High-hazard Group H occupancy includes, among other things, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation, or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard.
Hazardous occupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.
High-hazard Group H-1 buildings and structures that contain materials that pose a detonation (explosion) hazard.
High-hazard Group H-2 buildings and structures contain materials that pose a deflagration or accelerated burning hazard.
High-hazard Group H-3 buildings and structures that contain materials that readily support combustion or pose a physical hazard.
High-hazard Group H-4 buildings and structures which contain materials that are health hazards.
High-hazard Group H-5 semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable research and development areas in which hazardous production materials (HPM) are used and the aggregate quantity of materials is in excess of those listed in Tables 5003.1.1.(1) and 5003.1.1(2).
Here is a summary of the requirements and their code citations:
EXITS (H)
A. The path of egress travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by a building element other than a means of egress component as specified in Chapter 10. Obstructions shall not be placed in the minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress component except projections permitted by Chapter 10.
B. The minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of egress travel.
1003.6
C. Two exits or exit access doorways from any space when:
H-1, H-2, H-3 occupant capacity is three or more.
H-4 and H-5 occupant capacity is ten or more.
Table 1006.2.1
D. Common Path of Egress Travel:
H1, H2, H3 = 25-feet
H4 and H5 = 75-feet
NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system is required.
1006.2.1
Table 1006.2.1
E. The means of egress, including the exit discharge, shall be illuminated when the building space served by the means of egress is occupied.
1008.2
F. Exit doorways shall not be less than 32 inches in clear width and 80 inches in height.
1010.1.1
G. Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel where serving the occupants of a Group H occupancy.
1010.1.2.1
H. Except as specifically permitted in Section 1010.2, egress doors shall be readily openable from the egress side without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.
1010.2
I. Swinging doors serving a Group H occupancy shall not be provided with a latch or lock unless it is panic hardware or fire exit hardware
1010.2.9
J. Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. Exit sign placement shall be such that no point in an exit access corridor or exit passageway is more than 100-feet or the listed viewing distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible exit sign.
1013.1
K. Exit signs are required in rooms or areas which require two or more exits. Main exterior exit doors or gates that are obviously and clearly identifiable as exits need not have exit signs where approved by the fire code official.
1013.1
L. Exit signs shall be internally or externally illuminated at all times.
1013.3
M. Means of egress are not prohibited through adjoining or intervening rooms or spaces in Group H.
1016.2 Item 2
N. Minimum clear aisle width shall be determined by Section 1005.1 for the occupant load served, but shall not be less than the values in Table 1020.3.
1018.3
1020.3
Table 1020.3
O. Maximum travel distance within the exit access portion of the building to an exit:
H-1 = 75’
H-2 = 100’
H-3 = 150’
H-4 = 175’
H-5 = 200’
NFPA 13 automatic sprinkler system is required.
Table 1017.2
P. Exits shall be continuous from the point of entry into the exit to the exit discharge.
1022.1
Q. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall provide a direct path of egress travel to grade. The exit discharge shall not reenter a building.
1028.2
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS (H)
A. A 3-feet clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants.
507.5.5
B. Painted sprinkler heads or cover plates are prohibited unless painted at the factory. They cannot be cleaned of paint. They must be replaced.
901.4
NFPA 25
C. Fire detection, alarm and extinguishing systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times.
901.6
D. Records of all system inspections, tests and maintenance required by the referenced standards shall be maintained.
901.6.3
E. Initial records shall include the name of the installation contractor, type of components installed, manufacturer of the components, location and number of components installed per floor. Records shall also include the manufacturers’ operation and maintenance instruction manuals. Such records shall be maintained for the life of the installation.
901.6.3.1
F. All valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and water-flow switches on all sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
903.4
G. Cooking equipment involving solid fuels or vegetable or animal oils and fats shall be protected by a Class K rated portable fire extinguisher provided within 30- feet travel distance of commercial-type cooking equipment.
906.1
Item 2
H. See Table 906.1 for portable fire extinguisher requirements based on building and equipment use.
Table 906.1
I. Fire extinguishers shall be serviced annually and shall have a current service tag attached.
906.2
NFPA 10
J. One 2A fire extinguisher per 6,000 sq. ft. in light hazard (offices) and one 2A per 3,000 sq. ft. in an ordinary hazard. Maximum travel distance to a fire extinguisher is 75 feet
Table 906.3(1)
K. Fire extinguishers shall be located in conspicuous locations where they will be readily accessible and immediately available for use.
906.5
L. Portable fire extinguishers shall not be obstructed or obscured from view. In rooms or areas in which visual obstruction cannot be completely avoided, means shall be provided to indicate the location of extinguishers.
906.6
M. Hand-held portable fire extinguishers, not housed in cabinets, shall be installed on hangers or brackets supplied.
906.7
N. Portable fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that its top is not more than 5’ above the floor. Extinguishers having a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that its top is not more than 3.5’ above the floor.
906.9.1
906.9.2
O. The building owner shall be responsible for ensuring that the fire and life safety systems are maintained in an operable condition at all times.
907.8.4
P. Emergency alarms for the detection and notification of an emergency condition in Group H occupancies shall be provided as required in Chapter 50.
908.1
Q. Emergency alarms for notification of an emergency condition in an HPM facility shall be provided as 908.2 required by Section 2703.12 in H-5 occupancies.
R. A gas detection system complying with Section 916 shall be provided for HPM gases where the physiological warning threshold level of the gas is at a higher level than the accepted permissible exposure limit (PEL) for the gas and for flammable gases in accordance with Sections 2703.13.1 through 2703.13.2.2.
2703.13
S. Storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall comply with Section 6004.
6004.1
HOUSEKEEPING (H)
A. Weeds, grass, vines or other growth that is capable of being ignited and endangering property, shall be cut down and removed by the owner or occupant of the premises.
304.1.2
B. Materials susceptible to spontaneous ignition, such as oily rags, shall be stored in a listed disposal container. (Self-closing lids) Contents shall be removed and disposed of daily.
304.3.1
C. Combustible waste containers larger than 40 gallons shall have lids and must be made of metal or approved combustible material.
304.3.2
D. Dumpsters and containers with an individual capacity of 1.5 cubic yards or more shall not be stored in buildings or placed within 5-feet of combustible walls, openings or combustible roof eave lines.
Exceptions:
(1) Dumpsters or containers in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed throughout.
(2) Storage in a structure shall not be prohibited where the structure is of Type I or IIA construction, located not less than 10-feet from other buildings and used exclusively for dumpster or container storage.
304.3.3
E. Liquid or gas fueled vehicles, aircraft, boats or other motorcraft, shall not be located indoors except as follows:
1. The engine starting system is made inoperable or batteries are disconnected except where the fire code official requires that the batteries remain connected to maintain safety features.
2. Fuel in tanks does not exceed 1/4 tank or 5 gallons (whichever is least).
3. Fuel tanks and fill openings are closed and sealed to prevent tampering.
4. Vehicles, aircraft, boats or other motor-craft equipment are not fueled or defueled within the building.
314.4
F. Storage of materials in buildings shall be orderly and stacks shall be stable.
315.3
G. Storage shall be separated from heaters or heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur.
315.3
H. Storage shall be maintained 2-feet or more below the ceiling in non-sprinklered areas of buildings.
315.3.1
I. Storage shall be maintained a minimum of 18” below sprinkler deflectors in sprinklered areas of buildings.
315.3.1
J. Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or enclosures for stairways and ramps.
315.3.2
K. Combustible material shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, electrical equipment rooms or in fire command centers.
315.3.3
L. Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials shall be protected on the storage side as required for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Openings shall be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and are of noncombustible construction or solid wood core not less than 1-3/4” in thickness. Storage shall not be placed on exposed joists.
Exceptions: Areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler systems.
315.3.4
M. Outside Storage: Outside storage of combustible materials shall not be located within 10-feet of a lot line.
Exceptions:
1. The separation distance is allowed to be reduced to 3-feet for storage not exceeding 6-feet in height.
2. The separation distance is allowed to be reduced where the fire code official determines that hazard to the adjoining property does not exist.
315.4
N. Approved access shall be provided and maintained for all fire protection system equipment to permit immediate safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Storage, trash and other materials or objects shall not be placed or kept in such a manner that would prevent such equipment from being readily accessible.
509.2
ELECTRICAL (H)
A. Open junction boxes and open wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and outlet boxes.
603.2.2
B. A working space of not less than 30″ in width, 36″ in depth and 78″ in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment (panel). Where electrical service equipment is wider than 30″, the working space shall not be less than the width of the equipment.
603.4
C. Doors into electrical control panel rooms shall be marked with a plainly visible and legible sign stating “ELECTRICAL ROOM”.
603.4.1
D. Disconnecting means for each service, feeder or branch circuit originating on a switchboard or panelboard shall be legibly and durably marked to indicate its purpose unless such purpose is clearly evident.
603.4.1
E. Relocatable power taps shall be listed in accordance with UL 1363.
603.5.1
F. Relocatable power taps shall be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle.
603.5.2
G. Relocatable power taps shall not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors or floor coverings, or be subject to environmental or physical damage.
603.5.3
H. Extension cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring.
603.6
I. Extension cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact.
603.6
J. Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances.
603.6
K. Extension cords shall only be plugged directly into an approved receptacle, power tap, or multiplug adapter.
603.6.1
L. Except for approved multiplug extension cords, each extension cord shall serve only one portable appliance.
603.6.1
M. The ampacity of the extension cords shall not be less than the rated capacity of the portable appliance supplied by the cord.
603.6.2
N. Extension cords shall be maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration or damage.
603.6.3
O. Extension cords shall be grounded when serving grounded portable appliances.
603.6.4
P. Multiplug adapters, such as cube adapters, unfused plug strips or any other device not complying with the NFPA 70 shall be prohibited.
603.5
Q. Electrical motors shall be maintained free from excessive accumulations of oil, dirt, waste and debris.
603.7
R. Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed for a period not to exceed 90 days. Temporary wiring methods shall meet the applicable provisions of NFPA 70. Exception:
Temporary wiring for electrical power and lighting installations is allowed during periods of construction, remodeling, repair or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment or similar activities so long as the installations comply with NFPA 70.
603.8
S. Temporary wiring attached to a structure shall be protected from physical damage and supported on insulators spaced not more than 10 feet apart.
603.8.1
T. Portable generators shall be listed for use in the condition and method that they are being used. Portable generators shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
1204.2
1204.3
U. A listed portable fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C shall be provided within 50 feet of the portable generator 1204.10
MISCELLANEOUS (H)
Refer to the Permits section for required permits.
A. An approved fire safety and evacuation plan shall be prepared and maintained for Group H occupancies. The plan shall be reviewed or updated annually. Employees shall receive training in the contents of fire safety and evacuation plans and their duties as part of new employee orientation.
403.6
404.3
406.2
B. Hazardous materials subject to permits under Section 5001.5 when located on the premises shall have the following:
407.1
C. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) shall be provided for all hazardous materials on the premises.
407.2
D. Individual containers of hazardous materials, cartons or packages shall be marked or labeled in accordance with applicable federal regulations. Buildings, rooms and spaces containing hazardous materials shall be identified by hazard warning signs.
407.3
E. Persons responsible for the operation of areas in which hazardous materials are stored, dispensed, handled or used shall be familiar with the chemical nature of the materials and the appropriate mitigating actions necessary in the event of a fire, leak or spill. Responsible persons shall be designated and trained to be liaison personnel for the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning emergency responses and identification of the locations where hazardous materials are located, and shall have access to MSDS and be knowledgeable in the site emergency response
procedures.
407.4
F. A Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) shall be provided for each application for a permit shall when required by the fire code official.
407.5
G. A Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) shall be provided for each application for a permit when required by the fire code official. Similar plans required by other regulations are also acceptable to satisfy this requirement.
407.6
H. The permit holder or applicant shall submit a facility closure plan to terminate storage, dispensing, handling or use of hazardous materials.
407.7
I. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20-feet and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13’ 6”.
503.2.1
J. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles.
503.4
K. New and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers plainly legible and visible from the street fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background.
505.1
L. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location and shall contain keys to gain necessary access.
506.1
M. The building shall have approved communication coverage for emergency responders within the building based upon the existing coverage level of the public safety communication systems of the jurisdiction at the exterior of the building.
510.2
1103.2
N. The building owner shall be responsible to maintain the fire alarm and emergency voice/alarm communication systems in an operable condition at all times. Service personnel shall meet the qualification requirements of NFPA 72 for inspection, testing and maintenance of such systems. Records of inspection, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.
907.8.4
O. Existing buildings with occupied floors located more than 50-feet above the lowest level of fire department access or more than 50-feet below the highest level of fire department access.
1103.6.1
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (H)
Refer to the Permits section for required permits.
A. An operational permit is required to store, handle, or use Class I liquids in excess of 5 gallons inside a building or 10 gallons outside. See exceptions.
105.5.22
B. Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be readily available on the premises for hazardous materials regulated by Chapter 50. When a hazardous substance is developed in a laboratory, available information shall be documented.
Exception: Designated hazardous waste.
5003.4
C. Visible hazard identification signs as specified in NFPA 704 for the specific material contained shall be placed on stationary containers and aboveground tanks and at entrances to locations where hazardous materials are stored, dispensed, used or handled in quantities requiring a permit and at specific entrances and locations designated by the fire code official.
5003.5
D. Individual containers, cartons or packages shall be conspicuously marked or labeled in an approved manner.
5003.5.1
E. Rooms or cabinets containing compressed gases shall be labeled: COMPRESSED GAS when in quantities requiring a permit.
5003.5.1
F. Signs and markings required by Sections 5003.5 and 5003.5.1 shall not be obscured or removed, shall be in English as a primary language or in symbols allowed by this code, shall be durable, and the size, color and lettering shall be approved.
5003.6
G. Open flames and high-temperature devices shall not be used in a manner which creates a hazardous condition and shall be listed for use with the hazardous materials stored or used.
5003.7.2
H. Responsible persons shall be designated and trained to be liaison personnel to the fire department. These persons shall aid the fire department in preplanning emergency responses and identifying the locations where hazardous materials are located and shall have access to Safety Data Sheets and be knowledgeable in the site’s emergency response procedures.
5003.9.1.1
I. Incompatible materials in storage and storage of materials that are incompatible with materials in use shall be separated when the stored materials are in containers having a capacity of more than 5 pounds or 0.5 gallon. Separation to be accomplished by one of the four methods in this section.
5003.9.8
J. Shelf storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be orderly.
5704.3.3.5.3
K. Quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in excess of 10 gallons used for maintenance purposes and the operation of equipment shall be stored in liquid storage cabinets. Quantities not exceeding 10 gallons are allowed to be stored outside of a cabinet when in approved containers.
5704.3.4.4
L. Portable LP-gas containers shall not be stored or used in a basement, pit, above-grade underfloor space or similar location where heavier-than-air gas might collect.
6103.2.1.1
6109.7
M. Idle LP-Gas cylinders shall be stored outside of buildings in accordance with Table 6109.12.
6109.12
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION (H)
A. Damaged materials used to protect penetrations, joints, or voids shall be replaced or restored with materials that meet or exceed the requirements when the assembly was constructed, remodeled, or altered.
703.2
704.2
B. Fire doors and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked or obstructed or otherwise made inoperable.
705.2
C. Fire door assemblies shall not be modified. 705.2
D. Hold-open devices and automatic door closers, where provided, shall be maintained. If fire doors are out of service the door shall remain in the closed position.
705.2.3
E. Hold-open devices and automatic door closers, where provided, shall be maintained. If fire doors are out of service the door shall remain in the closed position.
705.2.3
F. Swinging fire doors shall close from the full open position and latch automatically. NOTE: The door closer shall exert enough force to close and latch the door from any partially open position.
705.2.4
G. Smoke-activated doors shall be maintained to self- close or automatically close upon detection of smoke. Existing fusible-link-type automatic door-closing devices are permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F.
705.2.5
H. Horizontal and vertical sliding and rolling fire doors shall be inspected and tested annually to confirm proper operation and full closure. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.
705.2.6
I. Where required when the building was originally permitted and constructed, spray fire-resistant materials and intumescent fire-resistant materials shall be visually inspected to verify that the materials do not exhibit exposure to the substrate.
708.1