Since around 2003, the International Fire Code (IFC), section 5704 – Storage, has required that ALL above-ground storage tanks, regardless of capacity, be provided with an approved means or method of overfill prevention. In this article we will look at what the code prescribes as the flammable liquid tank’s safe upper limit and the requirement for the “over-fill” prevention. Before we get started, for those of you who only wish to meet OSHA compliance minimums, I will state this up front…OSHA does require over-fill protection, BUT ONLY when the storage tank is located INSIDE a building.
1910.106(b)(4)(iv)(h) Tanks inside buildings shall be equipped with a device, or other means shall be provided, to prevent overflow into the building.
As for NFPA 30 – FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS CODE, in 2008 the code was revised to require overfill prevention requirements ONLY on tanks larger than 1320 gallon capacity. ( See NFPA 30, Chapter 21 Storage of Liquids in Tanks — Requirements for All Storage Tanks, with a referal to API 2350, Overfill Protection for Storage Tanks in Petroleum Facilities for additional guidance. NFPA 30 goes even further in its requirements and should be the RAGAGEP of choice for those seeking world-class type design and protection.
First lets establish the IFC/State Fire Code requirements: