CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON · PDF fileCHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS ... 402.9 Smoke control. A smoke control system shall be pro- ... SPECIAL DETAILED

CHAPTER 4

SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTSBASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

SECTION BC 401SCOPE

401.1 Detailed use and occupancy requirements. In additionto the occupancy and construction requirements in this code,the provisions of this chapter apply to the special uses andoccupancies described herein.

SECTION BC 402COVERED MALL BUILDINGS

402.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply tobuildings or structures defined herein as covered mall buildingsnot exceeding three floor levels at any point nor more than threestories above grade. Except as specifically required by this sec-tion, covered mall buildings shall meet applicable provisions ofthis code.

Exceptions:

1. Foyers and lobbies of Groups B, R-1 and R-2 are notrequired to comply with this section.

2. Buildings need not comply with the provisions of thissection where they fully comply with other applicableprovisions of this code.

402.1.1 Occupancy classification. A mall in compliancewith the provisions of this section shall be classified asoccupancy group M.

402.2 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for thepurposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code,have the meanings shown herein.

ANCHOR BUILDING. An exterior perimeter building of agroup other than H having direct access to a covered mall build-ing but having required means of egress independent of themall.

COVERED MALL BUILDING. A single building enclosinga number of tenants and occupants such as retail stores, drink-ing and dining establishments, entertainment and amusementfacilities, passenger transportation terminals, offices, and othersimilar uses wherein two or more tenants have a main entranceinto one or more malls. For the purpose of this chapter, anchorbuildings shall not be considered as a part of the covered mallbuilding.

FOOD COURT. A public seating area located in the mall thatserves adjacent food preparation tenant spaces.

GROSS LEASABLE AREA. The total floor area designedfor tenant occupancy and exclusive use. The area of tenantoccupancy is measured from the centerlines of joint partitionsto the outside of the tenant walls. All tenant areas, includingareas used for storage, shall be included in calculating grossleasable area.

MALL. A roofed or covered common pedestrian area within acovered mall building that serves as access for two or more ten-ants and not to exceed three levels that are open to each other.

402.3 Lease plan. Each covered mall building owner shall pro-vide the department and the Fire Department with a lease planshowing the location of each occupancy and its exits after thecertificate of occupancy has been issued. No modifications orchanges in occupancy or use shall be made from that shown onthe lease plan without prior approval of the commissioner.

402.4 Means of egress. The covered mall building shall be pro-vided with means of egress as required by this code. Wherethere is a conflict between the requirements of this code and therequirements of this section, the requirements of this sectionshall apply.

402.4.1 Occupant load. The calculated occupant load usedto determine the required number of means of egress shallbe in accordance with this section.

402.4.1.1 Occupant load of tenant spaces. The occu-pant load permitted in any individual tenant space in acovered mall building shall be determined in accordancewith Chapter 10. Means of egress requirements for indi-vidual tenant spaces shall be based on the occupant loadthus determined.

402.4.1.2 Occupant load of mall. In determiningrequired means of egress of the mall, the total occupantload in the mall shall include the occupant load attributedto the mall as determined by Equation 4-1, plus the occu-pant load of the food court if any, plus the occupant loaddischarged into the mall from individual tenant spaces.

402.4.1.2.1 Occupant load formula. To determinethe occupant load attributed to the mall, the number ofsquare feet of floor area of the mall, excluding anyfood court, shall be divided by the occupant load fac-tor (OLF) value determined by Equation 4-1.

OLF = (0.00007) (GLA) + 25 (Equation 4-1)

where:

OLF = The occupant load factor (square feet perperson).

GLA = The gross leasable area (square feet).

402.4.1.2.2 OLF range. The occupant load factor(OLF) is not required to be less than 30 and shall notexceed 50.

402.4.1.2.3 Food courts. The occupant load of a foodcourt shall be determined in accordance with Section1004 and shall be added to the occupant load of themall.

402.4.1.3 Anchor buildings. The occupant load ofanchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be

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included in computing the total number of occupants forthe covered mall building.

402.4.2 Number of means of egress. The required numberof means of egress shall be determined in accordance withthis section.

402.4.2.1 Number of means of egress within tenantspaces. Wherever the distance of travel to the mall fromany location within a tenant space used by persons otherthan employees exceeds 75 feet (22 860 mm) or the ten-ant space exceeds an occupant load of 50, no fewer thantwo means of egress shall be provided.

402.4.2.2 Number of means of egress from the mall.The number of means of egress from the mall shall bedetermined in accordance with Chapter 10 and shall bebased upon an occupant load calculated in accordancewith Section 402.4.1.2.

402.4.3 Arrangements of means of egress. Means ofegress shall be arranged in accordance with this section.

402.4.3.1 Anchor building means of egress. Requiredmeans of egress for anchor buildings shall be providedindependently from the mall means of egress system.The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into themall shall not be included in determining means of egressrequirements for the mall. The path of egress travel ofmalls shall not exit through anchor buildings. Malls ter-minating at an anchor building where no other means ofegress has been provided shall be considered as adead-end mall.

402.4.3.2 Tenant spaces requiring more than onemeans of egress. Where more than one means of egressis required from an individual tenant space as determinedby Chapter 10, not more than 50 percent of the occupantload shall discharge into the mall.

402.4.3.3 Large assembly occupancy. Assembly occu-pancies with an occupant load of 500 or more shall be solocated in the covered mall building such that theirentrance will be immediately adjacent to a principalentrance to the mall and shall have not less than one-halfof their required means of egress opening directly to theexterior of the covered mall building.

402.4.4 Distance to exits. The maximum permitted traveldistance to exits in covered mall buildings shall be in accor-dance with this section.

402.4.4.1 Distance to exits within tenant spaces. Themaximum travel distance from any point within an indi-vidual tenant space to its entrance to the mall or to an exitshall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).

402.4.4.2 Distance to exits within the mall. The maxi-mum distance of travel from any point within a mall to anexit shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).

402.4.5 Access to exits. Where more than one exit isrequired, they shall be so arranged that it is possible to travelin either direction from any point in a mall to separate exits.However, in dead ends not exceeding a length equal to twicethe width of the mall measured at the narrowest locationwithin the dead end portion of the mall, one direction of

travel shall be permitted. The minimum width of an exit pas-sageway or corridor from a mall shall be 66 inches (1676mm).

402.4.5.1 Exit passageway enclosures. Where exit pas-sageway enclosures provide a secondary means of egressfrom a tenant space, doors to the exit passageway enclo-sures shall be minimum 1-hour fire doors with panichardware. Such doors shall be self-closing and be somaintained or shall be automatic closing by smokedetection.

402.4.6 Service areas fronting on exit passageways.Mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, building service areasand service elevators are permitted to open directly into exitpassageways provided that the exit passageway is separatedfrom such rooms by fire barriers providing the samefire-resistance rating as required for the exit passageway.Door swings from these rooms shall not project into theminimum width of such exit passageways.

402.5 Mall width. For the purpose of providing requiredegress, malls are permitted to be considered as corridors butneed not comply with the requirements of Section 1005.1 ofthis code where the width of the mall is as specified in this sec-tion.

402.5.1 Minimum width. The minimum width of the mallshall be 20 feet (6096 mm). The mall width shall be suffi-cient to accommodate the occupant load served. There shallbe a minimum of 10 feet (3048 mm) clear width to a heightof 8 feet (2438 mm) between any projection of a tenantspace bordering the mall and the nearest kiosk, vendingmachine, bench, display opening, food court or otherobstruction to means of egress travel.

402.6 Types of construction. Covered mall buildings,including anchor buildings, shall be only of Type I, II, andIV construction. Their areas shall not be limited providedthat the covered mall building and attached anchor buildingsand parking garages are surrounded on all sides by a perma-nent open space of not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) and theanchor buildings do not exceed three stories in height. Theheight of covered mall buildings, including anchor build-ings, of Type IIB construction shall be limited to one story.The allowable height and area of anchor buildings greaterthan three stores in height shall comply with Section 503, asmodified by Sections 504 and 506. The construction type ofopen parking garages and enclosed parking garages shallcomply with Sections 406.3 and 406.4, respectively.

402.7 Fire-resistance-rated separation. Fire-resis-tance-rated separation is not required between tenant spacesand the mall. Fire-resistance-rated separation is not requiredbetween a food court and adjacent tenant spaces or the mall.

402.7.1 Attached garage. An attached parking garage forthe storage of passenger vehicles having a capacity of notmore than nine persons and open parking garages shall beconsidered as a separate building where it is separated fromthe covered mall building by a fire barrier having afire-resistance rating of at least 2 hours. Openings in suchbarrier shall be 11/2-hour fire-rated self-closing or shall be

42 2008 NEW YORK CITY BUILDING CODE

SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

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automatic closing upon the activation of a smoke detector orfire alarm.

Exception: Where an open parking garage or enclosedparking garage is separated from the covered mall build-ing or anchor building by a distance greater than 10 feet(3048 mm), the provisions of Table 602 shall apply.Pedestrian walkways and tunnels that attach the openparking garage or enclosed parking garage to the coveredmall building or anchor building shall be constructed inaccordance with Section 3104.

402.7.2 Tenant separations. Each tenant space shall beseparated from other tenant spaces by a fire partition com-plying with Section 708. A tenant separation wall is notrequired between any tenant space and the mall.

402.7.3 Anchor building separation. An anchor buildingshall be separated from the covered mall building by firewalls complying with Section 705.

Exception: Anchor buildings of not more than three sto-ries above grade that have an occupancy classification ofthe same uses permitted as tenants of the covered mallbuilding shall be separated by 2-hour fire resistive firebarriers complying with Section 706. Openings betweensuch buildings and the mall need not be protected.

402.8 Automatic sprinkler system. The covered mall build-ing and buildings connected shall be provided throughout withan automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section903.3.1.1, that shall comply with the following:

1. The automatic sprinkler system shall be complete andoperative throughout occupied space in the covered mallbuilding prior to occupancy of any of the tenant spaces.Unoccupied tenant spaces shall be similarly protectedunless provided with approved alternate protection.

2. Sprinkler protection for the mall shall be independentfrom that provided for tenant spaces or anchors. Wheretenant spaces are supplied by the same system, they shallbe independently controlled.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall notbe required in spaces or areas of open parking garagesconstructed in accordance with Section 406.2.

402.8.1 Standpipe system. The covered mall building shallbe equipped throughout with a standpipe system as requiredby Section 905.3.3.

402.9 Smoke control. A smoke control system shall be pro-vided in accordance with Section 909 for malls greater than onestory in height.

402.10 Kiosks. Kiosks and similar structures (temporary orpermanent) shall meet the following requirements:

1. Combustible kiosks or other structures shall not belocated within the mall unless constructed of any of thefollowing materials:

1.1. Fire-retardant-treated wood complying withSection 2303.2.

1.2. Foam plastics having a maximum heat releaserate not greater than 100 kW (105 Btu/h) when

tested in accordance with the exhibit booth proto-col in UL 1975.

1.3. Aluminum composite material (ACM) having aflame spread index of not more than 25 and asmoke-developed index of not more than 450when tested as an assembly in the maximumthickness intended for use in accordance withASTM E 84.

2. Kiosks or similar structures located within the mall shallbe provided with approved fire suppression and detec-tion devices.

3. The minimum horizontal separation between kiosks orgroupings thereof and other structures within the mallshall be 20 feet (6096 mm).

4. Each kiosk or similar structure or groupings thereof shallhave a maximum area of 300 square feet (28 m2).

402.11 Security grilles and doors. Horizontal sliding or verti-cal security grilles or doors that are a part of a required means ofegress shall conform to the following:

1. They shall remain in the full open position during theperiod of occupancy by the general public.

2. Doors or grilles shall not be brought to the closed posi-tion when there are more than 10 persons occupyingspaces served by a single exit or 50 persons occupyingspaces served by more than one exit.

3. The doors or grilles shall be openable from within with-out the use of any special knowledge or effort where thespace is occupied.

4. Where two or more exits are required, not more thanone-half of the exits shall be permitted to include either ahorizontal sliding or vertical rolling grille or doors.

402.12 Emergency power. Covered mall buildings exceeding50,000 square feet (4645 m2) shall be provided with emergencypower systems that are capable of operating the emergencyvoice/alarm communication system.

402.13 Emergency voice/alarm communication system.Covered mall buildings exceeding 50,000 square feet (4645m2) in total floor area shall be provided with an emergencyvoice/alarm communication system. Emergency voice/alarmcommunication systems serving a mall, required or otherwise,shall be accessible to the Fire Department. The system shall beprovided in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.

402.14 Plastic signs. Within every store or level and from side-wall to sidewall of each tenant space facing the mall, plasticsigns shall be limited as specified in Sections 402.14.1 through402.14.5.

402.14.1 Area. Plastic signs shall not exceed 20 percent ofthe wall area facing the mall.

402.14.2 Height and width. Plastic signs shall not exceed aheight of 36 inches (914 mm), except if the sign is vertical,the height shall not exceed 96 inches (2438 mm) and thewidth shall not exceed 36 inches (914 mm).

402.14.3 Location. Plastic signs shall be located a mini-mum distance of 18 inches (457 mm) from adjacent tenants.





402.14.4 Plastics other than foam plastics. Plastics otherthan foam plastics used in signs shall be light-transmittingplastics complying with Section 2606.4 or shall have aself-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C) or greater whentested in accordance with ASTM D 1929, and a flamespread index not greater than 75 and smoke-developedindex not greater than 450 when tested in the mannerintended for use in accordance with ASTM E 84 or meet theacceptance criteria of Section 803.2.1 when tested in accor-dance with NFPA 286.

402.14.4.1 Encasement. Edges and backs of plasticsigns in the mall shall be fully encased in metal.

402.14.5 Foam plastics. Foam plastics used in signs shallhave flame-retardant characteristics such that the sign has amaximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested inaccordance with UL 1975 and the foam plastics shall havethe physical characteristics specified in this section. Foamplastics used in signs installed in accordance with Section402.14 shall not be required to comply with the flamespread and smoke-developed indexes specified in Section2603.3.

402.14.5.1 Density. The minimum density of foam plas-tics used in signs shall not be less than 20 pounds percubic foot (pcf) (320 kg/m3).

402.14.5.2 Thickness. The thickness of foam plasticsigns shall not be greater than 1/2-inch (12.7 mm).

402.15 Fire Department access to equipment. Rooms orareas containing controls for air-conditioning systems, auto-matic fire-extinguishing systems or other detection, suppres-sion or control elements shall be identified for use by the FireDepartment.

SECTION BC 403HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

403.1 Applicability. The provisions of this section shall applyto buildings having occupied floors located more than 75 feet(22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicleaccess.

Exception: The provisions of this section shall not apply tothe following buildings and structures:

1. Buildings occupied entirely by Group R-3 classifica-tion.

2. Open parking garages in accordance with Section406.3.

3. Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accor-dance with Section 303.1.

4. Low-hazard special industrial occupancies in accor-dance with Section 503.1.2.

5. Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 orH-3 in accordance with Section 415.

403.2 Automatic sprinkler system. Buildings and structuresshall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler sys-tem in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. A secondary watersupply shall be provided where required by Section 903.3.5.2

and in any building having occupied floors more than 300 feet(91 440 mm) above the lowest level of Fire Department vehicleaccess.

403.3 Reserved.

403.4 Emergency escape and rescue. Emergency escape andrescue openings required by Section 1025 are not required.

403.5 Automatic fire detection. Smoke detection shall be pro-vided in accordance with Section 907.2.12.1.

403.6 Emergency voice/alarm communication systems. Anemergency voice/alarm communication system shall be pro-vided in accordance with Section 907.2.12.2.

403.7 Fire Department communications system. A two-wayfire department communications system shall be provided forFire Department use in accordance with Section 907.2.12.3.

403.8 Fire command. A fire command center complying withSection 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the FireDepartment.

403.9 Elevators. Elevator operation and installation shall be inaccordance with Chapter 30.

403.9.1 Elevator lobbies. Elevator lobbies shall be pro-vided in accordance with Sections 403.9.1.1 and 403.9.1.2.

403.9.1.1 Applicability. Elevator lobbies shall be pro-vided at the following locations:

1. Elevators opening onto a fire-resistance-rated cor-ridor. In all occupancy groups, elevator lobbiesshall be provided at any location where an elevatoropens onto a fire-resistance-rated corridor.

2. Elevators serving Group B occupancies. Notwith-standing Item 1, elevators that serve four or morestories that contain space classified in occupancyGroup B, inclusive of any lobby or entrance level,shall provide elevator lobbies at every level servedby such elevator.

Exceptions: Elevator lobbies are not requiredunder the following conditions:

1. Street-floor lobbies. Street-floor lobbiesprovided that the entire street floor isequipped with an automatic sprinklersystem in accordance with Section903.3.1.1.

2. Elevators without shafts. Elevators thatare not required to be located in a shaft inaccordance with Section 707.2.

3. Zero-clearance doors. Elevator openingsprovided with zero-clearance doors inaddition to hoistway doors and elevatorcar doors. Such zero-clearance doorsshall be tested in accordance with UL1784 without an artificial bottom seal.When serving as an accessible route,such additional doors shall operate auto-matically and in compliance with Chap-ter 11.



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4. Small floor areas. On floors with lessthan 2,500 square feet (232 m2), the com-missioner may accept an alternativedesign or construction method thataccomplishes the purposes of this sec-tion, or if the commissioner determinesthat compliance with this section isimpracticable in whole or in part, thecommissioner may authorize an exemp-tion from the requirements of this sec-tion.

5. Pressurized elevator shafts. When theelevator is pressurized in accordancewith the requirements of the commis-sioner.

6. Group R-2 occupancy.

403.9.1.2 Construction. Elevator lobbies shall be con-structed in accordance with the following:

1. The lobbies shall be constructed as a smoke parti-tion complying with Section 710.

2. The lobbies shall separate the elevator from allother spaces on the story.

3. The lobbies shall have at least one means of egresscomplying with Chapter 10 and other provisionsof this code.

4. Access to an exit on any story through an elevatorlobby shall be permitted provided that access to atleast one other required exit does not require pass-ing through the elevator lobby.

403.9.2 Impact resistant elevator shafts. Elevator shaftsshall be constructed of impact resistant walls. Minimumimpact resistance standards shall be established by rules ofthe department.

403.10 Reserved.

403.11 Emergency power systems. An emergency power sys-tem complying with Section 2702 shall be provided for emer-gency power loads specified in Sections 403.11.1 and403.11.2.

403.11.1 Emergency power loads in occupancies otherthan R-2. In buildings of any occupancy group other thanGroup R-2, the following are classified as emergency powerloads:

1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination requiredby Chapter 10; and

2. Elevator car lighting; and

3. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems;and

4. Automatic fire detection systems; and

5. Fire alarm systems; and

6. Power and lighting for the fire command centerrequired by Section 403.8; and

7. Electrically powered fire pumps; and

8. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipmentfor smokeproof enclosures; and

9. Elevators in accordance with Section 3003; and

10. Stair pressurization systems when provided.

403.11.2 Emergency power loads in Group R-2 occupan-cies. Group R-2 occupancies in buildings greater than 125feet (38 100 mm) in height shall be required to provide anemergency power system to support the following loads:

1. Exit signs and means of egress illumination requiredby Chapter 10;

2. At least one elevator serving all floors, or one elevatorper bank where different banks serve different por-tions of the building;

3. Emergency voice communications systems; and

4. Electrically powered fire pumps, unless electricalpower to the motor is taken ahead of the main from thestreet side of the house service switch.

Where a generator is used as the emergency power sys-tem, diesel or gas shall be permitted as the fuel source inaccordance with Section 2702.1.

403.12 Stairway door operation. Doors opening into interiorstair enclosures shall not be locked from either side. However, adoor locked from the stair side may be permitted provided thatsuch door is equipped with an automatic fail safe system foropening in the event of the activation of any automatic firedetection system, or when any elevator recall is activated, orwhen any signal is received from the fire command center.Such door shall be deemed as openable from the stair side. Stairreentry signs shall be posted throughout the stairway indicatingthat reentry is provided only during fire emergencies. Suchsigns shall be in accordance with Section 1026.4.2.

403.12.1 Stairway communications system. A telephoneor other two-way communications system connected to anapproved constantly attended station shall be provided atnot less than every fifth floor in each required stairwaywhere stair side doors are locked.

403.13 Smokeproof exit enclosures. Every required stairwayserving occupied floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) abovethe lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall complywith Sections 909.20 and 1019.1.8.

Exception for R-2 occupancies: Smokeproof enclosuresare not required in occupancy Group R-2 unless providedpursuant to Exception 2 of Section 912.1.

403.14 Seismic considerations. For seismic considerations,see Chapter 16.

403.15 Impact-resistant stair enclosures. Exit stair enclo-sures shall be constructed of impact-resistant walls. Minimumimpact-resistance standards shall be established by rules of thedepartment.

403.16 Exit path markings. All high-rise buildings shall beprovided with photoluminescent exit path markings conform-ing to Section 1026.

Exception: Exit paths serving Group R-2.



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403.17 Outdoor air intakes. For high-rise buildings, outdoorair intakes serving spaces above the second story and servingspaces greater than 10,000 square feet (929 m2) of floor areashall be located in accordance with Section 401.5 of the NewYork City Mechanical Code.

Exception: Group R-2 occupancy.

403.18 Open web steel joists. The use of open web steel joistsshall be prohibited in high-rise buildings until the commis-sioner promulgates rules establishing minimum acceptablefireproofing methods.

SECTION BC 404ATRIUMS

404.1 General. In other than Group H occupancies, and wherepermitted by Exception 5 in Section 707.2, the provisions ofthis section shall apply to buildings or structures containingvertical openings defined herein as atriums.

404.1.1 Definition. The following word and term shall, forthe purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in thiscode, have the meaning shown herein.

ATRIUM. An opening connecting three or more stories otherthan enclosed stairways, elevators, hoistways, escalators,plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning or any other verticalopenings that are not required to be enclosed by other provi-sions of this code, which is closed at the top and not defined as amall. Stories, as used in this definition, do not include balconieswithin assembly groups or mezzanines that comply with Sec-tion 505.

404.2 Use. The floor of the atrium shall not be used for otherthan low fire hazard uses, and only approved materials and dec-orations in accordance with the New York City Fire Code shallbe used in the atrium space.

Exception: The atrium floor area is permitted to be used forany approved use where the individual space is providedwith an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Sec-tion 903.3.1.1.

404.3 Automatic sprinkler protection. An approved auto-matic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entirebuilding.

Exceptions:

1. That area of a building adjacent to or above the atriumneed not be sprinklered provided that portion of thebuilding is separated from the atrium portion by a2-hour fire barrier wall or horizontal assembly orboth.

2. Where the ceiling of the atrium is more than 55 feet(16 764 mm) above the floor, sprinkler protection atthe ceiling of the atrium is not required.

404.4 Smoke control. A smoke control system shall beinstalled in accordance with Section 909.

Exception: Smoke control is not required for floor open-ings meeting the requirements of Section 707.2, Exceptions2 and 8.

404.5 Enclosure of atriums. Atrium spaces shall be separatedfrom adjacent spaces by a 2-hour fire barrier wall.

Exceptions:

1. A glass or glass-block wall forming a smoke partitionwhere automatic sprinklers are spaced 6 feet (1829mm) or less along both sides of the separation wall, oron the room side only if there is not a walkway on theatrium side, and between 4 inches and 12 inches (102mm and 305 mm) away from the glass and sodesigned that the entire surface of the glass is wetupon activation of the sprinkler system. The glassshall be installed in a gasketed frame so that the fram-ing system deflects without breaking (loading) theglass before the sprinkler system operates.

2. The adjacent spaces of any three floors of the atriumshall not be required to be separated from the atriumwhere such spaces are included in computing theatrium volume for the design of the smoke controlsystem.

404.6 Emergency power. Equipment required to providesmoke control shall be connected to an emergency power sys-tem in accordance with Section 909.11.

404.7 Interior finish. The interior finish of walls and ceilingsof the atrium shall not be less than Class B with no reduction inclass for sprinkler protection.

404.8 Travel distance. In other than the lowest level of theatrium, where the required means of egress is through theatrium space, the portion of exit access travel distance withinthe atrium space shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm).

404.9 Types of construction. Buildings containing atriumsshall be only of Type I, IIA and IV construction.

SECTION BC 405UNDERGROUND BUILDINGS

405.1 General. The provisions of this section apply to buildingspaces having a floor level used for human occupancy morethan 30 feet (9144 mm) below the lowest level of exit dis-charge.

Exceptions:

1. One- and two-family dwellings, sprinklered in accor-dance with Section 903.3.1.3.

2. Parking garages with automatic fire suppression sys-tems in compliance with Section 405.3.

3. Fixed guideway transit systems.

4. Grandstands, bleachers, stadiums, arenas and similarfacilities.

5. Where the lowest story is the only story that wouldqualify the building as an underground building andhas an area not exceeding 1,500 square feet (139 m2)and has an occupant load less than 10.

405.2 Construction requirements. The underground portionof the building shall be of Type I construction.



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405.3 Automatic sprinkler system. The highest level of exitdischarge serving the underground portions of the building andall levels below shall be equipped with an automatic sprinklersystem installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.Water-flow switches and control valves shall be supervised inaccordance with Section 903.4.

405.4 Compartmentation. Compartmentation shall be inaccordance with Sections 405.4.1 through 405.4.3.

405.4.1 Number of compartments. A building having afloor level more than 60 feet (18 288 mm) below the lowestlevel of exit discharge shall be divided into a minimum oftwo compartments of approximately equal size. Suchcompartmentation shall extend through the highest level ofexit discharge serving the underground portions of thebuilding and all levels below.

Exception: The lowest story need not be compartmentedwhere the area does not exceed 1,500 square feet (139m2) and has an occupant load of less than 10.

405.4.2 Smoke barrier penetration. The separationbetween the two compartments shall be of minimum 2-hourfire barrier wall construction that shall extend from floorslab to floor deck above. Openings between the two com-partments shall be limited to plumbing and electrical pipingand conduit penetrations firestopped in accordance withSection 712. Doorways shall be protected by door assem-blies that are automatic-closing by smoke detection inaccordance with Section 715.3 and shall be provided withgasketing and a drop sill to minimize smoke leakage. Whereprovided, each compartment shall have an air supply and anexhaust system independent of the other compartments.

405.4.3 Elevators. Where elevators are provided, eachcompartment shall have direct access to an elevator. Wherean elevator serves more than one compartment, an elevatorlobby shall be provided and shall be separated from eachcompartment by a 2-hour fire barrier wall. Doors shall begasketed, have a drop sill, and be automatic-closing bysmoke detection installed in accordance with Section907.10.

405.5 Smoke control system. A smoke control system shall beprovided in accordance with Sections 405.5.1 and 405.5.2.

405.5.1 Control system. A smoke control system isrequired to control the migration of products of combustionin accordance with Section 909 and the provisions of thissection. Smoke control shall restrict movement of smoke tothe general area of fire origin and maintain means of egressin a usable condition.

405.5.2 Smoke exhaust system. Where compartmentationis required, each compartment shall have an independentsmoke control system. The system shall be automaticallyactivated and capable of manual operation in accordancewith Section 907.2.18.

405.6 Fire alarm systems. A fire alarm system shall be pro-vided where required by Section 907.2.19.

405.7 Public address. A public address system shall be pro-vided where required by Section 907.2.19.1.

405.8 Means of egress. Means of egress shall be in accordancewith Sections 405.8.1 and 405.8.2.

405.8.1 Number of exits. Each floor level shall be providedwith a minimum of two exits. Where compartmentation isrequired by Section 405.4, each compartment shall have aminimum of one exit and shall also have an exit access door-way into the adjoining compartment.

405.8.2 Smokeproof enclosure. Every required stairwayserving floor levels more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below itslevel of exit discharge shall comply with the requirementsfor a smokeproof enclosure as provided in Section 1019.1.8.

405.9 Reserved.

405.10 Emergency power. An emergency power system com-plying with Section 2702 shall be provided for emergencypower loads specified in Section 405.10.1.

405.10.1 Emergency power loads. The following loads areclassified as emergency power loads:

1. Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.

2. Fire alarm systems.

3. Automatic fire detection systems.

4. Elevator car lighting.

5. Means of egress and exit sign illumination asrequired by Chapter 10.

6. Smoke control system.

7. Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipmentfor smokeproof enclosures.

8. Fire pumps.

9. Elevators in accordance with Section 3003.

10. Stair pressurization systems when provided.

405.11 Standpipe system. The underground building shall beprovided throughout with a standpipe system in accordancewith Section 905.

SECTION BC 406MOTOR-VEHICLE-RELATED OCCUPANCIES

406.1 Private garages and carports.

406.1.1 Classification. Private garages and carports, asdefined by this section, shall be classified as Group U occu-pancy.

406.1.2 Definitions. The following words and terms shall,for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in thiscode, have the meanings shown herein.

CARPORT. A structure or portion of a structure, accessoryto a Group R-2 or R-3 occupancy, open on at least two sidesand unenclosed for at least 50 percent of perimeter, used forthe parking or storage of passenger motor vehicles. Suchfacility shall not exceed 650 square feet (60.45 m2) in areaand one story in height.

PRIVATE GARAGE. An enclosed structure or portion of astructure, accessory to a Group R-2 or R-3 occupancy, usedfor the parking or storage of passenger motor vehicles. Such



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facility shall not exceed 650 square feet (60 m2) in area andone story in height.

406.1.3 Floor construction. Private garage and carportfloors shall be of concrete or equivalent noncombustiblematerial that will not absorb flammable liquids. The area offloor used for parking of vehicles shall be sloped to facilitatethe movement of liquids to a drain. The sills of all dooropenings connecting a dwelling unit to a private garage shallbe raised at least 4 inches (102 mm) above the floor level ofthe garage.

Exception: Asphalt surfaces shall be permitted atground level in carports.

406.1.3.1 Ramps. Ramps shall have a gradient notexceeding one in seven, with nonslip surfaces, and shallbe located entirely within the property line. However,upon application to the commissioner, steeper gradientsmay be accepted, but in no event greater than one inthree.

406.1.4 Separation. Separations shall comply with the fol-lowing:

1. The private garage shall be separated from the dwell-ing unit and its attic area by means of a minimum1-hour fire-rated construction. Garages beneath hab-itable rooms shall be separated from all habitablerooms above by not less than 1-hour fire-rated con-struction. Openings from a private garage directlyinto a room used for sleeping purposes shall not bepermitted.

2. No air used for heating, cooling or ventilation shall becirculated through private garages to dwelling areas.

3. A separation is not required between a Group R-3occupancy and a carport, provided the carport doesnot have any enclosed areas above.

406.2 Parking garages, open or enclosed.

406.2.1 Classification. Parking garages shall be eitheropen, as per Section 406.3, or enclosed, as per Section406.4. Parking garages shall also comply with the specialprovisions of Section 509.


PARKING GARAGE. A structure or portion of a struc-ture, other than a private garage or carport, used for the park-ing or storage of motor vehicles.

406.2.3 General requirements. All parking garages, openor enclosed, shall comply with the general provisions of thissection.

406.2.3.1 Clear height. The clear height of each floorlevel in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas shall not beless than 7 feet (2134 mm). Vehicle and pedestrian areasaccommodating van-accessible parking required by Sec-tion 1106.5 shall conform to ICC A117.1.

406.2.3.2 Guards. Guards shall be provided in accor-dance with Section 1012 at exterior and interior verticalopenings on floor and roof areas where vehicles are

parked or moved and where the vertical distance to theground or surface directly below exceeds 30 inches (762mm).

406.2.3.3 Vehicle barriers. Parking areas shall be pro-vided with exterior or interior walls or vehicle barriers,except at pedestrian or vehicular accesses, designed inaccordance with Section 1607.7. Vehicle barriers not lessthan 2 feet (610 mm) high shall be placed at the ends ofdrive lanes and at the end of parking spaces where the dif-ference in adjacent floor elevation is greater than 1 foot(305 mm).

406.2.3.4 Ramps. Ramps shall have a gradient notexceeding one in seven, with nonslip surfaces. A levellanding having a minimum dimension of 20 feet (6096mm) shall be provided at the discharge point of all rampsat the street level, within the property line. Ramps usedfor the movement of motor vehicles need not be enclosedwhen serving tiers above grade. Vehicle ramps may serveas part of a means of egress provided that such rampcomplies with the requirements of Sections 1018.1.1 and1018.1.2.

406.2.3.5 Floor surface. Parking surfaces shall be ofconcrete or similar noncombustible and nonabsorbentmaterials. The area of floor used for parking of vehiclesshall be sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to adrain.

Exception: Asphalt parking surfaces are permitted atground level.

406.2.3.6 Separation. Parking garages shall be sepa-rated from other occupancies in accordance with Section508.

406.2.3.6.1 Openings prohibited. Openings from aparking garage directly into a room used for sleepingpurposes shall not be permitted.

406.2.3.6.2 Special hazards. Openings from a park-ing garage to any room in which there is a fuel-firedappliance shall be by means of a vestibule providing atwo-doorway separation. Such vestibule and doorwayshall be minimum 1-hour rated construction.

Exception: A single door, in compliance withTable 715.3, shall be permitted, provided thesources of ignition in the appliance are at least 18inches (457 mm) above the floor.

406.2.3.7 Fire-fighter aisles. In any parking garage orlot, one or more aisles, at least 24 inches (610 mm) inwidth, shall be provided to permit access by fire-fightingpersonnel to all parts of the garage or lot. There shall notbe more than three rows of parked motor vehiclesbetween aisles.

406.3 Open parking garages.

406.3.1 Scope. Except where specific provisions are madein the following subsections, other requirements of thiscode shall apply.






MECHANICAL-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARA-GES. Open parking garages employing parking machines,lifts, elevators or other mechanical devices for vehiclesmoving from and to street level and in which public occu-pancy is prohibited above the street level.

OPEN PARKING GARAGE. A structure or portion of astructure with the openings as described in Section406.3.3.1 that is used for the parking or storage of privatemotor vehicles as described in Section 406.3.4.

RAMP-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES. Openparking garages employing a series of continuously risingfloors or a series of interconnecting ramps between floorspermitting the movement of vehicles under their own powerfrom and to the street level.

406.3.3 Construction. Open parking garages shall be ofType I, II or IV construction. Open parking garages shallmeet the design requirements of Chapter 16. For vehiclebarriers, see Section 406.2.3.3.

406.3.3.1 Openings. For natural ventilation purposes,the exterior side of the structure shall have openingsequal to 50 percent of the perimeter walls. The aggregatelength of the openings considered to be providing naturalventilation shall constitute a minimum of 40 percent ofthe perimeter of the tier. Interior walls shall be at least 20percent open.

406.3.4 Uses. Mixed uses shall be allowed in the samebuilding as an open parking garage subject to the provisionsof Sections 508, 402.7.1, 406.3.13, 509.3, 509.4 and 509.7.

406.3.5 Area and height. Area and height of open parkinggarages shall be limited as set forth in Chapter 5 for GroupS-2 occupancies.

406.3.5.1 Single use. When the open parking garage isused exclusively for the parking or storage of privatemotor vehicles, with no other uses in the building, thearea and height shall be permitted to comply with Table406.3.5.

Exception: The grade-level tier is permitted to con-tain an office, waiting and toilet rooms having a total

combined area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93m2). Such area need not be separated from the openparking garage. In open parking garages having a spi-ral or sloping floor, the horizontal projection of thestructure at any cross section shall not exceed theallowable area per parking tier. In the case of an openparking garage having a continuous spiral floor, each9 feet 6 inches (2896 mm) of height, or portionthereof, shall be considered a tier. The clear height ofa parking tier shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm),except that a lower clear height is permitted inmechanical-access open parking garages whereapproved by the commissioner.

406.3.6 Reserved.

406.3.7 Exterior walls. Exterior walls and openings inexterior walls shall comply with Tables 601 and 602. Thedistance from an adjacent property line shall be determinedin accordance with Table 602 and Section 704.

406.3.8 Means of egress. Open parking garages shall meetthe means of egress requirements of Chapter 10. However,where no persons other than parking attendants are permit-ted, required exit stairways shall not be less than 36 inches(914 mm) wide.

406.3.9 Standpipes. Standpipes shall be installed whererequired by the provisions of Section 905.

406.3.10 Sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systemsand standpipes shall be installed in accordance with the pro-visions of Section 903. An automatic dry sprinkler systemmay be installed in unheated garages.

406.3.11 Enclosure of vertical openings. Enclosure shallnot be required for vertical openings.

406.3.12 Ventilation. Openings specified in Section406.3.3.1 shall satisfy natural ventilation requirements.Additional mechanical ventilation shall not be required.

406.3.13 Prohibitions. The following uses and alterationsare not permitted:

1. Vehicle repair work.

2. Parking of commercial vehicles, buses, trucks andsimilar vehicles.

3. Partial or complete closing of required openings inexterior walls by tarpaulins or any other means.



TABLE 406.3.5OPEN PARKING GARAGES AREA AND HEIGHT

TYPE OF CONSTRUCTIONAREA PER TIER

(square feet)

HEIGHT (in tiers)

Ramp access

Mechanical access

Automatic sprinkler system

No Yes

IA Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited

IB Unlimited 12 tiers 12 tiers 18 tiers

IIA 50,000 10 tiers 10 tiers 15 tiers

IIB 50,000 8 tiers 8 tiers 12 tiers

IV 50,000 4 tiers 4 tiers 4 tiers

For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.

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406.4 Enclosed parking garages. Parking garages and por-tions thereof that do not meet the definition of “Open parkinggarages” shall be classified as an enclosed parking garage andshall meet the requirements of this section.

406.4.1 Heights and areas. Enclosed parking garages shallbe limited to the allowable heights and areas specified inTable 503. Permitted roof parking shall not be considered asa separate story.

406.4.2 Ventilation. A mechanical ventilation system shallbe provided in accordance with the New York City Mechani-cal Code.

406.5 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities.

406.5.1 Construction. Motor fuel-dispensing facilitiesshall be designed and constructed in accordance with theNew York City Fire Code and this section.

406.5.2 Canopies. Canopies under which fuels are dis-pensed shall have a clear, unobstructed height of not lessthan 14 feet (4267 mm) to the lowest projecting element inthe vehicle drive-through area. Canopies and their supportsover pumps shall be of noncombustible materials. However,panels constructed of light-transmitting plastic materialsshall be permitted to be installed in canopies erected overmotor vehicle fuel-dispensing station fuel dispensers, pro-vided the panels are located at least 10 feet (3048 mm) fromany building on the same property and face yards or streetsnot less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in width on the other sides.The aggregate areas of plastics shall not exceed 1,000square feet (93 m2). The maximum area of any individualpanel shall not exceed 100 square feet (9.3 m2).

406.5.3 Storage tanks. Motor fuel storage tanks shall beinstalled below ground, except as authorized by the rules ofthe Fire Department. The installation and venting of storagetanks shall be in accordance with the rules of the FireDepartment and the requirements of the New York City FireCode. Storage tanks installed below ground shall complywith the following:

1. The top of the storage tanks shall be at least 24 inches(610 mm) below finished grade and at least 24 inches(610 mm) below the level of any cellar or basementfloor within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the tanks.

2. Storage tanks shall be located so that the forces fromany building foundation and support loads are nottransmitted to the tanks. The distance from any part ofa storage tank to the nearest wall of any basement, pitor cellar, or from any property line that may be builtupon, shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm).

3. Storage tanks shall be covered with a structurally sup-ported reinforced concrete slab at least 8 inches (203mm) thick, extending at least 12 inches (305 mm)beyond the horizontal outlines of the storage tanks,and placed over a cover of suitable clean backfillmaterial. Such slab shall be designed and reinforcedin accordance with ACI 318. All concrete shall have aminimum compressive strength of 4,000 pounds persquare inch (27 580 kPa) at 28 days.

4. Storage tanks shall be placed on a 12-inch (305 mm)thick concrete base slab or installed in such othermanner, secured against flotation, and approved bythe department.

406.6 Repair garages.

406.6.1 General. Repair garages shall be constructed inaccordance with the New York City Fire Code and this sec-tion. This occupancy shall not include motor fuel-dispens-ing facilities, as regulated in Section 406.5.

406.6.2 Mixed uses. Mixed uses shall be allowed in thesame building as a repair garage subject to the provisions ofSection 508.

406.6.3 Ventilation. Repair garages shall be mechanicallyventilated in accordance with the New York City MechanicalCode. The ventilation system shall be controlled at theentrance to the garage.

406.6.4 Floor surface. Repair garage floors shall be of con-crete or similar noncombustible and nonabsorbent materi-als.

Exception: Slip-resistant, nonabsorbent, interior floorfinishes having a critical radiant flux not more than 0.45W/cm2, as determined by NFPA 253, shall be permitted.

406.6.5 Heating equipment. Heating equipment shall beinstalled in accordance with the New York City MechanicalCode.

406.6.6 Gas detection system. Repair garages used forrepair of vehicles fueled by CNG, LNG, or hydrogen, shallbe provided with an approved flammable gas-detection sys-tem.

406.6.6.1 System design. The flammable gas-detectionsystem shall be calibrated to the types of fuels or gasesused by vehicles to be repaired. The gas detection systemshall be designed to activate when the level of flammablegas exceeds 25 percent of the lower explosive limit. Gasdetection shall also be provided in lubrication or chassisrepair pits of garages used for repairing nonodorizedLNG-fueled vehicles.

406.6.6.2 Operation. Activation of the gas detectionsystem shall result in all of the following:

1. Initiation of distinct audible and visual alarm sig-nals in the repair garage.

2. Deactivation of all heating systems located in therepair garage.

3. Activation of the mechanical ventilation andexhaust system, where the system is interlockedwith gas detection.

406.6.6.3 Failure of the gas detection system. Failureof the gas detection system shall result in the deactivationof the heating system, activation of the mechanical venti-lation system when the system is inter-locked with thegas detection system and cause a trouble signal to soundin an approved location.

406.7 Open parking lots.



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406.7.1 General. The provisions of this section shall governthe construction of open parking lots and to all such existingpremises hereafter enlarged or changed in location.


OPEN PARKING LOT. An exterior space with surfacingat grade used for the storage or sale of more than four motorvehicles, including but not limited to parking lots, motorvehicles sales lots, and accessory open parking spaces.

406.7.3 Permit required. Any premise intended to be occu-pied for the storage or sale of motor vehicles on an openparking lot shall require an application to be filed with thedepartment in order to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.Such Certificate of Occupancy shall indicate the maximumnumber of vehicles to be accommodated and the type ofvehicle, whether private passenger or commercial, to bestored. An application for or including an open parking lotshall be accompanied by a plan exhibiting the following:

1. Dimensions of the lot and its location in relation toadjoining streets; and

2. Any structure(s) existing or to be erected on the plot;and

3. The relative elevations of the parking area, curbsand adjoining yards or courts; and

4. Structures, retaining walls, and open spaces onadjoining premises; and

5. Retaining walls to be built; and

6. Location and dimensions of curb cuts, driveways,and enclosures; and

7. Drainage diagram; and

8. Specification of surfacing material; and

9. Parking stall layout with dimensions; and

10. Analysis exhibiting compliance with the New YorkCity Zoning Resolution; and

11. Other information as may be requested by the com-missioner.

A copy of the plan or diagram approved by the depart-ment shall be kept on the premises. Certified, reduced size,legible copies may be used for this purpose. When an atten-dant’s shelter is provided on the parking lot, the Certificateof Occupancy issued shall be posted and maintained underglass in the shelter.

406.7.4 Locations prohibited. All vehicular activitiesassociated with the operation of open parking lots shall beentirely within the property lines of the premises. Vehiclesshall not be permitted to encroach upon the sidewalks. Nomotor vehicle may be stored or parked in any location whereit would obstruct a required window or required exit of anyadjacent building.

406.7.5 Surfacing. All driveways, parking stalls, and openspaces used for the parking or storage of motor vehiclesshall be surfaced with concrete asphalt, or equivalent dura-ble, dustless material.

406.7.5.1 Drainage. Open parking lots shall be gradedand maintained such that no drainage will flow ontoabutting sidewalks and adjoining properties.

406.7.5.2 Nonporous surfaces. Where the surface pav-ing of an open parking lot is nonporous, such lot shall bedrained as required by the New York City PlumbingCode.

406.7.5.3 Resurfacing. Resurfacing of existing openparking lots shall comply with this section.

406.7.6 Curb cuts. For the purpose of this section, a curbcut shall include all splays when determining the totallength of cut curb. Unless otherwise required by the NewYork City Zoning Resolution, all curb cuts shall comply withthe following requirements:

1. The aggregate length of curb cuts shall not exceed 60percent of any street frontage 100 feet (30 480 mm) orless in length. No single curb cut shall exceed 30 feet(9144 mm) in length, and there shall not be more thantwo curb cuts on any street frontage 100 feet (30 480mm) or less in length. The minimum distancebetween two curb cuts shall be 5 feet (1524 mm).

2. For each 50 feet (15 240 mm) of street frontage lengthover 100 feet (30 480 mm), an additional curb cut nogreater than 30 feet (9144 mm) in length may be per-mitted.

3. No curb cut shall commence within 8 feet (2438 mm)of a side lot line, except that on corner lots and lotswith street frontage length of 50 feet (15 240 mm) orless, the curb cut may commence 30 inches (762 mm)from the side lot line.

4. No curb cut, including splays, shall be less than 10feet (3048 mm) in length.

406.7.7 Driveways. Driveways serving passenger vehiclesshall be a minimum of 8 feet (2438 mm) in width and shallnot exceed the length of the curb cut, not including thelengths of the splays. For all other motor vehicles, the mini-mum width of driveways shall be 10 feet (3048 mm). Por-tions of the driveway located between the curb line and thelot line shall be paved in accordance with the requirementsof the Department of Transportation for the construction ofsidewalks.

406.7.8 Curbs and bumpers. Open parking lots shall becompletely separated from adjoining premises and publicsidewalks by curbs or bumpers of concrete, masonry, steel,heavy timber, or other similar and equally substantial mate-rials, and shall be securely anchored so as to stop motorvehicles. Curbs and bumpers shall be at least 8 inches (203mm) high and 8 inches (203 mm) wide.

406.7.8.1 Openings. Openings in required perimetercurbs and bumpers shall be permitted only for drainage,for motor vehicle entrances and exits, and for pedestrianentrances and exits. The width of an opening for motorvehicle access shall not exceed the length of the curb cut,not including the lengths of the splays. When an openingfor pedestrian access is adjacent to a motor vehicleaccess opening, the two openings shall be separated by a





permanent and substantial post. In no case shall anypedestrian entrance or exit exceed 5 feet (1524 mm) inwidth.

406.7.9 Accessory uses and occupancies. Parking lotoffices, attendant shelters, storage facilities, and similarstructures used in conjunction with open parking lots maybe provided as an accessory use and shall comply with theapplicable code provisions. Such accessory structures maybe constructed of combustible materials subject to the limi-tations of Section D105.1 of Appendix D.

406.7.9.1 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities. Motorfuel-dispensing facilities, accessory to open parking lots,shall comply with the requirements of Section 406.5 ofthis code and the New York City Fire Code. Motor fuelpumps shall be located at least 30 feet (9144 mm) fromany parking space or interior lot line.

406.7.10 Special provisions applicable to large openparking lots. Open parking lots storing 10 or more motorvehicles shall also be subject to the special provisions of thissection.

406.7.10.1 Curbs and bumpers. Bumpers shall be situ-ated not less than 1 foot (305 mm) from the perimeteredge of the open parking lot where vehicles are parkedparallel to such perimeter edge, and not less than 4 feet(1219 mm) from the perimeter edge where vehicles areparked perpendicular to such perimeter edge. Openingsshall be limited as provided for in Section 406.7.8.1.

Exception: A steel guardrail or other substantial bar-rier designed in accordance with the provisions ofSection 1607.7.3, that will prevent any part of a vehi-cle from extending across a property line, may beaccepted in lieu of bumpers.

406.7.10.2 Screen enclosures. Open parking lots shallprovide a perimeter screen enclosure as per this sectionunless otherwise required by the New York City ZoningResolution. Such screen enclosure may be constructed asa masonry wall, woven wire fence, iron picket fence, oruniformly painted fence of fire-resistant material at least4 feet (1219 mm) high, but not more than 8 feet (2438mm) above finished grade, subject to the limitations ofSection 3111. Such enclosures shall completely separatethe lot from adjoining premises and public sidewalks.Openings shall be limited as provided for in Section406.7.8.1.

Exception: Screening shall not be required for anyportion of the lot adjacent to an existing wall locatedat the lot line.

406.7.10.3 Illumination. Open parking lots operatingbetween 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. shall be adequately illumi-nated to a minimum of 1 foot-candle (10.8 lux) measuredat grade level, distributed over the entire area. Illumina-tion provided with reflectors or floodlights shall bearranged such that the illumination is directed downwardand away from adjacent premises.

406.7.10.4 Fire-fighter aisles. In any open parking lot,one or more aisles, at least 24 inches (610 mm) in width,

shall be provided to permit access by fire fighting per-sonnel to all parts of the garage or lot. There shall not bemore than three rows of parked motor vehicles betweenaisles.

SECTION BC 407GROUP I-2

407.1 General. Occupancies in Group I-2 shall comply withthe provisions of this section and other applicable provisions ofthis code.

407.2 Corridors. Corridors in occupancies in Group I-2 shallbe continuous to the exits and separated from other areas inaccordance with Section 407.3 except spaces conforming toSections 407.2.1 through 407.2.4.

407.2.1 Spaces of unlimited area. Waiting areas and simi-lar spaces constructed as required for corridors shall be per-mitted to be open to a corridor, only where all of thefollowing criteria are met:

1. The spaces are not occupied for patient sleeping units,treatment rooms, hazardous or incidental use areas asdefined in Section 508.2.

2. The open space is protected by an automatic firedetection system installed in accordance with Section907.

3. The corridors onto which the spaces open, in the samesmoke compartment, are protected by an automaticfire detection system installed in accordance withSection 907, or the smoke compartment in which thespaces are located is equipped throughout withquick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section903.3.2.

4. The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access tothe required exits.

407.2.2 Nurses’ stations. Spaces for doctors’ and nurses’charting, communications and related clerical areas shall bepermitted to be open to the corridor, when such spaces areconstructed as required for corridors.

407.2.3 Mental health treatment areas. Areas whereinmental health patients who are not capable of self-preserva-tion are housed, or group meeting or multipurpose therapeu-tic spaces other than incidental use areas as defined inSection 508.2, under continuous supervision by facilitystaff, shall be permitted to be open to the corridor, where thefollowing criteria are met:

1. Each area does not exceed 1,500 square feet (140 m2).

2. The area is located to permit supervision by the facil-ity staff.

3. The area is arranged so as not to obstruct any access tothe required exits.

4. The area is equipped with an automatic fire detectionsystem installed in accordance with Section 907.2.

5. Not more than one such space is permitted in any onesmoke compartment.





6. The walls and ceilings of the space are constructed asrequired for corridors.

407.2.4 Gift shops. Gift shops less than 500 square feet (46m2) in area shall be permitted to be open to the corridor pro-vided the gift shop and storage areas are fully sprinkleredand storage areas are protected in accordance with Section508.2.

407.3 Corridor walls. Corridor walls shall be constructed assmoke partitions.

407.3.1 Corridor doors. Corridor doors, other than those ina wall required to be rated by Section 508.2 or for the enclo-sure of a vertical opening or an exit, shall not have a requiredfire protection rating and shall not be required to beequipped with self-closing or automatic-closing devices,but shall provide an effective barrier to limit the transfer ofsmoke and shall be equipped with positive latching. Rollerlatches are not permitted. Other doors shall conform to Sec-tion 715.3.

407.3.2 Locking devices. Locking devices that restrictaccess to the patient room from the corridor, and that areoperable only by staff from the corridor side, shall notrestrict the means of egress from the patient room except forpatient rooms in mental health facilities.

407.4 Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers shall be provided tosubdivide every story used by patients for sleeping or treatmentand to divide other stories with an occupant load of 50 or morepersons, into at least two smoke compartments. Such storiesshall be divided into smoke compartments with an area of notmore than 22,500 square feet (2090 m2) and the travel distancefrom any point in a smoke compartment to a smoke barrier doorshall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). The smoke barrier shallbe in accordance with Section 709.

407.4.1 Refuge area. At least 30 net square feet (2.8 m2) perpatient shall be provided within the aggregate area of corri-dors, patient rooms, treatment rooms, lounge or dining areasand other low-hazard areas on each side of each smoke bar-rier. On floors not housing patients confined to a bed or lit-ter, at least 6 net square feet (0.56 m2) per occupant shall beprovided on each side of each smoke barrier for the totalnumber of occupants in adjoining smoke compartments.

407.4.2 Independent egress. A means of egress shall beprovided from each smoke compartment created by smokebarriers without having to return through the smoke com-partment from which means of egress originated.

407.5 Automatic sprinkler system. Smoke compartmentscontaining patient sleeping units shall be equipped throughoutwith an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with Sec-tion 903.3.1.1. The smoke compartments shall be equippedwith approved quick-response or residential sprinklers inaccordance with Section 903.3.2.

407.6 Automatic fire detection. Corridors in nursing homes(both intermediate-care and skilled nursing facilities), detoxifi-cation facilities and spaces permitted to be open to corridors by

Section 407.2 shall be protected by an automatic fire detectionsystem installed in accordance with Section 907.

Exceptions:

1. Corridor smoke detection is not required wherepatient sleeping units are provided with smoke detec-tors that comply with UL 268. Such detectors shallprovide a visual display on the corridor side of eachpatient sleeping unit and an audible and visual alarmat the nursing station attending each unit.

2. Corridor smoke detection is not required wherepatient sleeping unit doors are equipped with auto-matic door-closing devices with integral smokedetectors on the unit sides installed in accordancewith their listing, provided that the integral detectorsperform the required alerting function.

407.7 Secured yards. Grounds are permitted to be fenced andgates therein are permitted to be equipped with locks, providedthat safe dispersal areas having 30 net square feet (2.8 m2) forbed and litter patients and 6 net square feet (0.56 m2) for ambu-latory patients and other occupants are located between thebuilding and the fence. Such provided safe dispersal areas shallnot be located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the buildingthey serve.

SECTION BC 408GROUP I-3

408.1 General. Occupancies in Group I-3 shall comply withthe provisions of this section and other applicable provisions ofthis code (see Section 308.4).

408.1.1 Occupancy conditions. Buildings of Group I-3shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions indi-cated in Sections 408.1.1.1 through 408.1.1.5.

408.1.1.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is allowedfrom sleeping areas, and other spaces where access oroccupancy is permitted, to the exterior via means ofegress without restraint. A Condition 1 facility is permit-ted to be constructed as Group R.

408.1.1.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is allowedfrom sleeping areas and any other occupied smoke com-partment to one or more other smoke compartments.Egress to the exterior is impeded by locked exits and exitis not under an occupant’s control.

408.1.1.3 Condition 3. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is allowedwithin individual smoke compartments, such as within aresidential unit comprised of individual sleeping unit(s)and/or group activity spaces, where egress is impeded byremote-controlled door release, leading by means ofegress from such a smoke compartment to anothersmoke compartment.





408.1.1.4 Condition 4. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is restrictedfrom an occupied space. Remote-controlled release isprovided to permit movement from sleeping units, activ-ity spaces and other occupied areas within the smokecompartment to other smoke compartments and egress tothe outside is impeded by locked exit and remote doorrelease.

408.1.1.5 Condition 5. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is restrictedfrom an occupied space. Staff-controlled manual releaseis provided to permit movement from sleeping units,activity spaces and other occupied areas within thesmoke compartment to other smoke compartments.

408.2 Mixed occupancies. Portions of buildings with an occu-pancy in Group I-3 that are classified as a different occupancyshall meet the applicable requirements of this code for suchoccupancies. Where security operations necessitate the lock-ing of required means of egress, provisions shall be made forthe release of occupants at all times. Means of egress fromdetention and correctional occupancies that traverse other useareas shall, as a minimum, conform to requirements for deten-tion and correctional occupancies.

Exception: It is permissible to exit through a horizontal exitinto other contiguous occupancies that do not conform todetention and correctional occupancy egress provisions butthat do comply with requirements set forth in the appropri-ate occupancy, as long as the occupancy is not a high-hazarduse.

408.3 Means of egress. Except as modified or as provided forin this section, the provisions of Chapter 10 shall apply.

408.3.1 Door width. Doors to resident sleeping units shallhave a clear width of not less than 28 inches (711 mm).

408.3.2 Sliding doors. Where doors in a means of egressare of the horizontal-sliding type, the force to slide the doorto its fully open position shall not exceed 50 pounds (220 N)with a perpendicular force against the door of 50 pounds(220 N).

408.3.3 Spiral stairs. Spiral stairs that conform to therequirements of Section 1009.9 are permitted for access toand between staff locations.

408.3.4 Exit discharge. Exits are permitted to dischargeinto a fenced or walled courtyard. Enclosed yards or courtsshall be of a size to accommodate all occupants, a minimumof 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the building with a net area of15 square feet (1.4 m2) per person.

408.3.5 Sallyports. A sallyport shall be permitted in ameans of egress where there are provisions for continuousand unobstructed passage through the sallyport during anemergency egress condition.

408.3.6 Vertical exit enclosures. One of the required verti-cal exit enclosures in each building shall be permitted tohave glazing installed in doors and interior walls at each

landing level providing access to the enclosure, providedthat the following conditions are met:

1. The vertical exit enclosure shall not serve more thanfour floor levels.

2. Vertical exit enclosure doors shall not be less than3/4-hour fire doors complying with Section 715.3.

3. The total area of glazing at each floor level shall notexceed 5,000 square inches (3.23 m2) and individualpanels of glazing shall not exceed 1,296 square inches(0.84 m2).

4. The glazing shall be protected on both sides by anautomatic fire sprinkler system. The sprinkler systemshall be designed to wet completely the entire surfaceof any glazing affected by fire when actuated.

5. The glazing shall be in a gasketed frame and installedin such a manner that the framing system will deflectwithout breaking (loading) the glass before the sprin-kler system operates.

6. Obstructions, such as curtain rods, drapery traverserods, curtains, drapes or similar materials shall not beinstalled between the automatic sprinklers and theglazing.

408.4 Locks. Egress doors are permitted to be locked in accor-dance with the applicable use condition. Doors from an area ofrefuge to the exterior are permitted to be locked with a key inlieu of locking methods described in Section 408.4.1. The keysto unlock the exterior doors shall be available at all times andthe locks shall be operable from both sides of the door.

408.4.1 Remote release. Remote release of locks on doorsin a means of egress shall be provided with reliable means ofoperation, remote from the resident living areas, to releaselocks on all required doors. In Occupancy Conditions 3 or 4,the arrangement, accessibility and security of the releasemechanism(s) required for egress shall be such that with theminimum available staff at any time, the lock mechanismsare capable of being released within 2 minutes.

Exception: Provisions for remote locking and unlockingof occupied rooms in Occupancy Condition 4 are notrequired provided that not more than 10 locks are neces-sary to be unlocked in order to move occupants from onesmoke compartment to a refuge area within 3 minutes.The opening of necessary locks shall be accomplishedwith not more than two separate keys.

408.4.2 Power-operated doors and locks. Power-operatedsliding doors or power-operated locks for swinging doorsshall be operable by a manual release mechanism at thedoor, and either emergency power or a remote mechanicaloperating release shall be provided.

Exception: Emergency power is not required in facilitieswith 10 locks or less complying with the exception toSection 408.4.1.

408.4.3 Redundant operation. Remote release, mechani-cally operated sliding doors or remote release, mechanicallyoperated locks shall be provided with a mechanically oper-





ated release mechanism at each door, or shall be providedwith a redundant remote release control.

408.4.4 Relock capability. Doors remotely unlocked underemergency conditions shall not automatically relock whenclosed unless specific action is taken at the remote locationto enable doors to relock.

408.5 Vertical openings. Vertical openings shall be enclosedin accordance with Section 707.

Exception: A floor opening between floor levels of residen-tial housing areas is permitted without enclosure protectionbetween the levels, provided that both of the following con-ditions are met:

1. The entire normally occupied areas so interconnectedare open and unobstructed so as to enable observationof the areas by supervisory personnel.

2. Means of egress capacity is sufficient to providesimultaneous egress for all occupants from all inter-connected levels and areas.

The height difference between the highest and lowest fin-ished floor levels shall not exceed 23 feet (7010 mm). Eachstory, considered separately, has at least one-half of its individ-ual required means of egress capacity provided by exits leadingdirectly out of that story without traversing to another storywithin the interconnected area.

408.6 Smoke barrier. Occupancies in Group I-3 shall havesmoke barriers complying with Section 709 to divide everystory occupied by residents for sleeping, or any other story hav-ing an occupant load of 50 or more persons, into at least twosmoke compartments.

Exception: Spaces having direct exit to one of the follow-ing, provided that the locking arrangement of the doorsinvolved complies with the requirements for doors at thecompartment barrier for the use condition involved:

1. A public way.

2. A building separated from the resident housing areaby a 2-hour fire-resistance-rated assembly or 50 feet(15 240 mm) of open space.

3. A secured yard or court having a holding space 50 feet(15 240 mm) from the housing area that provides 6square feet (0.56 m2) or more of refuge area per occu-pant, including residents, staff and visitors.

408.6.1 Smoke compartments. The maximum number ofresidents in any smoke compartment shall be 200. Thetravel distance to a door in a smoke barrier from any roomdoor required as exit access shall not exceed 150 feet (45720 mm). The travel distance to a door in a smoke barrierfrom any point in a room shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960mm).

408.6.2 Refuge area. At least 6 net square feet (0.56 m2) peroccupant shall be provided on each side of each smoke bar-rier for the total number of occupants in adjoining smokecompartments. This space shall be readily available wher-ever the occupants are moved across the smoke barrier in afire emergency.

408.6.3 Independent egress. A means of egress shall beprovided from each smoke compartment created by smokebarriers without having to return through the smoke com-partment from which means of egress originates.

408.7 Subdivision of resident housing areas. Sleeping areasand any contiguous day room, group activity space or othercommon spaces where residents are housed shall be separatedfrom other spaces in accordance with Sections 408.7.1 through408.7.4.

408.7.1 Occupancy Conditions 3 and 4. Each sleepingarea in Occupancy Conditions 3 and 4 shall be separatedfrom the adjacent common spaces by a smoke-tight parti-tion where the travel distance from the sleeping areathrough the common space to the exit access corridorexceeds 50 feet (15 240 mm).

408.7.2 Occupancy Condition 5. Each sleeping area inOccupancy Condition 5 shall be separated from adjacentsleeping areas, corridors and common spaces by asmoke-tight partition. Additionally, common spaces shallbe separated from the exit access corridor by a smoke-tightpartition.

408.7.3 Openings in room face. The aggregate area ofopenings in a solid sleeping room face in Occupancy Condi-tions 2, 3, 4 and 5 shall not exceed 120 square inches (77 419mm2). The aggregate area shall include all openings includ-ing door undercuts, food passes and grilles. Openings shallbe not more than 36 inches (914 mm) above the floor. InOccupancy Condition 5, the openings shall be closeablefrom the room side.

408.7.4 Smoke-tight doors. Doors in openings in partitionsrequired to be smoke tight by Section 408.7 shall be sub-stantial doors, of construction that will resist the passage ofsmoke. Latches and door closures are not required on celldoors.

408.8 Windowless buildings. For the purposes of this section,a windowless building or portion of a building is one withnonopenable windows, windows not readily breakable or with-out windows. Windowless buildings shall be provided with anengineered smoke control system to provide ventilation(mechanical or natural) in accordance with Section 909 foreach windowless smoke compartment.

SECTION BC 409MOTION PICTURE PROJECTION ROOMS

409.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply torooms in which ribbon-type cellulose acetate or other safetyfilm is utilized in conjunction with electric arc, xenon or otherlight-source projection equipment that develops hazardousgases, dust or radiation. The projection, use or storage of filmhaving a nitrocellulose base (commonly known as nitrate film)shall not be permitted except under conditions specified in spe-cial permits when issued by the Fire Department. Safety filmmeeting the specification and test standards of NFPA 40 maybe projected, used or stored.

409.1.1 Projection room required. Every motion picturemachine projecting film as mentioned within the scope of





this section shall be enclosed in a projection room. Appurte-nant electrical equipment, such as rheostats, transformersand generators, shall be within the projection room or in anadjacent room of equivalent construction.

409.2 Construction of projection rooms. Every projectionroom shall be of permanent construction consistent with theconstruction requirements for the type of building in which theprojection room is located. Openings are not required to be pro-tected. The room shall have a floor area of not less than 80square feet (7.44 m2) for a single machine and at least 40 squarefeet (3.7 m2) for each additional machine. Each motion pictureprojector, floodlight, spotlight or similar piece of equipmentshall have a clear working space of not less than 30 inches by 30inches (762 mm by 762 mm) on each side and at the rearthereof, but only one such space shall be required between twoadjacent projectors. The projection room and the rooms appur-tenant thereto shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6inches (2286 mm). The aggregate of openings for projectionequipment shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of the wallbetween the projection room and the auditorium. Openingsshall be provided with glass or other approved material, so as toclose completely the opening.

409.3 Projection room and equipment ventilation. Ventila-tion shall be provided in accordance with the New York CityMechanical Code.

409.3.1 Projection room.

409.3.1.1 Supply air. Each projection room shall be pro-vided with adequate air supply inlets so arranged as toprovide well-distributed air throughout the room. Airinlet ducts shall provide an amount of air equivalent tothe amount of air being exhausted by projection equip-ment. Air is permitted to be taken from the outside; fromadjacent spaces within the building, provided the volumeand infiltration rate is sufficient; or from the buildingair-conditioning system, provided it is so arranged as toprovide sufficient air when other systems are not in oper-ation.

409.3.1.2 Exhaust air. Projection rooms are permitted tobe exhausted through the lamp exhaust system. The lampexhaust system shall be positively interconnected withthe lamp so that the lamp will not operate unless there isthe required airflow. Exhaust air ducts shall terminate atthe exterior of the building in such a location that theexhaust air cannot be readily recirculated into any airsupply system. The projection room ventilation systemis permitted to also serve appurtenant rooms, such as thegenerator and rewind rooms.

Each projection machine shall be provided with anexhaust duct that will draw air from each lamp andexhaust it directly to the outside of the building. Thelamp exhaust is permitted to serve to exhaust air from theprojection room to provide room air circulation. Suchducts shall be of rigid materials, except for a flexible con-nector approved for the purpose. The projection lamp orprojection room exhaust system, or both, is permitted tobe combined but shall not be interconnected with anyother exhaust or return system, or both, within the build-ing.

409.4 Lighting control. Provisions shall be made for controlof the auditorium lighting and the means of egress lighting sys-tems of theaters from inside the projection room and from atleast one other convenient point in the building.

409.5 Miscellaneous equipment. Each projection room shallbe provided with rewind and film storage facilities.

SECTION BC 410STAGES AND PLATFORMS

410.1 Applicability. The provisions of this section shall applyto all parts of buildings and structures that contain stages orplatforms and similar appurtenances as herein defined.

410.2 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for thepurposes of this section and as used elsewhere in this code,have the meanings shown herein.

FLY GALLERY. A raised floor area above a stage from whichthe movement of scenery and operation of other stage effectsare controlled.

GRIDIRON. The structural framing over a stage supportingequipment for hanging or flying scenery and other stageeffects.

PINRAIL. A rail on or above a stage through which belayingpins are inserted and to which lines are fastened.

PLATFORM. A raised area within a building used for wor-ship, the presentation of music, plays or other entertainment;the head table for special guests; the raised area for lecturersand speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater- in-the-roundstages; and similar purposes wherein there are no overheadhanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects other thanlighting and sound. A temporary platform is one installed fornot more than 30 days.

PROSCENIUM WALL. The wall that separates the stagefrom the auditorium or assembly seating area.

STAGE. A space within a building utilized for entertainmentor presentations, which includes overhead hanging curtains,drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting and sound.Stage area shall be measured to include the entire performancearea and adjacent backstage and support areas not separatedfrom the performance area by fire-resistance-rated construc-tion. Stage height shall be measured from the lowest point onthe stage floor to the highest point of the roof or floor deckabove the stage.

410.3 Stages. Stage construction shall comply with Sections410.3.1 through 410.3.7.

410.3.1 Stage construction. Stage floors shall be con-structed of materials as required for floors for the type ofconstruction of the building in which such stages arelocated. Where areas below the stage are used for otheroccupancies, such stage floor shall be constructed in accor-dance with the requirements for separated occupancies asper Chapter 5.

Exceptions:

1. Stages of Type IIB or IV construction with a nomi-nal 2-inch (51 mm) wood deck, provided that the





stage is separated from other areas in accordancewith Section 410.3.4.

2. In all types of construction, the finished floor shallbe constructed of wood or approvednoncombustible materials. Openings throughstage floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting,solid wood trap doors with approved safety locks.The room or space below the stage into which thetraps or lifts open shall be completely enclosed byconstruction having at least the fire-resistance rat-ing required for the stage floor, and such room orspace shall not be used as a workshop or storagearea. Storage shall not be deemed to include thelocation in this area of scenery or scenic elementsused during a performance. However, no combus-tible material that has a flame spread rating greaterthan 25 or that has not been rendered flameproof inaccordance with the rules of the Fire Commis-sioner may be stored in this location at any time.

410.3.1.1 Stage height and area. Stage areas shall bemeasured to include the entire performance area andadjacent backstage and support areas not separated fromthe performance area by fire-resistance-rated construc-tion. Stage height shall be measured from the lowestpoint on the stage floor to the highest point of the roof orfloor deck above the stage.

410.3.2 Galleries, gridirons, catwalks and pinrails.Beams designed only for the attachment of portable or fixedtheater equipment, gridirons, galleries and catwalks shall beconstructed of noncombustible materials. Floors of fly gal-leries and catwalks shall be constructed of noncombustiblematerial. These areas shall not be considered to be floors,stories, mezzanines or levels in applying this code.

410.3.3 Exterior stage doors. Where protection of open-ings is required, exterior exit doors shall be protected withfire doors that comply with Section 715. Exterior openingsthat are located on the stage for means of egress or loadingand unloading purposes, and that are likely to be open dur-ing occupancy of the theater, shall be constructed with vesti-bules to prevent air drafts into the auditorium.

410.3.4 Proscenium wall. Where the stage height is greaterthan 50 feet (15 240 mm), all portions of the stage shall becompletely separated from the seating area by a prosceniumwall with not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance ratingextending continuously from the foundation to the roof.

410.3.5 Proscenium curtain. The proscenium opening ofevery stage with a height greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm)shall be provided with a curtain of approved material or anapproved water curtain complying with Section 903.3.1.1.The curtain shall be designed and installed to intercept hotgases, flames and smoke, and to prevent a glow from asevere fire on the stage from showing on the auditorium sidefor a period of 20 minutes. The closing of the curtain fromthe full open position shall be affected in less than 30 sec-onds, but the last 8 feet (2438 mm) of travel shall require notless than 5 seconds.

410.3.5.1 Activation. The curtain shall be activated byrate-of-rise heat detection installed in accordance withSection 907.10 operating at a rate of temperature rise of15 to 20°F per minute (8 to 11°C per minute), and by anauxiliary manual control.

410.3.5.2 Fire test. A sample curtain with a minimum oftwo vertical seams shall be subjected to the standard firetest specified in ASTM E 119 for a period of 30 minutes.The curtain shall overlap the furnace edges by an amountthat is appropriate to seal the top and sides. The curtainshall have a bottom pocket containing a minimum of 4pounds per linear foot (58 N/m) of batten. The exposedsurface of the curtain shall not glow, and flame or smokeshall not penetrate the curtain during the test period.Unexposed surface temperature and hose stream testrequirements are not applicable to the proscenium firesafety curtain test.

410.3.5.3 Smoke test. Curtain fabrics shall have asmoke-developed rating of 25 or less when tested inaccordance with ASTM E 84.

410.3.5.4 Tests. The completed proscenium curtain shallbe subjected to operating tests prior to the issuance of acertificate of occupancy.

410.3.6 Scenery. All scenery or scenic elements shall be ofnoncombustible materials, or of materials having aflame-spread rating not exceeding 25, or of materials thathave been rendered flameproof in compliance with the rulesof the Fire Commissioner. Scenery and scenic elements notcomplying with the above requirements may be used onlywhen expressly permitted by the Fire Department.

410.3.7 Stage ventilation. Emergency ventilation shall beprovided for stages larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) infloor area, or with a stage height greater than 50 feet (15 240mm). Such ventilation shall comply with Section 410.3.7.1or 410.3.7.2.

410.3.7.1 Roof vents. Two or more vents constructed toopen automatically by approved heat-activated devicesand with an aggregate clear opening area of not less than5 percent of the area of the stage shall be located near thecenter and above the highest part of the stage area. Sup-plemental means shall be provided for manual operationof the ventilator. Curbs shall be provided as required forskylights in Section 2610.2. Vents shall be labeled.

410.3.7.2 Smoke control. Smoke control in accordancewith Section 909 shall be provided to maintain the smokelayer interface not less than 6 feet (1829 mm) above thehighest level of the assembly seating or above the top ofthe proscenium opening where a proscenium wall is pro-vided in compliance with Section 410.3.4.

410.4 Platform construction. Permanent platforms shall beconstructed of materials as required for the type of constructionof the building in which the permanent platform is located. Per-manent platforms are permitted to be constructed in accor-dance with the following:

1. The area below the platform shall be enclosed on all sideswith solid construction.



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2. Platforms constructed of untreated wood shall notexceed an area of 400 square feet (37 m2). Platforms con-structed of fire-retardant-treated wood shall not exceedan area of 1,200 square feet (111 m2). Platforms con-structed of noncombustible materials shall not be limitedin area.

3. Where wood is used, the floor of the platform shall be atleast 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness. Such floor shallbe laid on a solid, noncombustible backing, or shall haveall spaces between supporting members fireblocked withnoncombustible material.

Where the space beneath the permanent platform is used forstorage or any other purpose other than equipment, wiring orplumbing, the floor construction shall not be less than 1-hourfire-resistant construction. Where the space beneath the perma-nent platform is used only for equipment, wiring or plumbing,the underside of the permanent platform need not be protected.

410.4.1 Temporary platforms. Platforms installed for aperiod of not more than 30 days are permitted to be con-structed of any materials permitted by the code. The spacebetween the floor and the platform above shall only be usedfor plumbing and electrical wiring to platform equipment.

410.5 Dressing and appurtenant rooms. Dressing and appur-tenant rooms shall comply with Sections 410.5.1 through410.5.4.

410.5.1 Separation from stage. Where the stage height isgreater than 50 feet (15 240 mm), the stage shall be sepa-rated from dressing rooms, scene docks, property rooms,workshops, storerooms and compartments appurtenant tothe stage and other parts of the building by a fire barrier walland horizontal assemblies, or both, with not less than a2-hour fire-resistance rating with approved openingprotectives. For stage heights of 50 feet (15 240 mm) or less,the required stage separation shall be a fire barrier wall andhorizontal assemblies, or both, with not less a 1-hourfire-resistance rating with approved opening protectives.

410.5.2 Separation from each other. Dressing rooms,scene docks, property rooms, workshops, storerooms andcompartments appurtenant to the stage shall be separatedfrom each other by fire barrier wall and horizontal assem-blies, or both, with not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rat-ing with approved opening protectives.

410.5.3 Opening protectives. Openings other than to trunkrooms and the necessary doorways at stage level shall notconnect such rooms with the stage, and such openings shallbe protected with fire door assemblies that comply withSection 715.

410.5.4 Stage exits. At least one approved means of egressshall be provided from each side of the stage; and from eachside of the space under the stage. At least one means ofescape shall be provided from each fly gallery and from thegridiron. A steel ladder, alternating tread stairway or spiralstairway is permitted to be provided from the gridiron to ascuttle in the stage roof.

410.6 Automatic sprinkler system. Stages shall be equippedwith an automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordancewith Chapter 9. The system shall be installed under the roof and

gridiron, in the tie and fly galleries and in places behind the pro-scenium wall of the stage and in dressing rooms, lounges,workshops and storerooms accessory to such stages:

1. Automatic sprinklers shall be placed above all rigginglofts; and above all stage areas, other than those portionsof stage areas specifically designated on approved plansas performing areas that do not have rigging lofts aboveand that are not at any time used for storage purposes.Sprinklers above rigging lofts shall be located so that nogridiron or other obstruction intervenes between thesprinkler heads and the scenery or scenic elements.

2. When any part of a stage is sprinklered in accordancewith the provisions of Item 1 of this section, or when rig-ging lofts are provided, such stage areas and rigging loftsshall be completely separated from audience areas by adeluge sprinkler system designed to form a vertical watercurtain, with heads spaced to provide a water density ofat least 3 gallons per minute per linear foot. A delugevalve actuated by a “rate of rise system” and “fixed tem-perature system” shall control the water curtain system.The heat actuating devices shall be located on not morethan 10-foot (3048 mm) centers around the perimeter ofthe sprinklered area or as otherwise required for the typeof device used to assure operation of the system. In addi-tion to the automatic controls, manual-operating devicesshall be located at the voice/alarm communication sys-tem required by Section 410.8, and adjacent to at leastone exit from the stage. Such exit shall be remote fromthe voice/alarm communication system.

3. When openings are provided in the stage floor for stagelifts, trap doors or stairs, sprinklers spaced 5 feet (1524mm) on centers shall be provided around the opening atthe ceiling below the stage, and baffles at least 12 inches(305 mm) in depth shall be installed around the perimeterof the opening.

4. All valves controlling sprinkler supplies shall be pro-vided with tamper switches wired to an annunciatorpanel located at the voice/alarm communication systemrequired by Section 410.8.

5. The operation of any section of the sprinkler system andthe deluge system shall activate the emergency ventilat-ing equipment required in Section 410.3.7 and shall beprovided with central station supervision in addition tothe required local alarm.

6. The water flow alarm, tamper switches and deluge sys-tem equipment shall be provided with central stationsupervision in addition to the required local alarm.

Exception: Sprinklers are not required under stageareas less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in clear height uti-lized exclusively for storage of tables and chairs, pro-vided the concealed space is separated from theadjacent spaces by not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm)Type X gypsum board.

410.7 Standpipes. Standpipe systems shall be provided inaccordance with Section 905.





410.8 Voice/alarm communication system. Stages shall beprovided with a voice/alarm communication system in accor-dance with Section 907.2.1.1.

410.9 Construction in seating areas.

410.9.1 Scenery and scenic elements in seating areas.Scenery or scenic elements may be placed in seating sec-tions if such elements:

1. Are noncombustible, or of materials that have beenrendered flameproof in accordance with the rules ofthe fire commissioner, or have a flame spread ratingof 25 or less.

2. Are adequately braced or secured.

3. Do not obstruct the required visibility of, or paths oftravel to, exit openings.

410.9.2 Platforms or runways in seating areas. Platformsor runways for performances, to accommodate the opera-tion of cameras, electronic equipment, or motion pictureprojection machines not using carbon-arc or other lightsource that emits a gaseous discharge may be constructed inseating sections, provided such platforms or runways com-ply with the requirements of Section 410.4, except Item 1and Section 410.8.

410.10 Stage lighting. Stage lights shall be placed such thatthey will not develop temperatures on the surface of any mate-rial that will cause that material to ignite, or smoke, or cause itsflameproofing to deteriorate.

SECTION BC 411SPECIAL AMUSEMENT BUILDINGS

411.1 General. Special amusement buildings having an occu-pant load of 75 or more shall comply with the requirements forthe appropriate Group A occupancy and this section. Amuse-ment buildings having an occupant load of less than 75 shallcomply with the requirements for a Group B occupancy andthis section.

Exception: Amusement buildings or portions thereof thatare without walls or a roof and constructed to prevent theaccumulation of smoke. All decorative material shall benoncombustible or composed of flame-retardant fabric.

411.2 Special amusement building. A special amusementbuilding is any temporary or permanent building or portionthereof that is occupied for amusement, entertainment or edu-cational purposes and that contains a device or system that con-veys passengers or provides a walkway along, around or over acourse in any direction so arranged that the means of egresspath is not readily apparent due to visual or audio distractionsor is intentionally confounded or is not readily availablebecause of the nature of the attraction or mode of conveyancethrough the building or structure.

411.3 Automatic fire detection. Special amusement buildingsshall be equipped with an automatic fire detection system, inaccordance with Section 907.

411.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Special amusement build-ings shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler

system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where thespecial amusement building is temporary, the sprinkler watersupply shall be of an approved temporary means.

Exception: Automatic fire sprinklers are not requiredwhere the total floor area of a temporary special amusementbuilding is less than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) and the traveldistance from any point to an exit is less than 50 feet (15 240mm).

411.5 Alarm. Actuation of a single smoke detector, the auto-matic sprinkler system or other automatic fire detection deviceshall immediately sound an alarm at the building at a constantlyattended location from which emergency action can be initi-ated including the capability of manual initiation of require-ments in Section 907.2.11.2.

411.6 Emergency voice/alarm communications system. Anemergency voice/alarm communications system shall be pro-vided in accordance with Sections 907.2.11 and 907.2.12.2,which is also permitted to serve as a public address system andshall be audible throughout the entire special amusement build-ing.

411.7 Exit marking. Exit signs shall be installed at therequired exit or exit access doorways of amusement buildings.Approved directional exit markings shall also be provided.Where mirrors, mazes or other designs are utilized that dis-guise the path of egress travel such that they are not apparent,approved low-level exit signs and directional path markingsshall be provided and located not more than 8 inches (203 mm)above the walking surface and on or near the path of egresstravel. Such markings shall become visible in an emergency.The directional exit marking shall be activated by the automaticfire detection system and the automatic sprinkler system inaccordance with Section 907.2.11.2.

411.8 Interior finish. The interior finish shall be Class A inaccordance with Section 803.1.

SECTION BC 412AIRCRAFT-RELATED OCCUPANCIES

412.1 Reserved.

412.2 Reserved.

412.3 Reserved.

412.4 Reserved.

412.5 Heliports and helistops.

412.5.1 General. Heliports and helistops may be erected onbuildings or other locations where they are constructed inaccordance with this section.


HELIPORT. An area of land or water or a structural surfacethat is designed or used for the landing and taking off of heli-copters, and any appurtenant areas that are designed or usedfor heliport facilities and operations.



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HELISTOP. An area of land or water or a structural surfacethat is designed or used for the landing or takeoff of helicop-ters, and any appurtenant areas, but that is not designed orused for fueling, defueling, maintenance, repairs or storageof helicopters.

412.5.3 Size. The touchdown or landing area for helicoptersof less than 3,500 pounds (1588 kg) shall be a minimum of20 feet (6096 mm) in length and width. The touchdown areashall be surrounded on all sides by a clear area having a min-imum average width at roof level of 15 feet (4572 mm) butwith no width less than 5 feet (1524 mm).

412.5.4 Design. Helicopter landing areas and the supportsthereof on the roof of a building shall be noncombustibleconstruction. Landing areas shall be designed to confine anyflammable liquid spillage to the landing area itself and pro-visions shall be made to drain such spillage away from anyexit or stairway serving the helicopter landing area or from astructure housing such exit or stairway. For structural designrequirements, see Section 1605.5.

412.5.5 Means of egress. The means of egress from heli-ports and helistops shall comply with the provisions ofChapter 10. Landing areas located on buildings or structuresshall have two or more means of egress. For landing plat-forms or roof areas less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in length,or less than 2,000 square feet (186 m2) in area, the secondmeans of egress may be a fire escape or ladder leading to thefloor below.

412.5.6 Rooftop heliports and helistops. Rooftop heli-ports and helistops shall comply with NFPA 418 and theNew York City Fire Code.

SECTION BC 413COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

413.1 General. Storage of combustible materials in attics,under-floor spaces, concealed spaces, and below-grade storagerooms shall comply with this section.

413.2 Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces. Attic,under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combusti-ble materials shall be protected on the storage side as requiredfor 1-hour fire-resistant construction. Openings shall be pro-tected by assemblies that are self-closing and are ofnoncombustible construction or solid wood core not less than13/4 inch (45 mm) in thickness.

Exceptions:

1. Areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler sys-tems.

2. Group R-3 and U occupancies.

3. Groups S-1 and S-2 occupancies.

413.3 High-piled stock or rack storage. High-piled stock orrack storage in any occupancy group shall comply with the NewYork City Fire Code.

SECTION BC 414HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

414.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply tobuildings and structures occupied for the manufacturing, pro-cessing, dispensing, use or storage of hazardous materials.

414.1.1 Other provisions. Buildings and structures with anoccupancy in Group H shall also comply with the applicableprovisions of Section 415 and the New York City Fire Code,including, but not limited to, location, installation andmechanical provisions.

414.1.2 Materials. The safe design of hazardous materialoccupancies is material dependent. Individual materialrequirements are also found in Sections 307 and 415, and inthe New York City Mechanical Code and the New York CityFire Code.

414.1.2.1 Aerosols. Level 2 and 3 aerosol products shallbe stored and displayed in accordance with the New YorkCity Fire Code.

414.1.3 Information required. Separate floor plans shallbe submitted for buildings and structures with an occupancyin Group H, identifying the locations of anticipated contentsand processes so as to reflect the nature of each occupiedportion of every building and structure. A report identifyinghazardous materials including, but not limited to, materialsrepresenting hazards that are classified in Group H to bestored or used, shall be submitted and the methods of pro-tection from such hazards shall be indicated on the construc-tion documents. The opinion and report shall be prepared bya qualified person, firm or corporation approved by thecommissioner and shall be provided without charge to thedepartment.

414.2 Control areas. Control areas shall be those spaceswithin a building where quantities of hazardous materials notexceeding the maximum quantities allowed by this code arestored, dispensed, used or handled.

414.2.1 Construction requirements. Control areas shallbe separated from each other by not less than a 1-hour firebarrier constructed in accordance with Chapter 7.

414.2.2 Number. The maximum number of control areaswithin a building shall be in accordance with Table 414.2.2.

414.2.3 Separation. The required fire-resistance rating forfire barrier assemblies shall be in accordance with Table414.2.2. The floor construction of the control area, and theconstruction supporting the floor of the control area, shallhave a minimum 2-hour fire-resistance rating and shallcomply with the additional requirements of the New YorkCity Fire Code.

414.2.4 Hazardous material in Group M display andstorage areas and in Group S storage areas. The aggre-gate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable ornoncombustible liquid hazardous materials permittedwithin a single control area of a Group M or S occupancy oran outdoor control area is permitted to exceed the maximumallowable quantities per control area specified in Tables307.7(1) and 307.7(2) without classifying the building oruse as a Group H occupancy, provided that the materials are



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displayed and stored in accordance with the New York CityFire Code and quantities do not exceed the maximum allow-able specified in Table 414.2.4.

414.2.4.1 Below-grade storage of flammable or com-bustible mixtures accessory to Group M establish-ments. Class I liquids shall not be stored in below-gradelocations. Storage of Class II and Class III liquids, acces-sory to retail stores, and partly or completely belowgrade shall be permitted, provided that such below-gradearea is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinklersystem in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 andenclosed by fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating ofat least 2 hours, constructed in accordance with the con-struction type of the building. Openings shall be pro-tected by self-closing assemblies having a fire-resistancerating of at least 11/2 hours.

Exception: Class IIIB liquids may be stored inbelow-grade locations that are not provided through-out with an automatic sprinkler system when such liq-uids are stored in a room that is separated, verticallyand horizontally, from surrounding spaces by fire bar-riers of not less than 2-hour fire-resistance rating andsuch room is provided with an automatic sprinklersystem.

414.3 Ventilation. Rooms, areas or spaces of Group H inwhich explosive, corrosive, combustible, flammable or highlytoxic dusts, mists, fumes, vapors or gases are or may be emitteddue to the processing, use, handling or storage of materialsshall be mechanically ventilated as required by the New YorkCity Fire Code and the New York City Mechanical Code. Ductsconveying explosives or flammable vapors, fumes or dustsshall extend directly to the exterior of the building withoutentering other spaces. Exhaust ducts shall not extend into orthrough ducts and plenums.

Exception: Ducts conveying vapor or fumes having flam-mable constituents less than 25 percent of their lower flam-

mable limit (LFL) are permitted to pass through otherspaces.

Emissions generated at workstations shall be confined to thearea in which they are generated as specified in the New YorkCity Fire Code and the New York City Mechanical Code.

The location of supply and exhaust openings shall be inaccordance with the New York City Mechanical Code. Exhaustair contaminated by highly toxic material shall be treated inaccordance with the New York City Fire Code.

A manual shutoff control for ventilation equipment requiredby this section shall be provided outside the room adjacent tothe principal access door to the room. The switch shall be of thebreak-glass type and shall be labeled: VENTILATION SYS-TEM EMERGENCY SHUTOFF.

414.4 Hazardous material systems. Systems involving haz-ardous materials shall be suitable for the intended application.Controls shall be designed to prevent materials from enteringor leaving process or reaction systems at other than theintended time, rate or path. Automatic controls, where pro-vided, shall be designed to be fail safe.

414.5 Inside storage, dispensing and use. The inside storage,dispensing and use of hazardous materials in excess of themaximum allowable quantities per control area of Tables307.7(1) and 307.7(2) shall be in accordance with Sections414.5.1 through 414.5.5 of this code and the New York City FireCode.

414.5.1 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be pro-vided in accordance with the New York City Fire Code asrequired by Table 414.5.1 where quantities of hazardousmaterials specified in that table exceed the maximum allow-able quantities in Table 307.7(1) or where a structure, roomor space is occupied for purposes involving explosion haz-ards as required by Section 415 or the New York City FireCode.

414.5.2 Monitor control equipment. Monitor controlequipment shall be provided where required by the NewYork City Fire Code.



[F] TABLE 414.2.2DESIGN AND NUMBER OF CONTROL AREAS

FLOOR LEVELPERCENTAGE OF THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE

QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREAaNUMBER OF CONTROL

AREAS PER FLOORbFIRE-RESISTANCE RATING

FOR FIRE BARRIERS IN HOURSc

Above grade

Higher than 97-9654321

55

12.512.512.55075100

12222234

22222111

Below grade12

Lower than 2

7550

Not Allowed

32

Not Allowed

11

Not Allowed

a. Percentages shall be of the maximum allowable quantity per control area shown in Tables 307.7(1) and 307.7(2), with all increases allowed in the notes to thosetables.

b. There shall be a maximum of two control areas per floor in Group M occupancies and in buildings or portions of buildings having Group S occupancies with stor-age conditions and quantities in accordance with Section 414.2.4.

c. Fire barriers shall include walls and floors as necessary to provide separation from other portions of the building.



414.5.3 Automatic fire detection systems. Group H occu-pancies shall be provided with an automatic fire detectionsystem in accordance with Section 907.2.

414.5.4 Emergency power. Where mechanical ventilation,treatment systems, temperature control, alarm, detection orother electrically operated systems are required, such sys-tems shall be provided with an emergency power system inaccordance with the New York City Electrical Code.

Exceptions:

1. Storage areas for Class I and II oxidizers.

2. Storage areas for Class III, IV and V organic per-oxides.

3. Emergency power for mechanical ventilation,treatment systems and temperature control sys-

tems shall not be required where an approvedfail-safe engineered system is installed.

414.5.5 Spill control, drainage and containment. Rooms,buildings or areas occupied for the storage of solid and liq-uid hazardous materials shall be provided with a means tocontrol spillage and to contain or drain off spillage and fireprotection water discharged in the storage area whererequired in the New York City Fire Code. The methods ofspill control shall be in accordance with the New York CityFire Code.

414.5.6 Storage of medical gases. When required by theNew York City Fire Code, a one-hour room shall be providedfor the storage of medical gases inside of buildings, with theprotected openings and ventilation provisions as requiredby the New York City Fire Code.



[F] TABLE 414.2.4MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CONTROL AREA IN GROUP M AND S OCCUPANCIES

NONFLAMMABLE SOLIDS AND NONFLAMMABLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS d,e,f

CONDITION MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA

Materiala ClassSolids

poundsLiquidsgallons

Health-hazard materials—nonflammable and noncombustible solids and liquids

1. Corrosivesb, c Not Applicable 9,750 975

2. Highly toxics Not Applicable 20b, c 2b, c

3. Toxicsb, c Not Applicable 1,000 100

Physical-hazard materials—nonflammable and noncombustible solids and liquids

1. Oxidizersb, c

4 Not Allowed Not Allowed

3 1,150g 115

2 2,250h 225

1 18,000i, j 1,800i, j

2. Unstable (reactives)b, c

4 Not Allowed Not Allowed

3 550 55

2 1,150 115

1 Not Limited Not Limited

3. Water (reactives)

3b, c 550 55

2b, c 1,150 115

1 Not Limited Not Limited

For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.a. Hazard categories are as specified in the New York City Fire Code.b. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings that are sprinklered in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. When Note c also applies, the

increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.c. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. When

Note b also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.d. See Table 414.2.2 for design and number of control areas.e. Allowable quantities for other hazardous material categories shall be in accordance with Section 307.f. Maximum quantities shall be increased 100 percent in outdoor control areas.g. Maximum amounts are permitted to be increased to 2,250 pounds when individual packages are in the original sealed containers from the manufacturer or

packager and do not exceed 10 pounds each.h. Maximum amounts are permitted to be increased to 4,500 pounds when individual packages are in the original sealed containers from the manufacturer or

packager and do not exceed 10 pounds each.i. The permitted quantities shall not be limited in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.j. Quantities are unlimited in an outdoor control area.

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[F] TABLE 414.5.1EXPLOSION CONTROL REQUIREMENTSa

MATERIAL CLASS

EXPLOSION CONTROL METHODS

Barricade construction

Explosion (deflagration)venting

or explosion (deflagration)prevention systemsb

HAZARD CATEGORY

Combustible dustsc — Not Required Required

Cryogenic flammables — Not Required Required

Explosives

Division 1.1Division 1.2Division 1.3Division 1.4Division 1.5Division 1.6

RequiredRequired

Not RequiredNot Required

RequiredRequired


RequiredRequired


Flammable gas GaseousLiquefied


RequiredRequired

Flammable liquid IAd

IBeNot RequiredNot Required

RequiredRequired

Organic peroxidesg Unclassified detonableI

RequiredRequired

Not PermittedNot Permitted

Oxidizer liquids and solids 4 Required Not Permitted

Pyrophoric materialg Detonable Required Not Permitted

Pyrophoric gasg Nondetonable Not Required Required

Unstable (reactive)4

3 Detonable3 Nondetonable

RequiredRequired

Not Required

Not PermittedNot Permitted

Required

Water-reactive liquids and solidsg

3 Detonable3 Nondetonable

2 Detonable2g Nondetonable

RequiredNot Required


Not PermittedRequired


SPECIAL USES

Grain processing — Not Required Required

Where explosion hazards existf DetonationDeflagration



a. See Section 414.1.3.b. See the New York City Fire Code.c. As generated during manufacturing or processing. See definition of “Combustible dust” in Chapter 3.d. Storage or use.e. In open use or dispensing.f. Rooms containing dispensing and use of hazardous materials when an explosive environment can occur because of the characteristics or nature of the hazardous

materials or as a result of the dispensing or use process.g. Considered as explosives for the purposes of storage.

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414.6 Outdoor storage, dispensing and use. The outdoorstorage, dispensing and use of hazardous materials shall be inaccordance with the New York City Fire Code.

414.6.1 Weather protection. Where weather protection isprovided for sheltering outdoor hazardous material storageor use areas, such storage or use shall be considered outdoorstorage or use, provided that all of the following conditionsare met:

1. Structure supports and walls shall not obstruct morethan one side nor more than 25 percent of the perime-ter of the storage or use area.

2. The distance from the structure and the structure sup-ports to buildings, lot lines, public ways or means ofegress to a public way shall not be less than the dis-tance required for an outside hazardous material stor-age or use area without weather protection.

3. The overhead structure shall be of approvednoncombustible construction with a maximum areaof 1,500 square feet (140 m2).

Exception: The increases permitted by Section506 apply.

414.7 Emergency alarms. Emergency alarms for the detectionand notification of an emergency condition in Group H occu-pancies shall be provided as set forth herein.

414.7.1 Storage. An approved manual emergency alarmsystem shall be provided in buildings, rooms or areas usedfor storage of hazardous materials. Emergency alarm-initi-ating devices shall be installed outside of each interior exitor exit access door of storage buildings, rooms or areas.Activation of an emergency alarm-initiating device shallsound a local alarm to alert occupants of an emergency situ-ation involving hazardous materials.

414.7.2 Dispensing, use and handling. Where hazardousmaterials having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordancewith NFPA 704 are transported through corridors or exitenclosures, there shall be an emergency telephone system, alocal manual alarm station or an approved alarm-initiatingdevice at not more than 150-foot (45 720 mm) intervals andat each exit and exit access doorway throughout the trans-port route. The signal shall be relayed to an approved centralstation, or remote supervising station service or constantlyattended on-site location and shall also initiate a local audi-ble alarm.

414.7.3 Supervision. Emergency alarm systems shall besupervised by an approved central, proprietary or remotestation service or shall initiate an audible and visual signal ata constantly attended on-site location.

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

415.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to thestorage and use of hazardous materials in excess of the maxi-mum allowable quantities per control area listed in Section307.9. Buildings and structures with an occupancy in Group Hshall also comply with the applicable provisions of Section 414

and the New York City Fire Code, including, but not limited to,location and installation provisions.

415.2 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for thepurposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in the code, havethe meanings shown herein.

CONTINUOUS GAS-DETECTION SYSTEM. A gasdetection system where the analytical instrument is maintainedin continuous operation and sampling is performed withoutinterruption. Analysis is allowed to be performed on a cyclicalbasis at intervals not to exceed 30 minutes.

EMERGENCY CONTROL STATION. An approved loca-tion on the premises of a semiconductor fabrication facilitystaffed by trained personnel that monitor the operation ofequipment and systems including alert and alarm signals.

EXHAUSTED ENCLOSURE. A device, typically consistingof a hood equipped with a fan, that serves to capture andexhaust fumes, mist, vapors and gases generated at a worksta-tion or other local environment. An exhausted enclosure doesnot include a room provided with general ventilation.

FABRICATION AREA. An area within a semiconductor fab-rication facility in which processes using hazardous productionmaterials are conducted.

FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR FUMES. The concentrationof flammable constituents in air that exceed 25 percent of theirlower flammable limit (LFL).

GAS CABINET. A fully enclosed, noncombustible enclosureused to provide an isolated environment for compressed gascontainers in storage or use, including any doors and accessports for exchanging containers and accessing pressure-regu-lating controls.

GAS ROOM. A separately ventilated, fully enclosed room inwhich only compressed gases and associated equipment andsupplies are stored or used.

HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION MATERIAL (HPM). Asolid, liquid or gas associated with semiconductor manufactur-ing that has a degree-of-hazard rating in health, flammability orreactivity of Class 3 or 4 as ranked by NFPA 704 and that isused directly in research, laboratory or production processesthat have as their end product materials that are not hazardous.

HPM FLAMMABLE LIQUID. An HPM liquid that isdefined as either a Class I flammable liquid or a Class II orClass IIIA combustible liquid.

HPM ROOM. A room used in conjunction with or serving aGroup H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or used and that isclassified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occupancy.

IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND HEALTH(IDLH). The concentration of air-borne contaminants thatposes a threat of death, immediate or delayed permanentadverse health effects, or effects that could prevent escape fromsuch an environment as established by the National Institute ofOccupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) based on both toxic-ity and flammability. It generally is expressed in parts per mil-lion by volume (ppm v/v) or milligrams per cubic meter(mg/m3). If adequate data do not exist for precise establishmentof IDLH concentrations, an independent certified industrial





hygienist, industrial toxicologist, appropriate regulatoryagency or other source approved by the Fire Commissionershall make such determination.

LIQUID. A material that has a melting point that is equal to orless than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia)(101 kPa). When not otherwise identified, the term “liquid”includes both flammable and combustible liquids.

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

LIQUID USE, DISPENSING AND MIXING ROOMS.Rooms in which Class I, II and IIIA flammable or combustibleliquids are used, dispensed or mixed in open containers.

LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL). The minimum con-centration of vapor in air at which propagation of flame willoccur in the presence of an ignition source. The LFL is some-times referred to as “LEL” or “lower explosive limit.”

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

SERVICE CORRIDOR. A fully enclosed passage used fortransporting HPM and other purposes, but not as a requiredmeans of egress.

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

WORKSTATION. A defined space within a fabrication areain which a specific function, laboratory procedure or researchactivity relating to semiconductor manufacture is conducted. Aworkstation may include equipment using HPM, hazardousmaterials storage cabinets, flammable liquid storage cabinetsor gas cabinets, ventilation equipment, fire protection devices,detection devices, and electrical devices.

415.3 Location on property. Group H shall be located onproperty in accordance with the other provisions of this chap-ter. In Group H-2 or H-3, not less than 25 percent of the perime-ter wall of the occupancy shall be an exterior wall.

Exceptions:

1. Liquid use, dispensing and mixing rooms having afloor area of not more than 500 square feet (47 m2)need not be located on the outer perimeter of thebuilding where they are in accordance with the NewYork City Fire Code and NFPA 30.

2. Liquid storage rooms having a floor area of not morethan 1,000 square feet (93 m2) need not be located onthe outer perimeter where they are in accordance withthe New York City Fire Code and NFPA 30.

3. Spray paint booths that comply with the New YorkCity Fire Code need not be located on the outer perim-eter.

415.3.1 Group H minimum distance to lot lines. Regard-less of any other provisions, buildings containing Group Hoccupancies shall be set back a minimum distance from lot

lines as set forth in Items 1 through 4 below. Distances shallbe measured from the walls enclosing the occupancy to lotlines, including those on a public way. Distances to assumedproperty lines drawn for the purposes of determination ofexterior wall and opening protection are not to be used toestablish the minimum distance for separation of buildingson sites where explosives are manufactured or used whenseparation is provided in accordance with the quantity dis-tance tables specified for explosive materials in the NewYork City Fire Code.

1. Group H-1. Not less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) and notless than required by the New York City Fire Code.

Exceptions:

1. Fireworks manufacturing buildings sepa-rated in accordance with NFPA 1124.

2. Buildings containing the following materi-als when separated in accordance with Table415.3.1:

2.1. Organic peroxides, unclassifieddetonable.

2.2. Unstable reactive materials Class 4.

2.3. Unstable reactive materials, Class 3detonable.

2.4. Detonable pyrophoric materials.

2. Group H-2. Not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) wherethe area of the occupancy exceeds 1,000 square feet(93 m2), and it is not required to be located in adetached building.

3. Groups H-2 and H-3. Not less than 50 feet (15 240mm) where a detached building is required (see Table415.3.2).

4. Groups H-2 and H-3. Occupancies containing materi-als with explosive characteristics shall be separated asrequired by the New York City Fire Code. Where sep-arations are not specified, the distances required shallnot be less than the distances required by Table415.3.1.

415.3.2 Group H-1 and H-2 or H-3 detached buildings.Where a detached building is required by Table 415.3.2,there are no requirements for wall and opening protectionbased on location on property.

415.4 Special provisions for Group H-1 occupancies. GroupH-1 occupancies shall be in buildings used for no other pur-pose, shall not exceed one story in height and be without base-ment, crawl spaces or other under-floor spaces. Roofs shall beof lightweight construction with suitable thermal insulation toprevent sensitive material from reaching its decompositiontemperature. Group H-1 occupancies containing materials thatare in themselves both physical and health hazards in quantitiesexceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control areain Table 307.7(2) shall comply with requirements for bothGroup H-1 and H-4 occupancies.



➡





TABLE 415.3.1MINIMUM SEPARATION DISTANCES FOR BUILDINGS CONTAINING EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSf

QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALa, d

MINIMUM DISTANCE (feet)

Lot linesb and inhabited buildingsc

Separation of magazinesePounds over Pounds not over Barricaded Unbarricaded

2 5 70 140 12

5 10 90 180 16

10 20 110 220 20

20 30 125 250 22

30 40 140 280 24

40 50 150 300 28

50 75 170 340 30

75 100 190 380 32

100 125 200 400 36

125 150 215 430 38

150 200 235 470 42

200 250 255 510 46

250 300 270 540 48

300 400 295 590 54

400 500 320 640 58

500 600 340 680 62

600 700 355 710 64

700 800 375 750 66

800 900 390 780 70

900 1,000 400 800 72

For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.a. The number of pounds of explosives listed is the number of pounds of trinitrotoluene (TNT) or the equivalent pounds of other explosive.b. The distance listed is the distance to lot line, including lot lines at public ways.c. For the purpose of this table, an inhabited building is any building on the same property that is regularly occupied by people. Where two or more buildings contain-

ing explosives or magazines are located on the same property, each building or magazine shall comply with the minimum distances specified from inhabited build-ings and, in addition, they shall be separated from each other by not less than the distance shown for “Separation of magazines,” except that the quantity ofexplosive materials contained in detonator buildings or magazines shall govern in regard to the spacing of said detonator buildings or magazines from buildings ormagazines containing other explosive materials. If any two or more buildings or magazines are separated from each other by less than the specified "Separation ofMagazines" distances, then such two or more buildings or magazines, as a group, shall be considered as one building or magazine, and the total quantity of explo-sive materials stored in such group shall be treated as if the explosive were in a single building or magazine located on the site of any building or magazine of thegroup, and shall comply with the minimum distance specified from other magazines or inhabited buildings.

d. Storage of explosives in a quantity exceeding 1,000 pounds in one magazine is prohibited.e. Magazine is a building or structure, other than an operating building, approved for storage of explosive materials. Portable or mobile magazines not exceeding 120

square feet (11 m2) in area need not comply with the requirements of this code, however, all magazines shall comply with the New York City Fire Code.f. This table shall not apply to the temporary storage incidental to transportation.

➡



415.4.1 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage areasfor organic peroxides, pyrophoric materials and unstable(reactive) materials shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustibleconstruction.

415.5 Special provisions for Group H-2 and H-3 occupan-cies. Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies containing quantities ofhazardous materials in excess of those set forth in Table415.3.2 shall be in buildings used for no other purpose, shallnot exceed one story in height and shall be without basements,crawl spaces or other under-floor spaces. Group H-2 and H-3occupancies containing water-reactive materials shall be resis-tant to water penetration. Piping for conveying liquids shall notbe over or through areas containing water reactives, unless iso-lated by approved liquid-tight construction.

Exception: Fire protection piping.

415.5.1 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage areasfor organic peroxides, oxidizers, pyrophoric materials,unstable (reactive) materials and water-reactive solids andliquids shall be of liquid-tight, noncombustible construc-tion.

415.5.2 Waterproof room. Rooms or areas used for thestorage of water-reactive solids and liquids shall be con-structed in a manner that resists the penetration of waterthrough the use of waterproof materials. Piping carrying

water for other than approved automatic fire sprinkler sys-tems shall not be within such rooms or areas.

415.6 Smoke and heat venting. Smoke and heat vents com-plying with Section 910 shall be installed in the following loca-tions:

1. In occupancies classified as Group H-2 or H-3, any ofwhich are over 15,000 square feet (1394 m2) in a singlefloor area.

Exception: Buildings of noncombustible construc-tion containing only noncombustible materials.

2. In areas of buildings in Group H used for storing Class 2,3 and 4 liquid and solid oxidizers, Class 1 and unclassi-fied detonable organic peroxides, unstable (reactive)materials, or Class 2 or 3 water-reactive materials asrequired for a high hazard commodity classification asdefined in the New York City Fire Code.

415.7 Group H-2. Occupancies in Group H-2 shall be con-structed in accordance with Sections 415.7.1 through 415.7.4and the New York City Fire Code.

415.7.1 Combustible dusts, grain processing and stor-age. The provisions of Sections 415.7.1.1 through 415.7.1.5shall apply to buildings in which materials that producecombustible dusts are stored or handled. Buildings that



TABLE 415.3.2REQUIRED DETACHED STORAGE

DETACHED STORAGE IS REQUIRED WHEN THE QUANTITY OF MATERIAL EXCEEDS THAT LISTED HEREIN

Material Class Solids and Liquids (tons)a,b Gases (cubic feet)a,b

Explosives

Division 1.1Division 1.2Division 1.3Division 1.4Division 1.4c

Division 1.5Division 1.6

Maximum Allowable QuantityMaximum Allowable QuantityMaximum Allowable QuantityMaximum Allowable Quantity

1Maximum Allowable QuantityMaximum Allowable Quantity

Not Applicable

Oxidizers Class 4 Maximum Allowable Quantity Maximum Allowable Quantity

Unstable (reactives) detonable Class 3 or 4 Maximum Allowable Quantity Maximum Allowable Quantity

Oxidizer, liquids and solids Class 3Class 2

1,2002,000

Not ApplicableNot Applicable

Organic peroxides

DetonableClass IClass IIClass III

Maximum Allowable QuantityMaximum Allowable Quantity

2550

Not ApplicableNot ApplicableNot ApplicableNot Applicable

Unstable (reactives) nondetonable Class 3Class 2

125

2,00010,000

Water reactives Class 3Class 2

125

Not ApplicableNot Applicable

Pyrphoric gases Not Applicable Not Applicable 2,000

For SI: 1 ton = 906 kg, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 M3.a. For materials that are detonable, the distance to other buildings or lot lines shall be as specified in Table 415.3.1 based on trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalence of the

material. For materials classified as explosives, see the New York City Fire Code. Unclassified detonable organic peroxides, detonable pyrophoric materials, deton-able unstable (reactive) materials and detonable water-reactive materials shall be considered as explosives for the purposes of storage.

b. “Maximum Allowable Quantity” means the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 307.7(1).c. Limited to Division 1.4 materials and articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as an explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco

and Firearms (BATF) regulations or unpackaged articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles, providingthe net explosive weight of individual articles does not exceed 1 pound.

➡

➡



store or handle combustible dusts shall comply with theapplicable provisions of NFPA 61, NFPA 69, NFPA 120,NFPA 484, NFPA 651, NFPA 654, NFPA 655, NFPA 664and NFPA 85, and the New York City Fire Code.

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

415.7.1.2 Grinding rooms. Every room or space occu-pied for grinding or other operations that produce com-bustible dusts shall be enclosed with fire barriers andhorizontal assemblies or both that have not less than a2-hour fire-resistance rating where the area is not morethan 3,000 square feet (279 m2), and not less than a4-hour fire-resistance rating where the area is greaterthan 3,000 square feet (279 m2).

415.7.1.3 Conveyors. Conveyors, chutes, piping andsimilar equipment passing through the enclosures ofrooms or spaces shall be constructed dirt tight and vaportight, and be of approved noncombustible materials com-plying with Chapter 30.

415.7.1.4 Explosion control. Explosion control shall beprovided as specified in the New York City Fire Code, orspaces shall be equipped with the equivalent mechanicalventilation complying with the New York City Mechani-cal Code.

415.7.1.5 Grain elevators. Grain elevators, malt housesand buildings for similar occupancies shall not belocated within 30 feet (9144 mm) of interior lot lines orstructures on the same lot, except where erected along arailroad right-of-way.

415.7.1.6 Coal pockets. Coal pockets located less than30 feet (9144 mm) from interior lot lines or from struc-tures on the same lot shall be constructed of not less thanType IB construction. Where more than 30 feet (9144mm) from interior lot lines, or where erected along a rail-road right-of-way, the minimum type of construction ofsuch structures not more than 65 feet (19 812 mm) inheight shall be Type IV.

415.7.2 Flammable and combustible liquids. The storage,handling, processing and transporting of flammable andcombustible liquids shall be in accordance with this section,the New York City Mechanical Code and the New York CityFire Code.

415.7.2.1 Mixed occupancies. Where the storage tankarea is located in a building of two or more occupancies,and the quantity of liquid exceeds the maximum allow-able quantity for one control area, the use shall be com-pletely separated from adjacent fire areas in accordancewith the requirements of Section 508.3.3.

415.7.2.1.1 Height exception. Where storage tanksare located within only a single-story building, theheight limitation of Section 503 shall not apply forGroup H.

415.7.2.2 Tank protection. Storage tanks shall benoncombustible and protected from physical damage. Afire barrier wall or horizontal assemblies or both aroundthe storage tank(s) shall be permitted as the method ofprotection from physical damage.

415.7.2.3 Tanks. Storage tanks shall be approved tanksconforming to the requirements of the New York City FireCode.

415.7.2.4 Suppression. Group H shall be equippedthroughout with an approved automatic sprinkler sys-tem, installed in accordance with Section 903.

415.7.2.5 Leakage containment. A liquid-tight con-tainment area compatible with the stored liquid shall beprovided. The method of spill control, drainage controland secondary containment shall be in accordance withthe New York City Fire Code.

Exception: Rooms where only double-wall storagetanks conforming to Section 415.7.2.3 are used tostore Class I, II and IIIA flammable and combustibleliquids shall not be required to have a leakage contain-ment area.

415.7.2.6 Leakage alarm. An approved automaticalarm shall be provided to indicate a leak in a storagetank and room. The alarm shall sound an audible signal,15 dBa above the ambient sound level, at every point ofentry into the room in which the leaking storage tank islocated. An approved sign shall be posted on every entrydoor to the tank storage room indicating the potentialhazard of the interior room environment, or the sign shallstate: WARNING, WHEN ALARM SOUNDS, THEENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE ROOM MAY BEHAZARDOUS. The leakage alarm shall also be super-vised in accordance with Chapter 9 to transmit a troublesignal.

415.7.2.7 Tank vent. Storage tank vents for Class I, II orIIIA liquids shall terminate to the outdoor air in accor-dance with the New York City Fire Code.

415.7.2.8 Room ventilation. Storage tank areas storingClass I, II or IIIA liquids shall be provided with mechani-cal ventilation. The mechanical ventilation system shallbe in accordance with the New York City MechanicalCode and the New York City Fire Code.

415.7.2.9 Explosion venting. Where Class I liquids arebeing stored, explosion venting shall be provided inaccordance with the New York City Fire Code.

415.7.2.10 Tank openings other than vents. Tankopenings other than vents from tanks inside buildingsshall be designed to ensure that liquids or vapor concen-trations are not released inside the building.

415.7.3 Liquefied petroleum gas-distribution facilities.Propane, butane, propylene, butylene and other liquefied





petroleum gas-distribution facilities shall conform to theprovisions of the New York City Fire Code.

415.7.4 Dry cleaning plants. The construction and installa-tion of dry cleaning plants shall be in accordance with therequirements of this code, the New York City MechanicalCode, the New York City Plumbing Code and NFPA 32. Drycleaning solvents and systems shall be classified in accor-dance with the New York City Fire Code.

415.8 Groups H-3 and H-4. Groups H-3 and H-4 shall be con-structed in accordance with the applicable provisions of thiscode and the New York City Fire Code.

415.8.1 Gas rooms. When gas rooms are provided, suchrooms shall be separated from other areas by not less than a1-hour fire barrier.

415.8.2 Floors in storage rooms. Floors in storage areasfor corrosive liquids and highly toxic or toxic materials shallbe of liquid-tight, noncombustible construction.

415.8.3 Separation—highly toxic solids and liquids.Highly toxic solids and liquids not stored in approved haz-ardous materials storage cabinets shall be isolated fromother hazardous materials storage by construction having a1-hour fire-resistance rating.

415.9 Group H-5.

415.9.1 General. In addition to the requirements set forthelsewhere in this code, Group H-5 shall comply with theprovisions of Section 415.9 and the New York City FireCode, including, but not limited to, automatic sprinkler pro-tection for workstations, gas cabinets, exhausted enclo-sures, pass-throughs in exit access corridors and exhaustducts.

415.9.2 Fabrication areas.

415.9.2.1 Hazardous materials in fabrication areas.

415.9.2.1.1 Aggregate quantities. The aggregatequantities of hazardous materials stored and used in asingle fabrication area shall not exceed the quantitiesset forth in Table 415.9.2.1.1.

Exception: The quantity limitations for any haz-ard category in Table 415.9.2.1.1 shall not applywhere the fabrication area contains quantities ofhazardous materials not exceeding the maximumallowable quantities per control area establishedby Tables 307.7(1) and 307.7(2).

415.9.2.1.2 Hazardous production materials. Themaximum quantities of hazardous production materi-als stored in a single fabrication area shall not exceedthe maximum allowable quantities per control areaestablished by Tables 307.7(1) and 307.7(2).

415.9.2.2 Separation. Fabrication areas, whose sizes arelimited by the quantity of hazardous materials allowedby Table 415.9.2.1.1, shall be separated from each other,

from exit access corridors, and from other parts of thebuilding by not less than 1-hour fire barriers.

Exceptions:

1. Doors within such fire barrier walls, includingdoors to corridors, shall be only self-closingfire assemblies having a fire-protection ratingof not less than 3/4 hour.

2. Windows between fabrication areas and exitaccess corridors are permitted to be fixed glaz-ing listed and labeled for a fire protection ratingof at least 3/4 hour in accordance with Section715.

415.9.2.3 Location of occupied levels. Occupied levelsof fabrication areas shall be located at or above the firststory above grade plane.

415.9.2.4 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors withinfabrication areas shall be of noncombustible construc-tion. Openings through floors of fabrication areas arepermitted to be unprotected where the interconnectedlevels are used solely for mechanical equipment directlyrelated to such fabrication areas (see also Section415.9.2.5). Floors forming a part of an occupancy sepa-ration shall be liquid tight.

415.9.2.5 Shafts and openings through floors. Eleva-tor shafts, vent shafts and other openings through floorsshall be enclosed when required by Section 707.Mechanical, duct and piping penetrations within a fabri-cation area shall not extend through more than twofloors. The annular space around penetrations for cables,cable trays, tubing, piping, conduit or ducts shall besealed at the floor level to restrict the movement of air.The fabrication area, including the areas through whichthe ductwork and piping extend, shall be considered asingle conditioned environment.

415.9.2.6 Ventilation. Mechanical exhaust ventilationshall be provided throughout the fabrication area at therate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per squarefoot (0.044 L/S/m2) of floor area. The exhaust air ductsystem of one fabrication area shall not connect toanother duct system outside that fabrication area withinthe building.

A ventilation system shall be provided to capture andexhaust fumes and vapors at workstations.

Two or more operations at a workstation shall not beconnected to the same exhaust system where either oneor the combination of the substances removed could con-stitute a fire, explosion or hazardous chemical reactionwithin the exhaust duct system.

Exhaust ducts penetrating occupancy separationsshall be contained in a shaft of equivalent fire-resistanceconstruction. Exhaust ducts shall not penetrate firewalls.

Fire dampers shall not be installed in exhaust ducts.



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TABLE 415.9.2.1.1QUANTITY LIMITS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN A SINGLE FABRICATION AREA IN GROUP H-5a

HAZARD CATEGORYSOLIDS

(pounds per square feet)LIQUIDS

(gallons per square feet)GAS

SCF/square feet)

PHYSICAL-HAZARD MATERIALS

Combustible dust Note b Not Applicable Not Applicable

Combustible fiber LooseBaled

Note bNote b Not Applicable Not Applicable

Combustible liquid IIIIIAIIIB

Combination Class I, II and IIIA

Not Applicable

0.010.02

Not Limited0.04

Not Applicable

Cryogenic gas FlammableOxidizing Not Applicable Not Applicable Note c

1.25

Explosives Note b Note b Note b

Flammable gas GaseousLiquefied Not Applicable Not Applicable Note c

Note c

Flammable liquid IAIBIC

Combination Class IA, IB and ICCombination Class I, II and IIIA

Not Applicable

0.00250.0250.0250.0250.04

Not Applicable

Flammable solid 0.001 Not Applicable Not Applicable

Organic peroxideUnclassified detonableClass IClass IIClass IIIClass IVClass V

Note bNote b0.0250.1

Not LimitedNot limited

Not Applicable Not Applicable

Oxidizing gas GaseousLiquefied

Combination of gaseousand liquefied

Not Applicable Not Applicable

1.251.25

1.25

Oxidizer Class 4Class 3Class 2Class 1

Combination Class 1, 2, 3

Note b0.0030.0030.0030.003

Note b0.030.030.030.03

Not Applicable

Pyrophoric material Note b 0.00125 Notes c and d

Unstable reactive Class 4Class 3Class 2Class 1

Note b0.0250.1

Not Limited

Note b0.00250.01

Not Limited

Note bNote bNote b

Not Limited

Water reactive Class 3Class 2Class 1

Note b0.25

Not Limited

0.001250.025

Not LimitedNot Applicable

HEALTH-HAZARD MATERIALS

Corrosives Not Limited Not Limited Not Limited

Highly toxic Not Limited Not Limited Note c

Toxics Not Limited Not Limited Note c

For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 4.882 kg/m2, 1 gallon per square foot = 0.025 L/m2.a. Hazardous materials within piping shall not be included in the calculated quantities.b. Quantity of hazardous materials in a single fabrication shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities per control area in Tables 307.7(1) and 307.7(2).c. The aggregate quantity of flammable, pyrophoric, toxic and highly toxic gases shall not exceed 9,000 SCF.d. The aggregate quantity of pyrophoric gases in the building shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Table 415.3.2.

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415.9.2.7 Transporting hazardous production mate-rials to fabrication areas. Hazardous production mate-rials shall be transported to fabrication areas throughenclosed piping or tubing systems that comply with Sec-tion 415.9.6.1, through service corridors complying withSection 415.9.4, or in exit access corridors as permittedin the exception to Section 415.9.3. The handling ortransporting of hazardous production materials withinservice corridors shall comply with the New York CityFire Code.

415.9.2.8 Electrical.

415.9.2.8.1 General. Electrical equipment anddevices within the fabrication area shall comply withthe New York City Electrical Code. The requirementsfor hazardous locations need not be applied where theaverage air change is at least four times that set forthin Section 415.9.2.6 and where the number of airchanges at any location is not less than three times thatrequired by Section 415.9.2.6. The use of recirculatedair shall be permitted.

415.9.2.8.2 Workstations. Workstations shall not beenergized without adequate exhaust ventilation. SeeSection 415.9.2.6 for workstation exhaust ventilationrequirements.

415.9.3 Exit access corridors. Exit access corridors shallcomply with Chapter 10 and shall be separated from fabri-cation areas as specified in Section 415.9.2.2. Exit accesscorridors shall not contain HPM and shall not be used fortransporting such materials, except through closed pipingsystems as provided in Section 415.9.6.3.

Exception: Where existing fabrication areas are alteredor modified, HPM is allowed to be transported in existingexit access corridors, subject to the following conditions:

1. Corridors. Exit access corridors adjacent to thefabrication area where the alteration work is to bedone shall comply with Section 1016 for a lengthdetermined as follows:

1.1. The length of the common wall of the cor-ridor and the fabrication area; and

1.2. For the distance along the exit access corri-dor to the point of entry of HPM into theexit access corridor serving that fabrica-tion area.

2. Emergency alarm system. There shall be an emer-gency telephone system, a local manual alarm sta-tion or other approved alarm-initiating devicewithin exit access corridors at not more than150-foot (45 720 mm) intervals and at each exitand exit access doorway. The signal shall berelayed to an approved central, proprietary orremote station service or the emergency controlstation and shall also initiate a local audible alarm.

3. Pass-throughs. Self-closing doors having afire-protection rating of not less than 1 hour shallseparate pass-throughs from existing exit accesscorridors. Pass-throughs shall be constructed as

required for the exit access corridors, andprotected by an approved automatic fire-extin-guishing system.

415.9.4 Service corridors.

415.9.4.1 Occupancy. Service corridors shall be classi-fied as Group H-5.

415.9.4.2 Use conditions. Service corridors shall be sep-arated from exit access corridors as required by Section415.9.2.2. Service corridors shall not be used as arequired exit access corridor.

415.9.4.3 Mechanical ventilation. Service corridorsshall be mechanically ventilated as required by Section415.9.2.6 or at not less than six air changes per hour,whichever is greater.

415.9.4.4 Means of egress. The maximum distance oftravel from any point in a service corridor to an exit, exitaccess corridor or door into a fabrication area shall notexceed 75 feet (22 860 mm). Dead ends shall not exceed4 feet (1219 mm) in length. There shall be not less thantwo exits, and not more than one-half of the requiredmeans of egress shall require travel into a fabricationarea. Doors from service corridors shall swing in thedirection of egress travel and shall be self-closing.

415.9.4.5 Minimum width. The minimum clear widthof a service corridor shall be 5 feet (1524 mm), or 33inches (838 mm) wider than the widest cart or truck usedin the service corridor, whichever is greater.

415.9.4.6 Emergency alarm system. Emergency alarmsystems shall be provided in accordance with this sectionand Sections 414.7.1 and 414.7.2. The maximum allow-able quantity per control area provisions shall not applyto emergency alarm systems required for HPM.

415.9.4.6.1 Service corridors. An emergency alarmsystem shall be provided in service corridors, with atleast one alarm device in each service corridor.

415.9.4.6.2 Exit access corridors and exit enclo-sures. Emergency alarms for exit access corridors andexit enclosures shall comply with Section 414.7.2.

415.9.4.6.3 Liquid storage rooms, HPM rooms andgas rooms. Emergency alarms for liquid storagerooms, HPM rooms and gas rooms shall comply withSection 414.7.1.

415.9.4.6.4 Alarm-initiating devices. An approvedemergency telephone system, local alarm manual pullstations, or other approved alarm-initiating devicesare allowed to be used as emergency alarm-initiatingdevices.

415.9.4.6.5 Alarm signals. Activation of the emer-gency alarm system shall sound a local alarm andtransmit a signal to the emergency control station.

415.9.5 Storage of hazardous production materials.

415.9.5.1 General. Storage of HPM in fabrication areasshall be within approved or listed storage cabinets or gascabinets, or within a workstation. The storage of hazard-





ous production materials in quantities greater than thoselisted in Tables 307.7(1) or 307.7(2) shall be in liquidstorage rooms, HPM rooms or gas rooms as appropriatefor the materials stored. The storage of other hazardousmaterials shall be in accordance with other applicableprovisions of this code and the New York City Fire Code.

415.9.5.2 Construction.

415.9.5.2.1 HPM rooms and gas rooms. HPMrooms and gas rooms shall be separated from otherareas by not less than a 2-hour fire barrier where thearea is 300 square feet (27.9 m2) or more and not lessthan a 1-hour fire barrier where the area is less than300 square feet (27.9 m2).

415.9.5.2.2 Liquid storage rooms. Liquid storagerooms shall be constructed in accordance with the fol-lowing requirements:

1. Rooms in excess of 500 square feet (46.5 m2)shall have at least one exterior door approvedfor Fire Department access.

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

3. Shelving, racks and wainscoting in such areasshall be of noncombustible construction orwood of not less than 1-inch (25 mm) nominalthickness.

4. Rooms used for the storage of Class I flamma-ble liquids shall not be located in a basement.

415.9.5.2.3 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors ofHPM rooms and liquid storage rooms shall be ofnoncombustible liquid-tight construction. Raisedgrating over floors shall be of noncombustible materi-als.

415.9.5.3 Location. Where HPM rooms, liquid storagerooms and gas rooms are provided, they shall have atleast one exterior wall and such wall shall be not less than30 feet (9144 mm) from property lines, including prop-erty lines adjacent to public ways.

415.9.5.4 Explosion control. Explosion control shall beprovided where required by Section 414.5.1.

415.9.5.5 Exits. Where two exits are required from HPMrooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms, one shall bedirectly to the outside of the building.

415.9.5.6 Doors. Doors in a fire barrier wall, includingdoors to corridors, shall be self-closing fire assemblieshaving a fire-protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour.

415.9.5.7 Ventilation. Mechanical exhaust ventilationshall be provided in liquid storage rooms, HPM roomsand gas rooms at the rate of not less than 1 cubic foot perminute per square foot (0.044 L/S/m2) of floor area or sixair changes per hour, whichever is greater, for categoriesof material.

Exhaust ventilation for gas rooms shall be designed tooperate at a negative pressure in relation to the surround-ing areas and direct the exhaust ventilation to an exhaustsystem.

415.9.5.8 Emergency alarm system. An approvedemergency alarm system shall be provided for HPMrooms, liquid storage rooms and gas rooms.

Emergency alarm-initiating devices shall be installedoutside of each interior exit door of such rooms.

Activation of an emergency alarm-initiating deviceshall sound a local alarm and transmit a signal to theemergency control station.

An approved emergency telephone system, localalarm manual pull stations or other approved alarm-initi-ating devices are allowed to be used as emergencyalarm-initiating devices.

415.9.6 Piping and tubing.

415.9.6.1 General. Hazardous production materials pip-ing and tubing shall comply with this section and ANSIB31.3.

415.9.6.2 Supply piping and tubing.

415.9.6.2.1 HPM having a health-hazard rankingof 3 or 4. Systems supplying HPM liquids or gaseshaving a health-hazard ranking of 3 or 4 shall bewelded throughout, except for connections, to thesystems that are within a ventilated enclosure if thematerial is a gas, or an approved method of drainageor containment is provided for the connections if thematerial is a liquid.

415.9.6.2.2 Location in service corridors. Hazard-ous production materials supply piping or tubing inservice corridors shall be exposed to view.

415.9.6.2.3 Excess flow control. Where HPM gasesor liquids are carried in pressurized piping above 15pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 kPa),excess flow control shall be provided. Where the pip-ing originates from within a liquid storage room,HPM room or gas room, the excess flow control shallbe located within the liquid storage room, HPM roomor gas room. Where the piping originates from a bulksource, the excess flow control shall be located asclose to the bulk source as practical.

415.9.6.3 Installations in exit access corridors andabove other occupancies. The installation of hazardousproduction material piping and tubing within the spacedefined by the walls of exit access corridors and the flooror roof above or in concealed spaces above other occu-pancies shall be in accordance with Section 415.9.6.2and the following conditions:

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

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





3. Where the piping or tubing is used to transportHPM liquids, a receptor shall be installed belowsuch piping or tubing. The receptor shall bedesigned to collect any discharge or leakage anddrain it to an approved location. The 1-hour enclo-sure shall not be used as part of the receptor.

4. HPM supply piping and tubing and HPM nonme-tallic waste lines shall be separated from the exitaccess corridor and from occupancies other thanGroup H-5 by construction as required for walls orpartitions that have a fire protection rating of notless than 1 hour. Where gypsum wallboard is used,joints on the piping side of the enclosure are notrequired to be taped, provided the joints occur overframing members. Access openings into the enclo-sure shall be protected by approved fire-resis-tance- rated assemblies.

5. Readily accessible manual or automatic remotelyactivated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves shallbe installed on piping and tubing other than wastelines at the following locations:

5.1. At branch connections into the fabricationarea.

5.2. At entries into exit access corridors.

Exception: Transverse crossings of thecorridors by supply piping that isenclosed within a ferrous pipe or tube forthe width of corridor need not complywith Items 1 through 5.

415.9.6.4 Identification. Piping, tubing and HPM wastelines shall be identified in accordance with ANSI A13.1to indicate the material being transported.

415.9.7 Continuous gas-detection systems. A continuousgas-detection system shall be provided for HPM gases whenthe physiological warning properties of the gas are at ahigher level than the accepted permissible exposure limit(PEL) for the gas and for flammable gases in accordancewith this section.

415.9.7.1 Where required. A continuous gas-detectionsystem shall be provided in the areas identified in Sec-tions 415.9.7.1.1 through 415.9.7.1.4.

415.9.7.1.1 Fabrication areas. A continuousgas-detection system shall be provided in fabricationareas when gas is used in the fabrication area.

415.9.7.1.2 HPM rooms. A continuous gas-detectionsystem shall be provided in HPM rooms when gas isused in the room.

415.9.7.1.3 Gas cabinets, exhausted enclosuresand gas rooms. A continuous gas-detection systemshall be provided in gas cabinets and exhausted enclo-sures. A continuous gas-detection system shall beprovided in gas rooms when gases are not located ingas cabinets or exhausted enclosures.

415.9.7.1.4 Exit access corridors. When gases aretransported in piping placed within the space defined

by the walls of an exit access corridor, and the floor orroof above the exit access corridor, a continuousgas-detection system shall be provided where pipingis located and in the exit access corridor.

Exception: A continuous gas-detection system isnot required for occasional transverse crossings ofthe corridors by supply piping that is enclosed in aferrous pipe or tube for the width of the corridor.

415.9.7.2 Gas-detection system operation. The contin-uous gas-detection system shall be capable of monitor-ing the room, area or equipment in which the gas islocated at or below the PEL or ceiling limit of the gas forwhich detection is provided. For flammable gases, themonitoring detection threshold level shall be vapor con-centrations in excess of 20 percent of the lower explosivelimit (LFL). Monitoring for highly toxic and toxic gasesshall also comply with the requirements for such mate-rial in the New York City Fire Code.

415.9.7.2.1 Alarms. The gas detection system shallinitiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emer-gency control station when a short-term hazard condi-tion is detected. The alarm shall be both visual andaudible and shall provide warning both inside andoutside the area where the gas is detected.

415.9.7.2.2 Shutoff of gas supply. The gas detectionsystem shall automatically close the shutoff valve atthe source on gas supply piping and tubing related tothe system being monitored for which gas is detectedwhen a short-term hazard condition is detected. Auto-matic closure of shutoff valves shall comply with thefollowing:

1. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiat-ing the gas detection system alarm is within agas cabinet or exhausted enclosure, the shutoffvalve in the gas cabinet or exhausted enclosurefor the specific gas detected shall automaticallyclose.

2. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiat-ing the gas detection system alarm is within aroom and compressed gas containers are not ingas cabinets or an exhausted enclosure, theshutoff valves on all gas lines for the specificgas detected shall automatically close.

3. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiat-ing the gas detection system alarm is within apiping distribution manifold enclosure, theshutoff valve supplying the manifold for thecompressed gas container of the specific gasdetected shall automatically close.

Exception: Where the gas-detection sam-pling point initiating the gas detection sys-tem alarm is at the use location or within agas valve enclosure of a branch line down-stream of a piping distribution manifold, theshutoff valve for the branch line located inthe piping distribution manifold enclosureshall automatically close.



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415.9.8 Manual fire alarm system. An approved manualfire alarm system shall be provided throughout buildingscontaining Group H-5. Activation of the alarm system shallinitiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to the emergencycontrol station. The fire alarm system shall be designed andinstalled in accordance with Section 907.

415.9.9 Emergency control station. An emergency controlstation shall be provided on the premises at an approvedlocation, outside of the fabrication area and shall be continu-ously staffed by trained personnel. The emergency controlstation shall receive signals from emergency equipment andalarm and detection systems. Such emergency equipmentand alarm and detection systems shall include, but not nec-essarily be limited to, the following where such equipmentor systems are required to be provided either in Section415.9 or elsewhere in this code:

1. Automatic fire sprinkler system alarm and monitor-ing systems.

2. Manual fire alarm systems.

3. Emergency alarm systems.

4. Continuous gas-detection systems.

5. Smoke detection systems.

6. Emergency power system.

415.9.10 Emergency power system. An emergency powersystem shall be provided in Group H-5 occupancies whererequired in Section 415.9.10.1. The emergency power sys-tem shall be designed to supply power automatically torequired electrical systems when the normal electrical sup-ply system is interrupted.

415.9.10.1 Where required. Emergency power shall beprovided for electrically operated equipment and con-nected control circuits for the following systems:

1. HPM exhaust ventilation systems.

2. HPM gas cabinet ventilation systems.

3. HPM exhausted enclosure ventilation systems.

4. HPM gas room ventilation systems.

5. HPM gas detection systems.

6. Emergency alarm systems.

7. Manual fire alarm systems.

8. Automatic sprinkler system monitoring and alarmsystems.

9. Electrically operated systems required elsewherein this code applicable to the use, storage or han-dling of HPM.

415.9.10.2 Exhaust ventilation systems. Exhaust venti-lation systems are allowed to be designed to operate atnot less than one-half the normal fan speed on the emer-gency power system where it is demonstrated that thelevel of exhaust will maintain a safe atmosphere.

415.9.11 Fire sprinkler system protection in exhaustducts for HPM.

415.9.11.1 General. Automatic fire sprinkler systemprotection shall be provided in exhaust ducts conveyingvapors, fumes, mists or dusts generated from HPM inaccordance with this section and the New York CityMechanical Code.

415.9.11.2 Metallic and noncombustible, nonmetallicexhaust ducts. Automatic fire sprinkler system protec-tion shall be provided in metallic and noncombustible,nonmetallic exhaust ducts where all of the followingconditions apply:

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

2. The ducts are within the building.

3. The ducts are conveying flammable vapors orfumes.

415.9.11.3 Combustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts.Automatic fire sprinkler system protection shall be pro-vided in combustible nonmetallic exhaust ducts wherethe largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is equal toor greater than 10 inches (254 mm).

Exceptions:

1. Ducts listed or approved for applications with-out automatic fire sprinkler system protection.

2. Ducts not more than 12 feet (3658 mm) inlength installed below ceiling level.

415.9.11.4 Automatic sprinkler locations. Sprinklersystems shall be installed at 12-foot (3658 mm) intervalsin horizontal ducts and at changes in direction. In verticalducts, sprinklers shall be installed at the top and at alter-nate floor levels.

SECTION BC 416APPLICATION OF FLAMMABLE FINISHES

416.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to theconstruction, installation and use of buildings and structures,or parts thereof, for the spraying of flammable paints, varnishesand lacquers or other flammable materials or mixtures or com-pounds used for painting, varnishing, staining or similar pur-poses. Such construction and equipment shall comply with theNew York City Fire Code.

416.2 Spray rooms. Spray rooms shall be enclosed with firebarrier walls and horizontal assemblies or both with not lessthan a 2-hour fire-resistance rating. Floors shall be water-proofed and drained in an approved manner.

416.2.1 Surfaces. The interior surfaces of spray rooms shallbe smooth and shall be so constructed to permit the free pas-sage of exhaust air from all parts of the interior and to facili-tate washing and cleaning, and shall be so designed toconfine residues within the room. Aluminum shall not beused.

416.3 Spraying spaces. Spraying spaces shall be ventilatedwith an exhaust system capable of at least six air changes perhour to prevent the accumulation of flammable mist or vaporsin accordance with the New York City Mechanical Code. Where





such spaces are not separately enclosed, noncombustible spraycurtains shall be provided to restrict the spread of flammablevapors.

416.3.1 Surfaces. The interior surfaces of spraying spacesshall be smooth and continuous without edges, and shall beso constructed to permit the free passage of exhaust air fromall parts of the interior and to facilitate washing and clean-ing, and shall be so designed to confine residues within thespraying space. Aluminum shall not be used.

416.4 Fire protection. An automatic fire-extinguishing sys-tem shall be provided in all spray, dip and immersing spacesand storage rooms, and shall be installed in accordance withChapter 9.

SECTION BC 417DRYING ROOMS

417.1 General. A drying room or dry kiln installed within abuilding shall be constructed entirely of approvednoncombustible materials or assemblies of such materials reg-ulated by the approved rules or as required in the general andspecific sections of Chapter 4 for special occupancies, whereapplicable to the general requirements of Chapter 28, and inaccordance with the New York City Fire Code.

417.2 Piping clearance. Overhead heating pipes shall have aclearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from combustiblecontents in the dryer.

417.3 Insulation. Where the operating temperature of thedryer is 175°F (79°C) or more, metal enclosures shall be insu-lated from adjacent combustible materials by not less than 12inches (305 mm) of airspace, or the metal walls shall be linedwith 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) insulating mill board or other approvedequivalent insulation.

417.4 Fire protection. Drying rooms designed for high-hazardmaterials and processes, including special occupancies as pro-vided for in Chapter 4, shall be protected by an approved auto-matic sprinkler or fire-extinguishing system conforming to theprovisions of Chapter 9.

SECTION BC 418ORGANIC COATINGS

418.1 Building features. Manufacturing of organic coatingsshall be done only in buildings that do not have pits or base-ments and shall comply with the New York City Fire Code. Suchbuildings shall be protected by an approved automatic sprin-kler system in accordance with Chapter 9.

418.2 Location. Organic coating manufacturing operationsand operations incidental to or connected therewith shall not belocated in buildings having other occupancies.

418.3 Process mills. Mills operating with close clearances andthat process flammable and heat-sensitive materials, such asnitrocellulose, shall be classified as Group H-1 occupancy.

418.4 Tank storage. Storage areas for flammable and combus-tible liquid tanks inside of structures shall be located at orabove grade and shall be separated from the processing area bynot less than 2-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barriers.

418.5 Nitrocellulose storage. Nitrocellulose storage shall belocated on a detached pad or in a separate structure or a roomenclosed with no less than 2-hour fire-resistance-rated fire bar-riers.

418.6 Finished products. Storage rooms for finished productsthat are flammable or combustible liquids shall be separatedfrom the processing area by fire barriers having a fire-resis-tance rating of at least 2 hours, and openings in the walls shallbe protected with approved opening protectives.

SECTION BC 419NONPRODUCTION CHEMICAL LABORATORIES

419.1 General. The provisions of this section shall govern thedesign, construction and chemical quantity limitations ofbuildings and portions thereof occupied or designed to beoccupied as a nonproduction laboratory. Nonproduction labo-ratories shall be classified into occupancy groups in accor-dance with Section 419.5. The provisions of this section shallnot apply to production laboratories classified in OccupancyGroup F or H.

419.2 Standards. Except as otherwise provided in this section,nonproduction laboratories shall meet the design, constructionand chemical quantity limitation requirements for laboratoryunit fire hazard Class D, as set forth in NFPA 45, and the NewYork City Mechanical Code. The storage arrangement, han-dling and use of chemicals within nonproduction laboratoriesand accessory storage rooms, and the operation and mainte-nance of nonproduction laboratories shall comply with therequirements of the New York City Fire Code, and the rules ofthe fire commissioner.

419.3 Prohibitions. It shall be unlawful in any nonproductionlaboratory to:

1. Store or use any explosive.

2. Store or use any unclassified detonable organic perox-ide, detonable pyrophoric material, detonable unstable(reactive) material or detonable water-reactive material.

3. Store or use any Class 4 unstable (reactive) material.

4. Store or use any Class 4 oxidizing material.

5. Store or use any flammable gas below grade.

419.4 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for thepurposes of this section, and as used elsewhere in this code,have the meanings shown herein.

LABORATORY BUILDING. A structure consisting whollyor principally of one or more laboratory units.

LABORATORY CHEMICAL. A material with a health,flammability, or instability hazard rating of 2, 3, or 4 as definedin NFPA 704.

LABORATORY, NONPRODUCTION. A building or por-tion thereof wherein chemicals or gases are used or synthesizedon a nonproduction basis for testing, research, experimental,instructional or educational purposes.

LABORATORY UNIT. An enclosed space of a minimum1-hour fire-rated construction, designed or used as a nonpro-duction laboratory. Laboratory units may include one or more





separate laboratory work areas, and accessory storage rooms orspaces within or contiguous with the laboratory unit, such asoffices and lavatories.

STORAGE CABINET. A cabinet designed and constructedin accordance with UL 1275, and used for the storage of notmore than 60 gallons (227 L) of flammable and combustibleliquids.

STORAGE ROOM. A room where laboratory chemicals orgases are stored and not otherwise used or synthesized.

419.5 Classification. Buildings or portions thereof occupiedas a nonproduction laboratory may be classified as a‡ Group Boccupancy provided they comply with the provisions of Sec-tion 419. Nonproduction laboratories not in compliance withthe provisions of Section 419.7 for laboratory chemical quan-tity limitations shall be classified as Group H occupancy.

419.5.1 Accessory use nonproduction laboratories.Accessory use nonproduction laboratories occupying anarea not more than 10 percent of the area of the story inwhich such laboratories are located and not exceeding thetabular values in Table 503 for the allowable height or areafor such use shall be classified according to the main occu-pancy. Such accessory nonproduction laboratories shallcomply with the provisions of Section 419.

419.6 Fire protection.

419.6.1 Sprinkler system. Laboratory units shall be pro-vided throughout with an automatic sprinkler system inaccordance with Section 903.3.1.1. The entire buildingshall be provided throughout with an automatic sprinklersystem when the aggregate floor area of all laboratory unitswithin any building exceeds 20,000 square feet (1858 m2).

419.6.2 Standpipe and hose system. In all nonproductionlaboratory buildings that are two or more stories above orbelow the grade level (level of exit discharge), standpipesshall be installed in accordance with Section 905.2.

419.6.3 Fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm systemshall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.2,907.2.3‡, or 907.2.6‡, as applicable.

419.7 Quantity limitations.

419.7.1 Flammable and combustible liquids. The densityand total quantity of flammable and combustible liquidsallowed within a laboratory unit, outside of storage rooms,shall comply with Table 10.1.1 of NFPA 45 for laboratoryunit fire hazard Class D.

Exceptions: The following exceptions apply to otherthan educational or instructional laboratories:

1. The density of flammable and combustible liquidsallowed within a laboratory unit may be increasedto those set forth in Table 10.1.1 of NFPA 45 forlaboratory unit fire hazard Class B provided thetotal quantity of flammable and combustible liq-uid, including any in storage cabinets or safetycans, does not exceed 25 gallons (95 L).

2. The density of flammable and combustible liquidsallowed within a laboratory unit may be increasedto those set forth in Table 10.1.1 of NFPA 45 for

laboratory unit fire hazard Class B provided thetotal quantity of flammable and combustible liq-uid, including any in storage cabinets or safetycans, does not exceed 30 gallons (114 L) and thewalls, floors and ceilings of the laboratory unit areseparated from all adjoining areas by 2-hour fire-rated construction.

3. Based on a density of 1 gallon per 100 square feet(3.785 L per 9.3 m2) of area, the quantity of flam-mable and combustible liquid allowed within alaboratory unit, excluding quantities in storagecabinets or safety cans, may be increased to 100gallons (379 L), and the total quantities of flamma-ble and combustible liquids, including quantitiesin storage cabinets or safety cans, may beincreased to 200 gallons (775 L) provided thewalls, floors and ceilings of the laboratory unit areseparated from all adjoining areas by 2-hour fire-rated construction.

419.7.2 Flammable solids. The total quantity of flammablesolids allowed within a laboratory unit, excluding any quan-tities in a storage room, shall not exceed 10 pounds (4.5 kg).

Exception: The total quantity of flammable solidsallowed within a laboratory unit that is provided withwalls, floors and ceilings that separate the laboratory unitfrom all adjoining areas by 2-hour fire-rated constructionshall not exceed 15 pounds (6.8 kg).

419.7.3 Oxidizers and organic peroxides. The total quan-tity of solid and liquid oxidizers and organic peroxides com-bined allowed within a laboratory unit, excluding anyquantities in a storage room, shall not exceed 40 pounds (18kg), provided not more than 2 pounds (0.908 kg) of whichare Class 3 oxidizers and 1 pound (0.454 kg) of which is‡Class I organic peroxides.

Exception: The total quantity of solid and liquid oxidiz-ers and organic peroxides combined allowed within alaboratory unit that is provided with walls, floors andceilings that separate the laboratory unit from all adjoin-ing areas by 2-hour fire rated construction shall notexceed 50 pounds (23 kg), provided not more than 2pounds (0.908 kg) of which are Class 3 oxidizers and 1pound (0.454 kg) of which are Class I organic peroxides.

419.7.4 Unstable (reactive). The total quantity of unstable(reactive) material allowed within a laboratory unit, exclud-ing any quantities in a storage room, shall not exceed 6pounds (2.7 kg), provided not more than 1 pound (0.454 kg)of which is‡ Class 3 unstable (reactive).

Exception: The total quantity of unstable (reactive)material allowed within a laboratory unit that is providedwith walls, floors and ceilings that separate the labora-tory unit from all adjoining areas by 2-hour fire-ratedconstruction shall not exceed 12 pounds (5.4 kg), pro-vided not more than 1 pound (0.454 kg) of which is‡Class 3 unstable (reactive).

419.7.5 Water reactive material. The total quantity ofwater reactive material allowed within a laboratory unit,





excluding any quantities in a storage room, shall not exceed2.5 pounds (1.1 kg).

Exception: The total quantity of water-reactive materialallowed within a laboratory unit that is provided withwalls, floors and ceilings that separate the laboratory unitfrom all adjoining areas by 2-hour fire-rated constructionshall not exceed 5 pounds (2.3 kg).

419.7.6 Pyrophoric material. The total quantity of solid orliquid pyrophoric material allowed within a laboratory unit,excluding any quantities in a storage room, shall not exceed0.5 pounds (0.227 kg).

Exception: The total quantity of pyrophoric materialallowed within a laboratory unit that is provided withwalls, floors and ceilings that separate the laboratory unitfrom all adjoining areas by 2-hour fire rated constructionshall not exceed 1 pound (0.454 kg).

419.7.7 Highly toxic material. The total quantity of solidor liquid highly toxic material allowed within a laboratoryunit, excluding any quantities in a storage room, shall notexceed 5 pounds (0.227 kg).

419.7.8 Toxic material. The total quantity of solid or liquidtoxic material allowed within a laboratory unit, excludingany quantities in a storage room, shall not exceed 250pounds (946 L).

419.7.9 Corrosive material. The total quantity of solid orliquid corrosive material allowed within a laboratory unit,excluding any quantity in a storage room, shall not exceed250 gallons (946 L).

419.7.10 Highly toxic and toxic gases. In educational andinstructional laboratories, the total quantity of highly toxicand toxic gases combined allowed within a laboratory unit,excluding any quantities in a storage room, shall not exceed20 standard cubic feet (0.56 standard cubic m).

419.8 Storage room classification. Storage rooms for labora-tory chemicals accessory to a laboratory unit shall be classifiedas Occupancy Group S-1 provided they comply with the provi-sions of Section 419.9. Storage rooms not in compliance withthe provisions of Section 419.9 for laboratory chemical quan-tity limitations shall be classified as a‡ Group H occupancy.

419.9 Storage rooms. In addition to the quantities allowedwithin a laboratory unit by Section 419.7, laboratory chemicalsthat are accessory to a laboratory unit may be stored, whetheroutside of or entirely within a laboratory unit, in dedicated stor-age rooms complying with all of the following:

1. Storage room capacity shall be limited to a maximumof 300 gallons (1136 L) of laboratory chemicals, not toexceed 5 gallons per square foot (0.125 L/m2) of floorarea.

2. Flammable gas storage rooms shall be limited to 2,500standard cubic feet (71 standard cubic m) of flammablegas.

3. Storage rooms shall be enclosed by a minimum of2-hour rated fire barriers.

4. Storage rooms shall be equipped with a continuouslyoperated ventilation system that provides at least 6changes of air per hour and vents to the outdoors.

5. Each entrance to the storage room shall be providedwith a minimum 11/2-hour rated self-closing fire door.

6. Each entrance to the storage room shall be providedwith a sill at the doorway, except that no sill shall berequired in storage rooms containing only flammablegases.

7. Storage rooms shall be equipped with an automaticsprinkler system providing at least one sprinkler foreach 90 square feet (8.4 m2) or portion thereof.

8. Laboratory chemicals that are incompatible with eachother shall not be stored in the same storage roomunless in compliance with the New York City Fire Codefor separation of incompatible materials.

9. Storage rooms shall not open directly to an exit or anyenclosed exit access component.

10. The floor of any storage room storing flammable gasesshall be located at or above grade.

419.10 Ventilation. Nonproduction laboratories shall be venti-lated in accordance with Section 407 of the New York CityMechanical Code.

SECTION BC 420USES AND OCCUPANCIES INVOLVING

RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS ANDRADIATION-PRODUCING EQUIPMENT

420.1 Scope. This section shall apply to the construction, alter-ation, and use of buildings or spaces for radioactive materialsand radiation-producing equipment.

420.2 City, state and federal regulations. In addition to therequirements of this section, occupancies involving radioactivematerials and radiation-producing equipment shall also com-ply with applicable requirements of the city health code, andapplicable state and federal regulations.

420.3 Laboratories. All laboratories utilizing radioactivematerials or radiation-producing equipment required to regis-ter under the requirements of the New York City Health Codeshall comply with the requirements of Sections 420.3.1through‡ 420.3.7.

420.3.1 Construction. All buildings in which such labora-tories occur shall be of Group I or II construction.

420.3.2 Floors. All floors shall comply with the fire resis-tance requirements for the class of construction, and pro-vide the degree of radioactive resistance required byapplicable city, state, and federal regulations. A finishedmaterial shall be applied to provide a continuous nonporoussurface, which may be readily removed.

420.3.3 Interior finish. All insulation of acoustical treat-ments and interior partitions shall be of noncombustiblematerial. Walls and ceilings shall have nonporous finishesof Class A rating.





420.3.4 Sprinkler protection. Automatic sprinkler protec-tion complying with the construction provisions of Chapter9 of the New York City Building Code shall be provided, andsuch protection shall be designed for the type of combusti-ble materials wherever such material is used, and for theradioactive material that may be expected to melt, vaporize,or oxidize under fire conditions. Laboratory equipment sus-ceptible to damage from water or other materials used in thesprinkler system may be shielded by hoods except when theequipment provides a source of combustion. Where sprin-kler protection uses water, or small water-spray installationsare used to fight small isolated fires, floors shall be providedwith drainage so that water may be carried to retention tanksfor later disposal as required by the New York City HealthCode when contamination of the water is to be anticipated.

420.3.5 Electrical controls. Electrical controls and equip-ment shall be installed in accordance with the requirementsof the New York City Electrical Code.

420.3.6 Ventilation. Exhaust air from areas in which radio-active materials are used or stored shall be exhausted to theoutdoors in such manner as not to create a health hazard, andshall not be recirculated to other areas of the building. Airpressure in rooms in which radioactive materials are used orstored shall be maintained below the air pressure of adjoin-ing rooms, so that there is no flow of radioactive gases ordusts into adjoining rooms.

420.3.6.1 Ducts. Ducts shall be of sheet steel of not lessthan No. 16 manufacturers’ standard gauge or of otherequivalent noncombustible material having a meltingpoint above 1800°F (982°C). Exhaust ducts within thebuilding, on the discharge side of the fan, shall be weldedairtight. Exhaust ducts within the building, on the suctionside of the fan, shall have laps in the direction of airflowwith smoke-tight joints, and shall be subjected to asmoke test in accordance with the requirements forchimneys in the New York City Mechanical Code. Accesshatches with tight-closing covers shall be provided forcleaning and for fire-fighting in the exhaust systemducts.

420.3.6.2 Fume hoods. Fume hoods shall be exhaustedto the outdoors. Controls for hood fans shall be inter-locked so that contaminated air cannot be drawn into anyspace from a hood where the exhaust fan is not in opera-tion.

420.3.6.3 Fans. Fan equipment other than the impellerand impeller housing shall be located outside the exhauststream.

420.3.6.4 Exhaust. When the degree of contaminationof the exhaust stream exceeds the concentration limitspermitted by the health code, the duct system shall beequipped with devices to decontaminate the air to a safelevel before discharging to the outdoor air.

420.3.7 Plumbing. Drainage lines from sinks used forradioactive wastes shall be without traps, and shall lead toretention tanks when required by the provisions of the NewYork City Health Code.

420.4 Radiation machines. Radiation machines or particleaccelerators, linear accelerators, cyclotrons, synchrotons, beta-trons, or bevatrons shall be located only in buildings of Group Ior II construction; however, this requirement shall not apply toconventional medical, dental, research, or industrial x-raymachines of less than one million-volt capacity.

420.5 Storage. Radioactive materials shall be stored in sealedcontainers. When required by the commissioner to avoid tooconcentrated an exposure within any one space, radioactivematerials shall be stored in vaults designed in accordance withthe radiation shielding or other requirements for the materialsto be stored, and with the requirements of Sections 420.5.1through‡ 420.5.3.

420.5.1 Fire protection. When any materials are subject tomelting, vaporization, or oxidation under fire conditions,the storage vaults shall be constructed of walls having afire-resistance rating of at least 4 hours, and the vaults shallbe equipped with automatic sprinklers complying with theconstruction requirements of Chapter 9 of the New York CityBuilding Code and shall be vented through devices todecontaminate the air to a safe level.

420.5.2 Doors. Doors opening into storage vaults shall meetshielding requirements and have a fire-protection rating ofnot less than 3 hours.

420.5.3 Bins, shelving, partitions and pallets. All bins,shelving, partitions, and pallets in storage vaults shall be ofnoncombustible materials. Other methods of storage per-mitted by the health department or applicable state and fed-eral regulations, such as storage under water, may be used.





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