I am not quite sure why they did this, but the ICC decided that the requirements for “leak detection” and “emergency shutoff” for high hazard gases and liquids ONLY apply when the “maximum allowable quantity per control” area is exceeded. This was done by moving these requirements from Section 5003 where they applied to any quantity of these high hazard gases and liquids hazardous materials to Section 5005 where they will now apply ONLY when the “maximum allowable quantity per control” area is exceeded. Here is what it now looks like:
What the 2015 IFC stated:
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:
-
- 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.
- Piping and tubing shall be identified in accordance with ASME A13.1 to indicate the material conveyed.
- 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. and 3.2. The tank, cylinder or bulk source.
- Manual emergency shutoff valves and controls for remotely activated emergency shutoff valves shall be identified and the location shall be have access clearly visible and indicated by means of a sign.
- 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.
Exceptions:
-
-
- Piping for inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
- Piping for pressure relief devices.
-
What these requirements look like in the 2018 Edition of the IFC…
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:
-
- Piping for inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
- Piping for pressure relief devices.
In 2018 IFC, Section 5005 ONLY applies when the “maximum allowable quantity per control” area 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. This essentially means the facility must be a Group H occupancy for these requirements to apply.
Based on IFC Appendix F “Hazard Ranking”, these requirements apply to:
| NFPA 704 CLASSIFICATION | IFC/IBC MATERIAL CLASSIFICATION |
| Health Class 4 |
|
| Health Class 3 |
|
| Flammability Class 4 |
|
| Instability Class 4 |
|
| Instability Class 3 |
|