Query About Indoor or Outdoor Storage Practices

[chicopee]

An attached structure with a roof, cement floor and three walls, one of which is contiguous with the main building and the other two self standing. This attached structure is opened to the elements on the fourth side. This attached structure has several 275 gallons waste oil storage tanks fitted with skids for transportability. Within the attached structure, wrecked vehicles are drained of motor oil, transmission and brake fluids, and antifreeze, all stored in these 275 gallon tanks. I have not been to this facility, yet, so I can not comment on the construction of the self standing walls, and whether or not the 275 gallons tanks are all used during a day's shift or some would be stored, full, until emptied out.

So now we have a problem between the fire department defining the attached structure as an indoor storage building whereas the owner defines it as an outdoor storage area. I know that NFPA 30 has exception about allowing indoor storage of tanks containing flammable and combustible liquids for process purposes. I would like some opinions about whether or not draining wrecked vehicles can be construed as a process which in this case necessitates 275 gallon storage tanks on skids, and whether we have indoor or outdoor storage of such liquids mentioned above.

 

[cdafd]

I would call indoor, especially when attached to a building


From international fire code


2703.12 Outdoor control areas. Outdoor control areas for hazardous materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per outdoor control area shall be in accordance with the following:

1. Outdoor control areas shall be kept free from weeds, debris and common combustible materials not necessary to the storage. The area surrounding an outdoor control area shall be kept clear of such materials for a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm).
2. Outdoor control areas shall be located not closer than 20 feet (6096 mm) from a lot line that can be built upon, public street, public alley or public way. A 2-hour fire-resistance-rated wall without openings extending not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above and to the sides of the storage area is allowed in lieu of such distance.
3. Where a property exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m2), a group of two outdoor control areas is allowed when approved and when each control area is separated by a minimum distance of 50 feet (15 240 mm).
4. Where a property exceeds 35,000 square feet (3252 m2), additional groups of outdoor control areas are allowed when approved and when each group is separated by a minimum distance of 300 feet (91 440 mm).


From ibc


BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.


The code uses this term to identify those structures that provide shelter for a function or activity. See the definition for "Area, building" for situations when a single structure may be two or more "Buildings" created by fire walls.


So what is the problem ??? Non sprinkler area??

Is the main building sprinkled

Is this area existing???

 

[chicopee]

I'll find out tomorrow if the attached structure is sprinklered and if the contiguous wall is fire rated; I personally doubt it.

 

[cdafd]

So what is the reason for the question ???

Quantity of liquid stored???

 

[cdafd]

So what is the reason for the question ???

Quantity of liquid stored???

 

[stookeyfpe]

Is this is in the US or Canada? If in the US, this sounds like exterior weather protection and as such, it may not require sprinkler protection.

 

[chicopee]

It's in the US. Questions were is the storage of tanks with skids considered to be indoors or outdoors? secondly is the drainage of motor oil, transmission and brake fluids, and coolant considered a process in which these fluids are stored in tanks that can be moved around until they are full to be stored and eventually emptied out.
the first question is yes. The second question will be considered a process after which there will be two ways to handle the temporary storage of full tanks I order to satisfy the local fire department. Note DEP and OSHA do not have any issues with the existing practices.