Tanks for flammable liquids inside of buildings, other than structures used exclusively for the purposes of Group H occupancies for the handling and storage of flammable liquids, shall be constructed as follows:
120 Gallons or Less. Tanks for Class II and III liquids having a capacity of 120 gallons or less shall be of steel or tin plate, soldered and tight. Material shall be of not less than No. 20 U.S. standard gauge; provided, however, that where tanks contain more than six gallons of liquid used in connection with and in the same room with oil-burning equipment, the provisions of the third paragraph shall apply. Nothing in the building provisions of this Code shall be construed as prohibiting the use of original barrels or drums as a source of supply, if such barrels or drums are substantially placed to prevent tipping or rolling. Pumps shall be inserted through a close-fitting connection in the side of the head of the container. These tanks shall be located in rooms constructed in accordance with Section 15-24-410 of this Code.
Location and Foundation. Tanks shall be located below the level of any piping to which they are connected, or else shall be equipped with standard antisiphoning devices, and shall be set on a substantial foundation. Tanks exceeding 2,500 gallons capacity shall be supported independently of the floor construction.
Storage Tanks for Fuel Oil in Connection with Oil-burning Equipment and Diesel Oil in Connection with Emergency Diesel-driven Equipment. Steel tanks containing more than 285 gallons and installed in connection with oil-burning equipment and diesel oil shall be constructed in accordance with the first paragraph of Section 15-24-280. Fuel oil tanks located inside of buildings shall be located in the basement or lowest story thereof and shall not exceed 550 gallons individual or aggregate capacity if unenclosed. Fuel oil storage tanks having an aggregate capacity of more than 550 gallons shall be enclosed within walls of not less than four-hour fire-resistive construction extending at least one foot above the highest level of the tanks. The ceiling or enclosure above such tanks shall be of not less than four-hour fire-resistive construction, unless such tanks are surrounded with sand or earth within the enclosure and up to not less than one foot above the highest level of the tanks. In lieu of such enclosure, the tanks may be imbedded solidly in reinforced concrete not less than six inches thick at any point. Concrete fuel oil tanks shall have an enclosure as required by this paragraph for steel tanks. Walls of concrete tanks shall be constructed independently of and not in contact with the building walls or enclosing walls. In buildings of Type III or IV construction the gross capacity of fuel oil and diesel oil storage tanks shall not exceed 5,000 gallons. In buildings of Type IB, IIA or IIB construction, the gross capacity of fuel oil and diesel oil storage tanks shall not exceed 10,000 gallons. In any room of a building of Type IA construction the gross capacity of fuel oil and diesel oil may have a capacity of 50,000 gallons, with an individual tank capacity not exceeding 25,000 gallons, provided tank or tanks shall have a separation of four-hour fire-resistive construction from any part of the building. The walls may be extended to and bonded to the underside of the construction above in lieu of a separate top. 15 inches clearance shall be left around the tank for the purpose of inspection. Such tank enclosure shall be capable of withstanding the hydrostatic pressure of the contents of the tank or tanks and shall be provided with a liquid-tight noncombustible sill raised not less than six inches above the floor. An opening which is closed by a self-closing 3-hour-rated fire door shall be provided above the liquid level. Provision shall be made for adequate ventilation of such enclosures prior to entering for inspection.
Not more than one integral tank shall be installed on each piece of diesel-driven equipment. It shall be securely mounted on the engine assembly, protected against vibration, physical damage, engine heat and the heat of exhaust piping. A return line shall be provided to return surplus oil from the engine tank to supply tank. A day tank shall not exceed 550 gallons capacity and shall be at a lower level than the engine tank. Doorways of rooms containing tanks, either installed as an integral part of the engine assembly, or day tanks, shall have a noncombustible liquid-tight sill raised not less than six inches above the floor.
(Prior code § 129.1-21; Amend Coun. J. 6-28-00, p. 36679, § 8; Amend Coun. J. 11-8-12, p. 38872, § 235; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. VI, § 29)