IBC Table 307.1(1)—Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area of Hazardous Materials Posing a Physical Hazard sets forth maximum allowable quantities for physical hazard materials. All three (3) situations (storage, use-closed, and use-open) are considered. For the specific case of gases, maximum allowable amounts are all listed under storage and use-closed because the definition of “Use” includes all gases.
With two exceptions, any combination of materials or situations listed in this table is allowed in each control area. These two exceptions are (1) as provided by Footnote h, the aggregate of IA, IB, and IC flammable liquids, and (2) as provided by Footnote b, which requires that aggregate quantities of materials in both use and storage must not exceed the allowable quantity for storage.
Specific footnotes to the table provide the following information and liberties:
Footnote a
This footnote references Section 414.2 for the use of control areas. For additional information, see the discussion of control areas in Sections 307.1 and 414.2.
Footnote b
This footnote requires quantities of materials in use to be counted as storage and use when comparing quantities to those permitted. For example, a single control area in a manufacturing facility would be permitted up to 30 gallons of a Class II combustible liquid in use and a maximum of 120 gallons in storage WITHOUT being considered a Group H occupancy. However, a total of 150 gallons would be PROHIBITED. The TOTAL OF BOTH use and storage is limited to 120 gallons, with no more than 30 gallons permitted in use.
Footnote c
This footnote exempts small-size containers of certain consumer products that are considered to present minimal hazards based on the types of materials and the container sizes.
Footnote d
This footnote allows certain materials to have exempt amounts DOUBLED when stored or used in sprinklered buildings. Compounding with the increases provided by Footnote e is ALLOWED when both footnotes are applicable. Materials and situations referencing both Footnotes d and e can receive four (4) times the listed maximum allowable quantity when both footnotes are applied.
Footnote e
This footnote allows exempt amounts for certain materials in storage to be DOUBLED when APPROVED storage cabinets, gas cabinets, safety cans, etc., as applicable, are employed.
Footnote f
This footnote allows certain materials to be stored or used in unlimited quantities in SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS. When the building is FULLY SPRINKLERED, it has the effect of classifying the building as other than a Group H occupancy. Application of this footnote is limited to the storage or use of Class IIIB combustible liquids or Class I oxidizers. An unlimited quantity of each of these materials is permitted in a fully sprinklered building without requiring a designation of Group H.
Footnote g
This footnote limits storage and use of certain materials to sprinklered buildings. Where the quantity does NOT exceed the maximum allowable, the building is required to be SPRINKLERED throughout if a non-Group H classification is desired.
Footnote h
Where flammable liquids are concerned, the maximum allowable quantities are regulated BOTH individually and cumulatively. To be considered an occupancy other than Group H, the control area must not contain more than the MAQs for each type of flammable liquid (Classes IA, IB, and IC), as well as the combination of such limits established by Table 307.1(1).
Footnote i
Where in compliance with the requirements of International Fire Code (IFC) Section 603.3.2, the storage of fuel oil inside a building is not regulated for maximum allowable quantities (MAQs) by Table 307.1(1). The quantity of combustible liquid stored in tanks complying with Section 603.3.2 need NOT be counted toward the MAQs established in the table.
Footnote k
Substantial increases in the maximum allowable quantities are permitted for CLASS 3 OXIDIZERS used for maintenance and sanitation purposes. A common application of the increased quantities occurs in health-care and food facilities.
Footnote l
If the net weight of the pyrotechnic composition of fireworks is known, that weight is used in applying the limitations of the table. Otherwise, 25 percent of the gross weight of the fireworks is to be used, including the packaging materials.
Footnote o
Cotton is almost exclusively pressed and stored as densely packed baled cotton meeting the weight and dimension requirements of ISO 8115. In this form, the fibers are not easily ignitable, and the regulation by this table as a hazardous material is deemed unnecessary.
Footnote p
This note further clarifies the application of Item 3 in Section 307.1.1. Where liquid or gaseous fuel is used in the operation of machinery or equipment, including vehicles, the quantities are NOT to be included in the determination of maximum allowable quantities. Additional allowances are provided for specific piping systems and appliances, as well as for dispensed alcohol-based hand rubs.
Footnote q
The listing of combustible dusts in Table 307.1(1) is unique in that it is the only material listed where a MAQ has not been established in order to determine occupancy classification. The classification of Group H-2 is to be based solely on a determination by a qualified person, firm, or corporation, along with concurrence of the building official. Reference is made to Section 414.1.3 where the general information that is required to make such a determination is set forth.