In the 2018 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC), which is the code, most of the states revise and adopt in some format. As I have said for nearly 20 years now, this fire code is an EXCELLENT resource for those looking to improve their design and construction of their processes that handle hazardous materials. I even like them more than using OSHA standards, as these codes are updated much more frequently than OSHA. As for some of the changes:
- Protection of Hazardous Materials Piping Systems
5003.2.2.1 Design and construction. Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related components used for hazardous materials shall be in accordance with the following:
1. Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related components shall be designed and fabricated from materials that are compatible with the material to be contained and shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the pressure, structural and seismic stress and exposure to which they are subject.
2. Piping and tubing shall be identified in accordance with ASME A13.1 to indicate the material conveyed.
3. Manual valves or automatic remotely activated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves shall be installed on supply piping and tubing and provided with ready access at the following locations:
3.1. The point of use.
3.2. The tank, cylinder or bulk source.
4. Manual emergency shutoff valves and controls for remotely activated emergency shutoff valves shall be identified and the location shall have access clearly visible, and indicated by means of a sign.
5. Backflow prevention or check valves shall be provided where the backflow of hazardous materials could create a hazardous condition or cause the unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials.
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6. Where gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of: Health Class 3 or 4 Flammability Class 4 Instability Class 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103 kPa), an approved means of leak detection and emergency shutoff or excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping originates from within a hazardous material storage room or area, the excess flow control shall be located within the storage room or area. Where the piping originates from a bulk source, the excess flow control shall be located as close to the bulk source as practical. |
I have drawn your attention to the section above in the box, as #6 was removed and it was RELOCATED to 5005.1.12: (emphasis added by me)
5005.1.12 Emergency Isolation. Where gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of Health Class 3 or 4, Flammability Class 4 or Instability Class 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103 kPa), an approved means of leak detection AND emergency shutoff OR excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping originates from within a hazardous material storage room or area, the excess flow control shall be located within the storage room or area. Where the piping originates from a bulk source, the excess flow control shall be located as close to the bulk source
as practical.
Exceptions:
1. Piping for inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
2. Piping for pressure relief devices.
Section 5003.2.2.1, Item 6 is relocated to 5005.1.12. While this may not seem like much of a change, because the text is unchanged, it actually has a significant impact.
In the 2015 IFC where this section is found in Section 5003, it applies to any quantity of these hazardous materials. In other words, quantities above and below the maximum allowable quantity per control area (MAQ) are required to comply.
In the 2018 IFC, these provisions are located in Section 5005. Section 5005 only applies when the MAQ is exceeded for use, dispensing or handling. This section requires an approved means of leak detection and either an emergency shutoff or excess flow control for the most hazardous classes of gases and liquids when they are pressurized to over 15 psig.
Previously, this requirement applied to any amount. Now, this requirement will apply when the MAQ is exceeded. Therefore, the facility must be a Group H occupancy.