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North Carolina State Building Code: Fire Code (2003 IFC ® with North Carolina Amendments) 2006 North Carolina Building Code Council and North Carolina Department of Insurance 1202 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1202

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  • North Carolina State Building Code:

    Fire Code

    (2003 IFC with North Carolina Amendments)

    2006

    North Carolina Building Code Counciland

    North Carolina Department of Insurance1202 Mail Service Center

    Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1202

  • North Carolina State Building Code:Fire Code, 2006 Edition

    First Printing: June 2006Second Printing: July 2006

    Publication Date: June 2006

    ISBN # 978-1-58001-433-5 (loose-leaf)ISBN # 1-58001-433-X (loose-leaf)

    COPYRIGHT 2006by

    INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.

    ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This 2006 North Carolina Fire Code contains substantial copyrighted material from the 2003 Interna-tional Fire Code, fifth printing, which is a copyrighted work owned by the International Code Council, Inc. Without advance writtenpermission from the copyright owner, no part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by anymeans, including, without limitation, electronic, optical or mechanical means (by way of example and not limitation, photocopying,or recording by or in an information storage retrieval system). For information on permission to copy material exceeding fair use,please contact: Publications, 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795. Phone 1-888-ICC-SAFE(422-7233).

    Trademarks: International Code Council, the International Code Council logo and the International Fire Code are trademarksof the International Code Council, Inc.

    PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

  • NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUILDINGCODE COUNCIL

    JANUARY 1, 2006

    CHAIRMAN

    Dan Tingen 11(Home Builder)Tingen Construction Co.8411 Garvey Drive, #101Raleigh, NC 27616919-875-2161

    VICE CHAIRMAN

    John Hitch, AIA 10(Architect)The Smith Sinnett Assoc.4601 Lake Boone TrailRaleigh, NC 27607919-781-8582

    Tom Avery, PE 09(Structural Engineer)Structural Systems Inc.PO Box 1563Wilmington, NC 28402910-763-7311

    Barry Maness 09(Mechanical Contractor)Tarheel Contracting Co.PO Box 2636Asheboro, NC 27204336-626-3754

    Tim Reynolds 07(Electrical Contractor)GT Reynolds ConstructionPO Box 550323Gastonia, NC 28054704-865-6262

    Al Bass, Jr., PE 09(Mechanical Engineer)Bass, Nixon and Kennedy6425 Chapman CourtRaleigh, NC 27612919-782-4689

    Dan Murray, PE 11(State Agency)State Construction301 North Wilmington St.Raleigh, NC 27601919-807-4135

    Bob Ruffner, Jr. 09(General Contractor)Clancy and Theys ConstructionPO Box 4189Wilmington, NC 28406910-392-5520

    Lon Culbertson, PE 07(Electrical Engineer)InfraTrek Consultants, PC417 North Boylan AvenueRaleigh, NC 27603919-465-7225

    Jack Neel, PE 10(Municipal Representative)City of Albemarle1007 Colonial DriveAlbemarle, NC 28001704-982-8434

    Butch Simmons 09(Building Inspector)City of GreensboroPO Box 3136Greensboro, NC 27402336-373-2329

    Terry Greene 07(Gas Industry)Piedmont Natural Gas Co.PO Box 29527Greensboro, NC 27429336-378-1831

    Mack Nixon 10(County Respresentative)Albemarle Home Builders199 Mill StreetElizabeth City, NC 27909252-338-5211

    David Smith 10(Coastal Contractor)Cape Fear Comm. Col.411 North Front StreetWilmington, NC 28401910-362-7148

    Brad Lail 11(Public Representative)Hickory Furniture548 North Center StreetHickory, NC 28601828-322-3510

    Alan Perdue 09(Fire Services)Guilford County1002 Meadowood StreetGreensboro, NC 27409336-641-7565

    Tom Turner, FAIA 10(Architect)ADEP, PA3225 Wickersham RoadCharlotte, NC 28211704-770-0475

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  • iv 2006 NORTH CAROLINA FIRE CODE

    NORTH CAROLINADEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE

    By statute, the Commissioner of Insurance has general supervision of the administration and enforcement ofthe North Carolina State Building Code and the Engineering Division serves as the staff for the BuildingCode Council. Officials of the Department of Insurance are:

    JIM LONGCommissioner

    TIM BRADLEYSenior Deputy Commissioner

    WANDA EDWARDS, PEDeputy Commissioner

    BARRY GUPTON, PEChief Code Consultant

    CHRIS NOLES, PEFire Code Consultant

    ADMINISTRATION

    Dan Tingen ChairmanThomas Avery, PEAl Bass, PELon Culbertson, PEJohn Hitch, AIABrad LailAlan PerdueButch SimmonsDavid SmithThomas Turner, FAIA

    BUILDING

    Butch Simmons ChairmanJohn Hitch, AIABrad LailDan Murray, PEAlan PerdueBob Ruffner, Jr.Thomas Turner, FAIA

    ELECTRICAL

    Tim Reynolds ChairmanAl Bass, PELon Culbertson, PEBarry Maness

    ENERGY

    Thomas Turner, FAIA ChairmanAl Bass, PELon Culbertson, PEBarry ManessMack NixonTim Reynolds

    FIRE PREVENTION

    Alan Perdue ChairmanTerry GreeneBrad LailJack Neel, PEMack Nixon

    MECHANICAL

    Al Bass, PE ChairmanLon Culbertson, PETerry GreeneBarry ManessTim ReynoldsDavid Smith

    RESIDENTIAL

    David Smith ChairmanThomas Avery, PEDan MurrayJack Neel, PEMack NixonTim ReynoldsButch SimmonsThomas Turner, FAIA

    STRUCTURAL

    Thomas Avery, PE ChairmanJohn Hitch, AIADan Murray, PEBob Ruffner, Jr.

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  • PREFACE

    IntroductionInternationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date fire code addressing conditions hazardous to life andproperty from fire, explosion, handling or use of hazardous materials and the use and occupancy of buildings and premises. The In-ternational Fire Code, in this 2003 edition, is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the pub-lic health and safety in all communities, large and small.

    This comprehensive fire code establishes minimum regulations for fire prevention and fire protection systems using prescriptiveand performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and newsystem designs. This 2003 edition is fully compatible with all the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the InternationalCode Council (ICC), including the International Building Code, ICC Electrical Code, International Energy Conservation Code,International Existing Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, ICC Performance Code, In-ternational Plumbing Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code, Interna-tional Residential Code, International Urban-Wildland Interface Code and International Zoning Code.

    The International Fire Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offersan international forum for fire safety professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum providesan excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application ofprovisions.

    DevelopmentThe first edition of the International Fire Code (2000) was the culmination of an effort initiated in 1997 by a development commit-tee appointed by ICC and consisting of representatives of the three statutory members of the International Code Council: BuildingOfficials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and South-ern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). The intent was to draft a comprehensive set of fire safety regulations consistentwith and inclusive of the scope of the existing model codes. Technical content of the latest model codes promulgated by BOCA,ICBO and SBCCI was utilized as the basis for the development, followed by public hearings in 1998 and 1999 to consider proposedchanges. This 2003 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes approved through the ICC Code Development Pro-cess through 2002. A new edition such as this is promulgated every three years.

    With the development and publication of the family of International Codes in 2000, the continued development and maintenanceof the model codes individually promulgated by BOCA (BOCA National Codes), ICBO (Uniform Codes) and SBCCI (Stan-dard Codes) was discontinued. This 2003 International Fire Code, as well as its predecessorthe 2000 edition, is intended to bethe successor fire code to those codes previously developed by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI.

    The development of a single set of comprehensive and coordinated family of International Codes was a significant milestone inthe development of regulations for the built environment. The timing of this publication mirrors a milestone in the change in struc-ture of the model codes, namely, the pending Consolidation of BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI into the ICC. The activities and servicespreviously provided by the individual model code organizations will be the responsibility of the Consolidated ICC.

    This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a fire code that adequately pro-tects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not re-strict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment toparticular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

    AdoptionThe International Fire Code is available for adoption and use by jurisdictions internationally. Its use within a governmental jurisdic-tion is intended to be accomplished through adoption by reference in accordance with proceedings establishing the jurisdictionslaws. At the time of adoption, jurisdictions should insert the appropriate information in provisions requiring specific local informa-tion, such as the name of the adopting jurisdiction. These locations are shown in bracketed words in small capital letters in the codeand in the sample ordinance. The sample adoption ordinance on page v addresses several key elements of a code adoption ordi-nance, including the information required for insertion into the code text.

    MaintenanceThe International Fire Code is kept up to date through the review of proposed changes submitted by code enforcing officials, indus-try representatives, design professionals and other interested parties. Proposed changes are carefully considered through an opencode development process in which all interested and affected parties may participate.

    2006 NORTH CAROLINA FIRE CODE v

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  • The contents of this work are subject to change both through the Code Development Cycles and the governmental body that en-acts the code into law. For more information regarding the code development process, contact the Code and Standard DevelopmentDepartment of the International Code Council.

    While the development procedure of the International Fire Code assures the highest degree of care, ICC and the founding mem-bers of ICCBOCA, ICBO, SBCCItheir members and those participating in the development of this code do not accept any lia-bility resulting from compliance or noncompliance with the provisions because ICC and its founding members do not have thepower or authority to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this code. Only the governmental body that enacts the codeinto law has such authority.

    Letter Designations in Front of Section NumbersIn each code development cycle, proposed changes to this code are considered at the Code Development Hearing by the Interna-tional Fire Code Development Committee, whose action constitutes a recommendation to the voting membership for final action onthe proposed change. Proposed changes to a code section whose number begins with a letter in brackets are considered by a differentcode development committee. For instance, proposed changes to code sections which have the letter [P] in front (e.g. [P] 912.5), areconsidered by the International Plumbing Code Development Committee at the Code Development Hearing. Where this designa-tion is applicable to the entire content of a main section of the code, the designation appears at the main section number and title andis not repeated at every subsection in that section.

    The content of sections in this code which begin with a letter designation are maintained by another code development commit-tee in accordance with the following: [B]= International Building Code Development Committee; [EB] = International ExistingBuilding Code Development Committee; [M] = International Mechanical Code Development Committee; [P] = InternationalPlumbing Code Development Committee.

    Marginal and Text MarkingsSolid vertical lines in the margins within the body of the code indicate a technical change from the requirements of the 2000 edition.Deletion indicators ( ) are provided in the margin where a paragraph or item has been deleted. Underlines within the body of thecode indicate a technical change to the 2006 North Carolina Fire Code from the requirements of the 2003 edition of the Interna-tional Fire Code.

    Chapter 10 user note: Chapter 10 of the code has been reorganized from the 2000 edition as a result of an approved code changeproposal. This resulted in a renumbering of the chapter from nine sections to 27. The presentation of text predominantly follows thatof the 2000 edition; however, the section numbers have been revised. Marginal markings are included at each section number buthave not been included to reflect the subsection renumbering. A comprehensive 2000/2003 Chapter 10 section number cross indexis posted in the ICC website at www.intlcode.org.

    vi 2006 NORTH CAROLINA FIRE CODE

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  • TABLE OF CONTENTS

    CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

    Section

    101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

    102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

    103 Department of Fire Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

    104 General Authority and Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . 2

    105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

    106 Inspection Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

    107 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

    108 Board of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    109 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    110 Unsafe Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    111 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    112 Maintaining a Fire Hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

    113 Local Government Modification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

    Section

    201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

    202 General Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

    CHAPTER 3 GENERAL PRECAUTIONSAGAINST FIRE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

    Section

    301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

    302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

    303 Asphalt Kettles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

    304 Combustible Waste Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

    305 Ignition Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

    306 Motion Picture Film and Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

    307 Open Burning and Recreational Fires . . . . . . . . . 28

    308 Open Flames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

    309 Powered Industrial Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

    310 Smoking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

    311 Vacant Premises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

    312 Vehicle Impact Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

    313 Fueled Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

    314 Indoor Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

    315 Miscellaneous Combustible Materials Storage . . 32

    CHAPTER 4 EMERGENCY PLANNING ANDPREPAREDNESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

    Section

    401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

    402 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

    403 Public Assemblages and Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

    404 Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

    405 Emergency Evacuation Drills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

    406 Employee Training and Response Procedures . . . 37

    407 Hazard Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

    408 Use and Occupancy-Related Requirements . . . . . 38

    CHAPTER 5 FIRE SERVICE FEATURES. . . . . . . . 41

    Section

    501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

    502 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

    503 Fire Apparatus Access Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

    504 Access to Building Openings and Roofs . . . . . . . 42

    505 Premises Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

    506 Key Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

    507 Hazards to Fire Fighters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

    508 Fire Protection Water Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

    509 Fire Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

    510 Fire Department Access to Equipment. . . . . . . . . 44

    CHAPTER 6 BUILDING SERVICES ANDSYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

    Section

    601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

    602 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

    603 Fuel-Fired Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

    604 Emergency and Standby Power Systems . . . . . . . 47

    605 Electrical Equipment, Wiring and Hazards . . . . . 49

    606 Mechanical Refrigeration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

    607 Elevator Recall and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

    608 Stationary Lead-Acid Battery Systems . . . . . . . . 52

    609 Commercial Kitchen Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

    CHAPTER 7 FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATEDCONSTRUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

    Section

    701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

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  • 702 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

    703 Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction . . . . . . . . . . . 55

    704 Floor Openings and Shafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

    CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVEMATERIALS ANDFURNISHINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

    Section

    801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

    802 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

    803 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish andInterior Wall and Ceiling Trim in ExistingBuildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

    804 Interior Wall and Ceiling Trim in New andExisting Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

    805 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses inNew and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

    806 Decorative Vegetation in New andExisting Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

    807 Decorative Materials Other ThanDecorative Vegetation in New andExisting Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

    808 Furnishings Other Than UpholsteredFurniture and Mattresses or DecorativeMaterials in New and Existing Buildings . . . . 63

    CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS . . . . 65

    Section

    901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

    902 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

    903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

    904 Alternative Automatic Fire-ExtinguishingSystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

    905 Standpipe Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

    906 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

    907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

    908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

    909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

    910 Smoke and Heat Vents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

    911 Explosion Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

    912 Fire Department Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

    913 Fire Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

    914 Fire Protection Based on Special DetailedRequirements of Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . 99

    CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

    Section

    1001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

    1002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

    1004 Occupant Load. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

    1005 Egress Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

    1006 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

    1007 Accessible Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

    1008 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

    1009 Stairways and Handrails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

    1010 Ramps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

    1011 Exit Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116

    1012 Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

    1013 Exit Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

    1014 Exit and Exit Access Doorways . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

    1015 Exit Access Travel Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

    1016 Corridors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

    1017 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

    1018 Number of Exits and Continuity. . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

    1019 Vertical Exit Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

    1020 Exit Passageways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

    1021 Horizontal Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

    1022 Exterior Exit Ramps and Stairways . . . . . . . . . . 126

    1023 Exit Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

    1024 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

    1025 Emergency Escape and Rescue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132

    1026 Means of Egress for Existing Buildings . . . . . . 133

    1027 Maintenance of the Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . 133

    CHAPTER 11 AVIATION FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . 135

    Section

    1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

    1102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

    1103 General Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

    1104 Aircraft Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

    1105 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

    1106 Aircraft Fueling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

    1107 Helistops and Heliports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

    CHAPTER 12 DRY CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

    Section

    1201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

    1202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

    1203 Classifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

    1204 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

    1205 Operating Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

    1206 Spotting and Pretreating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

    1207 Dry Cleaning Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

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  • 1208 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

    CHAPTER 13 COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCINGOPERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

    Section

    1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

    1302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

    1303 Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

    1304 Explosion Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

    CHAPTER 14 FIRE SAFETY DURINGCONSTRUCTION ANDDEMOLITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

    Section

    1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

    1402 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

    1403 Temporary Heating Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

    1404 Precautions Against Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

    1405 Flammable and Combustible Liquids. . . . . . . . . 149

    1406 Flammable Gases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

    1407 Explosive Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

    1408 Owners Responsibility for Fire Protection . . . . 150

    1409 Fire Alarm Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

    1410 Access for Fire Fighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

    1411 Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

    1412 Water Supply for Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

    1413 Standpipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

    1414 Automatic Sprinkler System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

    1415 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

    1416 Motorized Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

    1417 Safeguarding Roofing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . 151

    CHAPTER 15 FLAMMABLE FINISHES. . . . . . . . . 153

    Section

    1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

    1502 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

    1503 Protection of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

    1504 Spray Finishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

    1505 Dipping Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

    1506 Electrostatic Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

    1507 Powder Coating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

    1508 Automobile Undercoating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

    1509 Organic Peroxides and Dual-ComponentCoatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

    1510 Floor Surfacing and Finishing Operations . . . . . 161

    1511 Indoor Manufacturing of Reinforced Plastics . . 162

    CHAPTER 16 FRUIT AND CROP RIPENING . . . . 163

    Section

    1601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

    1602 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

    1603 Ethylene Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

    1604 Sources of Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

    1605 Combustible Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

    1606 Ethylene Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

    1607 Warning Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

    CHAPTER 17 FUMIGATION AND THERMALINSECTICIDAL FOGGING . . . . . . . 165

    Section

    1701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

    1702 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

    1703 Fire Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

    CHAPTER 18 SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATIONFACILITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

    Section

    1801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

    1802 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

    1803 General Safety Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

    1804 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

    1805 Use and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

    CHAPTER 19 LUMBER YARDS ANDWOODWORKING FACILITIES . . . 177

    Section

    1901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

    1902 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

    1903 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

    1904 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

    1905 Plywood, Veneer and Composite BoardMills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

    1906 Log Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

    1907 Storage of Wood Chips and Hogged MaterialAssociated With Timber and LumberProduction Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

    1908 Storage and Processing of Wood Chips, HoggedMaterial, Fines, Compost and Raw ProductAssociated With Yard Waste and RecyclingFacilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

    1909 Exterior Storage of Finished LumberProducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

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  • CHAPTER 20 MANUFACTURE OF ORGANICCOATINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

    Section

    2001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

    2002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

    2003 General Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

    2004 Electrical Equipment and Protection . . . . . . . . . 181

    2005 Process Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

    2006 Process Mills and Kettles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

    2007 Process Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

    2008 Raw Materials in Process Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

    2009 Raw Materials and Finished Products . . . . . . . . 183

    CHAPTER 21 INDUSTRIAL OVENS . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

    Section

    2101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

    2102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

    2103 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

    2104 Fuel Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

    2105 Interlocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

    2106 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

    2107 Operation and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186

    CHAPTER 22 MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSINGFACILITIES AND REPAIRGARAGES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

    Section

    2201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

    2202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

    2203 Location of Dispensing Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

    2204 Dispensing Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188

    2205 Operational Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

    2206 Flammable and Combustible Liquid MotorFuel-Dispensing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

    2207 Liquefied Petroleum Gas MotorFuel-Dispensing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

    2208 Compressed Natural Gas MotorFuel-Dispensing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

    2209 Hydrogen Motor Fuel-Dispensing andGeneration Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

    2210 Marine Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities . . . . . 200

    2211 Repair Garages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

    CHAPTER 23 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLESTORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

    Section

    2301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

    2302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205

    2303 Commodity Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206

    2304 Designation of High-Piled Storage Areas . . . . . 208

    2305 Housekeeping and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

    2306 General Fire Protection and Life SafetyFeatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

    2307 Solid-Piled and Shelf Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

    2308 Rack Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

    2309 Automated Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

    2310 Specialty Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213

    CHAPTER 24 TENTS, CANOPIES AND OTHERMEMBRANE STRUCTURES. . . . . . 215

    Section

    2401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

    2402 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

    2403 Temporary Tents, Canopies and MembraneStructures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215

    2404 Temporary and Permanent Tents, Canopies andMembrane Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217

    CHAPTER 25 TIRE REBUILDING AND TIRESTORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

    Section

    2501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

    2502 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

    2503 Tire Rebuilding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

    2504 Precautions Against Fire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

    2505 Outdoor Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

    2506 Fire Department Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

    2507 Fencing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

    2508 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

    2509 Indoor Storage Arrangement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222

    CHAPTER 26 WELDING AND OTHER HOTWORK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

    Section

    2601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

    2602 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

    2603 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

    2604 Fire Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224

    2605 Gas Welding and Cutting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

    2606 Electric Arc Hot Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

    2607 Calcium Carbide Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

    2608 Acetylene Generators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

    2609 Piping Manifolds and Hose Systems forFuel Gases and Oxygen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

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  • CHAPTER 27 HAZARDOUSMATERIALSGENERALPROVISIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

    Section

    2701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227

    2702 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

    2703 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

    2704 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

    2705 Use, Dispensing and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

    CHAPTER 28 AEROSOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

    Section

    2801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

    2802 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

    2803 Classification of Aerosol Products . . . . . . . . . . . 251

    2804 Inside Storage of Aerosol Products . . . . . . . . . . 251

    2805 Outside Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

    2806 Retail Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254

    2807 Manufacturing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255

    CHAPTER 29 COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS . . . . . . . . . 257

    Section

    2901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

    2902 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

    2903 General Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

    2904 Loose Fiber Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

    2905 Baled Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

    CHAPTER 30 COMPRESSED GASES . . . . . . . . . . . 259

    Section

    3001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

    3002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

    3003 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

    3004 Storage of Compressed Gases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

    3005 Use and Handling of Compressed Gases . . . . . . 263

    3006 Medical Gas Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

    3007 Compressed Gases Not Otherwise Regulated . . 264

    CHAPTER 31 CORROSIVE MATERIALS . . . . . . . 265

    Section

    3101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

    3102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

    3103 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

    3104 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

    3105 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265

    CHAPTER 32 CRYOGENIC FLUIDS. . . . . . . . . . . . 267

    Section

    3201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

    3202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

    3203 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267

    3204 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

    3205 Use and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

    CHAPTER 33 EXPLOSIVES ANDFIREWORKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

    Section

    3301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

    3302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

    3303 Record Keeping and Reporting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279

    3304 Explosive Materials Storage and Handling . . . . 280

    3305 Manufacture, Assembly and Testingof Explosives, Explosive Materialsand Fireworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286

    3306 Small Arms Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289

    3307 Blasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290

    3308 Fireworks Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291

    CHAPTER 34 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLELIQUIDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

    Section

    3401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

    3402 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

    3403 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294

    3404 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

    3405 Dispensing, Use, Mixing and Handling . . . . . . . 317

    3406 Special Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322

    CHAPTER 35 FLAMMABLE GASES . . . . . . . . . . . 333

    Section

    3501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

    3502 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

    3503 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

    3504 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

    3505 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

    CHAPTER 36 FLAMMABLE SOLIDS. . . . . . . . . . . 335

    Section

    3601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

    3602 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

    3603 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

    3604 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

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  • 3605 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

    3606 Magnesium. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

    CHAPTER 37 HIGHLY TOXIC AND TOXICMATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

    Section

    3701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

    3702 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

    3703 Highly Toxic and Toxic Solids and Liquids. . . . 340

    3704 Highly Toxic and Toxic Compressed Gases . . . 341

    3705 Ozone Gas Generators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

    CHAPTER 38 LIQUEFIED PETROLEUMGASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    Section

    3801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3802 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3803 Installation of Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3804 Location of Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3805 Prohibited Use of LP-Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3806 Dispensing and Overfilling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3807 Safety Precautions and Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3808 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3809 Storage of Portable LP-GasContainers Awaiting Use or Resale . . . . . . . . 347

    3810 Containers Not In Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    3811 Parking Garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347

    CHAPTER 39 ORGANIC PEROXIDES . . . . . . . . . . 349

    Section

    3901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

    3902 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

    3903 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

    3904 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349

    3905 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351

    CHAPTER 40 OXIDIZERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

    Section

    4001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

    4002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

    4003 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

    4004 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354

    4005 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356

    CHAPTER 41 PYROPHORIC MATERIALS. . . . . . 357

    Section

    4101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

    4102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

    4103 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

    4104 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357

    4105 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

    4106 Silane Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

    CHAPTER 42 PYROXYLIN (CELLULOSENITRATE) PLASTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

    4201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

    4202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

    4203 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

    4204 Storage and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361

    CHAPTER 43 UNSTABLE (REACTIVE)MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

    Section

    4301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

    4302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

    4303 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363

    4304 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364

    4305 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364

    CHAPTER 44 WATER-REACTIVE SOLIDS ANDLIQUIDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

    Section

    4401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

    4402 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

    4403 General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

    4404 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

    4405 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366

    CHAPTER 45 REFERENCED STANDARDS . . . . . 367

    APPENDIX A BOARD OF APPEALS. . . . . . . . . . . . 375

    APPENDIX B FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTSFOR BUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

    Section

    B101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

    B102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

    B103 Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

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  • B104 Fire-Flow Calculation Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

    B105 Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings. . . . . . . . 377

    B106 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377

    APPENDIX C FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS ANDDISTRIBUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

    Section

    C101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

    C102 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

    C103 Number of Fire Hydrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

    C104 Consideration of Existing Fire Hydrants . . . . . . 379

    C105 Distribution of Fire Hydrants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

    APPENDIX D FIRE APPARATUS ACCESSROADS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381

    Section

    D101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381

    D102 Required Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381

    D103 Minimum Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381

    D104 Commercial and Industrial Developments . . . . . 382

    D105 Aerial Fire Apparatus Access Roads . . . . . . . . . 382

    D106 Multiple-Family Residential Developments . . . 382

    D107 One- or Two-Family ResidentialDevelopments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383

    APPENDIX E HAZARD CATEGORIES . . . . . . . . . 385

    Section

    E101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

    E102 Hazard Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385

    E103 Evaluation of Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388

    APPENDIX F HAZARD RANKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

    Section

    F101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

    F102 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

    APPENDIX G CRYOGENIC FLUIDSWEIGHTAND VOLUME EQUIVALENTS . . . 393

    Section

    G101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

    APPENDIX H TEST REQUIREMENTS FORFLAME-RETARDANT CHEMICALUSE ON CHRISTMAS TREES . . . . 395

    Section

    H101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

    H102 Test Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

    H103 Reporting Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

    INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397

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  • CHAPTER 1

    ADMINISTRATION

    SECTION 101GENERAL

    101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the NorthCarolina Fire Code as approved by the North Carolina BuildingCode Council on September 13, 2005, to be effective July 1,2006. References to the International Code shall mean theNorth Carolina Codes. References ICC A117.1 shall mean theNorth Carolina Accessibility Code. The North Carolinaamendments to the International Codes are underlined.

    101.2 Scope. This code establishes regulations affecting orrelating to structures, processes, premises and safeguardsregarding:

    1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the stor-age, handling or use of structures, materials or devices;

    2. Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfarein the occupancy of structures or premises;

    3. Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises fromoccupancy or operation;

    4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair,alteration or removal of fire suppression or alarm sys-tems.

    101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall notapply unless specifically adopted by the local governingauthority having jurisdiction or referenced in this code.

    101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the mini-mum requirements consistent with nationally recognized goodpractice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and prop-erty protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerousconditions in new and existing buildings, structures and pre-mises and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergencyresponders during emergency operations.

    101.4 Severability. If a section, subsection, sentence, clause orphrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitu-tional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remain-ing portions of this code.

    101.5 Validity. In the event any part or provision of this code isheld to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of makingvoid or illegal any of the other parts or provisions hereof, whichare determined to be legal; and it shall be presumed that thiscode would have been adopted without such illegal or invalidparts or provisions.

    SECTION 102APPLICABILITY

    102.1 Construction and design provisions. The constructionand design provisions of this code shall apply to:

    1. Structures, facilities and conditions arising after theadoption of this code.

    2. Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legallyin existence at the time of adoption of this code.

    3. When the current North Carolina Building Codes requirecertain safety to life requirements for existing buildings,those requirements shall apply.

    4. Existing structures, facilities and conditions which, inthe opinion of the code official, constitute a distinct haz-ard to life or property.

    102.2 Administrative, operational and maintenance provi-sions. The administrative, operational and maintenance provi-sions of this code shall apply to:

    1. Conditions and operations arising after the adoption ofthis code.

    2. Existing conditions and operations.

    102.3 Change of use or occupancy. The provisions of theNorth Carolina Administrative Code and Policies and applica-ble North Carolina General Statutes shall apply to all buildingsundergoing a change of occupancy.

    102.4 Application of building code. See the provisions of theNorth Carolina Administrative Code and Policies and applica-ble North Carolina General Statutes.

    102.5 Historic buildings. See the provisions of the NorthCarolina Administrative Code and Policies and applicableNorth Carolina General Statutes.

    102.6 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and stan-dards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed inChapter 45 and such codes and standards shall be consideredpart of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent ofeach such reference. Where differences occur between the pro-visions of this code and the referenced standards, the provi-sions of this code shall apply.

    102.7 Subjects not regulated by this code. Where no applica-ble standards or requirements are set forth in this code, or arecontained within other laws, codes, regulations, ordinances orbylaws adopted by the jurisdiction, compliance with applicablestandards of the National Fire Protection Association or othernationally recognized fire safety standards, as approved, shallbe deemed as prima facie evidence of compliance with theintent of this code. Nothing herein shall derogate from theauthority of the fire code official to determine compliance withcodes or standards for those activities or installations within thecode officials jurisdiction or responsibility.

    102.8 Matters not provided for. Requirements that are essen-tial for the public safety of an existing or proposed activity,building or structure, or for the safety of the occupants thereof,which are not specifically provided for by this code shall bedetermined by the fire code official.

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  • 102.9 Conflicting provisions. Where there is a conflictbetween a general requirement and a specific requirement, thespecific requirement shall be applicable.

    102.10 Exceptions to applicability. The provisions of thiscode shall not apply to the following:

    1. Occupancy of one- and two-family dwellings.

    2. Farm buildings located outside the building rules juris-diction of any municipality.

    Exception: All buildings used for sleeping purposesshall conform to the provisions of the technical codes.

    3. The design, construction, location, installation or opera-tion of equipment for storing, handling, and transportingliquefied petroleum gases for fuel purposes up to the firststage regulator, liquefied natural gases, and anhydrousammonia or other liquid fertilizers.

    4. The design, construction, location, installation or opera-tion of equipment or facilities of a public utility, asdefined in General Statute 62-3, or an electric or tele-phone membership corporation, including without limi-tation poles, towers, and other structures supportingelectric or communication lines from the distributionnetwork up to the meter location.

    Exception: All buildings owned and operated by apublic utility or an electric or telephone membershipcorporation shall meet the provisions of the code.

    5. The Storage and Handling of Hazardous ChemicalsRight to Know Act, North Carolina General Statute95-173 through 95-218.

    6. Open burning pursuant to General Statute 113-60.21through 113-60.31 under the jurisdiction of the Depart-ment of Environmental, Health and Natural Resources.

    SECTION 103DEPARTMENT OF FIRE PREVENTION

    103.1 General. The department of fire prevention is estab-lished within the jurisdiction under the direction of the firecode official. The function of the department shall be theimplementation, administration and enforcement of the provi-sions of this code.

    103.2 Appointment. See the provisions of the North CarolinaAdministrative Code and Policies and applicable NorthCarolina General Statutes.

    103.3 Deputies. See the provisions of the North CarolinaAdministrative Code and Policies and applicable NorthCarolina General Statutes.

    103.4 Liability. See the provisions of the North CarolinaAdministrative Code and Policies and applicable NorthCarolina General Statutes.

    103.4.1 Legal defense. See the provisions of the NorthCarolina Administrative Code and Policies and applicableNorth Carolina General Statutes.

    SECTION 104GENERAL AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    104.1 General. The fire code official is hereby authorized toenforce the provisions of this code and shall have the authorityto render interpretations of this code, and to adopt policies, pro-cedures, rules and regulations in order to clarify the applicationof its provisions. Such interpretations, policies, procedures,rules and regulations shall be in compliance with the intent andpurpose of this code and shall not have the effect of waivingrequirements specifically provided for in this code.

    104.2 Applications and permits. The fire code official isauthorized to receive applications, review construction docu-ments and issue permits for construction regulated by thiscode, issue permits for operations regulated by this code,inspect the premises for which such permits have been issuedand enforce compliance with the provisions of this code.

    104.3 Right of entry See the provisions of the North CarolinaAdministrative Code and Policies and applicable NorthCarolina General Statutes.

    104.3.1 Warrant. See the provisions of the North CarolinaAdministrative Code and Policies and applicable NorthCarolina General Statutes.

    104.4 Identification. See the provisions of the North CarolinaAdministrative Code and Policies and applicable NorthCarolina General Statutes.

    104.5 Notices and orders. See the provisions of the NorthCarolina Administrative Code and Policies and applicableNorth Carolina General Statutes.

    104.6 Official records. See the provisions of the NorthCarolina Administrative Code and Policies and applicableNorth Carolina General Statutes.

    104.7 Approved materials and equipment. All materials,equipment and devices approved by the fire code official shallbe constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

    104.7.1 Material and equipment reuse. Materials, equip-ment and devices shall not be reused or reinstalled unlesssuch elements have been reconditioned, tested and placed ingood and proper working condition and approved.

    104.7.2 Technical assistance. To determine the acceptabil-ity of technologies, processes, products, facilities, materialsand uses attending the design, operation or use of a buildingor premises subject to inspection by the fire code official,the fire code official is authorized to require the owner oragent to provide, without charge to the jurisdiction, a techni-cal opinion and report. The opinion and report shall be pre-pared by a qualified engineer, specialist, laboratory or firesafety specialty organization acceptable to the fire code offi-cial and shall analyze the fire safety properties of the design,operation or use of the building or premises and the facilitiesand appurtenances situated thereon, to recommend neces-sary changes. The fire code official is authorized to requiredesign submittals to be prepared by, and bear the stamp of, aregistered design professional.

    104.8 Modifications. See the provisions of the North CarolinaAdministrative Code and Policies and applicable NorthCarolina General Statutes.

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  • 104.9 Alternative materials and methods. See the provisionsof the North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies andapplicable North Carolina General Statutes.

    104.10 Fire investigations. See the provisions of the NorthCarolina Administrative Code and Policies and applicableNorth Carolina General Statutes.

    104.11 Authority at fires and other emergencies. The firechief or officer of the fire department in charge at the scene of afire or other emergency involving the protection of life or prop-erty or any part thereof, shall have the authority to direct suchoperation as necessary to extinguish or control any fire, per-form any rescue operation, investigate the existence of sus-pected or reported fires, gas leaks or other hazardousconditions or situations, or take any other action necessary inthe reasonable performance of duty. In the exercise of suchpower, the fire chief is authorized to prohibit any person, vehi-cle, vessel or thing from approaching the scene and is autho-rized to remove, or cause to be removed or kept away from thescene, any vehicle, vessel or thing which could impede or inter-fere with the operations of the fire department and, in the judg-ment of the fire chief, any person not actually and usefullyemployed in the extinguishing of such fire or in the preserva-tion of property in the vicinity thereof.

    104.11.1 Barricades. The fire chief or officer of the firedepartment in charge at the scene of an emergency is autho-rized to place ropes, guards, barricades or other obstructionsacross any street, alley, place or private property in the vicin-ity of such operation so as to prevent accidents or interfer-ence with the lawful efforts of the fire department to manageand control the situation and to handle fire apparatus.

    104.11.2 Obstructing operations. No person shall obstructthe operations of the fire department in connection withextinguishment or control of any fire, or actions relative toother emergencies, or disobey any lawful command of thefire chief or officer of the fire department in charge of theemergency, or any part thereof, or any lawful order of apolice officer assisting the fire department.

    104.11.3 Systems and devices. No person shall render asystem or device inoperative during an emergency unless bydirection of the fire chief or fire department official incharge of the incident.

    SECTION 105PERMITS

    105.1 General. Permits shall be in accordance with Section105.

    105.1.1 Permits required. Permits required by this codeshall be obtained from the fire code official. Permit fees, ifany, shall be paid prior to issuance of the permit. Issued per-mits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at alltimes and shall be readily available for inspection by the firecode official.

    105.1.2 Types of permits. There shall be two types of per-mits as follows:

    1. Operational permit. An operational permit allows theapplicant to conduct an operation or a business forwhich a permit is required by Section 105.6 for either:

    1.1. A prescribed period.

    1.2. Until renewed or revoked.

    Operational permits listed as mandatory in Section105.6 shall be obtained from the fire code official andare legally enforceable. For decisions on any appealsof the provisions of mandatory permits, see the provi-sions of the North Carolina Administrative Code andPolicies and applicable North Carolina General Stat-utes.

    Operational permits listed as optional in Section105.6 must be adopted by local ordinance to belegally issued by the fire code official. A permit listedas optional does not make any of the technical provi-sions of this code optional.

    Decisions on any appeals of the provisions ofoptional permits which are adopted by local ordi-nance shall be issued by the local governing bodyhaving jurisdiction.

    2. Construction permit. A construction permit allowsthe applicant to install or modify systems and equip-ment for which a permit is required by Section 105.7.

    105.1.3 Permits for the same location. When more thanone permit is required for the same location, the fire codeofficial is authorized to consolidate such permits into a sin-gle permit provided that each provision is listed in the per-mit.

    105.2 Application. Application for a permit required by thiscode shall be made to the fire code official in such form anddetail as prescribed by the fire code official. Applications forpermits shall be accompanied by such plans as prescribed bythe fire code official.

    105.2.1 Refusal to issue permit. If the application for a per-mit describes a use that does not conform to the require-ments of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances,the fire code official shall not issue a permit, but shall returnthe application to the applicant with the refusal to issue suchpermit. Such refusal shall, when requested, be in writingand shall contain the reasons for refusal.

    105.2.2 Inspection authorized. Before a new operationalpermit is approved, the fire code official is authorized toinspect the receptacles, vehicles, buildings, devices, pre-mises, storage spaces or areas to be used to determine com-pliance with this code or any operational constraintsrequired.

    105.2.3 Time limitation of application. See the provisionsof the North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies andapplicable North Carolina General Statutes.

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  • 105.2.4 Action on application. The fire code official shallexamine or cause to be examined applications for permitsand amendments thereto within a reasonable time after fil-ing. If the application or the construction documents do notconform to the requirements of pertinent laws, the fire codeofficial shall reject such application in writing, stating thereasons therefor. If the fire code official is satisfied that theproposed work or operation conforms to the requirementsof this code and laws and ordinances applicable thereto, thefire code official shall issue a permit therefore as soon aspracticable.

    105.3 Conditions of a permit. A permit shall constitute per-mission to maintain, store or handle materials; or to conductprocesses which produce conditions hazardous to life or prop-erty; or to install equipment utilized in connection with suchactivities; or to install or modify any fire protection system orequipment or any other construction, equipment installation ormodification in accordance with the provisions of this codewhere a permit is required by Section 105.6 or 105.7. Such per-mission shall not be construed as authority to violate, cancel orset aside any of the provisions of this code or other applicableregulations or laws of the jurisdiction.

    105.3.1 Expiration. An operational permit shall remain ineffect until reissued, renewed, or revoked or for such aperiod of time as specified in the permit. Permits are nottransferable and any change in occupancy, operation, ten-ancy or ownership shall require that a new permit be issued.

    105.3.2 Extensions. A permittee holding an unexpired per-mit shall have the right to apply for an extension of the timewithin which the permittee will commence work under thatpermit when work is unable to be commenced within thetime required by this section for good and satisfactory rea-sons. The fire code official is authorized to grant, in writing,one or more extensions of the time period of a permit forperiods of not more than 90 days each. Such extensions shallbe requested by the permit holder in writing and justifiablecause demonstrated.

    105.3.3 Occupancy prohibited before approval. Thebuilding or structure shall not be occupied prior to the firecode official issuing a permit that indicates that applicableprovisions of this code have been met.

    105.3.4 Conditional permits. Where permits are requiredand upon the request of a permit applicant, the fire code offi-cial is authorized to issue a conditional permit to occupy thepremises or portion thereof before the entire work or opera-tions on the premises is completed, provided that such por-tion or portions will be occupied safely prior to fullcompletion or installation of equipment and operationswithout endangering life or public welfare. The fire codeofficial shall notify the permit applicant in writing of anylimitations or restrictions necessary to keep the permit areasafe. The holder of a conditional permit shall proceed onlyto the point for which approval has been given, at the permitholders own risk and without assurance that approval forthe occupancy or the utilization of the entire premises,equipment or operations will be granted.

    105.3.5 Posting the permit. Issued permits shall be kept onthe premises designated therein at all times and shall bereadily available for inspection by the fire code official.

    105.3.6 Compliance with code. The issuance or granting ofa permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or anapproval of, any violation of any of the provisions of thiscode or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permitspresuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provi-sions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdictionshall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on con-struction documents and other data shall not prevent the firecode official from requiring the correction of errors in theconstruction documents and other data. Any addition to oralteration of approved construction documents shall beapproved in advance by the fire code official, as evidencedby the issuance of a new or amended permit.

    105.3.7 Information on the permit. The fire code officialshall issue all permits required by this code on an approvedform furnished for that purpose. The permit shall contain ageneral description of the operation or occupancy and itslocation and any other information required by the fire codeofficial. Issued permits shall bear the signature of the firecode official or other approved legal authorization.

    105.4 Construction documents. See the provisions of theNorth Carolina Administrative Code and Policies and applica-ble North Carolina General Statutes.

    105.5 Revocation. The fire code official is authorized torevoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code when itis found by inspection or otherwise that there has been a falsestatement or misrepresentation as to the material facts in theapplication or construction documents on which the permit orapproval was based including, but not limited to, any one of thefollowing:

    1. The permit is used for a location or establishment otherthan that for which it was issued.

    2. The permit is used for a condition or activity other thanthat listed in the permit.

    3. Conditions and limitations set forth in the permit havebeen violated.

    4. There have been any false statements or misrepresenta-tions as to the material fact in the application for permitor plans submitted or a condition of the permit.

    5. The permit is used by a different person or firm than thename for which it was issued.

    6. The permittee failed, refused or neglected to complywith orders or notices duly served in accordance with theprovisions of this code within the time provided therein.

    7. The permit was issued in error or in violation of an ordi-nance, regulation or this code.

    105.6 Required operational permits. The fire code official isauthorized to issue operational permits for the operations setforth in Sections 105.6.1 through 105.6.47.

    105.6.1 Aerosol products. Optional Permit. An opera-tional permit is required to manufacture, store or handle an

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  • aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products inexcess of 500 pounds (227 kg) net weight.

    105.6.2 Amusement buildings. Mandatory Permit. Anoperational permit is required to operate a special amuse-ment building.

    105.6.3 Aviation facilities. Optional Permit. An opera-tional permit is required to use a Group H or Group S occu-pancy for aircraft servicing or repair and aircraftfuel-servicing vehicles. Additional permits required byother sections of this code include, but are not limited to, hotwork, hazardous materials and flammable or combustiblefinishes.

    105.6.4 Carnivals and fairs. Mandatory Permit. An oper-ational permit is required to conduct a carnival or fair.

    105.6.5 Battery systems. Optional Permit. A permit isrequired to install stationary lead-acid battery systems hav-ing a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189 L).

    105.6.6 Cellulose nitrate film. Optional Permit. An oper-ational permit is required to store, handle or use cellulosenitrate film in a Group A occupancy.

    105.6.7 Combustible dust-producing operations. Man-datory Permit. An operational permit is required to operatea grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pul-verizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices orsugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts asdefined in Chapter 2.

    105.6.8 Combustible fibers. Optional Permit. An opera-tional permit is required for the storage and handling ofcombustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet(2.8 m3).

    Exception: A permit is not required for agricultural stor-age.

    105.6.9 Compressed gases. Optional Permit. An opera-tional permit is required for the storage, use or handling atnormal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressedgases in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.9.

    Exception: Vehicles equipped for and using compressedgas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle.

    TABLE 105.6.9PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR COMPRESSED GASES

    TYPE OF GASAMOUNT

    (cubic feet at NTP)

    Corrosive 200

    Flammable (except cryogenic fluidsand liquefied petroleum gases) 200

    Highly toxic Any Amount

    Inert and simple asphyxiant 6,000

    Oxidizing (including oxygen) 504

    Toxic Any Amount

    For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3.

    105.6.10 Covered mall buildings. Mandatory Permit. Anoperational permit is required for:

    1. The placement of retail fixtures and displays, conces-sion equipment, displays of highly combustiblegoods and similar items in the mall.

    2. The display of liquid- or gas-fired equipment in themall.

    3. The use of open-flame or flame-producing equipmentin the mall.

    105.6.11 Cryogenic fluids. Optional Permit. An opera-tional permit is required to produce, store, transport on site,use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids in excess of theamounts listed in Table 105.6.11.

    Exception: Permits are not required for vehiclesequipped for and using cryogenic fluids as a fuel for pro-pelling the vehicle or for refrigerating the lading.

    TABLE 105.6.11PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

    TYPE OF CRYOGENIC FLUIDINSIDE BUILDING

    (gallons)OUTSIDE BUILDING

    (gallons)

    Flammable More than 1 60

    Inert 60 500

    Oxidizing (includesoxygen) 10 50

    Physical or health hazardnot indicated above Any Amount Any Amount

    For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

    105.6.12 Cutting and welding. Optional Permit. An oper-ational permit is required to conduct cutting or weldingoperations within the jurisdiction.

    105.6.13 Dry cleaning plants. Optional Permit. An oper-ational permit is required to engage in the business of drycleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solventused in existing dry cleaning equipment.

    105.6.14 Exhibits and trade shows. Mandatory Permit.An operational permit is required to operate exhibits andtrade shows.

    105.6.15 Explosives. Mandatory Permit. An operationalpermit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling,sale or use of any quantity of explosive, explosive material,fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope ofChapter 33.

    Exceptions:

    1. Fireworks allowed by North Carolina GeneralStatute 14-414.

    2. Storage in Group R-3 occupancies of smokelesspropellant, black powder and small arms primersfor personal use, not for resale and in accordancewith Section 3306.

    105.6.16 Fire hydrants and valves. Optional Permit. Anoperational permit is required to use or operate fire hydrantsor valves intended for fire suppression purposes which are

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  • installed on water systems and accessible to a fire apparatusaccess road that is open to or generally used by the public.

    Exception: A permit is not required for authorizedemployees of the water company that supplies the systemor the fire department to use or operate fire hydrants orvalves.

    105.6.17 Flammable and combustible liquids. An opera-tional permit is required:

    1. Optional Permit. To use or operate a pipeline forthe transportation within facilities of flammable orcombustible liquids. This requirement shall notapply to the off-site transportation in pipelines regu-lated by the Department of Transportation (DOTn)nor does it apply to piping systems.

    2. Optional Permit. To store, handle or use Class I liq-uids in excess of 5 gallons (19 L) in a building or inexcess of 10 gallons (37.9 L) outside of a building,except that a permit is not required for the following:

    2.1. The storage or use of Class I liquids in the fueltank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat,mobile power plant or mobile heating plant,unless such storage, in the opinion of the codeofficial, would cause an unsafe condition.

    2.2. The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes orsimilar flammable mixtures when such liq-uids are stored for maintenance, painting orsimilar purposes for a period of not more than30 days.

    3. Optional Permit. To store, handle or use Class II orClass IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 L) in abuilding or in excess of 60 gallons (227 L) outside abuilding, except for fuel oil used in connection withoil-burning equipment.

    4. Optional Permit. To remove Class I or Class II liq-uids from an underground storage tank used forfueling motor vehicles by any means other than theapproved, stationary on-site pumps normally usedfor dispensing purposes.

    5. Mandatory Permit.To operate tank vehicles,equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dis-pensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similarfacilities where flammable and combustible liquidsare produced, processed, transported, stored, dis-pensed or used.

    6. Mandatory Permit.To place temporarily out ofservice (for more than 90 days) an underground,protected above-ground or above-ground flamma-ble or combustible liquid tank.

    7. Mandatory Permit.To change the type of contentsstored in a flammable or combustible liquid tank to amaterial which poses a greater hazard than that forwhich the tank was designed and constructed.

    8. Mandatory Permit.To manufacture, process,blend or refine flammable or combustible liquids.

    9. Mandatory Permit.To engage in the dispensing ofliquid fuels into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles atcommercial, industrial, governmental or manufac-turing establishments.

    10. Mandatory Permit.To utilize a site for the dispens-ing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fueltanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial,governmental or manufacturing establishments.

    105.6.18 Floor finishing. Optional Permit. An operationalpermit is required for floor finishing or surfacing operationsexceeding 350 square feet (33 m2) using Class I or Class IIliquids.

    105.6.19 Fruit and crop ripening. Optional Permit. Anoperational permit is required to operate a fruit-, or crop-rip-ening facility or conduct a fruit-ripening process using eth-ylene gas.

    105.6.20 Fumigation and thermal insecticidal fogging.Mandatory Permit. An operational permit is required tooperate a business of fumigation or thermal insecticidal fog-ging and to maintain a room, vault or chamber in which atoxic or flammable fumigant is used.

    105.6.21 Hazardous materials. Optional Permit. Anoperational permit is required to store, transport on site, dis-pense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of theamounts listed in Table 105.6.21.

    105.6.22 HPM facilities. Optional Permit. An operationalpermit is required to store, handle or use hazardous produc-tion materials.

    105.6.23 High-piled storage. Optional Permit. An opera-tional permit is required to use a building or portion thereofas a high-piled storage area exceeding 500 square feet (46m2).

    105.6.24 Hot work operations. Optional Permit. Anoperational permit is required for hot work including, butnot limited to:

    1. Public exhibitions and demonstrations where hotwork is conducted.

    2. Use of portable hot work equipment inside a struc-ture.

    Exception: Work that is conducted under a con-struction permit.

    3. Fixed-site hot work equipment such as weldingbooths.

    4. Hot work conducted within a hazardous fire area.

    5. Application of roof coverings with the use of anopen-flame device.

    6. When approved, the fire code official shall issue apermit to carry out a Hot Work Program. This pro-gram allows approved personnel to regulate theirfacilitys hot work operations. The approved person-nel shall be trained in the fire safety aspects denoted inthis chapter and shall be responsible for issuing per-mits requiring compliance with the requirementsfound in Chapter 26. These permits shall be issued

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  • only to their employees or hot work operations undertheir supervision.

    105.6.25 Industrial ovens. Optional Permit. An opera-tional permit is required for operation of industrial ovensregulated by Chapter 21.

    105.6.26 Lumber yards and woodworking plants.Optional Permit. An operational permit is required for thestorage or processing of lumber exceeding 100,000 boardfeet (8,333 ft3) (236 m3).

    105.6.27 Liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment inassembly buildings. Mandatory Permit. An operational

    permit is required to display, operate or demonstrate liquid-or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings.

    105.6.28 LP-gas. A permit may be required and issued by theNorth Carolina Department of Agriculture for LP-gas equip-ment used for storage, handling, transporting, and utilizing liq-uefied petroleum gas for fuel purposes.

    105.6.29 Magnesium. Optional Permit. An operationalpermit is required to melt, cast, heat treat or grind more than10 pounds (4.54 kg) of magnesium.

    105.6.30 Miscellaneous combustible storage. OptionalPermit. An operational permit is required to store in anybuilding or upon any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet

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    TABLE 105.6.21PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

    TYPE OF MATERIAL AMOUNT

    Combustible liquids See Section 105.6.17

    Corrosive materialsGasesLiquidsSolids

    See Section 105.6.955 gallons1000 pounds

    Explosive materials See Section 105.6.15

    Flammable materialsGasesLiquidsSolids

    See Section 105.6.9See Section 105.6.17100 pounds

    Highly toxic materialsGasesLiquidsSolids

    See Section 105.6.9Any AmountAny Amount

    Oxidizing materialsGasesLiquidsClass 4Class 3Class 2Class 1SolidsClass 4Class 3Class 2Class 1

    See Section 105.6.9

    Any Amount1 gallona

    10 gallons55 gallons

    Any Amount10 poundsb

    100 pounds500 pounds

    Organic peroxidesLiquidsClass IClass IIClass IIIClass IVClass VSolidsClass IClass IIClass IIIClass IVClass V

    Any AmountAny Amount1 gallon2 gallonsNo Permit Required

    Any AmountAny Amount10 pounds20 poundsNo Permit Required

    (continued)

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  • (71 m3) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases,boxes, barrels or similar containers, rubber tires, rubber,cork or similar combustible material.

    105.6.31 Open burning. Optional Permit. An operationalpermit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an openfire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other publicor private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the permitshall be adhered to.

    Exception: Recreational fires.

    105.6.32 Open flames and torches. Optional Permit. Anoperational permit is required to remove paint with a torch;or to use a torch or open-flame device in a hazardous firearea.

    105.6.33 Open flames and candles. Optional Permit. Anoperational permit is required to use open flames or candlesin connection with assembly