Plastic IBC Totes BIG PROBLEM

[LCREP]

Take a look at this web site for some outstanding test video of plastic IBC and what happens when a fire involves a combustible liquid stored inside.

Video providing a summary of the findings of the experimental finding

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr564/index.htm

View the report

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr564.pdf

Main Findings

Some basic data has been obtained to allow assessment of the rate of liquid drainage during IBC fires. The tests show clearly that all of the liquid in a stock of unclad IBCs on level ground is likely to be released in a period of order 5-10 minutes. .IBCs containing liquids with a hydrocarbon character e.g. fuel oils, edible oils, lubricants etc. fail very much more quickly in fires than those containing water.

Plastic components of IBCs i.e. valves, corner protection, plastic pallets etc. are easily ignited e.g. by a match. In a programme of around 20 full scale tests the resulting fire initiated combustion and total loss of contents in all but one case. Even IBCs containing high flashpoint liquids (up to at least FP 200 oC) give severe pool fires involving all of the contents.


NFPA 30, 2008 does NOT permit the IBC totes inside of a building. BUT the DOT does permit them for shipment. Take a look at the video and what do you think, do you want these things inside of a building??


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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[Cidona]

Awesomely horrific!! Those plastic valves look like something you'd pick up at Home Depot
Thanks for the info.
BTW, Do these have 'vent holes' or how is venting provided to allow the liqud to flow when the valve is opened?

 

[stookeyfpe]

LCRep

I wrote an article on this 15 years ago - I'm kind of suprised her Majesty's HSE is just now catching on to this.

NFPA 30 prohibits plastic IBCs for Class I liquids inside of buildings. Class II and III liquids in plastic IBCs are permitted inside of buildings.

NFPRF has a number test reports available for purchase that summarizes the US fire tests.

 

[LCREP]

Stookey,

You are correct they can be stored inside. BUT they have to be listed AND labeled as per NFPA 30, 08 9.4.1(5). About 99.9 % of the plastic IBC are NOT listed or labeled.

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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[stookeyfpe]

LCREP

Which you will never find. The one manufacturer of IBCs who proposed this concept was sucked into a giant EU firm through a buyout. And they never read the NFPA 30 provisions as they continue to sell plastic IBCs.

Just another problem to look forward to.

 

[LCREP]

Stookey,

Yes just one more thing that can cause a loss and cut into my profit sharing....LOL.

Maybe enough AHJ will get the message and get them out of buildings, that the MFG will start to do something about it. Then I woke up, sorry, I hate when I dream.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!