hours without leakage. A retestshall be performed annually. All such tests shall beconducted at the owner’s risk by his or her representa-tive before a representative of the department.

3406.9 Cargo tank loading rack systems. Loading rack sys-tems shall be designed, installed, operated and maintained inaccordance with the following requirements:

1. Any vapor recovery and processing system used inconnection with a loading rack system shall complywith the requirements of Sections 3406.8.1 through3406.8.3.

2. Loading racks shall be protected throughout by a fireextinguishing system as set forth in Section3406.4.10.5.1.

3. Cargo tanks loaded at bulk plants or terminals shall becompatible with all safety features incorporated intothe loading rack.

4. Dry-break4 adapters conforming to API standards shallbe provided on the fill and vapor recovery lines. During

loading, each cargo tank compartment shall be sealedexcept for the dry-break fill coupling and vapor recov-ery line.

5. An interlock shall be provided to prevent loading whenthe cargo tank vehicle motor is running and to preventstart up of the cargo tank vehicle motor during loading.Such interlock device shall further prevent the vehiclemotor from starting before the product fill line andvapor return line have been disconnected.

6. An interlock device shall be provided so that no loadingmay take place unless the vapor recovery line is prop-erly connected to the cargo tank.

7. Except when loading, protective caps shall cover alldry-break adapters as protection against the elementsand physical damage from impact.

8. No more than 3 compartments may be loaded at a time.

9. A two-stage preset meter shall be provided for eachloading arm. Loading arms shall be equipped withmanual or electronic dead-man control valves.

10. All electrical equipment shall be suitable for use in haz-ardous locations. The design of the electronic sendingdevice shall be such that a source of higher voltage orcurrent cannot be connected to same.

11 An approved overfill prevention system shall be pro-vided at the loading rack and shall be designed toensure at least 1 percent vapor space per compartment.In no event shall the vapor space in a compartment beless than 40 gallons (151 L) in capacity.

12. A liquid detector shall be provided in the vapor returnline, to automatically shut off the loading system if liq-uid reaches the vapor line.

13. All components of the fill and vapor recovery loadingarm assemblies making contact with the cargo tank,including the loading head, shall be constructed ofsparkproof3 material.

14. The fill line and the vapor recovery line in loading armassemblies shall be of the same diameter. The maxi-mum velocity in any liquid line shall not exceed 15 feetper second (4572 mm per second).

15. The fill line and vapor recovery line in loading armassemblies shall be constructed of rigid steel, exceptthat flexible hose may be used for fill or vapor recoveryloading assemblies provided that such hose is no longerin length than necessary, has an inner diameter nogreater than 4 inches (102 mm), is of steel constructionand is rated for not less than 800 pounds per square inchgauge (psig)(5617 kPa).

16. Cargo tanks shall not be filled with flammable or com-bustible liquids unless one or more devices, equipmentor systems are provided to immediately shut down theflow of such liquid in the event of cargo tank overfill-ing, faulty dome seal, cargo tank pressure exceeding 3pounds per square inch gauge (psig)(21.7 kPa) andelectrical grounding fault.

17. The loading arm assembly shall be grounded.



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18. The loading arm assembly shall be designed to breakaway from the cargo tank without rupture should thecargo tank move with the loading arm still in place.

19. All liquid and vapor piping at the loading arm assemblyshall be hydrostatically tested to a pressure of 100pounds per square inch gauge (psig)(690 kPa) or 11/2

times the maximum working pressure, whichever isgreater, for a period of 2 hours. Such test shall be con-ducted at the owner’s risk by his or her representativebefore a representative of the department.

20. The loading head unit seal against the cargo tank shallnot exceed a force of 200 pounds (90.8 kg) or a pressureof 5 pounds per square inch gauge (psig)(34.5 kPa).

21. A mist eliminator shall be provided in the vapor line ator adjacent to the loading arm to remove entrained liq-uid and return same to the cargo tank, or to an approvedcollection system.

22. Cargo tanks containing flammable liquids in any com-partment shall not be loaded with combustible liquidsunless the loading rack is protected by a fire extinguish-ing system in accordance with this chapter.

23. The loading rate of combustible liquids into cargotanks shall be such that the initial velocity in the liquidline is 3 feet per second (914.4 mm per second) and thefinal rate does not exceed 15 feet per second (4572 mmper second).




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CHAPTER 34 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS 34_Flammable... · CHAPTER 34 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS ... flame in accordance with ASTM D 92. FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID