1. Fire Code Applied to Laboratories A Chemist’s View John DeLaHunt, MBA, ARM 2011 Texas Fire Marshals’ Conference Austin, Texas October 19, 2011

2. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 2 Fire Codes: Sprinklers Rules and Regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for Sprinkler Equipments, Automatic and Open Systems (1896) Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13

3. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 3 Fire Codes: Life Safety Outside Stairs for Fire Exits (1916) Safeguarding Factory Workers from Fire (1918) Building Exits Code (1927) Life Safety Code, NFPA 101

4. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 4 Fire Code Development: 1903 Iroquois Theatre (603) Chicago, IL

5. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 5 Fire Code Development: 1942 Cocoanut Grove Nightclub (492) Boston, MA

6. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 6 Fire Code Development: 1944 Barnum & Bailey Circus (168) Hartford, CT

7. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 7 Fire Code Development: 1946 Winecoff Hotel (119) Atlanta, GA

8. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 8 Fire Code Development: 1977 Beverly Hills Supper Club (165) Southgate, KY

9. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 9 Fire Code Development: 1980 MGM Grand Hotel Fire (85) Las Vegas, NV

10. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 10 Fire Code Development: 2000 Station Nightclub (100) West Warwick, RI

11. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 11 Building Codes: Legacy Codes Building Officials Code Administrators International (BOCA): National Building Code Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI): Standard Building Code International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) –Uniform Building Code (UBC) –Uniform Fire Code (UFC)

12. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 12 Building Codes: Model Codes International Code Council (ICC, 1994) –International Building Code –International Fire Code National Fire Prevention Association –Uniform Building Code, NFPA 5000 (2003)

13. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 13 Fire Codes: Model Codes National Fire Prevention Association –Life Safety Code, NFPA 101 –Uniform Fire Code, NFPA 1 International Code Council –International Fire Code (IFC)

14. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 14 What are Fire Codes Not what you build How you occupy what you build Written by committee Unable to anticipate each and every situation Meant to be adopted and adapted

15. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 15 Fire Codes: Reasons to Care Compliance standard (operation) Property Conservation standard (fiduciary) Business Continuity (ownership) Standard of Reasonable Care (litigation)

16. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 16 Fire Codes: Reasons to Care Fire Codes exist because people have died

17. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 17 Application of Fire Codes Enabling legislation/ordinance Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Right of entry Permits Inspections Fees

18. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 18 Elements of Fire Codes: Purpose The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum requirements, with due regard to function, for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings and structures for safety to life from fire. Its provisions will also aid life safety in similar emergencies.* (NFPA 101)

19. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 19 Elements of Fire Codes: AHJ An organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure. NFPA 1

20. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 20 Elements of Fire Codes: Application NFPA 1: This Code shall apply to both new and existing conditions. NFPA 101: The Code shall apply to both new construction and existing buildings and existing structures. –Various chapters contain specific provisions for existing buildings and structures that might differ from those for new construction.

21. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 21 Elements of Fire Codes: Previously Approved Features Where another provision of this Code exempts a previously approved feature from a requirement, the exemption shall be permitted, even where the following conditions exist: –The area is being modernized, renovated, or otherwise altered. –A change of occupancy has occurred, provided that the feature’s continued use is approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

22. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 22 Elements of Fire Codes: Maintenance Whenever or wherever any device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this Code, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall thereafter be maintained, unless the Code exempts such maintenance. NFPA 101

23. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 23 Elements of Fire Codes: Change in Use or Occupancy A change of use that does not involve a change of occupancy classification shall comply with the requirements applicable to the new use in accordance with the applicable existing occupancy chapter, unless the change of use creates a hazardous contents area… NFPA 101

24. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 24 Fire Codes and Hazardous Materials Occupancy Type Quantity thresholds –Exempt amounts (ICC) –Maximum Allowable Quantities (NFPA) Control Areas –Number per level –Reduction by level above/below plane –Fire separation

25. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 25 Fire Codes and Hazardous Materials Fire Protection –Fire Sprinklers –Storage cabinets Operating requirements –Spills and Releases –Closed and pen systems –Container size and handling –Secondary containment

26. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 26 Occupancy Types: ICC Educational (K-12) Business (Higher Education) High-Hazard (Exceeding exempt quantities in control areas) –H-1: Explosives –H-2: Deflagration/Accelerated Combustion –H-3: Readily Supporting Combustion –H-4: Health Hazards –H-5: Semiconductor Fabrication

27. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 27 Occupancy Types: NFPA Educational (K-12) Business (Higher Education, Class D labs per NFPA 45 Industrial (Class A, B and C labs per NFPA 45) High Hazard (Exceeding MAQ per control area) –Protection Level 1: Explosives –Protection Level 2: Deflagration/Accelerated Burning –Protection Level 3: Readily supporting Combustion –Protection Level 4: Health hazards –Protection Level 5: Semiconductor Fabrication

28. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 28 Quantity Thresholds Exempt Quantities per Control Area –IFC Table 2703.1.1(1) Maximum Allowable Quantities per Control Area –NFPA 1 Table 60.1.26.2(c) Adjustments to thresholds –Sprinklers –Storage cabinets

29. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 29 Control Areas Floor Level % max qty allowed per area Number of Control Areas Fire Resistance Rating Above Grade Plane >95.012 7-95.022 4-612.522 35021 27531 110041 Below Grade Plane 17531 25021

30. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 30 Control Areas Applied (Flammable Liquids) Level above Grade Exempt Qty/Area (Gal) Max per control area (%) Net Qty per Area (Gal) Control Area Count Max Qty per level (Gal) Max Qty Sprinkler Cabinets >91205.061624 7-91205.0621248 4-612012.515230120 3 50.0602120480 212075.09032701080 1120100.012044801920 12075.09032701080 -212050.0602120480 -3NP

31. Fuel Density Problem Building 1 –Research –4 th floor –1 hr fire separation –Ordinary 1 Sprinklers –10 laboratories Area Limit: ___ gal Lab Limit: ____ gal Building 2 –Instruction –2 nd Floor –No fire separation –Ordinary 1 sprinklers –3 Laboratories Area Limit: ___ gal Lab Limit: ____ gal Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 31

32. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 32 Control Areas Applied (Highly Toxic Solids) Level above Grade Exempt Qty/Area (Gal) Max per control area (%) Net Qty per Area (Lb) Control Area Count Max Qty per level (Lb) Max Qty Sprinkler Cabinets >9105.0.51 2 7-9105.0.5214 4-61012.51.2522.510 3 50.0521040 21075.07.5322.590 110100.010440160 1075.07.5322.590 -21050.0521040 -3NP

33. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 33 Control Areas Applied (Water Reactive 2) Level above Grade Exempt Qty/Area (Gal) Max per control area (%) Net Qty per Area (Lb) Control Area Count Max Qty per level (Lb) Max Qty Sprinkler Cabinets >9505.02.51 10 7-9505.02.52520 4-65012.56.25212.550 3 50.025250200 25075.037.53112.5450 150100.0504200800 5075.037.53112.5450 -25050.025250200 -3NP

34. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 34 Quantity Thresholds Level 1 Level 2 Level -1 Level 3 Level -2 4 5 6 7 8 9 Levels 10 and up

35. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 35 Quantity Thresholds Mike Kehoe, FDNY Ladder 28 WTC Tower One, 9/11/01

36. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 36 Control Area Example: ESU Enormous State University Laboratory Building 8 levels, B-7 560,000 gross square feet –70,000 gsf per level Labs on all floors –14,000 net sf labs per level –Evenly distributed

37. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 37 Control Area Example: ESU Flammable Liquids (Class IA, IB, IC – aggregate) Floor Level Control Areas % Qty allowed per area Exempt Quantity (Gal) Gal per area Gal per level Gal per 100 sf lab 725.048024480.34 6212.5480601200.86 5212.5480601200.86 4212.5480601200.86 3250.04802404803.43 2375.04803601,0807.71 14100.0480 1,92013.71 B (-1)375.04803601,0807.71 Maximum fuel load: 4,968 gal

38. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 38 Exceeding Thresholds Industrial occupancy –General –High Hazard (NFPA 5000 chapter 34) Number and arrangement of exits Panic hardware Sprinklers Protection Level/High Hazard Additional Requirements by Hazard Class

39. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 39 Problems: Existing Conditions Sprinkler coverage Fire separation barriers Number and arrangement of exits

40. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 40 Problems: Sloped Grade Level 5 (Attic/Roof) Level 4 (Labs) Level 3 (Labs) Level 2 (Offices and classrooms) Level 1 (Offices) Level 0 (labs and support) Level 0 Entrance Level 1 Entrance

41. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 41 NFPA 45 NFPA 101 8.1/8.7.4 8.7.4 Laboratories [not a defined term…] 8.7.4.1 - Laboratories that use chemicals shall comply with NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals, unless otherwise modified by other provisions of this Code. NFPA 1 chapter 26 Not incorporated by IFC

42. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 42 NFPA 45 Concepts Laboratory Unit (Annex D) Laboratory Working Area (Annex D) Laboratory Hazard Classification –Class A: High –Class B: Moderate –Class C: Low –Class D: Minimal

43. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 43 NFPA 45 Laboratories

44. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 44 NFPA 45 Laboratories

45. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 45 NFPA 45 Laboratories

46. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 46 NFPA 45 Laboratories

47. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 47 NFPA 45 Fuel Load Limits Hazard Class (Fire Hazard) Fuel Density Limit (gal/100 sf)* Aggregate Limit (gal/lab)* A (High) 401600 B (Moderate) 20800 C (Low) 8400 D (Minimal) 2150 Flammable and combustible liquids (Class I, II and IIIA in aggregate), presuming coverage by sprinklers and storage in cabinets. Use the lower of these limits.

48. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 48 Fuel Load Limits 2004 NFPA 45 and 2009 IFC Level 1 Level 2 Level -1 Level 3 Level -2 Level 5 Level 6 Level 4 Level 7 Level 8 Level 9 Level 10 Level 1 Level 2 Level -1 Level 3 Level -2 4 5 6 7 8 9 Levels 10 and up

49. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 49 NFPA 45 Laboratory Hazard Class Hazard Class (Fire Hazard) Sprinkler Coverage Fire Separation OccupancyUse A (High) Ordinary 22 HourIndustrialResearch B (Moderate) Ordinary 21 HourIndustrialResearch C (Low) Ordinary 1NoneIndustrial Research Instruction D (Minimal) Ordinary 1NoneBusiness Research Instruction

50. Fuel Density Problem Lab 1 –Research –4 th floor –850 sf –1 hr fire separation –Ordinary 1 Sprinklers Hazard Class: ___ Fuel Limit: ____ gal Lab 2 –Instruction –2 nd Floor –1,300 sf –No fire separation –Ordinary 1 sprinklers Hazard Class: ___ Fuel Limit: ____ gal Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 50

51. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 51 NFPA 45 Architectural Requirements Fire Separation –Industrial (Class A, B, C): at least 1 hour –Business (Class D): Not required Additional exits –Explosion risk –Fume hood placement –Lab work area size (A: 500 sf, B/C/D: 1,000 sf)

52. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 52 NFPA 45 Operational Requirements Ventilation/fume hood velocity Perchloric acid hoods Time-sensitive materials (9.2.3.4) Explosion risk Process safety analysis Marking of entrances Labeling of containers

53. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 53 Enormous State University Existing Laboratory Building (2004 NFPA 45) 8 levels, B-6 560,000 gross square feet Labs on all floors –14,000 net sf labs per level, evenly distributed One-hour fire separation barriers Ordinary 1 sprinklers

54. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 54 Enormous State University Flammable Liquids (Class I – aggregate) Floor LevelLab AreaQuantity per100 sf (Class C lab) Gal per level 714,0004560 614,0004560 514,0004560 414,0004560 314,0004560 214,0004560 114,0004560 B (-1)14,0004560 Maximum fuel load: 4,480 gal

55. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 55 NFPA 45 2011 Hazard Class (Fire Hazard) Fire Separation OccupancyUse Permitted Stories above Grade A (High) 2 HourIndustrialResearch1-3 B (Moderate) 1 Hour IndustrialResearch 1-3 2 Hour4-6 C (Low) None Industrial Research Instruction 1-3 1 Hour4-6 2 HourOver 6 D (Minimal) NoneBusiness Research Instruction No Limit Class A and B labs not permitted below grade

56. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 56 NFPA 45 2011 Fuel Limits Hazard Class (Fire Hazard) Level above Grade Fuel Density Limit (gal/100 sf)* Aggregate Limit (gal/lab)* A (High) 1-3401600 B (Moderate) 1-320800 4-610400 C (Low) 1-38400 4-66300 Over 64200 D (Minimal) 1-32150 4-61.5100 Over 6175

57. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 57 Enormous State University New Laboratory Building (2011 NFPA 45) 8 levels, B-6 560,000 gross square feet Labs on all floors –14,000 net sf labs per level, evenly distributed One-hour fire separation barriers Ordinary 1 sprinklers

58. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 58 Enormous State University Flammable Liquids (Class I – aggregate) Floor LevelLab AreaQuantity per100 sf (Lab Class) Gal per level 714,0001 (D)140 614,0003 (C)420 514,0003 (C)420 414,0003 (C)420 314,0004 (C)560 214,0004 (C)560 114,0004 (C)560 B (-1)14,0004 (C)560 Maximum fuel load: 3,640 gal

59. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 59 NFPA 45 2011 application Retroactivity (45 1.4.1) Unless otherwise specified, the provisions of this standard shall not apply to facilities, equipment, structures, or installations that existed or were approved for construction or installation prior to the effective date of the standard. Where specified, the provisions of this standard shall be retroactive. New construction Change in use or occupancy

60. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 60 Chemist's Perspective

61. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 61 Low Threshold Chemical Classes Explosives (1 lb) Organic peroxide UD (1 lb) and I (5 lb) Oxidizer 4 (Ammonium Perchlorate, 1 lb) Oxidizer 3 (Calcium Hypochlorite, 10 lb) Pyrophors (Potassium, 4 lb) Unstable/Reactive 4 (1 lb) or 3 (5 lb) Water Reactive 2 (H2SO4, 5 lb)

62. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 62 Existing Conditions Architectural features Retroactivity AHJ prerogative Responding agency prerogative

63. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 63 Gaps in Code Requirements (ICC) Testing of time-sensitive materials Fume hood face velocity/contaminant capture Marking of entrances Labeling of containers PLDCs

64. Oct 19, 2011The University of Texas at San Antonio Come Here, Go Far 64 Gaps in Code Requirements (NFPA) Quantity limits –Explosives –Oxidizers –Organic peroxides –Toxic/highly toxic materials Correlation of occupancy –“industrial” to “general” or “high hazard”

65. John DeLaHunt, MBA, ARM Risk and Life Safety Manager The University of Texas at San Antonio (210) 458-4420 John.delahunt@utsa.edu Fire Code Applied to Laboratories A Chemist’s View