H2 or H3 2

[29751001]

We have a liquid storage warehouse which is classified as a H 3 ... the issue we have, does dispensing in small qty on a filling machine classify the building as a H2

( we use a closed filling machine , but the cans travels about 10 ft to the capper)


does any amount of open cans or dispensing change the classification of the building?

 

[stookeyfpe]

The occupancy classification is dependant on the hazard classification of the hazardous materials being dispensed and the quantities. In one sentence you state that the system is closed and in the second sentence you state its open.

If you can provide the hazard classification of the materials, the quantities, and if it is an open or closed system I can assist you in determining if a change of occupancy is warranted.

 

[29751001]

Hi Stookeyfpe

Thank you for your response

We will fill Class IB III Flammable and Class I II III Combustiable material

The filling machine is a closed type rotary filler ...Nozzle of can goes in to the can and is sealed as its being filled ... The issue we have is that once filled it will move on a conveyor system about 10ft to a capping machine to seal and cap the can .... does the 10ft of "open cans" ( which would have about 10 gallons) put me under a H2 class or can i still operate under a H3 class

 

[stookeyfpe]

The occupancy classification will be driven by the hazard classification of the liquids. Your most hazardous liquid are those classified as a Class IB flammable liquid. The maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) for a use-open system is 30 gallons, but can be increased to 60 gallons when the building is protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system. So long as the use-open system MAQ is not exceeded, the building is allowed to be used as a Group H-3 occupancy. Your dispensing system must also comply with the general provisions in Section 3405 of the International Fire Code.

 

[29751001]

I thought so as well . and since my system will never have that amount of open cans ... i was going for H3 ....

The inspector of the town that we were talking to ...argues that any amount of open cans put us under a H2 since 307.4 says open systems ...and does not put a limit on it

How can i prove to him that it is a H3

His argument is that once you exceed storage it puts us in a H3 ..which we agree ... He view is also that once a can is open its a H2 ..since we exceed the volume amounts ..and we have a open system ( even less then maq) its a H2

 

[stookeyfpe]

Look at footnote "b" in IBC Table 307.1(1). The footnote states that the total amount in storage and use cannot exceed the amount in storage. When you review the MAQ values, your amount of storage exceeds the quantity limit - however, the amount in use is less than the MAQ. Since your quantity is below the code specified limit, an H-2 occupancy is inappropriate.

Plus you should review the charging language in IBC Section 307. The H occupancy provisions only apply when the MAQ has been exceeded. The building inspector's logic is not correct.If this is his interpretation, his bathroom in his house is a Group H-2 occupancy anytime he uses 50% isopropanol/50% H2O to clean a wound because an open bottle is a use-open system.

 

[29751001]

Thank you Stookeyfpe

The towns argues that once you exceed the storage which puts us as a H3, and then you have a open system ,even having one 5 gallon can open ..puts us in a H2 category ..since the hazard of having a open can with so much storage is increased and therefore they want to classify us as a H2 ...or thay say we need to built rooms for the H2 use to limit it for the room only

Is there anywhere in the book ..where it states "clearly" that you most meet both MAQ ( storage and open use) to be a H2 ....and if you only meet the storage and NOT the open use ..You are a H3

 

[stookeyfpe]

Yes. See the definition of a Hazardous occupancy in Section 307 of the 2006 IBC. Also see Section 3405.3.5 and 3405.3.7 in the 2006 International Fire Code.