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Parent Category: Safety Info Posts

Category: Flammable Liquids

Published: 25 April 2024

In terms of Fire and Building Codes, we have five (5) recognized areas associated with handling hazardous materials. We refer to these high-hazard areas/occupancies as "Group H".  High-hazard Group H occupancy includes, among others, 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 in quantities over those allowed in control areas complying with Section 5003.8.3, based on the maximum allowable quantity limits for control areas outlined in Tables 5003.1.1(1) and 5003.1.1(2). Hazardous occupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 and shall be in accordance with this code and the requirements of Section 415 of the International Building Code. Hazardous materials stored or used on top of roofs or canopies shall be classified as outdoor storage or use and shall comply with this code.

H-1 buildings and structures contain materials that pose a detonation hazard, such as explosives.

H-5 is specific to semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable research and development areas.

H-4 buildings and structures containing materials that are health hazards where materials such as Corrosives, Highly toxic materials, and Toxic materials are present.

So that leaves us H-2 and H-3 areas, which, by me posting this under my Flammable Liquids category, you might have figured out that these two (2) hazardous occupancies are about flammable liquids and gases.  But why have two (2) different ratings for the same hazard?

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