I am working on a code evaluation project, and the client had a different interpretation (more strict) that I did so I reached out to the Ohio Fire Marshal to settle the discussion. The question arose as to how much flammable solid(s) can one store without having to raise the occupancy classification to an “H.” TABLE 307.1, Maximum allowable quantity per control area of Hazardous materials posing a physical hazard allows for 125 pounds of flammable solid per control area. However, this comes with two (2) footnotes which allow more than 125 pounds under certain conditions and when BOTH conditions are met, even more, can be stored…
Notes “d” and “e” state the following: (emphasis by me)
d. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, day boxes, gas cabinets, gas rooms or exhausted enclosures or in listed safety cans in accordance with Section 5003.9.10 of the fire code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
So when the storage area is properly sprinkled AND the flammable solid is stored in an approved storage cabinet, the amount permitted per control area goes from 125 pounds to 500 pounds.
This is from the ICC and provided by the OH Fire Marshal:
“Notes d and e of the table are significant in that, for certain materials, the MAQ may be increased due to the use of approved special hazardous material storage methods as listed in the note, sprinklers or both. The notes are intended to be cumulative in that up to four times the base MAQ may be allowed per control area, if the building is sprinklered and approved special storage methods are used, without classifying the building as a Group H. While the use of approved special storage methods is not always a feasible or practical method of storage, they do provide sufficient additional protection to warrant in increase if utilized. For example, the tabular MAQ for the storage of Class IA flammable liquid is 30 gallons (114 L), and both Notes d and e apply. Applying the notes accumulatively, the increased MAQ becomes 30 x 2 = 60 x 2 = 120 gallons (454L).”
Source: 2009 International Fire Code Commentary, International Code Council
Using this information, the business in your scenario would be allowed 125 pounds of a flammable solid under normal circumstances. If the building is sprinklered, Note d allows you to increase that by 100% with a new MAQ of 250 pounds. If the material is stored inside an approved, listed container within the sprinklered building, Note e allows you to increase the amount by 100% again, now allowing 500 pounds of the flammable solid.
Many thanks to Jason Corwin, Southwest District Chief / Assistant Chief, Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal, Code Enforcement Bureau for his speedy assistance.