Technical Committeeon

Report of Committeeon FlammableLiquids

Automotive and Marine Service Stations Correlating Committee Eugene S. Schmitt Chairman Fire Marshal Division

Leon C, Schaller, Chairman E. I. Dupont de Nemours & Co.

E. 3oseph Bocci, Nat] Capital Regioh Arthur C. Fink Jr., Husky Corp. Salvatore Gilardi J r . , Am Insurance Services Group Daqiel T. Grace, Ansul Fire Protection Rep. FEMA Fred Greil, City of New Carlisle Rep. NFPA/FSS Donald Hausz, All Out Fire Equipment Co., Inc. Rep. FAFED John P. Higgins, Mutual Service Office DonaldM. Johnson, San Bruno, CA Rep. WSPA Marshall A. Klein, Marshall A. Klein & Assoc. Inc. Rep. JLI' Martin E. Magera, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. A. E. Mittermaier, Tokheim Corp. ,Rep. GPMA Richard F. Murphy, Exxon Research & Engr. Co. R. L. Murray,.Dover Corporation William E. Rehr, City of Wheaton, IL Rep. FMANA . Robert N. Renkes, Petroieum Equipment Institute William M. Shaughnessy,.Commof HA Dept. of Pub Safety E. A, Talbott, Salt River Project

G. E. Cain, G. E. Cain'& Co. Jdhn 3. Hawley, Underwriters Laboratories Donald M. Johnson, San Bruno, CA Rep WSPA C. L. Kingsbaker J r . , Atlanta, GA F. OwenKubias,'The Glidden Co. Steven Landon, Trophy Club Rep. TCATA Eugene S. Schmitt; Fire Marshal Division Orville M. Slye'Jr., Loss Contrbl Associates Inc. W. J. Smith, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Paul C. Lamb, Englewood, NJ (Member Emeritus)

Technical Committeeon Aerosol Products Orvilie M. Slye dr., Chairman Loss Control Associates Inc.

Alternates Charles B. Barnett, ASCOAFire Systems Rep. NFSA Byron L. Briese, ProfesSional Loss Control, Inc. Steve Ermert, Malone & HydeInc. Dayid L. Fredrickson, S..C. Johnson & Son Inc. Rep~ CSMA William A. Gregg IV, Precision Valve Corp. Rep. CSMA, Richard J. Hild, Vet!an Limited James Koskan, Super Valu Stores, Inc. Thomas J. Kramer, Schirmer Engineering Corp. Michael J. Madden, Phoenix Fire Department, AZ Edward Reardon, Fenwal Inc. Donald E. Rowson, Industrial Hydrocarbons, Inc. James T. Scott, ChesapeakeEngineering. Henry C~ Scuoteguazza,.Factory Mutual Research Corp. Larry D. Shackelford, Fluor Daniel Thomas Siciliano Jr., Lehn &Fink Products Group Rodney P. Smith, The Kartrldg Pak Co. David C. Tabar~ The SherwinLWilliams Co. W. P. ThomasJr., KemperGroup Rep. AAI Peter J. Gore Willse, Industrial Risk Insurers Gene Wolfe, Los Angeles County Fire Department, CA

Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corp. Rep; FEMA (Alternate to D. T. Grace) William L. Hartze11, Harleysville Mutual Insurance Co. Rep. AISG (Alternate to L. Gilardi Jr.) Technical Committeeon Flammable and Combustible Liquids Dohald M. Johnson, Chairman San Bruno, CA (Rep. WSPA)

Alternates William J. Beasland, Schirmer Engineering Corp, (Alternate to T. J. Kramer) John A.'Davenport, Industrial Risk Insurers (Alternate to P. J. G. Willse) D. Douglas Fratz, Chemical Specialties Mfgs. Assn. Rep. CSMA (Alternate to WGregg) Mohtfort A. Johnsen, Montfort A. Johnsen & Assoc. Ltd (Alternate to D. L. Fredrickson) Jerome S. Pepi, Grinnell Corporatioh Rep. NFSA (Alternate to C. Barnett) Kevin F, Sykora, The Sherwin-Williams Co. (Alternate to D. C. Tabar) Thomas K. Terrebonne, KemperGroup Rep. AAI (Alternate to W. P. ThomasJr.)

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Wi]liam S. Anderson; 3M Company Henry M. B e l l , Dow Chemical USA David L. Blomquist, Chevron Corp. Rep. API Weldon L. Brundrett, M&M Protection Consultants Michael T. Castellano, Joseph E. Seagram & Sons Inc. Rep. DSC James G. Gallup,.Nati Loss Control Service Wayne Geyer, Steel Tank Institute Jbhn J. Hawley, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Donald L. Hierman, Rhone-Poulenc, Inc. Rep. CMA Michael S. Hildebrand, American Petroleum Inst. Edward Hildebrandt, Village of Morton Grove Fire Dept., IL Rep. IFIA Joshy Paul Kallungal, Ontario Fire Marshals Office James D. Kieffer, Hiram Walker & Sons Ltd Wallace D. Malmstedt, American Ins. Services Group Inc. John G. Manganaro I I , US Coast Guard Navin D. Mehta, Defense Logistics Agency - WIR Joseph R~ Natale, Mobil Research & Development Rep. NPRA William. E. Rehr, City of Wheaton Rep. FMANA Robert N. Renkes, Petroleum Equipment Institute Gerald J. Rosicky, General Motors Corp. Rep. NFPA IFPS

Corp.

Leon C. Schaller, E. I. Dupont de Nemours & Co. Rep. NPCA Eugene S. Schmitt, Dept. of State Police Rep. FMANA Henry C. Scuoteguazza, Factory Mutual Research Corp. Roger R. Singh, Insurers Advisory Organization Brooke B. Smith 3 r . , Aspen Engineering Inc. Damon W. Snow, Monsanto Co. Rep. SPI R. I. Spencer, I n d u s t r i a l Risk Insurers Thomas K. Terrebonne, Kemper Group Rep. AAI Harold S. Wass J r . , IRM Insurance Alternates Brian H. Bender, ICI Americas Rep. NFPA IFPS (Alternate to G. J. Roslcky) Robert H. Christopher, E. I. du Pont de Nemours (Alternate to L. C. Schaller) John A. Davenport, I n d u s t r i a l Risk Insurers (Alternate to R. I. Spencer) Robert D. Grausam, Kemper Group Rep. AAI (Alternate to T. Terrebonne) Randolph C. Helland, US Coast Guard (Alternate to J. G. Manganaro I I ) David L. Hodgden, Owens-I11inois Inc. (Alternate to D. W. Snow) Martin E. Magera, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (Alternate to J. J. Hawley) David G. Mahoney, M&M Protection Consultants (Alternate te W. Brundrett) Nonvoting 01iver W. Johnson, Palo Alternateo, CA (Member Emeritus) Michael B. Moore, US Occupational Safety & Health Admin. Richard F. Murphy, Exxon Research & Engr. Co. Rep T/C on Foam O r v i l l e M. Slye J r . , Less Control Associates Inc. Terence P. Smith, US Occupational Safety & Health Admln. (Alternate to M. B. Moore) S t a f f Liaison:

Robert P. Benedetti

This l l s t represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the t e x t of this e d i t i o n . Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred. The Report of the Committee on Flammable Liquids is presented f o r adoption in 3 parts. Part I of t h i s Report, was prepared by the Technlcal Committee on Aerosol Products and proposes f o r adoption a new document, NFPA 30B, Code f o r the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products. Part I o f t h i s Report has been submitted to l e t t e r b a l l o t of the Technical Committee on Aerosol Products which consists o f 21 voting members; of whom 18 voted a f f i r m a t i v e l y , 2 negatively (Messrs. Scott and S i c i l i a n o ) , and l member abstained from voting (Mr. Tabar). Mr. Scott voted negatively f o r the following reason: "While the Committee has exerted considerable e f f o r t in the preparation of this (Code). I must cast a negative b a l l o t because t h i s (Code) f a i l s to recognize the value and importance of ESFR s p r i n k l e r s f o r the protection of aerosol products. Furthermore, the (Code) creates requirements of minor value in several places which are expensive to i n s t a l l and operate."

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Mr. S i c i l i a n o voted negatively for the following reasons: " I believe that the Standard is f a r too r e s t r i c t i v e regarding the d i s t r i b u t i o n of many Level 2 and 3 products, including our largest product. The objectives of the Standard can be obtained with less onerous r e s t r i c t i o n s or by d i f f e r e n t approaches e n t i r e l y . I t is c r i t i c a l to the Committee vote on the Standard that the d r a f t accurately r e f l e c t what the Committee is being asked to approve. Unfortunately, the d r a f t now being circulated contains many inconsistencies and i r r e g u l a r i t i e s that may seem obvious to some Committee members but w i l l no doubt escape detection by many others. Especially f o r those Technical Committee members who missed some or a l l of the Committee's meetings, these deficiencies preclude any sort of f a i r and knowledgeable review of the d r a f t . Some of the more obvious errors and inconsistencies which we have uncovered so f a r include: I. On page 2 o f the d r a f t , the very f i r s t term defined, " a e r o s o l , " is given a d e f i n i t i o n that is inconsistent with the description of an aerosol given in Appendix A (page 30), Section A-l-6. 2. Table I-7, on page 6 of the d r a f t , is incomplete and meaningless. The sixth and seventh entries on the chart are identical except that the s i x t h entry is l i s t e d as Level 2 and the seventh is l i s t e d as Level 3. C r i t i c a l symbols have obviously been deleted. I t should have been corrected and was net. I t must be correct before we can proceed. 3. On page 7 of the d r a f t , Section 2-6 addresses s p r i n k l e r protections without any reference to ESFR s p r i n k l e r s , which figure prominently in Chapter 4 of the d r a f t and which the Committee considered a s i g n i f i c a n t potential safety f a c t o r . The Committee f a i l e d te define ESFR s p r i n k l e r s . The fact is that ESFR sprinklers have been demonstrated to be f a r superior to other sprinklers and t h e i r use should be encouraged. The tables which include ESFR should be redrafted to show how important they are and ESFR should not be on the same table as other less desirable sprinklers. 4. In Tables 4-I and 4-2, en pages 25A and 25B of the d r a f t , the note f o r temperature ratings should be 3, not 2. 5. Table 4-5, on page 25E of the d r a f t , is u n i n t e l l i g i b l e . I t refers in i t s second column to " f i g s . 3 and 4" which are not included in the chart. Column 3 of that same chart refers te "attached notes," which also are not provided. The parenthetical note at the base of the chart refers to an u n i d e n t i f i e d "Appendix" and also to "Table 6 and 7," also u n i d e n t i f i e d . 6. In Table 4-6 on page 25F of the d r a f t , the second column refers to an u n i d e n t i f i e d " f i g u r e __ ." The same u n i n t e l l i g i b l e references to an "Appendix" and to "Tables 6 and 7" appear on the bottom of this table as appeared in Table 4-5. 7. On page 26 of the d r a f t , there are obvious and substantial inconsistencies. Section 5-I.1 advises that "Level I aerosol products in sales displays shall not be l i m i t e d . " But Sections 5-I.3.1 and 5-1.3.2 do not exclude Level l aerosols, and therefore d r a s t i c a l l y l i m i t the sales displays of Level I products. 8. On pages 26-27 of the d r a f t , Sections 5-2.1 and 5-2.2 do not exclude Level I aerosol products, and therefore are inconsistent with Sections 5-2.3 and 5-2.4. 9. On pages 26-27 of the d r a f t , Sections 5-2.2 through 5-2.3 reference s p r i n k l e r systems, but the reference is not readable (see Table 4-6). I t is not enough to say that these and other problems with the d r a f t standard may be cleaned up in a Comment period. That a t t i t u d e is in essence a r e j e c t i o n ef the Technical Committee's r e s p o n s i b i l i t y to put out For Comments only an accurate d r a f t recommended by the Committee. Otherwise, how are i n d i v i d u a l s and groups whe have an i n t e r e s t in these matters to know what the

Technical Committee is proposing? I t is even worse to argue that somehow the NFPA Staff Liaison or the Technical Committee Chairman w i l l "correct" the "errors" a f t e r the Committee has approved the d r a f t f o r broader circulation. Fair procedures may be time-consuming, but i t is precisely that care which makes procedures f a i r . , Haste in these circumstances would be especially shortsighted because the Technical Committee has not considered alternative approaches to the r e s t r i c t i v e product quantity limitations set forth in the d r a f t Standard. The fundamental goal of the Technical Committee is safety-safe manufacture, safe warehouses, and safe r e t a i l points of sale f o r a l l products, not j u s t aerosols. The proposed d r a f t purports to further that safety goal, but i t adopts only a single-minded approach; r e s t r i c t i o n s on the quantity of products to be offered f o r d i s t r i b u t i o n and sale. Those r e s t r i c t i o n s promise to put many Level 2 and 3 products substantially out of business. The concern here should not be limited to aerosol products but should encompass a l l flammable and combustible products and the warehouses that store them. The Technical Committee f a i l e d to consider alternatives to such draconian r e s t r i c t i o n s . For example, no consideration was given to the option of technology-forcing regulations requiring advanced ESFR sprinker systems f o r warehouses and at substantial points of sale within an appropriate time frame. While references to ESFR sprinkler systems appear in the Tables of Chapter 4 of the d r a f t , the need f o r forcing advances in sprinkler technology has apparently been ignored by the Committee. Indeed, the result of Section I-4 of the draft ("Retroactivity") w i l l be to slow adoption of advanced safety technologies. Yet, safety technologies such as ESFR sprinklers, properly required, promise to make the d i s t r i b u t i o n systems f o r a l l products--regardless of "Levels" - - safer and more secure. In addition to not considering alternate solutions such as described above, many of the quantity r e s t r i c t i o n s are unsupportable. Among the r e s t r i c t i o n s which we find to be p a r t i c u l a r l y onerous are the Following: a. The d e f i n i t i o n s of the three Level c l a s s i f i c a t i o n s are a r b i t r a r y a n d are not based upon any s i g n i f i c a n t valid data or experience. These c l a s s i f i c a t i o n s should be reconsidered in l i g h t of the good history and experience enjoyed by aerosols in warehouse and r e t a i l f a c i l i t i e s . Much more data is needed before any classifications should he f i n a l i z e d . In addition, a l l r e c l a s s i f i c a t i o n s of aerosol products should allow f o r an alternate method. Suggest adding the following: I-7.5 An alternative method f o r determining the aerosol c l a s s i f i c a t i o n is to conduct a f u l l scale array 12-pallet test. The results from the 12-pallet test w i l l prevail over the d e f i n i t i o n c l a s s i f i c a t i o n of aerosol products. Section 3-16 is inappropriate. b. The r e s t r i c t i o n to end-of-production l i n e storage in Section 3-16 is f a r too r e s t r i c t i v e f o r the operation of a high speed production line. There should be no quantity r e s t r i c t i o n s since space w i l l be the deciding factor and there has never been a demonstrated problem in this area. I recommend that paragraph 3-16. be worded as f o l l ows: "3-16 End-of-Production-Line Storage. Storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products in production areas, such as, in staging areas (e.g., awaiting transfer to a warehouse), shall not be limited when protected in accordancewith Tables 4-I through 4-6, as applicable." 4-1.1. Carton marking is discriminatory to aerosols and not necessary since the information is available on the MSDS.

At the very least the data implementation'for carton markingmust be c l a r i f i e d . The suggestion is to change:the wording to read: "All cartons of aerosol products produced a f t e r January l~ 1992 shall be labeled with t h e , c l a s s i f i c a t i o n ' o f the aerosol products contained, in accordance with Section 1-7. Cartons shall be labeled on two sides as follows: ."LEVEL AEROSbL" 4-1.3 This should e i t h e r be d e l e t e d o r , at the very l e a s t , the w o r d " p a c k a g i n g " ' b e changed to "carton." I b e l i e v e t h i s was i n s e r t e d as a r e s u l t o f some t e s t i n g t h a t was done w i t h f i r e - r e t a r d a n t cartons. I t could be p o s s i b l e in the f u t u r e to develop a can and v a l v e system t h a t indeed w i l l change the l e v e l of the product, 4 - 1 . 3 as w r i t t e n would preempt any packaging s o l u t i o n . 4-1.6 This s e c t i o n a f f e c t s t h e use o f d i s p l a y cartons and needs t o be c l a r i f i e d . Add to S e c t i o n , 4 - 1 . 6 . Cartons t o be used f o r d i s p l a y purposes are exempt from this code. c. Fire. test results have clearly demonstrated that under any conditions solid p i l e storage, is preferable to in-rackstorage. Yet Section 4-4.2 limits storage to I/2 that of the rack storage allowed in the next section. This certainly is incorrect according to the test results. The maximum total quantities allowed also are very small and should be re,evaluated. The ayerage nee weight of a 6 oz. and a.12 oz. aerosol packed in a shipper o f 12 would give you a net content weight of 6-3/4 pounds/case. This means we could store in a sprinklered-general purpose warehouse only 1,778 cases of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol. This amounts to less than 8-I/2 pallors of aerosol This is e n t i r e l y too r e s t r i c t i v e and w i l l result in the banning on Level 2 and 3 aerosols in general purpose warehouses.. In Section 4-5.2.1 and 4-8.3.1 the following two paragaphs should be added: l. All openings in the walls shall be provided with s e l f closing or automatic closin~ doors and shall have a f i r e rating consistent wlth the rating of the wall in which i t is installed. 2. A minimum of two personnel exits shall be provided. In Table 4-I and Table 4-2 the note f o r the temperature rating should be 2 not 3. In Table 4-5 column 2 refers to figures 3 and 4 which have not been provided. Column 3 refers to attached notes which are missing. Note at bottom of Table refers to appendix, what appendix? Also' refer to Table 6 and Table 7 which should probably be 4-5 and 4-6. In Table 4-6 column 2 note refers to figures but no number is given in any figure. Commenton note at bottom of Table is the same as on Table 4-5. Section 4-5 requires separation of aerosols in general purpose warehouses by either i n t e r i o r walls or chain l i n k fencing. Fire test data clearly demonstrate that when properly protected by sprinklers in accordance with this code that this is a redundant requirement. The f i r e is extinguished very quickly and Few i f any aerosols w i l l be involved in the f i r e . Overall i t seems that not much attention was given to the Mercantile Chapter and that r e t a i l e r s were perhaps not adequately represented on the Committee, With limits of aerosols at both. display and backroom areas, this Chapter could hurt the business of a l l aerosols. d. These limitations are not supportable by any facts, and wi11, also, lead to the unwarranted v i r t u a l banning of many Level 2 and 3 aerosols in r e t a i l stores. These r e s t r i c t i o n s w i l l in my opinion lead to the loss of a v a i l a b i l i t y of many important products that consumers rely on and have benefited from f o r many years. 5-1.3 Should aply to Level 2 and 3 only. 5-1.4

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3 feet high is not applicable. Should be standard stack of 6 feet. Aerosols are sturdy containers. Drop testing indicated that the aerosol container maintains i t s i n t e g r i t y even when dropped from a height of 8 feet. 5-2.2 Wording is awkward. Suggest change "total allowable quantities specified in 5-1.3 . . ." to "total allowable quantities specified in 5-1.3.1 or 5-1.3.2 depehding on the appropriate sprinkler configurations contained w i t h i n . " Defi ni t i ons : ESFR sprinkers are mentioned throughout the code but are undefined. Net Weight - The net flammable contents of an aerosol can. In addition this code f a i l s to emphasize the importance of the proven capabilities of ESFR sprinklers. This new technology should be prominently described in separate tabls clearly showing the advantages of the ESFR sprinklers. The fact that no caging is necessary for ESFR protected warehouse has been clearly demonstrated. Flammable liquid warehouse should be defined even though NFPA Code 30 is referenced for definition." Mr. Tabar abstained for the following reason: "The number of areas requiring correction have necessitated this vote. While the overall intent of the document is positive, fine-tuning is necessary within the Committee. p a r t i c u l a r l y with respect to manufacturing issues." Part I of this Report has also been submitted to l e t t e r b a l l o t of the Correlating Committee on Flammable Liquids which consists of lO voting members; of whom 7 voted a f f i r m a t i v e l y , and 3 negatively (Messrs. Johnson, Schaller, and Schmitt). Mr. Johnson voted negatively for the following reaons : " C o n f l i c t s w i t h o t h e r NFPA codes and standards. 4-4.2(b) specifies requirements for storage of flammable and combustible liquids that are inconsistent with NFPA 30. I t is outside the scope of NFPA 30B to specify code requirements for those areas of a general purpose warehouse not used for storage of aerosol products that are inconsistent with the provisions of NFPA 231 and 231C. 4-5.2.6 specifies requiremehts for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids that are inconsistent with the requirements in NFPA 30. 4-7.2 conflicts with NFPA 30 in that i t requires compliance with material in the appendix of NFPA 30 which specifically states is hot a part of the requirements of NFPA 30. Also, the material referred to specifically states "FlammableAerosols Not Included". I t is outside the scope of NFPA 30B, 4-8.2 to specify code requirements for those portions of liquid warehouses that are not used for storage of aerosol products; also, to require compliance with appendix material in NFPA 30. In I-6, the d e f i n i t i o n of flammable and combustible liquids are not identical to those in NFPA 30." Mr. Schaller voted negatively for the following reasons: "2-I requires compliance with distance requirements with "applicable local building and f i r e codes." NFPARegulations Governing Coimmittee Projects (1981) Section 10-7 requires that references to other standards and publications be specifically i d e n t i f i e d . I t is inappropriate for this code to attempt to enforce compliance with other, undefined codes or standards. 3-12.1 requires an explosion suppression system in any flammable propellant charging room or pump room where personnel are permitted to enter during propellant charging operations. Section 4-3.1 of NFPA 69 requires explosion suppression systems to be disarmed prior to performing any maintenance operations on protected equipment. Presumably this is to protect persons from being exposed to

suppressant discharge~ 'However, persons worklng in rooms w i t h armed suppressant systems Will be , exposed to hazards o f discharge due to f a l s e t r i p s (not uncommon) or i n c i p i e n t f i r e s . . I t is my i n t e r p r e t a t i o n t h a t the requirement in NFPA 3OB , violates the intent of the safety provision in NFPA 69. Chapter 4 in several sectlons permits storage of aerosols in liquid storage rooms, liquld warehouses and in general purpose warehouses independent of the l i m i t s On l i q u i d storages imposed by NFPA 30.. As a consequence, total quantities of liquids pl.Us aerosols could exceed the l i m i t s envisioned inNFPA.30. Moreover, some of the products permltted=in NFPA.3OB might be treated as Class IA liquids in NFPA 30. Coordination with NFPA 30 Committee is needed. Mr. Schmitt voted negatively for the following reasO0: "I believe 4-8.2 i s ' I n conflict With 4-5.7 of NFPA 30. Subsections4-8.2 requires that the area of the liquid wa6ehouse that is not used for storage of aerosol products shall be protected throughqut by an automatic sprinkler system. Subsection 4-5.7'of NFPA 30 does not requre automatic sprinkler protection. In effect, 4-8.2 is kequiring a li~bld, wareh6use to be sprinklered when i t is not required by 4-5.7 of NFPA 30." NOTE: This Part of the Committee'.s Report did not receive the n~cessary 3/4ths affirmative vote of the Correlating Committee. Therefore, this Part is presented in this Report as belng rejected, but the Committees s o l i c i t comments on those portions of the proposed new document that resulted in the negaEive ballots. Part i I of this Report, was prepared by the Technical Commi.tteeon Automdtive and Marine Service Stations and proposes for adoption amendments to MFPA30A-1987, Automotive and Marine Service Station Code. NFPA30A-1987 is published in Volume 1 of the 1989 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form. Part I I of this Report has been submitted to l e t t e r b a l l o t of the Technical Committee on Automotive and Marine Service Stations which consists of 18 voting membersi of whom 17 voted a f f i r m a t i v e l y , and I negatively (Mr. Grace). Mr. Grace voted negatively for the following reason: "On further consideration, I feel that increasing the size of the minimum extlnguisher from 20BC to 40BC does not address the real world situation at self-service gas stations. NFPA 10 states that this hazard would be rated as high and that would require a minimum 40BC rating and a travel distance of 30 f t maximum. In the real world where we have novice users handling highly flammable liquids, more extinguisher capability is better. I propose that a mlnimum of 10 Ib capcity multipurpose extinguisher be located at a readily available location, which means on the fuel dispensing island. This w i l l reduce th~ response time due to travel distahce and give the operator a margin of safety with the larger extinguisher." Part I! of this Report has also been submitted to l e t t e r b a l l o t of the Correlatlng Committee on Flammable Liquids which consists of 10 voting members; of whoma11"IO voted a f f i r m a t i v e l y . Part I I I of this ReporE, w@s prepared by the Technical Committee on Flammableand Combustible Liquids and proposes for adoption amendments to NFPA 30-1987, Flammableand Combustible Liquids Code. NFPA30 is published in Volume 1 of the 1989 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form.

Part I I I of t h i s Report has been submitted to l e t t e r b a l l o t of the Technical Committee on flammable and Combustible Liquids which consists of 30 v o t i n g members; of whom 28 voted a f f i r m a t i v e l y , and 2 voted n e g a t i v e l y (Messrs. Rosicky and Scuoteguazza). Mr. Rosicky voted negatively for the following reason: "Log No. 42 (4-4.2.5.2 and 4-5.7.14) requires that a holding or handling f a c i l i t y be rquired to handle this situation for a minimum 1 hour duration, As an example, for a new cut-off room, attached building, or liquid warehouse that has a sprinkler system designed for 0.60 gpm/sq f t over 4000 sq f t , a flow of 2400 gpm is required. Add to this IO percent for hydraulic imbalance and a flow of 2640 gpm is obtained. For a one hour duration, a total gallonage of 158,400 is obtained. I f a f a c i l i t y does not have a disposal system, then a tank of at least 158,400 is required. Since the flow of materials would probably be by gravity, the tank would have to be underground. Since this tank would be handling flammable or combustible liquids, i t would require secondary containment per EPA. This would not seem to be a reasonable solution. In addition, the cost would be prohibitive. This requirement also seems to border on EPA requirements, rather than l i f e safety or property conservation." Mr. Scuoteguazzavoted negatively for the following reason: " I am casting a negative vote in response to the Committee Action on Proposal #69 dealing with plastic containers. There is not enough test data to warrant adopting the proposed test method for classifying plastic containers." Part I I I of this Report has also'been submitted to l e t t e r ballot of the Correlating Committee on Flammable Liquids which consists of lO voting members; of whom all IO voted affirmatively.

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PART I

1-5

30B- I - (Entire Document): Accept ~UBMITTER: Technical Committee on Aerosol Products RECOMMENDATION: Adopt new document NFPA 30B, Code f o r the Manufacture and Storage o f Aerosol Products, as preprinted below. SUBSTANTIAT~0N: The NFPA Standards Council was asked to i n i t i a t e a project to w r i t e a code f o r aerosol products manufacturing and storage. A f t e r due consideration, t h i s project was i n i t i a t e d under the aegis of the Committee on Flammable Liquids. Having demonstrated the need f o r a document on aerosol products manufacturing and storage, due to . several f i r e s and explosions at manufacturing f a c i l i t i e s and due to the involvement of flammable aerosols in several warehouse f i r e s including the K-Mart and Sherwin-Williams warehouse f i r e s , the NFPA Committee on Aerosol Products developed the following code, NFPA 30B. The Committee on Aerosol Products presents t h i s new Code as a minimum basis f o r proper f i r e and explosion protection f o r f a c i l i t i e s that manufacture or store aerosol products that contain e i t h e r a flammable propellant or a flammable base product or both. COMMITTEE ACTION: Accept.

Applicability.

1-5.1 Chapters 2, 3, and 6 shall apply to f a c i l i t i e s or p o r t i o n s of f a c i l i t i e s t h a t manufacture aerosol products, i n c l u d i n g g a s - f i l l l n g , p r o d u c t - f i l l l n g , and packaging operations. 1-5.2 Chapters 2, 4, and 6 shall apply to f a c i l l t l e s or p o r t i o n s of f a c i l i t i e s t h a t store aerosol products, such as storage areas, storage rooms, and warehouses. 1-5.3 Chapters 2, 5, and 6 shall apply to the storage and d i s p l a y of aerosol aroducts in m e r c a n t i l e occupancies. 1-6

Definitions.

Aerosol. * A product t h a t is dispensed from an aerosol container by a p r o p e l l a n t . Aerosol Container. * A metal can, up to a maximum size of 1000 m] (33.8 f l u i d ounces), or a ~lass or p l a s t i c b o t t l e , up to a maximum size of 4 f l u i d ounces (118 ml), t h a t is designed and intended to dispense an aerosol. Approved. Acceptable to the " a u t h o r i t y having Jurisdiction."

NFPA 30B Code f o r the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products

1990 Edition NOTICE: An a s t e r i s k (~) following the number or l e t t e r designating a paragraph indicates explanatory material on that paragraph in Appendix A.

Information on referenced p u b l i c a t i o n s can be found in Chapter 7 and Appendix A. Chapter 1 1-1

General

NOTE: The National Fire P r o t e c t i o n Association does not approve, inspect or c e r t i f y any i n s t a l l a t i o n s , procedures, equipment, or materials nor does i t approve or evaluate t e s t i n g laboratories. In determining the a c c e p t a b i l l t y of i n s t a l l a t i o n s or procedures, equipment or m a t e r i a l s , the a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n may base acceptance on compliance with NFPA or other a p p r o p r i a t e standards. In the absence of such standards, said a u t h o r i t y may require evidence of proper i n s t a l l a t i o n , procedure or use. The a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n may also r e f e r to the l i s t i n g s or l a b e l i n g p r a c t i c e s of an o r g a n i z a t i o n concerned with product e v a l u a t i o n s which is in a p o s i t i o n to determine compliance with a p p r o p r i a t e standards f o r the current production of l i s t e d items.

Scope. A u t h o r i t y Having J u r i s d i c t i o n • The " a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n " is the o r g a n i z a t i o n , o f f i c e or i n d i v i d u a l responsible f o r "approving" equipment, an i n s t a l l a t i o n or a procedure.

1-1.1 This Code shall apply to the manufacture, storage, and d i s p l a y of aerosol products as herein defined. 1-1.2 * This Code shall not apply to the manufacture, storage, and d i s p l a y of aerosol products that contain only a nonflammable base product and a nonflammable propellant. 1-2" Purpose. The purpose of t h i s Code is to provide minimum requirements f o r the prevention of f i r e s and exploslons in f a c i l i t i e s t h a t manufacture , store, or d i s p l a y aerosol products. 1-3 Equivalency. Nothing in t h i s Code is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of e q u i v a l e n t or s u p e r i o r q u a l i t y , s t r e n g t h , f i r e resistance, e f f e c t i v e n e s s , d u r a b i l i t y , and safety over those prescribed by t h i s Code, provided technical documentation is submitted to the a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n to demonstrate equivalency and the system, method, or device is approved f o r the intended purpose. 1-4" R e t r o a c t l v i t y . The p r o v i s i o n s of t h i s Code are considered necessary to provide a reasonable l e v e l of p r o t e c t i o n from loss of l i f e and p r o p e r t y from f i r e and explosion. They r e f l e c t s i t u a t i o n s and the s t a t e of the a r t at the time the Code was issued. Unless otherwise noted, i t is not intended that the p r o v i s i o n s of t h i s Code be applied to f a c i l i t i e s , equipment, s t r u c t u r e s , or i n s t a l l a t i o n s t h a t were e x i s t i n g or approved f o r c o n s t r u c t i o n or i n s t a i l a t i o n p r i o r to the e f f e c t i v e date of the Code, except in those cases where i t is determined by the a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n t h a t the e x i s t i n g s i t u a t i o n i n v o l v e s a d i s t i n c t hazard to l l f e or adjacent p r o p e r t y .

NOTE: The phrase " a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n " is used in NFPA documents in a broad manner since J u r i s d i c t i o n s and " a p p r o v a l " agencies vary as do their responsibilities. Where p u b l i c safety is primary, the " a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n " may be a f e d e r a l , s t a t e , l o c a l or other reglonal department or i n d i v i d u a l such as a f i r e c h i e f , f i r e marshal, c h i e f of a f i r e prevention bureau, labor department, health department, b u i l d i n g o f f i c i a l , e l e c t r i c a l i n s p e c t o r , or others having s t a t u t o r y authority, For insurance purposes, an insurance i n s p e c t i o n department, r a t i n g bureau, or other insurance company r e p r e s e n t a t i v e may be the " a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n . " In many circumstances the p r o p e r t y owner or his designated agent assumes the r o l e of the " a u t h o r i t y having J u r i s d i c t i o n ; at government i n s t a l l a t i o n s , the commanding o f f i c e r or departmental o f f i c i a l may be the " a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n . " •

ii

Back Stock Area. The area of a m e r c a n t i l e occupancy that is p h y s i c a l l y separated from the sales area and not normally accessible to the p u b l i c . Basement. A s t o r y of a b u i l d i n g or s t r u c t u r e having o n e - h a l f or more of i t s height below ground l e v e l and to which access f o r f i r e f i g h t i n g purposes is unduly restricted. Base Product. ~ The contents of an aerosol container excluding the p r o p e l l a n t . Carton. product.

138

•

A cardboard or f i b e r b o a r d box t h a t encloses a

NFPA 30B

Rack. Any combination of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal structural members that support stored materials or commodities. ( F o r additional information, see NFPA 231C, Standard for Rack Storage of Materials.)

Combustible Liquid. A liquid having a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°C). Combustible liquids are subdivided as follows: Class I I liguids include those having flash points at or above 100UF (37.8°C) and below 140°F (60°C).

Sales Display Area. The area of a mercantile occupancy that is open to the public for the purpose of viewing and purchasing goods, wares, and merchandise. Individuals are free to circulate among the items, which are typically displayed on shelves, racks, or on the f l o o r .

Class IIIA liquids include those having flash points at or above 140°F (60°C) and below Z00°F (93°C). Class IIIB liquids include those having flash points at or above 200°F (93°C).

Separate Inside Storage Area. A room or building used for the storage of aerosol products and separated from other occupancies. Such areas may include:

(See NFPA 321, Standard on Basic Classification of Flammable and Combustible Liquids, for further information on flash point test procedures.) Encapsulated. A method of packaging consisting of a plastic sheet completely enclosing the sides and top of a pallet load containing a combustible commodity or a combustible package or a group of combustible commodities or combustible packages. Totally noncombustible commodities on wood pallets enclosed only by a plastic sheet as described are not considered to f a l l under this definition. Banding, i . e . , stretch wrapping around the sides only of a pallet load, is not considered to be encapsulated. Tile term encapsulated does not apply to individual plastlc-enclosed items inside a large nonplastic enclosed container.

(a) Inside Room. A room t o t a l l y enclosed within a building and having no exterior walls. (b) Cut-0ff Room: A room within a building having at least one exterior wall. (c) Attached Building. A building having only one common wall with a building having other occupancies. (d) FencedEnclosure. requirements of 4-8.3.2. Shall.

Fire Area. An area of a building separated from the remainder of the building by construction having a f i r e resistance rating of at least one hour and having all communicating openings properly protected by an assembly having a f i r e protection rating of at least one hour. Flammable Liquid. A liquid having a flash point below 100°F (37.8°C), having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia (2068 mmHg) at 10O°F (37.8°C) and referred to as a Class I liquid.

A segregated area meeting the

Indicates a mandatory requirement.

Shelf Storage. Storage on structures that are less than 30 in. (0.75 m) deep, with shelves usually 24 in. (0.6 m) to 36 in. (0.9 m) apart v e r t i c a l l y and seldom exceeding 15 f t (4.5 m) in total height. Should. Indicates a recommendation or that which is advised, but not required. Solid Shelving. Shelving that is solid, slatted, or of other construction located in racks and which obstructs sprinkler discharge down into the racks

Class I liquids are subdivided a~; follows: Class IA liquids are those having flash points below 73°F ~22.8°C) and boiling points below 100OF (37.8uC). Class IB liquids are those having flash points below 73°F (22.8°C) and boiling points at or above 10OOF (37.8oc).

Unstable Liquid. A liquid that, in the pure state or as commercially produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, undergo condensation reaction, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, or temperature. Warehouse.

Class IC liquids are those having flash points at or above 73°F (22.8°C) and below 100°F (37.8°C).

General-Purpose Warehouse. A detached building or a separate portion of a building used only for warehouslng-type operations involving mixed commodities.

(See NFPA 321, Standard on Basic Classification of Flammable and Combustible Liquids, for further information on flash point test procedures.)

Aerosol Warehouse. A detached building or a separate portion of a building used for the storage, shipping, and receiving of aerosol products.

Flammable Propellant.

(See definition of Propellant.)

Immiscible. Not capable of forming a solution or dispersion with another component. Mercantile Occupancy. A building or structure, or any portion thereof, used for the display, sale, and purchase of goods, wares, and merchandise. Miscible.* Capable of forming a solution or dispersion with another component.

I-7" Classification of Aerosol ProduGts. Aerosol products shall be classified as Level I, Level 2, or Level 3 according to the following definitions. (See Table I-7. See also Appendix B for a discusslon of the Aerosol Flammability Test.) l-7.1 Level 1 aerosol products are those whose base products contain up to 25% by weight of water-miscible or water-immiscible materials with flashpoints of 500OF (260oc) or less. I-7.2

Propellant.* The liquefied or compressed gas that expels the contents from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. A propellant is considered flammable i f i t forms flammable mixtures with a i r or i f a flame is self-propagating in a mixture of the propellant and air.

(a) Whose base products contain mo're than 25% by weight of water-mlscible materials with flash points of 500OF (260oc) or less, or

Protection for Exposures. Fire protection for structures on property adjacent to an aerosol product manufacturing or storage f a c i l i t y . Fire protection for such structures shall be acceptable when located either within the jurisdiction of any public f i r e department or adjacent to plants having private f i r e brigades capable of providing cooling wate!" streams on the adjacent property.

,

Level 2 aerosol products are those:

139

(b) Whose base products contain more than:25%, but not more than 55%, by weight of water-lmmiscible materials with flash points of 500°F (260°C)ior less. 1-7.3

Level 3 aerosol products are those:

(a) Whose base products contain more than 55% by weight of water-lmmlsclble materials wl.th flash points of 500°F (260°C) or less, or

NFPA 30B

Table 1-7 Classification of Aerosol Products I f Percentage of Flammable Material in Base Product Is:

And Propellant I~;

Then Level Is:

~25%

nonflammable

I

~25%

< 50% & flammable

I

~25%

2 50% but < 80% & flammable

2

~25%

Z 80% & flammable

3

>25% and watermiscible

nonflammable

2

>25% and watermiscible

25% and watermiscible

250% .and flammable

3

>25% but ~55% and water-immiscible

nonflammable

2

>25% but ~55% and water-immiscible

25% but ~55% and water-immiscible

~50% and flammable

3

>55% and waterimmiscible any % NOTE 1:

:

we~aht tf.fJ_a_.m~ble base~g_ntoonents (wt. of contents - wt. of propellant)

X 100

The percentage of propellant is i t s proportion of the total contents of the container, by weight. The percentage is calculated as follows: =

weioht of orooellant weight of contents

(b) Whose flammable propellant equals or exceeds 80% of the net weight bf the container contents. I-7.4 In any case where a flammable propellant equals or exceeds 50% of the net weight of the container contents, the classification shall be raised to the next higher level. Chapter 2 Basic Requirements 2-I Site Requirements. Distances between buildings and property lines, that are or can be b u i l t upon shall comply with applicable local buildlng and f i r e codes. Building Construction.

2-2.1 Buildings or structures involved in manufacturing or storing of aerosol products shall not contain a basement or a space below the finish floor of the ground level. Exception:

3

The base produce is defined as the contents, excluding the p r o p e l l a n t . A base product component is considered flammable i f i t s flash point is below 500°F (260°C). The percentage of flammable material in the base product is calculated as follows:

% Propellant

2-2

3

280% and flammable

% Flammable Material NOTE 2:

any

X 100

protected with automatic closing f i r e doors or dampers. Fire doors shall be i n s t a l l e d in accordance with NFPA 80, Standard f o r Fire Doors and Windows. 2-2.3 Means of egress shall comply with appllcable provisions of NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®. The design and construction of conveyor lines and other physical obstacles, such as in the flammable propellant charging and pump rooms, shall not allow entrapment of personnel and shall provide f o r d i r e c t access to e x i t s . 2-3

Electrical [nstallations~

2-3.1 A l l e l e c t r l c a l equipment and wiring, including heating equipment, shall be i n s t a l l e d in accordance with NFPA 70, National E l e c t r l c a l Codee. E l e c t r i c a l equipment and wiring in areas where flammable l i q u i d s or flammable gases are handled shall meet the additional requirements of A r t i c l e s 500 and 501 of NFPA 70, National E l e c t r i c a l Code. 2-3.2 Aerosol product storage and display areas shall be considered unclassified f o r purposes of e l e c t r i c a l installation.

Mercantile occupancies.

2-2.2 Openings in f i r e walls or Fire barriers shall be kept to a minimum. All openings ( i . e . , personnel doorways, ductwork, conveyor line, etc.) shall be

140

NFPA 30B "2-4 Heating Equipment. Heating equipment shall be installed in accordance with the applicable requirements of NFPA 31, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n of Oil Burning Equipment, NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code, or NFPA 58, Standard "for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases.

(4) HFPA 72C, Standard f o r the I n s t a l l a t i o n , Malntenance, and Use of Remote Station Protective Signaling Systems. or (5) NFPA 72D, Standard f o r the I n s t a l l a t i o n , Maintenance, and Use of Proprietary Protective Signaling Systems.

2-5 FlammableLiquids and Gases. Areas in which flammable liquids and flammable gases are handled or stored shall meet the applicable requirements of NFPA 30, Flammableand Combustible Liquids Code, and NFPA 58, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases.

(6i NFPA72F, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n , Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Voice/Alarm Communications Systems.

2-6

or

2-7.2 Where provided, manual f i r e alarm stations shall be installed in the natural path of escape near each required e x i t .

Fire Protection.

2-6.1 Automatic Sprinkler Protection. Where prOvided, automatic sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n of Sprinkler Systems, and shall also meet applicable requirements of NFPA 231, Standard for General Storage, NFPA 231C, Standard for Rack Storage of Materials, and the provisions of this Code.

2-7.3 Operation of an alarm system shall control the following: (a) Releaseof hold-open devices for f i r e doors and other protective equipment of openings in the f i r e walls and f i r e barriers; (b)

2-6.2 Standpipeand Hose System. Where provided, standpipe and hose systems shall be ~eslgned and i n s t a l l e d in accordance with NFPA 14, Standard f o r the I n s t a l l a t i o n of Standpipe and Hose Systems, and with the provisions of this Code. Only combination or spray hose nozzles shall be used. Exception: Subject to the approval of the authority having j u r i s d i c t i o n , hose stations need not be installed in storage areas. 2-6.3 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. 2-6.4

Water Supplies.

2-6.4.1 In addition to the water supply requirements for automatic sprinkler systems, a minimum water supply of 500 gpm (IgO0 L/mln) shall be provided for combined inside and outside hose streams for buildings that are protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system or 1000 gpm (3800 L/mln) for buildings that are not sprinklered. The water supply shall be sufficient to provide the required hose stream demand for a minimum duration of two hours. The water supply system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 24, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances. Exception:

As modified by the provisions of this Code.

2-6.4.2 Where provided, f i r e pumps and tanks shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 30, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n of Centrifugal Fire Pumps, and NFPA 22, Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection. 2-7

Appropriate v e n t i l a t i o n systems. Chapter 3

Manufacturing F a c i l i t l e s

3-1 Scope. This Chapter shall apply to the manufacture of aerosol products. The hazards r e l a t i v e to each manufacturing operation w i l l depend on the f l a m m a b i l i t y of both the base product, which may be a flammable m a t e r i a l , and the p r o p e l l a n t , which is often a l i q u e f i e d petroleum gas. The hazards involved in handling flammable propellants are widely recognized. Additional information on the properties of l i q u e f i e d petroleum gases, including safe handling and storage, may be found in NFPA 58, Standard f o r the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases. The base products "range from water-based solutions to flammable l l q u l d s . Addltlonal information on the handling and storage of flammable and combustible l i q u i d s may be found in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustlble Liquids Code. (See also Appendix A-1-2.) 3-2 D e f i n i t i o n s . For the purposes of t h i s Chapter, the f o l l 0 w i n g terms shall have the d e f i n i t i o n s given below. Base Product F i l l e r (Concentrate F i l l e r ) . A machine used to f i l l the aerosol container with the base product p r i o r to a d d i t i o n of the p r o p e l l a n t . Button Tipper. (Actuator Placer). The machine that places the valve a c t u a t o r (spray t i p ) onto the aerosol container a f t e r the base product has been added. This operation sometimes releases small q u a n t i t i e s of the container contents to the atmosphere. Local V e n t i l a t i o n . A v e n t i l a t i o n system whose exhaust i n l e t is located close to the point of vapor release so as to remove the vapor from as close to i t s point of release as is p r a c t l c a l .

Fire Alarms.

2-7.1 Where provided, f i r e alarm systems shall be installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with applicable requirements of the following:

Propellant Charging Room (Gas House, Gasslng Room). room in which the p r o p e l l a n t is added to the aerosol containers.

(a) NFPA 70, National Electric Code, A r t i c l e 760. and (b) NFPA 72E, Standard on Automatic Fire Detectors. and (c) (~) NFPA71, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n , Maintenance, and Use of Signaling Systems for Central Station Service. or (2) NFPA72A, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n , Maintenance, and Use of Local Protective Signaling Systems for Guard's Tour, Fire Alarm, and Supervisory Service. or (3) NFPA72B, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n , Maintenance, and Use of Auxiliary Protective Signaling Systems for Fire Alarm Service. and NFPA 1221, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n , Maintenance, and Use of Public Fire Service Communication Systems.

A

Propellant F i l l e r (Gasser, P r o p e l l a n t Charger). A machine t h a t adds the p r o p e l l a n t to the aerosol container. T y p i c a l l y , i t is one of two types i one adds the p r o p e l l a n t through the crimped valve assembly, the other adds the p r o p e l l a n t around the uncrimped valve assembly. The p r o p e l l a n t may be a l i q u i d or a gas during t h i s f i l l i n g operation. Propellant Charging Pump (Charging Pump). A pump used to boost the l i q u i d p r o p e l l a n t to the pressure required by the p r o p e l l a n t f i l l e r , usually 300 to 1200 psi (2070 to 8380 k P a ) . Tank farm t r a n s f e r pumps n o m a l l y supply the suction side of the p r o p e l l a n t charging pump at pressures of 15 to 100 psi (100 to 690 kPa) above the p r o p e l l a n t ' s vapor pressure.

or

141

NFPA 30B Pump Room. A room outside the propellant charging room in which flammable propellant charging pumps and, in some cases, vacuum pumps are located. Reject Container. A container used to store scrap, p a r t i a l l y f i l l e d or f u l l y f i l l e d , aerosol containers prior to disposal. Test Bath (Hot Tank, Water Bath). A water tank, usually heated, in which pressurized aerosol containers are tested by submersion in water. The test may be required by the US Department of Transportation ( T i t l e 49, Code of Federal Regulations) to verify container strength and to detect leaks. Usually, the containers are heated to attain a pressure that is equal to the product's pressure at an equilibrium temperature. Vacuum Pump. A pump used to evacuate the head space (above the base product) of an aerosol container prior to addition of the propellant. Valve Crimper (Crimper). A machine that seals the valve cup or valve ferrule to the aerosol container. 3-3

Exception: In existing f a c i l i t i e s where sufficient deflagration venting cannot be installed, an explosion suppression system that meets the requirements of NFPA 69, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems, shall be installed. (See NFPA 68, Guide for Venting of Deflagrations, for information on the design and sizing of vents and vent closures.) 3-4.5.1 Deflagration vents shall relieve to a safe location. 3-5

Ventilation.

3-5.l Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided for flammable concentrate f i l l i n g areas and for flammable propellant charging and pump rooms in accordance with 3-5.2 or 3-5.3, as applicable. Ventilation systems shall include exhaust systems and make-up a i r systems. ( F o r further information, see NFPA 91, Standard for the Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock, and Vapor Removal or Conveying.)

Basic Requirements. 3-5.2 Mechanical exhaust ventilation provided for flammable propellant charging and pump rooms shall meet the following requirements:

3-3.1 Manufacturing buildings shall be located at least 25 f t (8 m) from the nearest property line that is or can be b u i l t upon.

(a)

The ventilation shall be non-recirculating.

3-3.2 Flammablepropellant storage tanks shall be located in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 58, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases.

(b) Make-up a i r shall be taken directly from the outside.

3-3.3 Flammableand combustible liquids shall be stored in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

(c) Air inlets and outlets shall be located so that a i r flows uniformly across the floor of the room. The bottom of the a i r inlets and oulets shall be no more than 6 in. (0.15 m) above the floor.

3-3.4 Flammablepropellant charging and pump rooms shall be separated from other buildings or structures by a distance of at least 5 f t (1.5 m) or by noncommunicating walls. Flammablepropellant charging and pump rooms shall be separated from flammable propellant storage tanks and from flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks by a distance of at least 25 f t (8 m). 3-4

Building Construction.

3-4.1 Buildings or structures involved in the manufacturing of aerosol products shall have no basement or any space below the finish floor of the ground level. 3-4.2 Flammablepropellant charging operations shall be limited to the ground floor. 3-4.3 Flammablepropellant charging and pump rooms shall be classified as High Hazard Areas, as defined by NFPA I01, Life Safety Code. 3-4.4 The walls and roof of flammable propellant charging and pump rooms shall be of damage-limitlng construction, except for required deflagration vents. (See also 3-4.5.)

3-4.5 DeFlagration venting shall be provided for the following areas: Flammablepropellant charging rooms;

ib)

Flammablepropellant pump rooms;

CFM = (IO0-LEL) (V) (R) (DL)(LEL) where CFM = required ventilation flow rate, cu f t per min; LEL = lower explosive l i m i t of propellant, percent by volume; V = volume of vapor produced by one gallon of liquid propellant, cu f t ; R = estimate of the propellant lost during the normal f i l l i n g operation, plus an additional 20% for occasional leaks, gal per min; DL= LEL design level. This is the maximum allowable vapor concentration, expressed as a percentage of the lower explosive l i m i t , normally not more than 10%. Exception: When provided at all propellant f i l l e r s and subject to the approval pf'the authority having j u r i s d i c t i o n , local exhaust ventilation shall be permitted to replace up to 75% of the volumetric flow rate of the ventilation required by 3-5.2:

3-4.4.1 The walls, roof, and all structural members shall be designed to withstand a static pressure of at least five times the release pressure of the deflagration vent closure, but in no case less than 100 psf (4.8 kPa).

(a)

(d)* Ventilation shall be determined according to the following formula, although in no case shall i t be less than one a i r change per minute:

(e) Emergencyventilation shall be automatically activated at not more than 20 percent of the lower explosive l i m i t . I t shall be designed to provide at least three a i r changes per minute. (f) Exhaust discharge stacks shall be separated horizontally by at least lO f t (3 m) from make-up a i r intakes and shall terminate at least lO f t (3 m) above the roof and at least 3 f t (l m) above any other building within 25 f t (7.6 m). (See NFPA 9l, Standard for the Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock, and Vapor Removal or Conveying, for further information.)

(c) Areas in which Class IA liquids or unstable liquids are handled.

142

NFPA 30B

(g) Exhaust ventilation a i r flow shall be suitably monitored to enable automatic shutdown of the propellant f i l l i n g line in event of failure of the ventilation system.

3-9

Automatic Sprinkler Protection.

(h) All fan blades utilized by the exhaust and make-up a i r systems shall be of spark-proof material.

3-9.1" Flammablepropellant charging and pump rooms shall be protected by either a wet-plpe or a deluge-type automatic sprinkler system. The system shall be designed to meet the requirements o~ an extra-hazard, Group I I occupancy

(i) The room shall be maintained at a negative pressure in relation to the ambient air.

3-9.1.1 Deluge systems shall be activated by an approved heat detection system.

3-5.3 Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided for flammable base product f i l l i n ! ) areas. For all areas that contain any production equipment between and including the base product f i l l e r and the test bath, general area mechanical ventilation shall be provided at a minimum flow rate of one cfm per square foot of floor area. Ventilation'shall be arranged to uniformly sweep the entire floor area.

3-9.1.2 Wet-pipe sprinkler systems shall use ordinary temperature-rated sprinklers.

Exception: When provided at all of the following areas and subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, local exhaust ventilation shall be permitted to replace up to 75% of the volumetric flow rate of the general area ventilation required by 3-5.3: -base product f i l l e r ; -button tipper; -valve crimper. 3-5.4 Aerosol container test baths shall be enclosed and provided with exhaust ventilation. The ventilation flow rate shall be determined by the production rate of the test bath and shall be sufficient to maintain the atmosphere around the bath below the lower explosive l i m i t under normal operating conditions.

3-9.2 Production areas shall be protected by a wet-pipe sprinkler system. The system shall be designed for the highest level of aerosol product manufactured. 3-10 Fixed Extinguishing Systems. 3-I0.I Production equipment such as mixers, solvent tanks, or fixed open containers shall be permitted to be protected by fixed foam, carbon dioxide, halogenated agent, or dry chemical extinguishing systems. Such systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the following, as applicable: NFPA 11, Standard for Low Expansion Foam and'Combined Agent Systems; NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems; NFPA 12A, Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Exti'nguishing Systems;

3-5.5 Local exhaust ventilation shall be provided for reject containers that are located outside the propellant charging room.

NFPA 12B, Standard on Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems;

3-6

NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems.

Electrical Equipment.

3-6.1 Electrical equipment and wiring in.flammable propellant charging and pump rooms shall be suitable for Class I, Division 1 locations. 3-6.1.1 I f the vacuum pumps for prppellant charging are remotely installed ( i . e . , not in the charging room), the area within 5 f t (I.5 m) of the extremities of the pumps shall be classified as a Class I, Division 2 location.

3-10.2 Where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, an automatic sprinkler system shall be permitted to be equipped for the injection of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Such systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 11, Standard for Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent Systems, NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, and NFPA 16, Standard on Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems.

3-6.2 Electrical equipment and wiring in areas where flammable liquids are handled shall be suitable for the classification of the area, as defined in Table 5-3.5.3 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. (See also NFPA 497A, Recommended F'ra~tlce for Classification of Class I Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas, and NFPA 497M, Manual for Classification of Gases, Vapors, and Dusts for Electrical Equipment in Hazardous .(Classified) Locations.)

3-11.1 Drainage systems shall be provided to direct leaks and s p i l l s to a safe location. Curbs, scuppers, or special drainage systems shall be.permitted to be used to control the spread of f i r e . (See Appendix A of NFPA 15, Standard-for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection, for further information. Also, see subsection 5-3.4 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.)

3-6.3 The area enclosed by the test bath shall be classified as a Class I, Division 1 location. The area within 5 f t (1.5 m) in all directions of the hot tank shall be classified as a Class I~ Division 2 location.

3-11.2 I f drainage systems are connected to public sewers or discharge into public waterways, the drainage systems shall be equipped with traps, separators, or other devices that will divert flow to a safe Idcatioo.

3-7 Control of Static E l e c t r i c i t y . All equipment involved in the manufacture of aerosol products shall be suitably bonded and grounded. (See NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static E l e c t r i c i t y , for further information.)

3-12 Explosion Suppression Systems.

3-11 Spill Control.

3-12.1 An explosion suppression system meeting the requirements of NFPA 69, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems, shall be installed in any flammable propellant charging room or pump room where personnel are permitted to enter during propellant charging operations.

3-8* Combustible Gas Detection Systems. Flammable propellant charging and pump rooms shall be provided with an approved gas detection system that is equipped with audible or visible alarms. The gas detection system shall be interlocked in accordance with Section 3-13. Annunciation of the gas detection system alarm shall be within the charging and pump rooms and in nearby production areas.

3-12.2 Where installed, an engineered explosion suppression system shall meet the requirements of NFPA 69, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems, and shall only use detectors that respond to radiant energy. 3-13 Equipment Interlocks. Equipment shall be suitably interlocked so that the conditions listed in Table 3-13 result in the associated automatic actions given.

143

NFPA 30B Table 3-13 Equipment Interlocks Condition Detection of 20% of the lower explosive l i m i t .

Aut0matiq Action Alarm activates, General ventilation flow rate increases to a minimum of 3 a i r changes per minute.

(a)

Steel;

(b)

Stainless steel;

(c) Ductile (nodular) iron (ASTMA395-77 or A536-77, grade 60-40-18 or 65-45-12); (d)

Malleable iron (ASTM A47-77);

(e)

Higher strength grey iron (ASTM A48-76, Class

(f)

Brass;

(g)

Other materials equivalent to any of the above.

40B); Detection of 40% of the lower explosive l i m i t

Actuation of p r o t e c t i v e systems within the propellant charging room or product f i l l area. 3-t4

Audible alarm activates. Main propellant line shuts down. All equipment in propellant charging room shuts down. Automatic shut-down of entire propellant charging line.

Process Operating Requirements.

3-14.4.4 Pressure-containlng parts, plungers, or pistons shall not be constructed of ceramic materials. 3-14.4.5 Bypass r e g u l a t o r bonnet vents, safety r e l i e f valves, and h y d r o s t a t i c r e l i e f valves on equipment locate d w i t h i n buildings shall be vented to a safe l o c a t i o n outside. Discharge vents shall terminate at l e a s t 10 f t (3 m) above the roof and at l e a s t 3 f t (1 m) above the highest point of any b u i l d i n g w i t h i n 25 f t (7,6 m).

3-14.1 Packaging and~Conveyor System. Guide r a i l s , starwheels, can screws (worms), and other parts of the conveying system shall be designed to minimize crushing and tipping of containers. Manual or automatic devices shall be installed to stop packaging machinery and conveyors in the event of a jam.

3-14.5

3-14.2 Crimper Vacuum Pump Discharge Vent. The discharge vent for the crimper vacuum pump shall terminate at a safe location outside, not less than 12 f t (3.7 m) above adjacent ground level. The vent outlet shall he located or arranged so that flammable gas or vapor will not be trapped by eaves or other obstructions and shall be at least 5 f t (1.5 m) from any.building openings.

3-14.5.2 Provisions shall be made to prevent overheating and subsequent rupture of containers, should containers become lodged or stranded in the bath.

3-14.3 Propellant Charging Equipment. f

3-14.3.1 The propellant pump and all equipment subject to pressure from the pump shall be suitable for the working pressure of the pump. Pumpdischarge pressures shall not be limited. 3-1413.2 Vacuumpump and propellant pump discharge iping on any equipment that handles flammable gases or iquids shall meet the following requirements:

~

(a) The discharge vent shall terminate at a safe location outside.

3-14.5.1 When t e s t baths are heated, they shall be heated with steam or hot water. 0pen-flame heaters shall not be used with Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products.

3-15 End-of-Production-Line Storage. Storage of more than 2500 Ibs (1135 kg) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products in production areas, such as in staging areas (e.g., awaiting transfer to a warehouse), shall be protected in accordance with Tables 4-I through 4-6, as applicable. 3-16 Aerosol Product Laboratories. 3-16.1 Aerosol laboratories shall be considered as Class A laboratory units and, as such, shall comply with NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals. 3-16.2 Tests for total discharge, rate of spray, spray pattern, and net weight shall be conducted with proper ventilation,

(b) The vent shall terminate at least 10 f t (3 m) above the roof and at least 3 f t (I m) above the hlghest point of any building within 25 f t (7.6 m). (c)

Test Baths.

3-16.3 When the entire contents of an aerosol container must be used to perform a Lest or the contents of the container must be removed for internal examination of the container, the following precautions shall be taken:

Vent manifolds shall not be allowed.

3-14.4 Flammable Liquid Propellant Pump. 3-14.4.1 I f located inside a building, the propellant pump shall be located either in the propellant charging room or in a separate pump room having suitable ventilation, as described in Section 3-5. 3-14.4.2 I f located outside, the propellant pump shall be permitted to be located adjacent to one wall of the production f a c i l i t y or propellant charging room, but in all cases shall meet the following requirements: (a) The pump shall be located at least 25 f t (7.6 m) from any opening in the adjacent wall. (b) The pump shall be located at least 25 f t (7.6 m) iq all directions from other walls and buildlngs. (c) The pump shall be located at least 25 f t (7.6 m) from any area subject to vehicular travel or from other sources of ignition. 3-14.4.3 Pressure-containlng metal parts shall be constructed of the following materials:

(a) hood. (b)

The container shall be placed in a laboratory The container shall be grounded.

(c) The container shall be pierced with a nail or punch, making as small a puhcture as possible. (d) Only one container at a time shall be punctured or sprayed. (e) Whenmore than five containers are to be evacuated at any one time, the operation shall be conducted in the propellant charging room or outdoors. In either case, the containers shall be grounded. 3-16.4 When mechanical propellant f i l l i n g equipment is located in an aerosol laboratory, the laboratory shall be considered to be a p i l o t plant and shall meet the construction and ventilation requirements of Chapter 3 of this Code. 3-16.4.1 C o l d - f i l l i n g of flammable propellant shall be prohibited.

144

NFPA 30B shall also be protected in accordance with Table 4-5. Solid shelving shall not be i n s t a l l e d in racks that are protected by a c e i l i n g s p r i n k l e r system that u t i l i z e s ESFR sprinklers.

Chapter 4 Storage in Warehouses and Storage Areas 4-1

Basic Requirements

4-3 Limited Quantity Storage in Occupancies Other than Warehouses

4-1.1 E f f e c t i v e 3anuary 1, 1992, a l l cartons of aerosol products shall be labeled with the c l a s s i f i c a t i o n of the aerosol products contained, in accordance with Section 1-7. Cartons shall be labeled on two sides as follows: "LEVEL

4-3.1 Storage of aeroso] products in a single f i r e area in occupancies other than warehouses, such as assembly, business, educational, i n d u s t r i a l , and i n s t i t u t i o n a l occupancies, shall be permitted up to the following q u a n t i t i e s :

AEROSOL"

4-1.2 Cartons of aerosol products that are not marked with the c l a s s i f i c a t i o n level shall be considered to be Level 3 aerosol products. 4-1.3 Fire retardant packaging shall not be considered an acceptable a l t e r n a t i v e to the protection requirements of t h i s Chapter. 4-1.4 Storage of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products shall not be permitted in basement areas. 4-1.5 Level 1 aerosol products shall be considered equivalent to a Class I11 conlnodity, as defined by NFPA 231, Standard f o r General Storage, and 231C, Standard for Rack Storage of H a t e r i a l s .

(a) A maximum of 1000 lbs (454 kg) net weight of Leve] 2 aerosol products, or (b) A maximum of 500 lbs (227 kg) of Level 3 aerosol products. In no case shall the combined net weight of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products exceed 1,000 lbs (454 kg). 4-3.1.1 These q u a n t i t i e s may be doubled i f the q u a n t i t i e s in excess of those stated in 4-3.1 are stored in storage cabinets that meet the requirements of Section 4-3 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. 4-3.2 In cases where i t is necessary to store aerosol products in q u a n t i t i e s greater than those allowed by 4-3.1, such q u a n t i t i e s shall be stored in a separate inside storage area meeting the requirements of Section 4-7.

4-1.6 Encapsulated storage of cartons of aerosol products sha]] not be permitted. Stretch-wrap of aerosol products in l l e u of cartons shall not be permitted. 4-1.7 Levels 2 and 3 aerosol products in containers designed to vent at the rim shal] not be stored.

4-4 Limited Quantity Storage in General Purpose Warehouses.

4-1.8 Noncombustible d r a f t curtains shall be i n s t a l l e d as follows: (a) At the i n t e r f a c e between the ESFR s p r i n k l e r design area and the standard spray s p r i n k l e r design area; and (b) At the i n t e r f a c e between the design areas u t l ] i z l n g ordinary sprinklers and high-temperature sprlnklers.

4-4.1 Subject to the approval of the a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n , s o l i d p i l e , p a l l e t l z e d , or rack storage of aerosol products shall be permitted in a general purpose warehouse that is e i t h e r unsprlnklered or not protected in accordance with t h i s Code, up to the following q u a n t i t i e s : (a) A maximum of 2500 lbs (1135 kg) net weight of Level 2 aerosol products, or

The d r a f t curtains shall extend f o r a depth of 6 f t (1.8 m) or 20 percent of the b u i l d i n g height, whichever is greater.

In no case shall the combined net weight of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products exceed 2500 lbs (1135 kg).

4-1.9 Mixed commodity storage is permitted within or adjacent to aerosol products storage areas, except as l i m i t e d by the s p e c i f i c requirements of t h i s Chapter.

4-4.2 Subject to the approval of the a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n , solld p i l e or p a l l e t i z e d storage of aerosol products shall be permitted in a general purpose warehouse that is protected throughout by an automatic s p r i n k l e r system up to a maximum t o t a l quantity of 12,000 lbs (5450 kg) combined net weight of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products, subject to the following:

4-1.10 Storage of i d l e or empty p a l l e t s shall meet a l l applicable requirements of NFPA 231, Standard for General Storage. 4-2

(b) A maximum of 1000 ]bs (454 kg) net weight of Level 3 aerosol products.

Fire Protection - Basic Requirements.

4-2.1 Where required by t h i s Chapter, wet-plpe automatic s p r i n k l e r protection shall be provided in accordance with Tables 4-1 through 4-6. Protection shall be based on the highest level of aerosol product present.

(a) The s p r i n k l e r system over the aerosol storage area and f o r a distance of 20 f t (6 m) beyond shall be designed in accordance with Tables 4-1 and 4-2.

4-2.2 Control valves f o r in-rack sprinklers shall be provided in accordance with NFPA Z31C, Standard for Rack Storage of Materlals.

(b) Storage of flammable and combustible ] i q u i d s in containers other than metal or in containers of one gallon capacity or greater shall be separated from the aerosol product storage area by at least 25 f t (8 m).

4-2.3 1 1/2" hose connections, where provided, shall be i n s t a l l e d in accordance with NPFA 231, Standard' for General Storage, or NFPA 231C, Standard for Rack Storage of H a t e r l a l s , whichever is applicable.

Such storage shall also meet the requirements of 4-5.6 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

4-2.4 Storage height and clearance requirements between storage and sprinklers shall comply with Tables 4-1 through 4-6. 4-2.5 Solid shelving that is i n s t a l l e d in racks that contain Level 3 aerosol products shall be protected in accordance with Table 4-6. Solid shelvlng that is i n s t a l l e d in racks that contain Level Z aerosol products and that are protected by standard sprinklers

145

4-4.3 Subject to the approval of the a u t h o r i t y having j u r i s d i c t i o n , rack storage of aerosol products shall be permitted in a general purpose warehouse that is protected throughout by an automatic s p r i n k l e r system up to a maximum t o t a l quantity of 24,000 lbs (10,900 kg) combined net weight of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products, subject to the following:

NFPA 30B (a) The s p r l n k l e r system in the aerosol products storage area shall be designed in accordance with Tables 4-3 through 4-6. The c e i l i n g s p r i n k l e r system design shall extend f o r 20 f t (6 m) beyond the aerosol products storage area. (b) Storage of flammable and combustible l i q u i d s in containers other than metal or in containers of one gallon capacity or greater shall be separated from the aerosol product storage area by at least 25 f t (8 m). Such storage shall also meet the requirements of 4-5.6 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

4-5 Segregated Aerosol Product Storage Areas in General Purpose Warehouses.

Exception: Where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, a 20 f t (6 m) separation may be provided in lieu of fencing. This separation shall be maintained clear of all materials that have a commodity classification of I I I or greater, according to NFPA 231, Standard for General Storage; the area designated for aerosol storage shall be marked on the floor; and the requirements of (a) and (d) above shall be met. 4-5.2.2 Sprinkler protection shall be provided for segregated aerosol product storage areas in accordance with Tables 4-I through 4-6. Protection shall be provided for the highest level of aerosol products present. 4-5.2.3 Solid pile and palletized storage shall be arranged so that no storage is more than 25 f t (8 m) from an aisle. Aisles shall be at least 4 f t (1.2 m) wide.

4-5.1 The area of a general purpose warehouse not u t i l i z e d f o r storage of aerosol products shall be protected throughout by an automatic s p r i n k l e r system designed in accordance with NFPA 231, Standard f o r General Storage, or NFPA 231C, Standard f o r Rack Storage,of M a t e r l a l s .

4-5.2.4 Rack storage shall be arranged so that a minimum aisle width of 8 f t (2.4 m) is maintained between rows of racks and between racks and adjacent solid pile or palletized storage of aerosol products.

4-5.2 Solld p i l e , p a l l e t l z e d , or rack storage of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products in excess of the maximum q u a n t i t i e s given in subsections 4-4.2 and 4-4.3 shall be permitted in general purpose warehouses, subject to the requirements in 4-5.2.1 through 4-5.2,6. 4-5.2.1 Storage of aerosol products shall be in a segregated area that is separated from the rest of the warehouse by either i n t e r i o r walls or chain link fencing in.accordance wlth the requirements of 4-5.2.1.1 or 4-5.2.1.2.

Exception: Where protection is provided with ESFR sprinklers, the minimum aisle width may be reduced to 4 f t (1.2 m). 4-5.2.5 An approved f i r e alarm system, meeting the requirements of Section 2-7, shall be provided in any general purpose warehouse in which aerosol products are stored. (a) Activation of the f i r e alarm system shall be by operation of the automatic sprinkler system or by manual pull station.

4-5.2.1.1 Interior walls shall have a f i r e resistance rating of one or two hours and shall be continuous from floor to the underside of the roof deck. (a) For i n t e r i o r walls having a f i r e resistance rating of two hours, the aggregate floor area u t i l i z e d for aerosol product storage shall not exceed 20% of the total floor area of the warehouse, up to a maximum of 40,000 sq f t (3700 sq m).

(b) Activation of the f i r e alarm system shall cause all f i r e doors or gates leading to the segregated aerosol product storage area to close automatically. 4-5.2.6 Storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall meet the requirements of 4-5.6.3 of NFPA 3 0 , Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, and (a) and (b) below:

(b) For i n t e r i o r walls having a f i r e resistance rating of one hour, the aggreg@te floor area u t i l i z e d for aerosol product storage shall not exceed 10% of the total floor area of the warehouse, up to a maximum of 20,000 sq f t (1850 sq m).

(a) Flammableand combustible liquids in metal containers or in containers of less than I gallon (4 L) capacity shall be permitted to be stored in the segregated area.

4-5.2.1.2 Chain link fencing shall extend from the floor to the underside of the roof deck and shall meet the following requirements:

(b) Flammableand combustible liquids in containers other than metal or in containers of one gallon (4 L) capacity or greater shall be separated from the segregated area by a minimum distance of 25 f t (8 m) or by the segregating wall.

(a) The aggregate area u t i l i z e d for aerosol product storage shall not exceed 10% of the total area of the warehouse, up to a maximum of 20,000 sq f t (1850 sq m).

4-6

(b) Fencing shall not be lighter than g gage steel wire woven into a 2 in. (5 cm) diamond mesh.

4-6.1 Storage of aerosol products in excess of the amounts permitted in Sections 4-4 and 4-5 shall be located within an aerosol warehouse.

(c) Storageof commodities whose hazard exceeds that of a Class I I I commodity, as defined by NFPA 231, Standard for General Storage, shall be kept outside of the segregated area and at least 8 f t (2.4 m) from the fence.

4-6.2 Aerosol warehouses shall be protected by automatic sprinkler systems.in accordance with Tables 4-I through 4-6. Protection shall be provided for the highest level of aerosol product present.

Exception:

Aerosol Warehouses.

Exception: Subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, an aerosol warehouse shall be permitted to be unprotected when located a minimum of 100 f t (30 m) from exposed buildings or adjoining property that can be b u i l t upon i f there is protection for exposures. Where protection for exposures is not provided, a minimum 200 f t (60 m) distance is required. Other commodities and hazardous materials, including flammable and combustible liquids, may be stored in unlimited quantities within such a building.

As allowed by 4-5.2.6.

(d) The area of the design for required sprinkler protection shall extend 20 f t (6 m) beyond the segregated area. (e) All openings in the fencing shall be provided with self-closing or automatic-closing gates or shall be protected with a labyrinth arrangement so that aerosol cans are prevented from rocketing through the openings.

4-6.3 Aerosol warehouses shall be separate, detached buildings or shall be separated from other occupancies by freestanding 4-hour f i r e walls, with communicating openings protected on each side by automatic closing, listed 3-hour f i r e doors.

(f) A minimum of two personnel exits shall be provided.

146

NFPA 30B

4-6.4 I f the aerosol warehouse building is located more than lO f t (3 m), but less than 50 f t (15 m), from an important building or line of adjoining property that can be b u i l t upon, the exposing wall shall have a f i r e resistance rating of at least 2 hours with each opening protected with a listed I I/2-hour f i r e door. 4-6.5 I f the aerosol warehouse building is located I0 f t (3 m) or less from an important building or line of adjoining property that can be b u i l t upon, the exposing wall shall have a f i r e resistance rating of 4 hours with each opening protected with a listed 3-hour f i r e door. 4-6.6 The total quantity of aerosols within an aerosol warehouse shall not be restricted.

4-8.3.1 Interior walls shall have a f i r e resistance rating of one or two hours and shall be continuous from floor to the underside of the roof deck. (a) For i n t e r i o r walls having a f i r e resistance rating of two hours, the aggregate floor area utilized for the storage of aerosol products shall not exceed 20% of the .total floor area of the warehouse, up to a maximum of 40,000 s q f t (3700 sq m). (b) For i n t e r i o r walls having a f i r e resistance of one hour, the aggregate floor area u t i l i z e d for the storage of aerosol products shall not exceed 10% of the total floor area of the warehouse, up to a maximum of 20,000 sq. f t (1850 sq m). (c) Spill control or drainage shall be provided to prevent the flow of liquid to within 8 f t of the segregated area.

4-6.7 Combustible commodities, excluding flammable or combustible liquids in containers of one gallon capacity or greater, shall be permitted in an aerosol warehouse provided the warehouse is protected in accordance with Tables 4-I through 4-6.

4-8.3.2 Chain llnk fencing ~hall extend from the floor to the underside of the roof deck and shall meet the following requirements:

4-6.8 Solid pile and palletized storage shall be arranged so that no storage is more than 25 f t (7.6 m) from an aisle. Aisles shall be at least 4 f t (I.2 m) wide.

(a) The aggregate floor area u t i l i z e d for the storage of aerosol products shall not exceed 10% of the total floor area of the warehouse, up to a maximum of 20,000 s q f t (1850 sq m).

4-6.9 Rack storage shall be arranged so that a minimum aisle width of 8 f t (2.4 m) is maintained between rows of racks and between racks and adjacent solid pile or palletized storage of aerosol products.

(b)* Fencing shall be not lighter than 9 gage steel wire woven into a 2 in. (5 cm) diamond mesh. (c) All storage outside the segregated storage area shall be kept at least 8 f t (2.4 m) from the fence.

Exception: Where protection is provided by ESFR sprinklers, the minimum aisle width shall be permitted to be reduced to 4 f t (1.2 m).

(d) Spill control or drainage shall be provided to prevent the flow of liquid to within 8 f t (2.4 m) of the segregated storage area.

4-7 Storage of Aerosol Products in Separate Inside Flammable Liquid Storage Rooms. 4-7.1 Storage of aerosol products shall be permitted in separate inside flammable liquid storage rooms that meet the requirements of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, up to a maximum quantity of 2500 Ibs (1135 kg) of Level 2 aerosol products "or 1,000 Ibs (454 kg) of Level 3 aerosol products or 2,500 Ibs (1135 kg) of combined Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products. 4-7.2 Storage of Level 2 and Lev(~l 3 aerosol products shall be permitted in separate inside flammable liquid storage rooms that meet the requirements of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, up to a maximum quantity of 5000 Ibs (2270 kg), i f the separate inside storage room is protected by a sprinkler system designed in accordance with Tables 4-1 through 4-6, whichever is applicable, or with the requirements of Appendix D of NFPA 30, whichever is more restrictive. 4-8 Storage of Aerosol Products in Liquid Warehouses (as defined in NFPA 30). 4-8.1 Storage of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products in a liquid warehouse, as defined in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, shall be within a segregated area. 4-8.2 The area of the liquid warehouse that is not used for the storage of aerosol products shall be protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system designed in accordance with the recommendations in Appendix D of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.

(e) The area that extends for 20 f t (6 m) beyond the segregated storage area shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system designed in accordance with the requirements for storage of aerosol products, as specified by this Code, or in accordance with the requirements for liquid storage, as specified in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, whichever is the more restrictive. (f) All openings in the fencing shall be provided with self-closing or automatic-closing gates or shall be protected with a labyrinth arrangement so that aerosol cans are prevented from rocketing through the openings. (g) A minimum of two personnel exits shall be provided. 4-8.4 Sprinkler protection shall be provided for segregated aerosol product storage areas in accordance with Tables 4-I through 4-6. Protection shall be provided for the highest level of aerosol products present. 4-8.5 Solid pile and palletized storage shall be arranged so. that no storage is more than 25 f t (7.6 m) from an aisle. Aisles shall be at least 4 f t (1~2 m) wide. 4-8.6 Rack storage shall be arranged so that a minimum aisle width of 8 f t (2.4 m) is maintained between rows of racks and between racks and adjacent solid pile or palletized storage of aerosol products. Exception: Where protection is provided with ESFR sprinklers, the minimum aisle width may be reduced to 4 f t (I.2 m).

4-8.3 Storage of aerosol products shall be in a -segregated area that is separated from the rest of the warehouse by either i n t e r i o r walls or chain l i n k fencing in accordance with the requirements of 4-8.3.1 or 4-8.3.2. Exception: Whenaerosol products are stored in an unprotected liquid warehouse, as defined in 4-5.7 of NFPA 30, the aerosol products are not required to be in a segregated area. Storage configuration shall meet the requirements of 4-6.8 and 4-6.9 of this Code.

4-8,7 Fire doors or gates that lead into the segregated storage area shall be either self-closing or provided with automatic-closing devices that are activated by water flow or by an approved f i r e detection system. 4-9.

Outdoor Storage.

4-9.1 Storageof aerosol products outdoors shall be located as far as is practicable from important buildings and structures, but not less than the minimum

147

NFPA 30B

separation distance recommendedby NFPA 80A, Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures, for the Severe f i r e severity class. 4-9.2 A minimum 50 f t (15 m) separation shall be maintained between aerosol products and other combustible yard storage. 4-9.3 Temporary storage t r a i l e r s shall be located a minimum of 50 f t (15 m) from buildings and other unprotected outdoor storage. A maximumof two such t r a i l e r s shall be permitted in any one storage group. Trailers shall also be located a minimum of 25 f t (7.6 m) from any property line that can be b u i l t upon. 4-9.4 Storage shall meet a l l applicable requirements of NFPA 231, Standard for General Storage. Table 4-I Arrangement and Protection of Pal]etized and Solld-Pile Level 2 Aerosol Storage" Max. Ceiling Ht ( f t )

30

30

25

25

Maximum Pile Ht ( f t )

5

15

18

20

Sprinkler

I/2 in. or 17/32 in.

ESFR

large drop 0.64 in.

ESFR

Temp.2 Rating

High

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Sprinkler Spacing ( f t 2)

100 max.

80-100

80-100

80-100

Sprinkler 12 sprinklers Demand

0.30 gpm/ft 2

12 sprinklers

15 sprinklers

over 2500 f t 2

at 50 psi

at 50 psi

Hose Stream Demand (gpm)

Duration (hr)

at 50 psi

See Subsection 2-6.4

2

2

1

1

NOTE l : A l l f i r e t e s t s on which t h i s t a b l e is based were conducted with standard spray, large drop or ESFR s p r i n k l e r s . This does not include large drop s p r i n k l e r s equipped with quick response l i n k s . The Response.~ime Index (RTI) o f . s t a n d a r d spray and large drop s p r i n k l e r s shall not be less than 181 ( f t / s e c ) g/Z [100 ( m e t e r / s e c ) l / Z ] . NOTE 2: When use of higher temperature rated s p r i n k l e r s is necessary, such as near u n i t heaters, r e f e r to NFPA 13, Standard f o r the I n s t a l l a t i o n of S p r l n k l e r System.

148

NFPA 30B

Table 4-2

Arrangement of Protection of ~alletized and Solid-Pile Level 3 Aerosols"

Max. Ceiling Ht ( f t )

30

30

25

20

Maximum Pile Ht ( f t )

5

15

15

10

Sprinkler

1/2 in. or 17/32 in.

ESFR

ESFR

large drop 0.64 in.

Temp.2

High

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

80-100

80-100

80-]00

Rating Sprinkler Spacing ( f t 2)

100 max,

Sprinkler Demand

0.60 gpm/ft 2 over 2500 f t 2

Hose Stream Demand (gpm)

12 sprinklers 12 sprinklers at 75 psi at 50 psi

15 sprinklers at 75 psi

See Subsection 2-6.4

Duration (hr)

2

1

I

2

NOTE I: All f i r e tests on which this table is based were conducted with standard spray, large drop or ESFR sprinklers. This does not include large drop sprinklers equipped with quick response links. The Response.~ime Index (RTI) of.~andard spray and large drop sprinklers shall not be less than 181 (ft/sec) WL [I00 (meter/sec)W~]. NOTE 2: When use of higher temperature rated sprinklers is necessary, such as near unit heaters, refer to NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.

Table 4-3

ESFRArrangement and Protection of Level 2 Rack Storage]

Max. Ceiling Ht ( f t ) Max. Storage Ht ( f t ) Temp.2 Rating

30 15 Ordinary

Table 4-4

ESFRArrangement and Protection of Level 3 Rack StorageI

25 Max. Ceiling Ht ( f t )

30

25

Max. Storage Ht ( f t )

15

15

20 Ordinary Temp.2 Rating

Sprinkler Spacing ( f t 2)

80-100

Sprinkler Demand

12 sprinklers at 50 psi

12 sprinklers at 50 psi

Hose Stream Demand (gpm)

250

250

Duration (hr)

1

Ordinary

Sprinkler Spacing ( f t 2)

80-100

80-100

Sprinkler Demand

12 sprinklers at 75 psi

12 sprinklers at 50 psi

Hose Stream Demand (gpm)

250

250

I

l

1 Duration (hr)

NOTE 1:

Ordinary

80-100

Single and double-row racks only. NOTE I:

NOTE 2: When use of higher temperature rated sprinklers is necessary, such as near unit beaters, refer to NFPA 13, Standard for the I n s t a l l a t i o n of Sprinkler Systems.

Single and double row racks only,.

NOTE 2: When use of higher temperature rated sprinklers is necessary, such as near unit heaters, refer to NFPA 13, Standard for I n s t a l l a t i o n of Sprinkler Systems.

149

w o

Table 4-5

Level

{}1 0

Protection of Rack Storage of Level 2 Aerosols with Standard Spray Sprinklers

Ceiling Sprinkler Arrangement

I n - R a c kSprinkler Arrangement

Clearances: Storage to Sprinklers

286OF (141oC) rated; lO0 f t 2 (9.3 m2) max. spacing I/2 in. (12.5 mm) or 17/32 in. (14 mm) o r i f i c e

165°F (74°C) or less Sprinklers 8 f t (2.4 m) apart max. One l i n e at each t i e r except top. Locate in longitudinal flue spaces double-row racks. For multiplerow rack storage, refer to Figs. 4-I and 4-2

15 f t (4.6 m) max. Need barrier with sprinklers beneath i f clearance exceeds 15 f t (4.6 m). (See attached note.)

Ceiling Demand

0.30 gpm/ft 2 (12 m/min) over 2500 f t 2 (230 m2)

In-Rack S p r i n k l e r Demand

Duration: Sprinklers and Hose Stream

30 psi per sprinkler minimum. Base on operation of hydraul i c a l l y most remote: (1) 8 sprinklers i f one level. (2) 6 sprinklers each of 2 levels i f only 2 Ievel s. (3) 6 sprinklers on top 3 levels i f 3 or more levels.

2 hr

NOTE: Provide approved rack storage sprinklers with b u i l t - i n water shields. Locate longitudinal flue in-rack sprinklers at least 2 f t (0.6 m) from rack uprights. Provide at least 6 in. (150 mm) between sprinkler deflectors and top of storage in t i e r .

Table 4-6

Level

Protection of Back Storage of Level 3 Aerosols withStandard Spray Sprinklers

Ceilihg Sprinkler Arrangement

In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement

Clearance: Storage to SPrinklers Ceiling Demand

286°F (141°C) rated 17/32 in. (14 m) orifice I00 f t 2 (9.3 m2) max. spacing.

165° (74°C) or less 5 f t or less sprinklers 8 f t (2.4 m) apart max. I n s t a l l in longitudinal flue and on face of each t i e r .

More than 5 f t (1.5 m) to 15 f t (4.6 m)

In-Rack Sprinkler Demand

Duration Sprinklers and Hose Stream

0.30 gpm/ft 2 (12 mm/min) over 2500 f t 2 (230 m2)

30 psi per sprinkler minimum. Base on operation of hydraul i c a l l y most remote: (1) 8 sprinklers i f one level (2) 6 sprinklers each of 2 levels i f only 2 levels. (3) 6 sprinklers on top 3 levels i f 3 or more levels.

0.60 gpm/ft 2 (24 mm/min) over 1500 f t 2 (140 m2) to 2500 f t 2 (230 m2): Interpolate for clearances between 5 f t and 15 f t

30 psi pe~ sprinkler 2 hr minimum. Base on operation of hydraul i c a l l y most remote: (I) 8 sprinklers i f one level. (2) 6 sprinklers each of 2 levels i f only 2 levels. (3) 6 sprinklers on top 3 levels i f . 3 or more levels.

2 hr

z

(Table 4-6 continued)

165°F (76°C) or less sprinklers 8 f t (2.4 m) apart max. One l i n e at each except top. Locate in longi,tudinal f l u e . For multiple row rack, refer to Figures 4-I and 4-2

More than 15 f t (4.6 m)

0.60 gpm/ft 2 (26 ~m/min)

Up to 15 f t (4.6 m)

0.60 gpm over 2500 f t 2

-.More than '15 f t (4.6 m)

NOTE: Single and double row racks only.

30 psi per sprinkler 2 hr minimum. Base on over operation of hydrau2500 f t 2 l i c a l l y most remote: (230 m2) plus (1) 8 sprinklers i f a b a r r i e r above one l e v e l . top t i e r with (2) 6 sprinklers each face sprinklers of 2 levels i f below. -only 2 levels. (3) 6 sprinklers on top 3 levels i f 3 or more levels.

0.6 gpmover 2500 ft2 plus a b a r r i e r above t o p t i e r with f a c e sprinklers below.

30 psi per sprinkler 2hr minimum, Base on operation of hydraul i c a l l y most remote: (1) 8 sprinklers i f one l e v e l . (2) 6 sprinklers each of 2 ~evels i f only 2 levels. (3) 6-sprinklers on top 3 levels i f 3 or more levels. 30 psi per sprinkler 2 hr minimum. Base on operation of hydraul i c a l l y most remote: (I) 8 sprinklers i f one l.evel. (2) 6 s p r i n k l . e r s each of 2 levels i f only 2 levels. (3) 6 sprinklers on top 3 levels i f 3 or more levels.

• NFPA 30B

18in. JL (457mm)-~_~nXlMax. I ~ • 8ft ~d, (2.4m)/:-LA~_~X

OAO O O I-7O

oooooID 15 ft. , ~

(3m)

X

o%o % 0

Mo~.

.L~I Ix

X

X

oXo nXoo 5fl. / (I.5m) Approx.

! !~

x_~_x_ x

~._.,

x

~ _ x._,

~

Ix

~x_~_

± ~ x

~

~ x

IX

• Loading Aisle (457mm) PLAN VIEW

Sprinkler

Loodlr~g Aisle Elevation

"

I. Distance between top level of in-rack sprinklers and top of storage should be no more than 5 f t (1.5 m) when only in-rack sprinklers are provided in addition to ceiling sprinklers. 2.

Provide face sprinklers in 15-ft (4.6-m) vertical intervals.

Staggerhorizontally.

3.

Distance between transverse flues should be no more than 6 f t (I.8 m), Figure 4-I In-rack sprinkler arrangement for multiple-row racks, Level 2 aerosol products. Chapter 5 Mercantile Occupancies 5-1.

n x o x o x o x%

x,

Sales Display Areas.

5-1.l Level l aerosol products in sales display areas shall not be l i m i t e d .

----I-

5-1,2 Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products shall be removed from combustible cartons when located in sales dlsp1ay areas.

T

.L .,

r-]

F7 F0 D I] D

sft .,_ (i 5m)Approlc

Loading Aisle Elevation

18In.

5-1.3 Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products in sales display areas shall be limited to the quantities needed for display and normal merchandising, but shall not exceed the maximum quantities given in 5-1.3.1 and 5-I.3.2.

Loading Aisle

(457m r n } ' ~ C ~

.

X.

~.

.X

5-1.3.1 In sales display areas that are unsprinklered or whose sprinkler system does not meet the requirements of 5-1.3.2, the total aggregate quantity of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products shall not exceed the following:

.

[ lx-~-x-~-x.j

Face SprlnklerJ

A x

x 6

C~ ,x

--Z~

X

'~

x

Loading At=le PLAN VIEW

Exception: Cartoned display of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products shall be permitted provided the area is protected in accordance with Tables 4-I through 4-6.

x

'

Floor Basement Ground Upper

m

8ft.(2.4m)Max. t "~=----I8 In. t[ (457mm) Mo~.

I. Distance between top level of in-rack sprinklers and top of storage should be no more than 5 f t (I.5 m) when only in-rack sprinklers are provided in addition tb ceiling sprinklers..

Max. Net Weight Per Floor, lbs (kq) Not Permitted 2500 (1135) 500 (227)

5-].3.2 In sales display areas that are sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13 for at least Ordinary Hazard-Group 2 occupancies, the total aggregate quantity of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products shall not exceed 2 lb. net weight per square foot of gross sales floor area. However, no single 10 f t by 10 f t (3 m by 3 m) section of sales floor area shall contain more than 1000 lbs (554 kg) net weight of aerosol products. 5-1.4 Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products shall not be stacked more than 3 feet (0.90 m) high from base to top of the storage array unless on fixed shelving or otherwise satisfactorily secured. Shelving shall be of stable construction and shall not exceed eight feet in height.

2. Provide face sprinklers at 15-ft (4.6 m). vertical intervals. Staggerhorizontal]y. Figure 4-2 In-rack sprinkler' arrangement for multiple-row racks, Level 2 aerosol products.

5-2

153

Backstock Storage Areas.

NFPA 30B 5-2.1 Whenbackstock areas are separated from sales display areas by construction having a minimum I hour f i r e resistance, storage of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products shall meet the requirements of Chapter 4. 5-2.2 When backstock areas are ~ separated from sales display areas by construction having a minimum l-hour f i r e resistance, the quantity of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products in back stock areas shall be included in the total a11owable quantities specified in 5-1.3 and protection shall be provided in accordance with 5-2.1. 5-2.3 An additional quantity of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products, up to a maximum of 500 Ibs (227kg), shall be permitted in backstock areas when the additional quantities are stored in flammable liquid storage cabinets that meet the requirements of Section 4-3 of NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. 5-2.4 Storage of aerosol products in separate inside flammable liquids storage rooms shall meet the requirements of Section 4-7 of this Code. Chapter 6 Operations and Maintenance 6-I Meansof Egress. Means of egress and exits shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. 6-2

6-2.2 Only trained and authorized operators shall be allowed to operate powered industrial trucks.

Exception: Equipment and f a c i l i t i e s that are specifically designed for the disposal of aerosol" containers. 6-6 Inspection and Maintenance. A written and documented preventive maintenance program shall be developed for equipment, machinery, and processes that are c r i t i c a l to firesafe operation of the f a c i l i t y . 6-6.1 Critical detection systems and their components, emergency trips and interlocks, alarms, and safety shutdown systems shall be inspected on a regularly scheduled basis, and any deficiencies shall be immediately corrected. Items that should be included in this inspection schedule include: (a)

Gas detection systems;

(b)

Explosion suppression systems;

(c)

Deflagration vent systems;

(d)

Ventilation and local exhaust systems;

(e)

Propellant charging room door interlocks;

if)

Process safety devices;

(g)

Fire alarm systems;

(h) Any machinery or equipment that is c r i t i c a l to l i f e safety or flresafety.

6-2.3 Operator training shall be equivalent to that specified by ANSI B56.1, Safety Standard for Low-llft and H i g h - l i f t Trucks.

Chapter 7 Referenced P u b l i c a t i o n s

6-2.4 I f the type of load handled presents a hazard of rearward f a l l s , the powered industrial truck shall be equipped with a vertical load backrest extension. 6-2.4.1 For loads that are elevated above the mast of the truck, the backrest extension shall reach at least halfway into the uppermost pallet load.

7-1 The f o l l o w i n g documents or p o r t i o n s thereof are r e f e r e n c e d w l t h i n t h i s code and shall be considered part of the requirements of t h i s document. The e d i t i o n i n d i c a t e d f o r each reference is the current e d i t i o n as of the date of the NFPA issuance of t h i s document. 7-1.1 NFPA P u b l i c a t i o n s . Natlonal Fire Protection A s s o c i a t i o n , Batterymarch Park, Quincy, HA 02269.

Control of Ignition Sources.

6-3.1 Precautions shall be taken to prevent the ignition of flammable gases or vapors. Sources of ignition include, but are not limited to: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) if) (g)

Open flames; Lightning; Hot surfaces; Radiant heat; Smoking; Cutting and welding; Spontaneousignition;

(h) (i) (j) (k) (1)

Frictional heat or sparks; Static e l e c t r i c i t y ; Electrical sparks; Stray currents; Ovens, furnaces, and heating equipment

6-3.2 Smoking shall be s t r i c t l y prohibited, except in designated smoking areas. 6-3.3 Welding, cutting, and similar spark-producing operations shall not be permitted in areas that contain flammable liquids until a written permit authorizing the work has been issued. The permit shall be issued by a person in authority following an inspection of the area to assure that proper precautions have been taken and w i l l be followed until completion of the work. (See NFPA 51B, Standard for Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Processes.) 6-4 Aisles. Aisles shall be maintained free of storage so as to permit convenient access for f i r e fighting, salvage, and removal of stored commodities. 6-5

6-5.2 Filled or partly f i l l e d aerosol containers shall not be disposed of in compactors, balers, or incinerators that could crush the container or heat its contents.

Powered Industrial Trucks.

6-2.1 The use and selection of powered industrial trucks shall comply with NFPA 505, Firesafety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks.

6-3

6-5.1 Filled or partly f i l l e d aerosol containers shall be separated from all other rubbish and trash and shall be placed in noncombustible waste containers.

Waste Disposal.

154

NFPA 10-1988, Standard f o r Portable Fire Extinguisers NFPA 11-1988, Standard f o r Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent Systems Agent Systems NFPA 12-1989, Standard on Carbon Dioxide E x t i n g u i s h i n g Systems NFPA 12A-1989. Standard on Halon 1301 Fire E x t i n g u i s h i n g Systems HFPA 12B-1985. Standard on Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishing Systems NFPA 13-1989 Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems NFPA 14-1986 Standard for the Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems NFPA 16-1986 Standard on Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems NFPA 17-1985 Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems NFPA 20-1987 Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps NFPA 22-1987 Standard for Water Tanks For Private Fire Protection NFPA 24-1987 Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances NFPA 30-1987 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code NFPA 31-1987 Standard for the Installation of Oil Burning Equipment. NFPA 45-1986, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals NFPA 54-1988, National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 58-1989, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases

NFPA 30B NFPA 69-1986, Standard on Explosion Prevention Systems NFPA 70-1987, National Electrical Code® NFPA 71-1989, Standard for the 'Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Signaling Systems for Central Station Service NFPA 72A-1987, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Local Protective Signaling System for Guard's Tour, Fire Ala,rm, and Supervisory Service NFPA 72B-1986, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Auxiliary Protective Signaling Systems for Fire Alarm Service NFPA 72C-1986, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Remote Station Protective Signaling Systems NFPA 72D-1986, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Proprietary Protective Signaling Systems NFPA 72E-1987, Standard for Automatic Fire Detectors NFPA 72F-1985, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Volce/Alarm Communication Systems NFPA 80-1986, Standard for Fire Doors and Windows NFPA 101~1988, Life Safety Code® NFPA 231-1987, Standard for General Storage •NFPA 231C-1986, Standard for Rack Storage of Materials NFPA 505-1987, Firesafety Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, Including Type Designations, Areas for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Public Fire Service Communication Systems 7-1.2 ANSI Publication, American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY. ANSI B56.1, Safety Standard for Low-Lift and High-Lift Trucks.

Environmental Protection Agency, the Occupatlonal Safety and Health Administration, and the Federal Trade Commission. Additional information on the l a b e l i n g of aerosol products is given in Appendix D, Flammability Labeling of Aerosol Products. A-t-6 Base Product. The base product contains the " a c t i v e ingredient" of the aerosol product. A-l-6 Misclble. The d i s t i n c t i o n between water-miscible and water-immiscible constituents in the classification c r i t e r i a for the levels of aerosol. products is based primarily on two factors: water-miscible flammable and combustible liquids generally have lower heats of combustion andthey are more readily diluted and extinguished by the water from sprinkler discharge. Someaerosol products!contain both miscible and immiscible flammable or combustible components, a situation that is not directly considered in the c r i t e r i a for the level classification. For these products, the m i s c i b i l i t y of the entire base product must be used to determine whether the base product should be classified as miscible or immiscible. J

A-1-6 Propellant. The flammable propellant is generally a hydrocarbon gas, such as butane, isobutane, propane,, and various blends of these gases. Systems that generate a propellant gas are included in this definition. A-I-7 The following are examples of the calculations used to determine the level classification of aerosol products. Formula #I: 20 parts Material A, flash point below 500°F (260°C) 60 parts Material B, flash point above 500°F (260°C) 20 parts Propellant 100 parts Total

Appendix A A-I-1.2 An example of an aerosol product that is not flammable and, therefore, not covered by this Code is whipped cream. The base product is a water-based material; the propellant is nitrous oxide, which is nonflammable.

.. ~

The base product equals 20 parts + 60 parts or 80 parts of total contents. The percentage of base product with a flash point below 500°F is (20/80) X lO0 or 25%. Therefore, the product is a Level I aerosol product. (See I - 7 . I . )

A-I-2 This Code provides minimum acceptable requirements for f i r e prevention and protection in f a c i l i t i e s that manufacture and store'aerosol products and in mercantile occupancies where aerosol products are displayed and sold. As explained in Section 3-I, the hazards presented by each stage of the manufacturing process w i l l vary, depending on the flammability of the base product and on the flammability of the propellant. .Considerable judgement will be required of the designer and of the authority haying jurisdiction to provide an adequate level of f i r e protection. (See also Appendix B, Mechanism of Fire Growth in Aerosol Containers.) A-I-4 This section should not be interpreted as discouraging the upgrading of an aerosol product manufacturing or storage f a c i l i t y . I t is the intent of this Code that any major renovation of such a f a c i l i t y should meet, to the greatest extent practical, the requirements of this Code. A-I-6 Aerosol. The base product may be dispensed from the container in such form as a mist, spray, foam, gel, or aerated powder. A-I-6 Aerosol Container. Maximumsizes, minimum strengths, and other c r i t i c a l limitations for aerosol containers are s e t b y the US Department of Transportation ( T i t l e 49, Code of Federal Regulations). These regulations assure that aerosol products can be safely transported in interstate commerce. Aerosol Products are generally classified as Other Regulated Materials - Class D (ORM-D). A cutaway drawing of a typical aerosol container is shown in Figure A-I. Labeling of aerosol products, including precautionary language for flammability and other hazards is regulated by a number of federal authorities, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, the

155

Formula #2: 25 parts Material A, flash point below 50O°F (260°C) 55 parts Material B, flash point above 500°F (260°C) 20parts Propellant 100 parts Total The base product equals 25 parts + 55 parts or 80 arts of the total contents. The percentage of the ase product with a flash point below 500°F is (25/80) X 100 or 31.25%. Therefore, the product is a Level 2 aerosol product. [See I-7.2(a).]

c

Formula #3: 50 parts Material A, water-immiscible, flashpoint below 500°F (260°C) 30 parts Material B, flash point above 500°F (260°C) 20_parts Propellant 100 parts Total The base product equals 50 parts + 30 parts or 80 parts of the total contents. The percentage of the base product with a flash point below 500°F and is water-immiscible is (50/80) X 100 or 62.5%. ThereFore, the product is a Level 3 aerosol product. [See 1-7.3(a).] Formula #4: 25 parts Material A, flash point below'5OO°F (260°C) . 55 parts Material B, flash point above 500°F (260°C) 85 parts Flammable Propellant 165 parts Total

, ' '

NFPA 30B The base product equals 25 parts + 55 parts or 80 arts of the total contents. The percentage of the ase product with a flash point below 50O°F is (25/80) X 100 or 31.25%. This indicates a Level 2 aerosol product. But, flammable propellant comprises (85/165) X I00 or 51.5~ of the total container contents. Therefore, the product is a Level 3 aerosol product. (See I-7.4.)

c

Figure A-2 depicts a "decision tree" that may be used to assist in determining the proper level classification of an aerosol product. A-3-S.2(d) Adequateventilation of flammable propellant charging and pump rooms is necessary to maintain these rooms at a safe level well below the lower explosive l i m i t of the propellant being used. The internal volume of these rooms should be as small as practical to minimize the capital and operating costs of the ventilation system, as well as the cost of heating and conditioning required make-up air. The formula given in 3-5.2(d) is used to determine the required ventilation flow rate. In no case should the required ventilation be less than one a i r change per minute, unless the propellant f i l l e r is provided with i t s own local exhaust ventilation system. Some considerations involved in using the formula follow: (a) The lower explosive l i m i t (tEL) used in the calculation should be that of the most flammable propellant gas used. Normally, this w i l l be isobutane (propellant A-31)z which has a lower explosive l i m i t of 1.8% in a i r at 70UF. Butane has the same tEL. All other flammable propellants have LELs that are higher. Thus, the two isomeric butanes are considered the most hazardous propellants and tile ventilation system is normally designed based on their use.

eliminates the need f o r p r o p e l l a n t blending equipment or blend holding tanks. The manufacturer of the f i l l i n g equipment should be consulted f o r an estimate of the expected losses during f i l l i n g . -Cans per Minute. This is the maximum production rate f o r the e n t i r e p r o p e l l a n t charging room. The v e n t i l a t i o n system must be designed to handle the expected losses from the highest number of cans that can foreseeably be f i l l e d per minute, based on a ten to twenty minute reference period. The average rate per shift should not be used, since the average rate will always be lower than the maximum production rate by 10 to 25%. I f there are multiple f i l l lines, the maximum production rates must be added for each. Also, i f an additional f i l l line is later added, the capacity of the ventilation system must be increased accordingly. -Safety Factor.

A 20 percent safety factor is

used to account for minor seal leaks and hose ~enerally eaks, dead spots, and occasional container ruptures. An example of the use of the formula follows: Assumptions: Under-the-Cup F i l l e r , 3 cc per minute release per f i l l i n g head. Two f i l l machines, each operating at 150 containers per minute. Propellant is isobutane; LEt is 1.8%. 30.59 c u f t per gal. Safety factor for leakage is 20%. LEt Design Level is I0%.

(b) The cubic feet of vapor produced by one gallon of propellant determines the quantity of saturated vapor that the ventilation system must handle, based on the volumetric flow rate of the propellant through the system. For isobutane, this factor is 30.59 cubic feet of vapor per gallon, at 70°F and sea level conditions. (c) The LEt design level is an arbitrary decimal fraction. This establishes the maximum amount of vapor concentration that the ventilation system will handle and is, in effect, a percentage of the LEt. Since combustible gas detection systems are set to alarm at 20% of the LEt and operational shut-down is set at 40% of the tEL, i t is recommended that the design level not exceed 10% of the LEt. In other words, DL in the equation should not exceed 0.10.

c

(d) "R" in the equation is an estimate of how much propellant is lost from the equipment under normal operating conditions, plus 20% for occasional leaks. These losses are due to minor seal and hose leakage and minor loss from the equipment as i t is operating. This number is calculated as follows:

R=/

lqB1 ) 3785.4 cc x (loss per can, cc) minute) x (safety f a c t o r )

x

(cans per

Considerations to be used with the above formula are: -Loss per can. This is the maximum quantity of propellant that is expected to be lost during the propellant f i l l i n g operation and w i l l depend on the type of f i l l i n g mode used. Somepropellant f i l l e r s w i l l release 3.0 cubic centimeters (cc) per container per f i l l i n g station. Somef i l l l n g operations require the use of two different f i l l e r s . An example is aerosol antiperspirant, which is f i l l e d using an under-the-cup f i l l e r , followed by a through-the-valve f i l l e r . The second f i l l e r injects a r e l a t i v e l y small quantity of propellant, primarily to flush the viscous base product out of the aerosol diptube. For these systems, the combined release amounts to about 4.0 cc per container. In other systems, different propellants are added at separate f i l l l n g stations. This

Figure A-1

156

Typical aerosol container.

NFPA 30B

No

Is the Percentage of Flammable Material in the Base Product Greater than 25%? Yes

I Is the Percentage of Flammable Ma'-

Is the Propellant Flammable?

No

Is the Percentage Iof Prooellant to (LevelN~.~Contamr er Content ~lj' IbY Weight Greater" -Jthan or Equal to ~ 5 0 % ? •

Yes is the Percentage Iof Propellant to ( L e v e l ~ C o n t a i n e r Content :~ ~ b y Weight Greater Jthan or Equal to

~8oo,,o?

I Product Greater than 5 5 % ? '

J

Jes

'

I tedal in the Base' ,

JYos

Is the Flammable

Is the Propellant Flammable?

~

(Level~

.

I Material in Base

Product Water I .Soluble?

I Yes ls the Percentageof Propellantto Containel ContentbYWeight Greaterthan or Equal to 50%?

~

1

Isthe Propellant Flammable?

IIs the Percentage .~, ]of Propellant to (Level~ N~C()ntainer Content ~, :~ ~ b y Weight Greater Ithan or Equal to

~50%7

JYo

@ Figure A-2 Decision tree for determining level c l a r i f i c a t i o n of aerosol products. Gallons released per minute = ~_3.0cc/container)(2)(150)(l.2) (3785.4 cc/gal) = Required CFM = =

exercised in determining the optimum location of the detector heads, especially i f there are multiple propellant f i l l e r s in the room. In such cases, the use of three or four detection heads may be considered, rather than the two that are normally used.

0.2853 gallons per minute

(10Q-1.BU~Q._59 cu3~t/qal)(0.2853 aal/min) (0.I0)(1.8) 4761CFM

The equations assume that the released propellant gas and the entering make-up a i r w i l l quickly mix and the resulting homogenlous mixture w i l l then be exhausted. This is not the case. Thus, the calculations give results that w i l l be on the conservative side in some locations within the propellant charging room and on the improvident side in others. For example, a i r entering the exhaust registers at: points remote from the propellant f i l l e r w i l l have a concentration of propellant that is much less than the average value upon which the ventilation system is designed. • Because some of the propellant w i l l be swept,into the nearest part of the exhaust system before being f u l l y diluted, Lhe apparent efficiency of the ventilating system is improved, providing an additional safety factor. This efficiency can be measured using combinations of velocity meters, explosimeters, and gas density ploEs. For a l l but a fe~1 percent of the volume in the typical propellant charging room, the concentration of propellant w i l l be substantially less than the designed-for 10% of the LEL. This means that the gas detection heads may give very different readlngs i f their positions are changed. Care must be

157

A-3-8 The gas detection system should be provided with detection heads located inside the charging and pump rooms and just inside the conveyor Openings into the charging or pump room and into the main production building. Detection heads should aqso be located within any conveyor enclosure between the charging or pump room and'the main production building. Where flammable propellants are stored in a tank farm, the tank farm should be provided with an approved gas detection system and the signal sent to a constantly monitored location. A-3-9.1 Dry-pipe Or preaction systems are not allowed. Tests have shown that control of a f i r e involving aerosol products requires immediate application of water when the f i r s t sprinkler operates. Fire growth is rapid and, once thoroughly established, cannot be controlled by conventional or ESFR systems. Any significant delay in sprinkler discharge will allow the f i r e to overtax thesystem.

NFPA 30B Increasing the design area f o r a dry-pipe or preaction system is not feasible because the delay w i l l allow too many sprinklers to operate, thus overtaxing any p r a c t i c a l l y designed water supply. Subsection 3-9.1 should not be interpreted as discouraging the use of a foam-water sprinkler system." As long as the ceiling density is not reduced, the use of a foam-water system does not introduce any known negative effects and may o f f e r some additional benefits in combatting any s p i l l f i r e that may result. A-4-8.3.2(b) The 9 gage chain l i n k fencing referred to by this paragraph refers to the standard industrial-grade chain l i n k , such as is used f o r property fencing. Lighter gage fencing w i l l not restrain rocketing aerosol containers, based on test experience. Appendix B Mechanism of Fire Growth in Aerosol Containers I. Rack Storage Arrays. The rack storage configuration is ideal f o r promoting f i r e development. The fuel is supported so that a i r has access to the f i r e from a l l sides and so that the stored commodity does not topple over, as i t would in solid p i l e storage. A rack also has many areas that are shielded from ceiling sprinkler discharge. Fire tests of rack storage configurations shows a very consistent development pattern: the f i r e starts at a point and widens as i t moves up the storage array, l i k e a "V". When the f i r e reaches the second t i e r of storage, the flames fan out along the bottom of the p a l l e t above and spread l a t e r a l l y to the face of the rack. Fireballs from rupturing aerosol cans, which usually measure lO f t in diameter, also spread f i r e to the face of the rack. Once the f i r e is established on the face of the rack, the f i r e spreads rapidly upward and outward horizontally in the classic "V" pattern, thus exposing more of the commodity. The f i r e on the face of the rack and within the transverse flue spaces of the rack structure also causes more aerosol containers to rupture. As additional containers rupture, uninvolved containers on the i n t e r i o r of the p a l l e t load are now exposed to the f i r e . Fire can jump the aisle space between two rows of racks in several ways. I f the f i r e is severe enough, the radiant energy alone may be s u f f i c i e n t to ignite combustible cartons or commodities in the exposed rack. Fireballs from rupturing aerosol cans are large enough to engulf adjacent racks with flame. Occasionally, burning flammable liquid may be ejected from rupturing containers with enough force to reach the exposed storage. In-rack sprinklers, located in the longitudinal flue space, are highly e f f e c t i v e in preventing the f i r e from crossing into the other half of a double-row rack. Even in f i r e tests that were f a i l u r e s ( i . e . , the f i r e jumped the aisle to involve the target array), these in-rack sprinklers were successful in stopping the f i r e at the flue space. Cartons were burned, but no aerosol containers ruptured. In-rack sprinklers located at the face of the rack structure have been shown to stop the spread of f i r e up the face of the rack. Their position within the rack structure allows them to wet down the face of the storage array that fronts on the a i s l e . This reduces the demand on the ceiling sprinkler system, which allows a reduction in the design density of the ceiling sprinkler system. Also, the Early Suppression-Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler head operates fast enough and discharges water at a high enough density that i t is capable of preventing f i r e spread up the face of the rack.

158

II.

Palletized Storage Arrays.

Palletized storage does not o f f e r the same conducive conditions as rack storage, so f i r e development is slower, but i t s t i l l can be severe i f the sprinklers are not designed f o r the hazard. M u l t i - t i e r palletized arrays s t i l l create a large vertical surface in which a strong f i r e plume can develop. When a series of i n i t i a l f i r e tests showed that only 5-foot high palletized storage of aerosol products could be successfully protected, the industry decided to investigate whether the product formula, the container, or the carton could be changed so as to reduce the overall f i r e challange. Several ideas were proposed, and a control f i r e test was run to establish some.baseline data. Subsequent tests were run under the same conditions, only the aerosol product or the packaging differed. Each test used two pallets of a Level 3 aerosol product, placed in a twenty-foot high storage bay. The ceiling sprinkler system was designed to provide 0.30 ~pm/sq f t , using standard I/2 i n . , 286°F sprinkler Beads installed on a ]0 f t X lO f t spacing. The two pallets were placed side by side and about 12 in. apart. Igniters were placed in the flue space, at the base of the pallets. Four sprinkler heads operated and controlled the f i r e , although 60% of the commodity was damaged. One of the proposed changes that was investigated was the rim-vent-release can. These cans are fabricated with a series of small scores around the rim of the dome of the container. As the pressure within the container increases, due to f i r e exposure, the dome l i f t s and the scores open to allow the contents to vent in a controlled manner. I t was hoped that this feature would reduce the severity of the f i r e . During the testing of these containers, however, a severe, persistent f i r e developed. Only a few cans rocketed, but the venting cans created such a prolonged exposure f i r e to adjacent cans, which caused them to vent in turn, that a stable but very severe f i r e resulted that opened 33 sprinkler heads. The next phase of the investigation involved f i r e - r e t a r d a n t cartons. These cartons were treated to reduce t h e i r combustibility in the hopes that they would resist i g n i t i o n . The test showed no significant difference in f i r e behavior. The f i r e did develop more slowly because of the presence of the retardant, but i t s t i l l grew until the effect of the retardant was overcome. Once this point was reached, the f i r e developed as in the control test. Replacing the corrugated cardboard cartons with plastic shrink wrap was also investigated. Calculations had shown that the combustible content of a pallet load of 12-can units wrapped with a few±mll thick plastic film would be s i g n i f i c a n t l y less than the same number of cans packaged in cartons. The f i r e test, however, was s i g n i f i c a n t l y worse. The control test only opened four sprinkler heads; this test opened 30 heads before i t was aborted. Corrugated cardboard cartons play two roles in the development of the f i r e . F~rst, t h e i r burning provides the heat input that causes f a i l u r e of the aerosol containers. But, a f t e r the sprinkler system.has begun to operate, the sprinkler water saturates tKe surrounding cartons and prevents them from igniting, e f f e c t i v e l y insulating the aerosol containers within from the effects of the f i r e . The results of the test of the shrink wrap indicates that the plastic film repelled the water and the aerosol containers were not insulated from the heat of the f i r e . I t was also noted that the thin plastic film formed many small passages within the p a l l e t load into which flammable liquid flowed. Methylene chloride is used as a highly v o l a t i l e solvent in some aerosol products. Because i t is considered to be only weakly flammable, one test was run to determine i f substituting methylene chloride f o r 30% of the normal flammable solvent would reduce the

NFPA 30B

f i r e challenge. Nineteen sprlnkl(,r heads opened, indicating that the hazard was in(reased. Because the b o i l i n g point of methylene chloride is lower than most of the common solvents.used for aerosol products, f i r e exposure caused the containers to rupture sqoner and at a faster rate. Flammable l i q u i d was thus also being released e a r l i e r and faster. Appendix C Determining the Flammability of Aerosol Products Section I-8 of this Code establishes a c l a s s i f i c a t i o n system for aerosol products. This c l a s s i f i c a t i o n system is based on the percentage of flammable material in the base product and the flammability of the propellant. Table 1-8 provides a concise breakdown of the three levels of flammability. Because the components of an aerosol product ~Lre t y p i c a l l y not l i s t e d on the container, proper c l a s s i f i c a t i o n may require a copy of the manufacturer's material safety data sheet (HSDS). This safety d~Lta sheet should provide enough information to properly classify the product.

Table B-l shows the correlation between AFT results and the results of large-scale f i r e tests. The AFT is consldered to be valid for typical aerosol c~ntainers constructed with the top and bottom'crimped to the cylindrical body shell. Further testing w i l l be needed to determine i f the AFT is valid for other t~pes of containers, such as alumlnum, p l a s t i c , or one-peice extruded metal, and such testing is currently being • planned by the industry. However, the AFT does supplement the c l a s s i f i c a t i o n system by providing a means to categorize aerosol products whose compositions do not easily f a l l into the system. '. Data produced by the AFT show that flammable propellants become a s i g n i f i c a n t contributor"to f i r e hazard when they comprlse':more than 50 perce~t by. weight of the product composition and, as the propellant/product r a t i o increases.to about 80 percent, the product w i l l behave as a Level 3 aerosoIC This behavior is reflected in subsections "I-8.3(b) and I-8.4 of thls Code. 60

&

40

A

o ~

Aerosol products can also be classified by means of the Aerosol Flammability Test (AFT) developed by E. I. duPont de Nemours & Co. The AFT was developed to classify aeFosol products formulaLed with high ratios of propellant to base product and the newer non or mildly flammable propellant gases, some of which are water-miscible. The AFT consists of two Separate test procedures: a single can test and a pan f i r e test.

. .:

50

;.

With Water at 20 Seconds "'

3o n. 20 IG

Z

" In the single can test, a restrained aerosol container is heated until i t bursts using a specially designed propane heater that serves as a'predetermined heat-source. Time to burst is noted and the thermal energy of the f i r e b a l l (assuming the contents are flammable) is measured in a Fire products collector that s i t s over the test stand. The measured data are combined to yield a "single can index" that allows comparison with data developed in large-scale f i r e tests of known Level l , Level 2, ;~nd Level 3 aerosol products. Large-scale f i r e tests were conducted on a variety of aerosol products to validate the single can. test. Results showed that the single can test was an accurate predictor of large-scale f i r ~ beh:~vior for most aerosol products. However, one large-scale test onLa product categorized as Level l in the single can test showed burning behavior that was consistent with a Level 3 product. This particular product contained' material that pooled on the f l o o r , then fl,~sh-vaporizedwhen contacted with the water from the sprinkler system, resulting in a s i g n i f i c a n t increase in the burning rate. This flash-vaporization accounted for the difference between the two t e s t s . Consequently, the pan f i r e test was developed. The pan f i r e test measures the contribution t o overall f i r e behavior of any residual flammable material that escapes the i n i t i a l f i r e upon bursting of the container. In this test, the aerosol container is chilled to -40°F, then opened. The container is allowed to warm to -lO°F, then a specified amount of the contents is poured into the panof the tes~ , apparatus. The l i q u i d is ignited, and radiant heaters surrounding the pan ate activated. Twenty seconds after i g n i t i o n , water is al.lowed to drip (at a rate of 0.64 gpm per sq f t ) o n t o the burning l i q u i d . Heat release is measured as a function of time from i g n i t i o n . Typical data from this tes% are shown in FigureC-I. The results of the two tests are plotted to determine their relationship to lines of demarcation established for the three levels of aerosol products, as shown in Figure C-2. Figure C-3 shows the correlation between AFT test results and large-scale f i r e tests.

Free Burn

10

45

~0

•

160

125

1~0

Time from Ignition (Seconds)

Figure C-I .Typical data from a pan f i r e test.

Product Classification 2,000

®

1,800

Level 3

>,

~ 1,600 C W

•

1,400

@

_m

1,200

®

-j

c~ 1 , 0 0 0

800

"' "0

6o___~o