(C)
Section
3203 Commodity classification
(1)
3203.1 Classification of commodities.
Commodities shall be classified as Class
I, II, III, IV or high hazard in accordance with this
paragraph. Materials listed within each commodity
classification are assumed to be unmodified for improved combustibility
characteristics. Use of flame-retarding modifiers or the physical form of the
material could change the classification. See paragraph
(C)(7)( 3203.7) of this rule for classification of Group A, B
and C plastics.
(2)
3203.2 Class I commodities.
Class I commodities are essentially noncombustible
products on wooden pallets, in ordinary corrugated cartons with or without
single-thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without
pallets. Class I commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A
plastics in accordance with paragraph (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4)
of this rule. Examples of Class I commodities include, but are
not limited to, the following:
Alcoholic beverages not exceeding
20-per cent alcohol
Appliances noncombustible,
electrical
Cement in bags
Ceramics
Dairy products in nonwax-coated
containers (excluding bottles)
Dry insecticides
Foods in noncombustible
containers
Fresh fruits and vegetables in
nonplastic trays or containers
Frozen foods
Glass
Glycol in metal cans
Gypsum board
Inert materials, bagged
Insulation, noncombustible
Noncombustible liquids in plastic
containers having less than a 5-gallon (19 L) capacity Noncombustible metal
products
(3)
3203.3 Class II commodities.
Class II commodities are Class I products in slatted
wooden crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness paperboard cartons or
equivalent combustible packaging material with or without pallets. Class II
commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics in
accordance with paragraph (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this
rule. Examples of Class II commodities include, but are not limited
to, the following:
Alcoholic beverages not exceeding
20-per cent alcohol, in combustible containers
Foods in combustible
containers
Incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs
in cartons
Thinly coated fine wire on reels or in
cartons
(4)
3203.4 Class III commodities.
Class III commodities are commodities of wood, paper,
natural fiber cloth, or Group C plastics or products thereof, with or without
pallets. Products are allowed to contain limited amounts of Group A or B
plastics, such as metal bicycles with plastic handles, pedals, seats and tires.
Group A plastics shall be limited in accordance with paragraph
(C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this rule. Examples of Class III
commodities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Aerosol, Level 1 (see rule
1301:7-7-51 of the
Administrative Code)
Biomass briquettes, bagged, and static
piles
Biomass pellets, bagged, and static
piles
Charcoal
Combustible fiberboard
Cork, baled
Corn cobs, static piles
Corn stover, baled and
chopped
Feed, bagged
Fertilizers, bagged
Firewood
Food in plastic containers
Forest residue, round wood or chipped
(branches, bark, cross-cut ends, edgings and treetops)
Furniture: wood, natural fiber,
upholstered, nonplastic, wood or metal with plastic-padded and covered arm
rests
Glycol in combustible containers not
exceeding 25 per cent
Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in metal
cans
Lumber
Mattresses, excluding foam rubber and
foam plastics
Noncombustible liquids in plastic
containers having a capacity of more than 5 gallons (19 L)
Paints, oil base, in metal
cans
Paper, waste, baled
Paper and pulp, horizontal storage, or
vertical storage that is banded or protected with approved wrap
Paper in cardboard boxes
Peanut hulls, bagged, and static
piles
Pillows, excluding foam rubber and foam
plastics
Plastic-coated paper food
containers
Plywood
Rags, baled
Recovered construction
wood
Rice hulls, bagged, and static
piles
Rugs, without foam
backing
Seasonal grasses, baled and
chopped
Straw, baled
Sugar, bagged
Wood, baled
Wood chips, bagged, and static
piles
Woody biomass, round wood or chipped
(vase-shaped stubby bushes, bamboo, willows; branches, bark and stem
wood)
Wood doors, frames and
cabinets
Wood pellets, bagged, and static
piles
Yarns of natural fiber and
viscose
(5)
3203.5 Class IV commodities. Class IV
commodities are Class I, II or III products containing Group A plastics in
ordinary corrugated cartons and Class I, II and III products with Group A
plastic packaging, with or without pallets. Group B plastics and free-flowing
Group A plastics are also included in this class. The total amount of
nonfree-flowing Group A plastics shall be in accordance with
paragraph (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this rule.
Examples of Class IV commodities include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Aerosol, Level 2 (see rule
1301:7-7-51 of the
Administrative Code)
Alcoholic beverages, exceeding 20
-per cent but less than 80-percent alcohol, in cans or bottles
in cartons
Clothing, synthetic or
nonviscose
Combustible metal products
(solid)
Furniture, plastic
upholstered
Furniture, wood or metal with plastic
covering and padding
Glycol in combustible containers
(greater than 25 per cent and less than 50 per
cent)
Linoleum products
Paints, oil base in combustible
containers
Pharmaceutical, alcoholic elixirs,
tonics, etc.
Rugs, foam back
Shingles, asphalt
Thread or yarn, synthetic or
nonviscose
(6)
3203.6 High-hazard commodities.
High-hazard commodities are high-hazard products
presenting special fire hazards beyond those of Class I, II, III or IV. Group A
plastics not otherwise classified are included in this class. Examples of
high-hazard commodities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Aerosol, Level 3 (see rule
1301:7-7-51 of the
Administrative Code)
Alcoholic beverages, exceeding
80-per cent alcohol, in bottles or cartons
Commodities of any class in plastic
containers in carousel storage
Flammable solids (except solid
combustible metals)
Glycol in combustible containers (50
per cent or greater)
Lacquers that dry by solvent
evaporation, in metal cans or cartons
Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in
plastic containers
Mattresses, foam rubber or foam
plastics
Pallets and flats that are idle
combustible
Paper and pulp, rolled, in vertical
storage that is unbanded or not protected with an approved wrap
Paper, asphalt, rolled, horizontal
storage
Paper, asphalt, rolled, vertical
storage
Pillows, foam rubber and foam
plastics
Pyroxylin
Rubber tires
Vegetable oil and butter in plastic
containers
(7)
3203.7 Classification of plastics.
Plastics shall be designated as Group A, B or C in
accordance with paragraphs (C)(7)(a)(3203.7.1)
to (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this rule.
(a)
3203.7.1
Group A plastics. Group A plastics are plastic materials having a heat
of combustion that is much higher than that of ordinary combustibles, and a
burning rate higher than that of Group B plastics. Examples of Group A plastics
include, but are not limited to, the following:
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
copolymer)
Acetal (polyformaldehyde)
Acrylic (polymethyl
methacrylate)
Butyl rubber
EPDM (ethylene propylene
rubber)
FRP (fiberglass-reinforced
polyester)
Natural rubber (expanded)
Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile butadiene
rubber)
PET or PETE (polyethylene
terephthalate)
Polybutadiene
Polycarbonate
Polyester elastomer
Polythylene
Polypropylene
Polystryrene (expanded and
unexpanded)
Polyurethane (expanded and
unexpanded)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride greater than 15
per cent plasticized, e.g., coated fabric unsupported
film)
SAN (styrene
acrylonitrile)
SBR (styrene butadiene
rubber)
(b)
3203.7.2 Group B plastics.
Group B plastics are plastic materials having a heat of
combustion and a burning rate higher than that of ordinary combustibles, but
not as high as those of Group A plastics. Examples of Group B plastics include,
but are not limited to, the following:
Cellulosics (cellulose acetate,
cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose)
Chloroprene rubber
Fluoroplastics (ECTFE,
ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer; ETFE, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene
copolymer; FEP, fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer)
Natural rubber
(nonexpanded)
Nylon (Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride greater than
5-per cent, but not exceeding 15-per cent
plasticized) Silicone rubber
(c)
3203.7.3
Group C plastics.
Group C plastics are
plastic materials having a heat of combustion and a burning rate similar to
those of ordinary combustibles. Examples of Group C plastics include, but are
not limited to, the following:
Fluoroplastics (PCTFE,
polychlorotrifluoroethylene; PTFE, polytetrafluoroethylene)
Melamine (melamine
formaldehyde)
Phenol
PVC (polyvinyl chloride, rigid or
plasticized less than 5-per cent, e.g., pipe, pipe
fittings)
PVDC (polyvinylidene
chloride)
PVDF (polyvinylidene
fluoride)
PVF (polyvinyl fluoride)
Urea (urea formaldehyde)
(d)
3203.7.4 Limited quantities of Group A plastics in mixed
commodities.
Figure (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4)
of this rule shall be used to determine the quantity of Group
A plastics allowed to be stored in a package or carton or on a pallet without
increasing the commodity classification.
Figure 3203.7.4 Mixed
commoditiesa,b
Click to
view image
a. This figure is intended to determine
the commodity classification of a mixed commodity in a package, carton or on a
pallet where plastics are involved.
b. The following is an example of how
to apply the figure: A package containing a Class III commodity has
12-per cent Group A expanded plastic by volume. The weight of
the unexpanded Group A plastic is 10 per cent. This commodity
is classified as a Class IV commodity. If the weight of the unexpanded plastic
is increased to 14 per cent, the classification changes to a
high-hazard commodity.
c. Per cent
by volume = Volume of plastic in pallet
load
Total volume of pallet load, including
pallet
d. Per cent
by weight = Weight of plastic in pallet load
Total weight of pallet load, including
pallet
(F)
Section
3206 General fire protection and life safety features
(1)
3206.1
General.
Fire protection and life safety
features for high-piled storage areas shall be in accordance with
paragraphs (F)(2)( 3206.2) to (F)(10)(
3206.10) of this rule.
(2)
3206.2
Extent and type of protection.
Where
required by Table 3206.2of this rule, fire detection systems,
smoke and heat removal, and automatic sprinkler design densities shall extend
the lesser of 15 feet (4572 mm) beyond the high-piled storage area or to a
permanent partition. Where portions of high-piled storage areas have different
fire protection requirements because of commodity, method of storage or storage
height, the fire protection features required by Table 3206.2of this
rule within this area shall be based on the most restrictive design
requirements.
Table 3206.2
General fire protection and life
safety requirements
|
Commodity
class
|
Size of high-piled
storage areaa (square feet) (see
paragraphs (F)(2)( 3206.2) and (F)(4)( 3206.4) of
this rule)
|
All storage areas (see
paragraphs (F)(3206), (G)(3207) and (H)(3208) of this
rule)b
|
Solid-piled storage,
shelf storage and
palletized storage (see
paragraph
(G)(3)( 3207.3)
of this rule)
|
|
Automatic fire
extinguishing system (see paragraph (F)(4)( 3206.4)
of this rule)
|
Fire detection system
(see paragraph (F)(5)( 3206.5) of this
rule)
|
Building access (see
paragraph (F)(6)( 3206.6) of this
rule)
|
Smoke and heat removal
(see paragraph (F)(7)( 3206.7) of this
rule)
|
Maximum pile
dimensionc (feet)
|
Maximum permissible
storage heightd (feet)
|
Maximum pile volume
(cubic feet)
|
|
I-IV
|
0-500
|
Not requireda
|
Not required
|
Not
requirede
|
Not required
|
Not required
|
Not required
|
Not required
|
|
501-2,500
|
Not requireda
|
Yesi
|
Not
requirede
|
Not required
|
100
|
40
|
100,000
|
|
2,501-12,000
Public accessible
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Not
requirede
|
Not required
|
100
|
40
|
400,000
|
|
2,501-12,000
Nonpublic
accessible
(Option 1)
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Not
requirede
|
Not required
|
100
|
40
|
400,000
|
|
2,501-12,000
Nonpublic
accessible
(Option 2)
|
Not
requireda
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yesj
|
100
|
30f
|
200,000
|
|
12,001-20,000
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Yes
|
Yesj
|
100
|
40
|
400,000
|
|
20,001-500,000
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Yes
|
Yesj
|
100
|
40
|
400,000
|
|
Greater than
500,000g
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Yes
|
Yesj
|
100
|
40
|
400,000
|
|
High Hazard
|
0-500
|
Not
requireda
|
Not required
|
Not
requirede
|
Not required
|
50
|
Not required
|
Not required
|
|
501-2,500 Public
accessible
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Not
requirede
|
Not required
|
50
|
30
|
75,000
|
|
501-2,500
Nonpublic
accessible
(Option 1)
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Not
requirede
|
Not required
|
50
|
30
|
75,000
|
|
501-2,500
Nonpublic
accessible
(Option 2)
|
Not
requireda
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yesj
|
50
|
20
|
50,000
|
|
|
2,501-300,000
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Yes
|
Yesj
|
50
|
30
|
75,000
|
|
300,001-500,000g,h
|
Yes
|
Not required
|
Yes
|
Yesj
|
50
|
30
|
75,000
|
For SI: 1 foot =304.8
mm, 1 cubic foot =0.02832 m3; 1
square foot =0.0929
m2.
a. Where automatic sprinklers are
required for reasons other than those in this rule, the
portion of the sprinkler system protecting the high-piled storage area shall be
designed and installed in accordance with paragraphs (G)(3207)
and (H)(3208) of this rule.
b. For aisles, see
paragraph (F)(9)( 3206.9) of this
rule.
c. Piles shall be separated by aisles
complying with paragraph (F)(9)( 3206.9) of this
rule.
d. For storage in excess of the height
indicated, special fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Note g
where required by the fire code official. See also rule
1301:7-7-51
and
rule
1301:7-7-57
of the Administrative Code for special limitations for aerosols and
flammable and combustible liquids, respectively.
e. Paragraph (C)(503)
of rule
1301:7-7-05
of the Administrative Code shall apply for fire apparatus
access.
f. For storage exceeding 30 feet in
height, Option 1 shall be used.
g. Special fire protection provisions
including, but not limited to, fire protection of exposed steel columns;
increased sprinkler density; additional in-rack sprinklers, without associated
reductions in ceiling sprinkler density; or additional fire department hose
connections shall be provided where required by the fire code
official.
h. High-piled storage areas shall not
exceed 500,000 square feet. A 2-hour fire wall constructed in accordance with
section 706 of the building code as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative
Code
shall be used to
divide high-piled storage areas exceeding 500,000 square feet in
area.
i. Not required where an automatic
fire-extinguishing system is designed and installed to protect the high-piled
storage area in accordance with paragraphs (G)(3207) and
(H)(3208) of this rule.
j. Not required where storage areas
are protected by either early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler
systems or control mode special application sprinklers with a response time
index of 50 (ms)1/2 or less that are listed to control
a fire in the stored commodities with 12 or fewer sprinklers, installed in
accordance with NFPA 13 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(3)
3206.3
Separation of high-piled storage areas.
High-piled storage areas shall be separated from other
portions of the building where required by paragraphs
(F)(3)(a)(3206.3.1) to (F)(3)(b)(ii)(3206.3.2.2) of
this rule.
(a)
3206.3.1 Separation from other uses.
Mixed occupancies shall be separated in accordance with
the building code as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(b)
3206.3.2
Multiple high-piled storage areas.
Multiple high-piled storage areas shall be in accordance
with paragraph (F)(3)(b)(i)(3206.3.2.1) or
(F)(3)(b)(ii)(3206.3.2.2) of this rule.
(i)
3206.3.2.1
Aggregate area. The aggregate of all high-piled storage areas within a
building shall be used for application of Table 3206.2of this
rule unless such areas are separated from each other by 1-hour fire
barriers constructed in accordance with section 707 of the building
code as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code. Openings in such fire barriers shall be
protected by opening protectives having a 1-hour fire protection
rating.
(ii)
3206.3.2.2 Multiclass high-piled storage
areas. High-piled storage areas classified as Class I through IV not
separated from high-piled storage areas classified as high hazard shall utilize
the aggregate of all high-piled storage areas as high hazard for purposes of
the application of Table 3206.2of this rule. To be considered
as separated, 1-hour fire barriers shall be
constructed in accordance with section 707 of the building code as
listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code. Openings in such fire barriers shall be
protected by opening protectives having a 1-hour fire protection rating.
Exception:
As provided for in paragraph (D)(2)(
3204.2) of this rule.
(4)
3206.4 Automatic sprinklers.
Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in
accordance with paragraphs (G)(3207), (H)(3208) and (I)(3209)
of this rule.
(a)
3206.4.1 Pallets. Automatic sprinkler
system requirements based on the presence of pallets shall be in accordance
with NFPA 13 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code.
(i)
3206.4.1.1
Plastic pallets. Plastic pallets listed and labeled in accordance with
UL 2335 or FM 4996 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code shall be treated as wood pallets for
determining required sprinkler protection.
(5)
3206.5 Fire
detection.
Where fire detection is
required by Table 3206.2of this rule, an approved automatic
fire detection system shall be installed throughout the high-piled storage
area. The system shall be monitored and be in accordance with
paragraph (G)(907) of rule
1301:7-7-09
of the Administrative Code.
(6)
3206.6
Building access.
Where building access is
required by Table 3206.2of this rule, fire apparatus access
roads in accordance with paragraph (C)(503) of rule
1301:7-7-05
of the Administrative Code shall be provided within 150 feet (45 720
mm) of all portions of the exterior walls of buildings used for high-piled
storage.
Exception:
Where fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed
because of topography, railways, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other
similar conditions, the fire code official is authorized to require additional
fire protection.
(a)
3206.6.1 Access doors. Where building
access is required by Table 3206.2of this rule, fire
department access doors shall be provided in accordance with this
paragraph. Access doors shall be accessible without the use of
a ladder.
(i)
3206.6.1.1 Number of doors required. Not less
than one access door shall be provided in each 100 linear feet (30480 mm), or
fraction thereof, of the exterior walls that face required fire apparatus
access roads. The required access doors shall be distributed such that the
lineal distance between adjacent access doors does not exceed 100 feet (30480
mm).
Exception:
The linear distance between adjacent access doors is
allowed to exceed 100 feet (30480 mm) in existing buildings where no change in
occupancy is proposed. The number and distribution of access doors in existing
buildings shall be approved.
(ii)
3206.6.1.2
Door size and type. Access doors shall be not less than 3 feet (914 mm)
in width and 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) in height. Roll-up doors shall not be
used unless approved.
(iii)
3206.6.1.3 Locking devices. Only approved
locking devices shall be used.
(7)
3206.7
Smoke and heat removal.
Where smoke and
heat removal is required by Table 3206.2of this rule, it shall
be provided in accordance with paragraph (J)(910) of
rule
1301:7-7-09
of the Administrative Code.
(8)
3206.8 Fire
department hose connections.
Where exit
passageways are required by the building code as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code for egress, a Class I standpipe system
shall be provided in accordance with paragraph (E)(905)
of rule
1301:7-7-09
of the Administrative Code.
(9)
3206.9
Aisles.
Aisles providing access to exits
and fire department access doors shall be provided in high-piled storage areas
exceeding 500 square feet (46 m2), in accordance
with paragraphs (F)(9)(a)(3206.9.1) to
(F)(9)(c)(3206.9.3) of this rule. Aisles separating storage
piles or racks shall comply with NFPA 13 as listed in rule
1301:7-7-80
of the Administrative Code. Aisles shall also comply with rule
1301:7-7-10 of
the Administrative Code.
Exception:
Where aisles are precluded by rack storage systems,
alternate methods of access and protection are allowed when
approved.
(a)
3206.9.1 Width. Aisle width shall be in
accordance with paragraphs (F)(9)(a)(i)(3206.9.1.1) and
(F)(9)(a)(ii)(3206.9.1.2) of this rule.
Exceptions
1.
Aisles crossing
rack structures or storage piles, that are used only for employee access, shall
be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide.
2.
Aisles separating
shelves classified as shelf storage shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm)
wide.
(i)
3206.9.1.1 Sprinklered buildings. Aisles in
sprinklered buildings shall be not less than 44 inches (1118 mm) wide. Aisles
shall be not less than 96 inches (2438 mm) wide in high-piled storage areas
exceeding 2,500 square feet (232 m2) in area, that
are accessible to the public and designated to contain high-hazard
commodities.
Exception:
Aisles in high-piled storage areas exceeding 2,500
square feet (232 m2) in area, that are accessible to
the public and designated to contain high-hazard commodities, are protected by
a sprinkler system designed for multiple-row racks of high-hazard commodities
shall be not less than 44 inches (1118 mm) wide.
Aisles shall be not less than 96 inches
(2438 mm) wide in areas accessible to the public where mechanical stocking
methods are used.
(ii)
3206.9.1.2 Nonsprinklered buildings.
Aisles in nonsprinklered buildings shall be not less than 96 inches (2438 mm)
wide.
(b)
3206.9.2 Clear height.
The required aisle width shall extend from floor to
ceiling. Rack structural supports and catwalks are allowed to cross aisles at a
minimum height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) above the finished floor level,
provided that such supports do not interfere with fire department hose stream
trajectory.
(c)
3206.9.3 Dead-end aisles.
Dead-end aisles shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in
length in Group M occupancies. Dead-end aisles shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240
mm) in length in all other occupancies.
Exception:
Dead-end aisles are not limited where the length of the
dead-end aisle is less than 2.5 times the least width of the dead-end
aisle.
(10)
3206.10 Portable fire extinguishers.
Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with
paragraph (F)(906) of rule
1301:7-7-09
of the Administrative Code.
