5704.3.5.3 Storage distance from ceilings and roofs.

Piles of containers shall not be stored closer than 3 feet (914 mm) to the nearest beam, chord, girder or other obstruction, and shall be 3 feet (914 mm) below sprinkler deflectors or discharge orifices of water spray or other overhead fire extinguishing system.

5704.3.5.4 Combustible materials.

In areas that are inaccessible to the public, Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall not be stored in the same pile or rack section as ordinary combustible commodities unless such materials are packaged together as kits.

5704.3.6 Wholesale and retail sales.

Flammable and combustible liquids in Group M occupancy wholesale and retail sales shall be in accordance with FC 5704.3.6.1 through 5704.3.6.5, or NFPA 30.

5704.3.6.1 Container type.

Containers for Class I liquids shall be metal.

   Exception: In sprinklered buildings, an aggregate quantity of 120 gallons (454 L) of water-miscible Class IB and Class IC liquids is allowed in nonmetallic containers, each having a capacity of 16 ounces (0.473 L) or less.

5704.3.6.2 Container capacity.

Containers for Class I liquids shall not exceed a capacity of 5 gallons (19 L).

   Exception: Metal containers not exceeding 55 gallons (208 L) are allowed to store up to 240 gallons (908 L) of the maximum allowable quantity per control area of Class IB and IC liquids in a control area. The building shall be protected throughout by a sprinkler system in accordance with FC Table 5704.3.4.1. The containers shall be provided with plastic caps without cap seals and shall be stored upright. Containers shall not be stacked or stored in racks and shall not be located in areas accessible to the public.

5704.3.6.3 Fire protection and storage arrangements.

Fire protection and container storage arrangements shall be in accordance with FC Table 5704.3.6.3(1) or the following:

   1.   Storage on shelves shall not exceed 6 feet (1829 mm) in height, and shelving shall be metal.

   2.   Storage on pallets or in piles greater than 4 feet 6 inches (1372 mm) in height, or where the ceiling exceeds 18 feet (5486 mm) in height, shall be protected by a sprinkler system in accordance with FC Table 5704.3.6.3(4), and the storage heights and arrangements shall be limited to those specified in FC Table 5704.3.6.3(2).

   3.   Storage on racks greater than 4 feet 6 inches (1372 mm) in height, or where the ceiling exceeds 18 feet (5486 mm) in height shall be protected in accordance with FC Tables 5704.3.6.3(5), 5704.3.6.3(6), 5704.3.6.3(7) and 5704.3.6.3(8) and the construction codes, including the Building Code as appropriate, and the storage heights and arrangements shall be limited to those specified in FC Table 5704.3.6.3(3).

FC Table 5704.3.6.3(1)
Maximum Storage Height in Control Areas

 

Type of Liquid	Nonsprinklered Area (feet)	Sprinklered Area (feet)	Sprinklered Buildings a, b with In-Rack Protection (feet)
Flammable liquids:    Class IA    Class IB    Class IC	4 4 4	4 8 8	4 12 12
Combustible liquids:    Class II    Class IIIA    Class IIIB	6 8 8	8 12 12	12 16 20

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a   In buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system, the storage height for metallic containers shall not exceed the maximum height allowed by NFPA 30 based on the type of fire protection systems provided, or the maximum height as determined by the department based on a full-scale fire test, whichever is greater. These storage heights do not apply to storage of nonmetallic containers.

b.   In-rack protection shall be in accordance with FC Table 5704.3.6.3(5), 5704.3.6.3(6), 5704.3.6.3(7) or 5704.3.6.3(8) and the construction codes, including the Building Code.

FC Table 5704.3.6.3(2)
Storage Arrangements for Palletized or Solid-pile Storage in Liquid Storage Rooms and Warehouses

 

Class	Storage Level	Maximum Storage Height		Maximum Quantity Per Pile (gallons)	Maximum Quantity Per Room a (gallons)
		Drums	Containers b (feet)	Containers	Containers
IA	Ground floor Upper floors Basements e	1 1 Not Allowed	5 5 Not Allowed	3,000 2,000 Not Allowed	12,000 8,000 Not Allowed
IB	Ground floor Upper floors Basements e	1 1 Not Allowed	6.5 6.5 Not Allowed	5,000 3,000 Not Allowed	15,000 12,000 Not Allowed
IC	Ground floor d Upper floors Basements e	1 1 Not Allowed	6.5 c 6.5 c Not Allowed	5,000 3,000 Not Allowed	15,000 12,000 Not Allowed
II	Ground floor d Upper floors Basements e	3 3 1	10 10 5	10,000 10,000 7,500	25,000 25,000 7,500
III	Ground floor Upper floors Basements e	5 5 3	20 20 10	15,000 15,000 10,000	50,000 50,000 25,000

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

a.   See FC 5704.3.8.1 for unlimited quantities in liquid storage warehouses.

b.   In buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system, the storage height for metallic containers shall not exceed the maximum height allowed by NFPA 30 based on the type of fire protection systems provided, or the maximum height as determined by the department based on a full-scale fire test, whichever is greater. These storage heights do not apply to storage of nonmetallic containers.

c.   These height limitations are allowed to be increased to 10 feet for containers having a capacity of 5 gallons or less.

d.   For palletized storage of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) in relieving-style metal containers with 50 percent or less by weight Class IC or II liquid and no Class IA or IB liquid, height and pile quantity limits shall be allowed to be 10 feet and 15,000 gallons, respectively, provided that such storage is protected by sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 30 and that the UPR storage area is not located in the same containment area or drainage path for other Class I or II liquids.

e.   Basements include cellars and other areas below grade.

FC Table 5704.3.6.3(3)
Storage Arrangements for Rack Storage in Liquid Storage Rooms and Warehouses

 

Class	Type Rack	Storage Level	Maximum Storage Height (feet) b	Maximum Quantity Per Room a (gallons)
			Containers	Containers
IA	Double row or Single row	Ground floor Upper floors Basements	25 15 Not Allowed	7,500 4,500 Not Allowed
IB IC	Double row or Single row	Ground floor Upper floors Basements	25 15 Not Allowed	15,000 9,000 Not Allowed
II	Double row or Single row	Ground floor Upper floors Basements	25 25 15	24,000 24,000 9,000
III	Multirow Double room Single row	Ground floor Upper floors Basements	40 20 20	48,000 48,000 24,000

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

a.   See FC 5704.3.8.1 for unlimited quantities in liquid storage warehouses.

b.   In buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system, the storage height for metallic containers shall not exceed the maximum height allowed by NFPA 30 based on the type of fire protection systems provided, or the maximum height as determined by the department based on a full-scale fire test, whichever is greater. These storage heights do not apply to storage of nonmetallic containers.

FC Table 5704.3.6.3(4)
Sprinkler System Protection for Solid-pile and Palletized Storage of Liquids in Metal Containers and Portable Tanks a

Storage Conditions		Ceiling Sprinkler Design and Demand				Minimum Hose Stream Demand (gpm)	Minimum Duration Sprinklers and Hose Streams (hours)
Class Liquid	Container size and arrangement	Density (gpm/ft2)	Area (square feet)		Maximum spacing (square feet)
			High temperature sprinklers	Ordinary temperature sprinklers
IA	5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pile b	0.30	3,000	5,000	100	750	2
	Containers greater than 5 gallons, on end or side, palletized or solid pile	0.60	5,000	8,000	80	750
IB, IC and II	5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pile b	0.30	3,000	5,000	100	500	2
	Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, one high	0.25	5,000	8,000	100
II	Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, more than one high, on end or side	0.60	5,000	8,000	80	750	2
III	5 gallons or less, with or without cartons, palletized or solid pile	0.25	3,000	5,000	120	500	1
	Containers greater than 5 gallons on pallets or solid pile, on end or sides, up to three high	0.25	3,000	5,000	120	500	1
	Containers greater than 5 gallons, on pallets or solid pile, on end or sides, up to 18 feet high	0.35	3,000	5,000	100	750	2

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2.

a.   The design area contemplates the use of Class II standpipe systems. Where Class I standpipe systems are used, the area of application shall be increased by 30 percent without revising density.

b.   For storage heights above 4 feet or ceiling heights greater than 18 feet, an approved engineering design shall be provided in accordance with FC 104.7.2.

FC Table 5704.3.6.3(5)
Sprinkler System Protection Requirements for Rack Storage of Liquids in Metal Containers of 5-Gallon Capacity or less with or Without Cartons on Conventional Wood Pallets a

Class Liquid	Ceiling Sprinkler Design and Demand			In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement and Demand					Minimum Hose Stream Demand (gpm)	Minimum Duration Sprinkler and Hose Stream (hours)
	Density (gpm/ft2)	Area (square feet)		Maximum Spacing	Racks up to 9 feet deep	Racks more than 9 feet to 12 feet deep	30 psi (standard orifice)	Number of sprinklers operating
		High Temperature Sprinklers	Ordinary Temperature Sprinklers				14 psi (large orifice)
I (maximum 25-foot height) Option 1	0.40	3,000	5,000	80 ft2 / head	1.   Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2.   One line sprinklers above each level of storage 3.   Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4.   Shields required where multilevel	1.   Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2.   One line sprinklers above each level of storage 3.   Locate in transverse flue spaces, staggered vertical and within 20 inches of aisle 4.   Shields required where multilevel	30 psi (0.5-inch orifice)	1.   Eight sprinklers if only one level 2.   Six sprinklers each on two levels if only two levels 3.   Six sprinklers each on top three levels, if three or more levels 4.   Hydraulically most remote	750	2
I (maximum 25-foot height) Option 2	0.55	2,000b	Not Applicable	100 ft2 / head	1.   Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2.   See 2 above 3.   See 3 above 4.   See 4 above	1.   Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2.   See 2 above 3.   See 3 above 4.   See 4 above	14 psi (0.53-inch orifice)	See 1 through 4 above	500	2
I and II (maximum 14-foot storage height) (maximum three tiers)	0.55c	2,000 b, d	Not Applicable	100 ft2 / head	Not Applicable None for maximum 6-foot-deep racks	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	500	2
II (maximum 25-foot height)	0.30	3,000	5,000	100 ft2 / head	1.   Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally 2.   One line sprinklers between levels at nearest 10-foot vertical intervals 3.   Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4.   Shields required where multilevel	1.   Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally 2.   Two lines between levels at nearest 10-foot vertical intervals 3.   Locate in transverse flue spaces, staggered vertical and within 20 inches of aisle 4.   Shields required where multilevel	30 psi	Hydraulically most remote – six sprinklers at each level, up to a maximum of three levels	750	2
III (40-foot height)	0.25	3,000	5,000	120 ft2 / head	Same as for Class II liquids	Same as for Class II liquids	30 psi	Same as for Class II liquids	500	2

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2.

a.   The design area contemplates the use of Class II standpipe systems. Where Class I standpipe systems are used, the area of application shall be increased by 30 percent without revising density.

b.   When the installation uses listed or approved extra-large orifices, high-temperature quick-response or standard element sprinklers, such spaces may be provided with a maximum 30-foot ceiling height provided minimum 7.5-foot aisles are maintained.

c.   For friction lid cans and other metal containers equipped with plastic nozzles or caps, the density shall be increased to 0.65 gpm per square foot using listed or approved extra-large orifice, high-temperature quick-response sprinklers.

d.   When the installation uses listed or approved extra-large orifice, high-temperature quick-response or standard element sprinklers, such spaces may be provided with a maximum 18-foot ceiling height provided minimum 7.5-foot aisles are maintained and only metal containers are stored.

FC Table 5704.3.6.3(6)
Sprinkler System Protection Requirements for Rack Storage of Liquids in Metal Containers Greater than 5-Gallon Capacity a

 

Class Liquid	Ceiling Sprinkler Design and Demand			In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement and Demand					Minimum Hose Stream Demand (gpm)	Minimum Duration Sprinkler and Hose Stream (hours)
	Density (gpm/ ft2)	Area (square feet)		Maximum spacing	On-side storage racks up to 9-foot-deep racks	On-end storage (on pallets) up to 9-foot-deep racks	Minimum nozzle Pressure	Number of sprinklers operating
		High Temperature Sprinklers	Ordinary Temperature Sprinklers
IA (maximum 25-foot height)	0.60	3,000	5,000	80 ft2 / head	1.   Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally 2.   One line sprinklers above each tier of storage 3.   Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4.   Shields required where multilevel	1.   Ordinary temperature sprinklers 8 feet apart horizontally 2.   One line sprinklers above each tier of storage 3.   Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4.   Shields required where multilevel	30 psi	Hydraulically most remote – six sprinklers at each level	1,000	2
IB, IC and II (maximum 25-foot height)	0.60	3,000	5,000	100 ft2 / head	1.   See 1 above 2.   One line sprinklers every three tiers of storage 3.   See 3 above 4.   See 4 above	1.   See 1 above 2.   See 2 above 3.   See 3 above 4.   See 4 above	30 psi	Hydraulically most remote – six sprinklers at each level	750	2
III (maximum 40-foot height)	0.25	3,000	5,000	120 ft2 / head	1.   See 1 above 2.   One line sprinklers every sixth level (maximum) 3.   See 3 above 4.   See 4 above	1.   See 1 above 2.   One line sprinklers every third level (maximum) 3.   See 3 above 4.   See 4 above	15 psi	Hydraulically most remote – six sprinklers at each level	500	1

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2.

a.   The design assumes the use of Class II standpipe systems. Where a Class I standpipe system is used, the area of application shall be increased by 30 percent without revising density.

FC Table 5704.3.6.3(7)
Automatic AFFF Water Protection Requirements for Rack Storage of Liquids in Metal Containers Greater than 5-gallon Capacity a, b

 

Class Liquid	Ceiling Sprinkler Design and Demand			In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement and Demand c				Duration AFFF Supply (minimum)	Duration Water Supply (hours)
	Density (gpm/ ft2)	Area (square feet)		On-end storage of drums on pallets, up to 25 feet	Minimum nozzle pressure (psi)	Number of Sprinklers Operating	Hose stream demand d (gpm
		High Temperature Sprinklers	Ordinary Temperature Sprinklers
IA, IB, IC and II	0.30	1,500	2,500	1.   Ordinary temperature sprinkler up to 10 feet apart horizontally 2.   One line sprinklers above each level of storage 3.   Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertically 4.   Shields required for multilevel	30	Three sprinklers per level	500	15	2

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2.

a.   System shall be a closed-head wet system with approved devices for proportioning aqueous film-forming foam.

b.   Except as modified by this table, in-rack sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, as modified by FC Appendix B.

c.   Storage heights shall not exceed 25 feet.

d.   Hose stream demand includes 1 1/2-inch inside hand hose, when required.

FC Table 5704.3.6.3(8)
Sprinkler System Protection Requirements for Class I Liquid Storage in Metal Containers of 1-Gallon Capacity or less with Uncartoned or Case-Cut Shelf Display up to 6.5 Feet, and Palletized Storage above in a Double-Row Rack Array a

 

Storage Height	Ceiling Sprinkler Design and Demand				In-Rack Sprinkler Arrangement and Demand				Minimum Hose Stream Demand (gpm)	Minimum Duration Sprinkler and Hose Stream (hours)
	Density (gpm/ft2)	Area (square feet)		Maximum spacing	Racks up to 9 feet deep	Racks 9 to 12 feet	Minimum nozzle pressure	Number of sprinklers operating
		High Temperature	Ordinary Temperature
Maximum 20-foot storage height	0.60	2,000b	Not Applicable	100 ft2 / head	1.   Ordinary temperature, quick-response sprinklers, maximum 8 feet 3 inches horizontal spacing 2.   One line of sprinklers at the 6-foot level and the 11.5-foot level of storage 3.   Locate in longitudinal flue space, staggered vertical 4.   Shields required where multilevel	Not Applicable	30 psi (standard orifice) or 14 psi (large orifice)	1.   Six sprinklers each on two levels 2.   Hydraulically most remote 12 sprinklers	500	2

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 gallon per minute = 3.785 L/m, 1 gallon per minute per square foot = 40.75 L/min/m2.

a.   This table shall not apply to racks with solid shelves.

b.   When the installation uses extra-large orifice sprinklers, such spaces may be provided with a maximum 30-foot ceiling height provided minimum 7.5-foot aisles are maintained.

5704.3.6.3.1 Combustible commodities.

Combustible commodities shall not be stored above flammable and combustible liquids.