Bollards are those post we see protecting items such as natural gas meters, gasoline pumps, electrical boxes, etc. They are usually painted yellow, although that is NOT part of their requirements. We continue to see vehicles striking gas mains, hazardous materials containers and piping, leading to serious accidents and loss of lives. This posts is a list of all the places the International Fire Code (IFC), which most states adopt as their own fire code, requires vehicle protection. First, let’s understand what a bollard is and how it must be built and installed to meet its intended function… Vehicle Protection.
SECTION 312—VEHICLE IMPACT PROTECTION
312.1 General.
Vehicle impact protection required by this code shall be provided by posts that comply with Section 312.2 or by other approved physical barriers that comply with Section 312.3.
312.2 Posts.
Guard posts shall comply with all of the following requirements:
1) Constructed of steel not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter and concrete filled.
2) Spaced not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) between posts on center.
3) Set not less than 3 feet (914 mm) deep in a concrete footing of not less than a 15-inch (381 mm) diameter.
4) Set with the top of the posts not less than 3 feet (914 mm) above ground.
5) Located not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the protected object.
312.3 Other barriers.
Barriers, other than posts specified in Section 312.2, that are designed to resist, deflect or visually deter vehicular impact commensurate with an anticipated impact scenario shall be permitted where approved.
Now that we understand how a bollard is built and installed, here are the locations bollards are required:
Fire Hydrants
507.5.6 Physical protection.
Where fire hydrants are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, guard posts or other approved means shall comply with Section 312.
Gas Meters
605.8 Gas meters
Above-ground gas meters, regulators and piping subject to damage shall be protected by a barrier complying with Section 312 or otherwise protected in an approved manner.
Fire Department Connections
912.4.3 Physical protection.
Where fire department connections are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.
STATIONARY FUEL CELL POWER SYSTEMS
1206.7 Vehicle impact protection.
Where stationary fuel cell power systems are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.
Energy Storage Systems
1207.4.5 Vehicle impact protection.
Where ESS are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, including forklifts, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.
MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES
2306.4 Physical protection.
Guard posts complying with Section 312 or other approved means shall be provided to protect aboveground tanks against impact by a motor vehicle unless the tank is listed as a protected above-ground tank with vehicle impact protection.
2306.7.3.1 Additional impact protection.
The fire code official is authorized to require additional impact protection in accordance with Section 312 where dispensing devices are located in areas near parking areas, multiple dispensing devices, highway on- and off-ramps, and other areas where there is a higher potential for vehicle impacts.
2307.5 Additional requirements for LP-gas dispensers and equipment.
LP-gas dispensers and related equipment shall comply with the following provisions:
- Pumps shall be fixed in place and shall be designed to allow control of the flow and to prevent leakage and accidental discharge.
- Dispensing devices installed within 10 feet (3048 mm) of where vehicle traffic occurs shall be protected against physical damage by mounting on a concrete island 6 inches (152 mm) or more in height, or shall be protected in accordance with Section 312.
- Dispensing devices shall be securely fastened to their mounting surface in accordance with the dispenser manufacturer’s instructions.
Hydrogen Storage Systems
2309.5.1 Protection from vehicles.
Guard posts or other approved means shall be provided to protect hydrogen storage systems and use areas subject to vehicular damage in accordance with Section 312.
ALL Hazardous Materials
5003.9.3 Protection from vehicles.
Guard posts or other approved means shall be provided to protect storage tanks and connected piping, valves and fittings; dispensing areas; and use areas subject to vehicular damage in accordance with Section 312.
Compressed Gases
5303.5.2 Physical protection.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems that could be exposed to physical damage shall be protected. Guard posts or other approved means shall be provided to protect compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems indoors and outdoors from vehicular damage and shall comply with Section 312.
5303.16.6 Vehicle impact protection.
Vaults shall be resistant to damage from the impact of a motor vehicle, or vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.
Flammable Liquids
5703.6.4 Protection from vehicles.
Guard posts or other approved means shall be provided to protect piping, valves or fittings subject to vehicular damage in accordance with Section 312.
5704.2.8.6 Vehicle impact protection.
Vaults shall be resistant to damage from the impact of a motor vehicle, or vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.
Additional requirements for protected above-ground tanks
5704.2.9.7.4 Vehicle impact protection.
Where protected above-ground tanks, piping, electrical conduit or dispensers are subject to vehicular impact, they shall be protected therefrom, either by having the impact protection incorporated into the system design in compliance with the impact test protocol of UL 2085, or by meeting the provisions of Section 312, or where necessary, a combination of both. Where guard posts or other approved barriers are provided, they shall be independent of each above-ground tank.
5704.4.5 Protection from vehicles.
Guard posts or other means shall be provided to protect exterior storage tanks from vehicular damage. Where guard posts are installed, the posts shall be installed in accordance with Section 312.
Here a couple of OSHA references:
1910.303(g)(1)(vii)(A)(1)
The space equal to the width and depth of the equipment and extending from the floor to a height of 1.83 m (6.0 ft) above the equipment or to the structural ceiling, whichever is lower, shall be dedicated to the electrical installation. Unless isolated from equipment by height or physical enclosures or covers that will afford adequate mechanical protection from vehicular traffic or accidental contact by unauthorized personnel or that complies with paragraph (g)(1)(vii)(A)(2) of this section, piping, ducts, or equipment foreign to the electrical installation may not be located in this area;
1910.303(g)(1)(vii)(B)
Outdoor electric equipment shall be installed in suitable enclosures and shall be protected from accidental contact by unauthorized personnel, or by vehicular traffic, or by accidental spillage or leakage from piping systems. No architectural appurtenance or other equipment may be located in the working space required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this section.
Guarding of live parts
1910.303(g)(2)(ii)
In locations where electric equipment is likely to be exposed to physical damage, enclosures or guards shall be so arranged and of such strength as to prevent such damage.
Enclosure for electrical installations
1910.303(h)(2)(v)(B)
Where exposed to physical damage from vehicular traffic, suitable guards shall be provided;
LPG/Propane
1910.110(h)(6)(ii)(b) Containers shall be protected by crash rails or guards to prevent physical damage unless they are so protected by virtue of their location. Vehicles shall not be serviced within 10 feet of containers.
1910.110(h)(9)(ii) Piping laid beneath driveways shall be installed to prevent physical damage by vehicles.
Ammonia
1910.111(c)(7) Damage from vehicles. Precaution shall be taken against damage to ammonia systems from vehicles.
1910.111(d)(7) Damage from vehicles. Precaution shall be taken against damage from vehicles.
Forklifts
1910.178(g)(2) Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, for fire protection, for protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks, and for adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gassing batteries.