HomeMy WebLinkAboutFlammable liquids Fire code review '
ORQIVO �
1
�0 �
� Flammable Li uids Use an
q d Storage
� Fire Code Review
� Report
' For
� Cargill Fresh Water Biological
Institute
�
2500 Shadywood Road
� N
avarre, MN 55331
�
Project No.: 98541
� June 11 1998
�
�
' CITY OP ORONO �
BUILDING�RM Pl.AN REVIEW
Prepared for: INSPECTOR �
' Jafvert Mueller Architects, INC. DA�_-` (� •2g `� PERMIT NO.
3600 West 80`h Street �0'APPROVED A�SU�fiTTED
Suite 175 � C] APPROVED WITH CO��ECTIO�IS AS NOTED
' ,� Bloomin ton MN 55431 0`NOT APPROVED---COr,RECT&RESUBMIT
� g � TheSe commants are for your information. AU work sheli be done
�' �(12� $9']-5��1 ir+tuA Compliance with alt applicable buiiding and zoning cwla.
� ' R�auirements including items not specificallynoted in this�evie
�� � K�EP THIS PLAN SET ON SlT�Ag���d� .
� � � ��
PYepared by.• ,
THE MOUNTAINSTAR� GROUP, INC.
� ���,,, 7800 Metro Parkway, Suite 218 �� '
Bloomington, MN 55425 ` �
�� �....�� .�m,��� ��N-�
�_
(612) 851-3085 ��� �� ` ��' ���`����� � .�- "�
, � �,.p- {[ ` ' � ���
Qi'+'am�"sk:, k�, t�.z""i" G �yn'' !t�� �� ',v'' ���
pq�°'� � '� ��j�E9F���
' � <
���
``����;������a �€ ,,�6
�'�� � � � ,� ����`4��� �°<.
°�' ����°,��;- ,���;°��a��is�`�.
�..� �.�����
'
' Flammable Li uid n
q s Use a d Storage
' Fire Code Review Report
For
' Cargill Fresh Water Biological Institute
' 1.0 REQUEST
This report is a �re code review for the Cargill Fresh Water Biological Institute flammable and
' combustible liquid storage room that will combine rooms E53 and E54. The current flammable
liquids starage in E 54 is too small to accommodate the storage needs for the pilot project lab.
The new pilot project area is approximately 1670 square feet with a dropped floor work area.
� The storage is approximately 125 square feet and will be used to store up to eight 55 gallon
drums of alcohol and hexane,which are Class I-B flammable liquids. In addition to the storage,
Cargill will be dispensing the hexane and alcohol into smaller containers (maximum 2 gallons).
t This review is based on preliminary drawings dated 3/19/98 and the information provided by
Jafvert Mueller Architects.
' This report is based on the 1994 Uniform Building Code (UBC) and 1997 Uniform Fire Code
(UFC), which are documents adopted by the State of Minnesota or currently in the process of
being adopted. The design of the room is based on a Group B Occupancy class far the process
' area and a Group H-3 Occupancy for the storage and dispensing room. The MountainStar
Group, Inc. (MountainStar)reviewed the design and proposed the following protection features
and code limitations for the room and use area.
'
2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
' The Cargill Fresh Water Biological Institute will use and store 5 to 8 drums of flammable liquids
in the proposed facility in Navarre,MN. The proposed renovation will include the modification
of the current storage room to be increased to 125 square feet. This room will contain storage
' and limited dispensing. The use area includes the modifications of the laboratory area to have a
dropped process area, with a walkway surrounding three sides of the space and the installation of
a fume hood. The total area to be modified is approximately 7,680-sq. ft.,but this report only
� includes the review of the storage and use areas.
It is MountainStar's understanding that the area being proposed for modification is called the
' lower level, but is not classified as a basement under the definition of the UBC. The building
plans currently indicate that the building is a walkout to the East Side and requires stairs on the
West Side and is classified as the first story.
� This report will need to be re-evaluated, if the amount of liquid storage changes, quantity of
liquid used in open or closed condition, liquid or hazardous material classification changes,
� storage arrange�nent is �nodified, or the fzre rating which subdivides the space changes.
r
� F:\Clients\98000\98S41-Cargill(lafvert Mueller Architects)\Final Cargill Flam Liquid Report-doc
' Car ill Fresh Water Biolo ical Institute
g g
6/11/98,page 2
' 3.0 FLAMMABLE LI UIDS STORAGE/USE ROOM
Q
' The room used for storage and use is proposed as a Group H-3 Occupancy and the laboratory is
classified as a Group B Occupancy per the UBC. The entire building is not protected with an
automatic sprinkler system. The flammable liquid space is currently provided with a disabled
' CO2 suppression system,which will require maintenance and a total engineering review of
calculations for the increased area before activation. Therefore,the system will be removed and
the room will be protected by an automatic sprinkler system. The room is required by code to be
' protected with a suppression system,which is capable of protecting high hazard storage of Class
I-B liquids. The calculations and recommendations for the suppression system are included in
this report and will need to be designed to the final use and storage configuration of the space.
' Article 79 of the Uniform Fire Code allows a maximum exempt amount of Class I-B liquid
storage that is not in a building protected with an automatic suppression system of 60 gallons. In
' addition,Article 79 allows a maximum exempt amount of 15 gallons of a Class I-B liquid for
open use operations. With these restrictions,the proposed amount of storage and dispensing,and
the recommendations found in this section the space is being proposed as an H-3 occupancy.
' Under Section 904 of the UBC,all H-3 occupancies are required to have a complete automatic
suppression system. This system can be a water sprinkler system or other approved automatic
fire-extinguishing protection, such as CO2. The use of a water-based system may be the least
� expensive for initial installation_but it�vill � � req�irerr�e�is fer the rt�om as
outlined below. The installation of the CO2 system may provide the least impact on the room
requirements,but it may not be desirable if the room is occupied during normal operation for
' staff safety. A total flooding alternate agent suppression system is the safest option,but requires
additional up-front costs for its installation and design. For this project, a sprinkler system will
be installed.
' It is the intent of Cargill, and MountainStar to restrict operations in the storage room in
order to maintain an H-3 Occupancy classification. Because of the proposed dispensing
' that will occur MountainStar is recommending the following to facilitate an H-3
Occupancy classification.
' 1. Any dispensing shall be from or into containers that are 15 gallons or less.
2. Any dispensing from containers larger than 15 gallons must be done using a
hand pump or nozzle or other device that is normally closed and requires
' constant pressure/force to remain in an open condition.
3. Cargill has proposed that the presence of a waste container inside the storage
room. This container may either be 15 gallons or less, or must be filled using
' a pump or other system from containers smaller than 15 gallons. The intent is
to limit the amount of hazardous liquid that is open to the atmosphere too less
than 15 gallons.
, The storage room is re uired to meet all re uirements for an H-3 occu anc in the State Buildin
9 q P Y g
Code(UBC)and are outlined below:
'
1
'
' Cargill Fresh Water Biolo ical Insritute
g
6/11/98,page 3
' 1. A room that is 125 square feet or less shall be separated from all adjacent areas by a
minimum of one-hour fire-resistive rating,with one-hour rated doors and opening
' protection.
2. The maximum storage height in piles is one drum high.
3. Minimum design density of 0.25 gallons per minute over a design area of 5,000
' square feet for a water-based sprinkler system,or other approved suppression
system.
4. All shelving,racks and wainscoting shall be of noncombustible constnxction or wood
' not less than 1-inch nominal thickness.
5. Room used for storage or dispensing shall not be located in a level classified as a
basement.
, 6. Building height and area shall not exceed the limitation of Chapter 5 of the UBC.
7. Floors shall be of noncombustible,liquid-tight construction, except for surfacing.
8. The room requires spill control and secondary containment protection for the largest
, spill of liquid. The spill control may be accomplished via a minimum 1-inch liquid
tight raised sill. Additional secondary containment sized to contain 20-minutes of
water flow is required due to a water-based suppression system is being installed.
, This will be accomplished via a drainage system with the following features:
(a) Slope floors(minimum 1 percent slope)to a drain sized for 31.25 gpm.
(b) Termination will be at a 750 gallon aboveground storage tank listed to UL
� 1_ far Flmm�ta�e arrd Corrrbustiiile
Liquids. The tank must also contain a leak detection device or other means
of notification that the tank is being filled with liquids.
' 9. Maximum travel distance in an H-3 occupancy shall be 75 feet or less and 200 feet
for the remaining occupancies.
10. Rooms with an occupancy load of less than 10 persons may pass through one
' intervening room. The current exit out of the storage room will pass through the
laboratory room.
11. The storage and dispensing room shall be equipped with a mechamcal ventilation
, system per the State Mechanical Code that will provide a minimum rate of 1 cubic
foot per minute per square foot of floor area(125 cfm). The exhaust ventilation
system will be designed to operate continuously and not recirculate within the
' building. An approved sign will mark a switch located outside the room,which is
designed to allow the fire department to shut down the ventilation system. The
location of both the exhaust and inlet air openings shall be designed to remove vapor
from the room,with the exhaust within 12 inches from the floor. A manual shutoff
, control shall be provided in a position adjacent to the access door to the room or in
an approved location. The switch should be of the break-glass type and labeled
VENTLATION SYSTEM EMERGENCY SHUTOFF.
' 12. "No Smoking or Open Flame" signs shall be located on or near the storage room
door.
13. Electrical equipment classification for the storage room shall be Class 1, Ordinary.
' Electrical equipment classification due to dispensing shall be as follows
• Class I Division 1 within 3 feet of vent and filling openings, extending in all
directions.
' • Class I Division 2 areas between 3 and 5 feet from vent and filling openings,
extending in all directions
• Class I Division 2 up to 18 inches above the floor or grade level within a
' horizontal radius of 10 feet from the vent and filling openings.
,
1 Cargill Fresh Water Biolo ical Insritute
S
6/11/98,page 4
' 14. One or more portable fire extinguishers,with minimum rating of 20-B, shall be
located within 10 feet of the room door.
I 4.0 LABORATORY AREA
' This section outlines current fire code requirements for protection systems and features of the
building and space that are identified as the Pilot Project Area.
' This area is proposed to be used as a laboratory in the Group B Occupancy and is not provided
with a hydraulically designed sprinkler system installed throughout the room or building. The
maximum of Class I-B liquid that can be used in a Group B Occupancy is 60 gallons for closed
' use. The definition of a closed use system is a liquid hazardous material in a closed vessel or
system that remains closed during normal operations where vapors emitted by the product are
not liberated outside the vessel or system and the product is not exposed to the atmosphere
' during normal operations.
The laboratory is limited to a combined total of 60 gallons of Class I-B liquid for storage and
closed use and must include the following requirements for the laboratory in the Group B
' Occupancy:
1. Laboratories in buildings used for trainin and�ducational n�poS�S-andsimilar _ _ _
� areas containing hazardous materials, shall be separated from other portions of the
building by not less than a one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation. T'he doors
leading to corridors shall be not less than 3/4-hour fire rated and all other openings
' shall be one-hour fire rated.
2. Two exits are required for the laboratory,with a travel distance of 75 feet or less
within the laboratory. The maximum travel distance of 200 feet to an exit also
' applies.
3. The area and height limitation of Chapter 5 of the building shall be met.
4. The location of the existing building on the property and opening protection is
' assumed to meet the minimum requirements of the UBC.
5. All exit components appear to meet the minimum requirements of UBC Chapter 10.
The dropped area that is identified for the laboratory and the new hood is not
, provided with an accessible access. The building official will be notified via a letter
requesting that the pit area be exempt from compliance with ADA requirements due
to limitations for the type of work in the area that can not reasonably be performed
, by a person with impairments.
6. Closed systems designed to be opened as part of the normal operation shall include a
ventilation design which provides the pit with continuous ventilation at a rate of not
' less that 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot of floor area. Ventilation of the
flammable vapors shall meet the minimum requirements of the State Mechanical
Code. The proposed design appears not to be open and therefore will not require
' additional ventilation.
7. If the dispensing operation is relocated into the laboratory space in quantities greater
than the exempt amounts(60 gallons)the following modifications will be required:
' I. All transfer operations shall be through an approved closed piping system or
an approved engineered liquid transfer system.
II. The transfer of liquid from the drum to the approved piping system shall be
' conducted using a positive displacement pump that will provide pressure
�
� Cargill Fresh Water Biological Institute
6/11/98,page 5
' relief discharge back to the drum, use pump suction or be provided with
over-pressure relief. The transfer piping system uses a gas pressure system.
� Only inert gas can be used.
IIL All piping,hoses and valves used with the liquid transfer operations shall be
listed or approved for the use.
� N. The transfer system shall be electrically bonded between the drum and
piping system.
8. The electrical classi�cation for where the flammable liquid will be transferred shall
� be rated as Class I, division 2 for the entire pit area. All areas within 5 feet of any
edge of any pumps,bleeders, withdrawal fittings, meters and similar devices shall be
Class I, division 2 in all directions from the hazard. Since the transfer of liquids is
� not to be located within the pit, all equipment within 3 feet of the floor areas, within
25 feet of the transfer pumps or similar equipment shall be protected with Class I,
division 2 electrical equipment.
� 9. Vehicles will be allowed for unloading and loading purposes in the pilot lab area.
' S.0 CONCLUSION
Based on the supporting data and the information provided by Jafvert Mueller Architects, the
proposed occupancy classi�cations of Group H-3 for the flammable liquid storage room and
' classification of Group B for the research and development area are conect in the opinion of The
MountainStar Group, Incorporated. With the limitations and protection measures as outlined
above, the laboratory and flammable liquid rooms will be protected in accordance with the
� requirements and intent of the 1994 UBC and 1997 UFC. This report contains MountainStar's
recommendations regarding the fire protection design required for dispensing and storage of the
Class I-B flammable liquid in the flammable liquid storage room and for closed use and storage
' in the laboratory.
This report will need to be re-evaluated, if the amount of liquid storage changes, quantity of
' liquid used in open or closed condition, liquid or hazardous material classification changes,
storage arrangement is modified, or the fire rating which subdivides the space changes. Please
contact us if you have any questions ar concerns.
' Prepared by: Approved y:
' l� _' � /
� ;
i`�� '
, Christopher Leaver Mic ael A. O'Hara, P.E.
Fire Protection Specialist President
� � [hereby certify that this plan,specification,or report
was prepared by me or under my direct supervision
and that I am a duly Registered Professional Engineer
under the laws the State of Minnesota.
' Date Registration No.24067
'
'
' Car ill Fresh Water Biolo ical Insritute
g g
6/11/98,page 6
'
6.0 REFERENCES
' 1. Building plans provided by Jafvert Mueller,Inc. dated 3-23-98.
' 2. 1994& 1997 Uniform Building Code,International Conference of Building Officials.
3. 1994& 1997 Uniform Fire Code,International Conference of Building Official
'
'
,
,
� __ _ _
'
'
'
'
'
'
,
'
'
'