N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 307: Section BC 307: High-Hazard Group H

307.1 High-hazard 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 in excess of those allowed in control areas complying with Section 414, based on the maximum allowable quantity limits for control areas set forth in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(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 section, the requirements of Section 415 and the New York City Fire Code.

307.1.1 Uses other than Group H.

An occupancy that stores, uses or handles hazardous materials as described in one or more of the following items shall not be classified as Group H, but shall be classified as the occupancy that it most nearly resembles.

1. Buildings and structures occupied for the application of flammable finishes, provided that such buildings or areas conform to the requirements of the New York City Fire Code and Section 416 of this code.

2. Wholesale and retail sales and storage of flammable and combustible liquids in mercantile occupancies conforming to the New York City Fire Code.

3. Closed piping system containing flammable or combustible liquids or gases utilized for the operation of machinery or equipment.

4. Cleaning establishments that utilize combustible liquid solvents having a flash point of 140°F (60°C) or higher in closed systems employing equipment listed by an approved testing agency, provided that this occupancy is separated from all other areas of the building by 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 1-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

5. Cleaning establishments that utilize a liquid solvent having a flash point at or above 200°F (93°C).

6. Liquor stores and distributors without bulk storage.

7. Refrigeration systems.

8. The storage or utilization of materials for agricultural purposes on the premises.

9. Stationary batteries utilized for facility emergency or standby power, uninterruptable power supply or telecommunication facilities, provided that the batteries are provided with safety venting caps and ventilation is provided in accordance with the New York City Mechanical Code.

10. Corrosive personal or household products in their original packaging used in retail display.

11. Commonly used corrosive building materials.

12. Buildings and structures occupied for aerosol storage shall be classified as Group S-1, provided that such buildings conform to the requirements of the New York City Fire Code.

13. Display and storage of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area in Group M or S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5.

14. The storage of black powder, smokeless propellant and small arms primers in Groups M and R-3 and special industrial explosive devices in Groups B, F, M and S, provided such storage conforms to the quantity limits and requirements prescribed in the New York City Fire Code.

15. Laboratories for nonproduction testing, research, experimental, instructional or educational purposes, in compliance with Section 427.

Table 307.1(1) Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area of Hazardous Materials Posing a Physical Hazard

a, j, m, n, q

Material

Class

Group When the Maximum Allowable Quantity Is Exceeded

q

Storage

b

Use-Closed Systems

b

Use-Open Systems

b

Solid Pounds (cubic feet)

Liquid Gallons (pounds)

Gas SCF

Solid Pounds (cubic feet)

Liquid gallons (pounds)

Gas SCF

Solid Pounds (cubic feet)

Liquid gallons (pounds)

Combustible Liquid

c, i, r

II IIIA IIIB

H-2 or H-3 H-2 or H-3 Not Applicable

Not Applicable

120

d,

e

330

d, e

13,200

e, f

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

120

d

330

d

13,200

f

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

30

d

80

d

3,300

f

Combustible fiber

Loose

Baled

s

H-3

(100) (1,000)

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

(100) (1,000)

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

(20) (200)

Not Applicable

Cryogenics Flammable

Not Applicable

H-2

Not Applicable

45

d

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

45

d

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

10

d

Cryogenics Oxidizing

Not Applicable

H-3

Not Applicable

45

d

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

45

d

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

10

d

Explosives

Division 1.1 Division 1.2 Division 1.3 Division 1.4 Division 1.4G Division 1.5 Division 1.6

H-1 H-1 H-1 or H-2 H-3 H-3 H-1 H-1

1

e, g

1

e, g

5

e, g

50

e, g

125

d, e, l

1

e, g

1

d, e, g

(1)

e, g

(1)

e, g

(5)

e, g

(50)

e, g

Not Applicable

(1)

e, g

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

0.25

g

0.25

g

1

g

50

g

Not Applicable

0.25

g

Not Applicable

(0.25)

g

(0.25)

g

(1)

g

(50)

g

Not Applicable

(0.25)

g

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

0.25

g

0.25

g

1

g

Not Applicable Not Applicable

0.25

g

Not Applicable

(0.25)

g

(0.25)

g

(1)

g

Not Applicable Not Applicable

(0.25)

g

Not Applicable

Flammable gas

Gaseous Liquefied

H-2

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

(150)

d, e

1,000

d, e

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

(150)

d, e

1,000

d, e

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Flammable liquids

c, k

IA

o

IB and IC

H-2 or H-3

Not Applicable

30

d, e

120

d, e

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

30

d

120

d

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

10

d

30

d

Combination Flammable liquid (IA

o

, IB, IC)

Not Applicable

H-2 or H-3

Not Applicable

120

d, e, h

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

120

d, h

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

30

d, h

Flammable solid

s

Not Applicable

H-3

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Pigs, ingots, billets, heavy castings

1,000

d, e

1,000

d

1,000

d

Light castings, light metallic products

125

d, e

125

d

25

d

Scraps, shavings, powders, dusts

1

d, e

1

d

1

d

All others

125

d, e

125

d

25

d

Inert Gas

Gaseous Liquefied

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Limited

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Limited

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Cryogenic Inert

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Limited

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Limited

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Organic peroxide

p

Unclassified Detonable I II III IV V

H-1 H-2 H-3 H-3 Not Applicable Not Applicable

1

e, g

5

d, e

50

d, e

125

d, e

Not Limited Not Limited

(1)

e, g

(5)

d, e

(50)

d, e

(125)

d, e

Not Limited Not Limited

Not Applicable

0.25

g

1

d

50

d

125

d

Not Limited Not Limited

(0.25)

g

(1)

d

(50)

d

(125)

d

Not Limited Not Limited

Not Applicable

0.25

g

1

d

10

d

25

d

Not Limited Not Limited

(0.25)

g

(1)

d

(10)

d

(25)

d

Not Limited Not Limited

Oxidizer

4

3

k

2 1

H-1 H-2 H-3 H-3

1

g

10

d, e

250

d, e

4,000

e, f

(1)

e, g

(10)

d, e

(250)

d, e

(4,000)

e, f

Not Applicable

0.25

g

2

d

250

d

4,000

f

(0.25)

g

(2)

d

(250)

d

(4,000)

f

Not Applicable

0.25

g

2

d

50

d

1,000

f

(0.25)

g

(2)

d

(50)

d

(1,000)

f

Oxidizing gas

Gaseous Liquefied

H-3

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

(150)

d, e

1,500

d, e

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

(150)

d, e

1,500

d, e

Not Applicable

Pyrophoric material

p

detonable

Not Applicable

H-1

1

e, g

(1)

e, g

10

e, g

0.25

g

(0.25)

g

2

e, g

0

0

Pyrophoric material nondetonable

Not Applicable

H-2

4

e, g

(4)

e, g

50

e, g

1

g

(1)

g

10

e, g

0

0

Unstable (reactive)

p

detonable

4 3

H-1 H-1

1

e, g

1

e, g

(1)

e, g

(1)

e, g

10

e, g

10

e, g

0.25

g

0.25

g

(0.25)

g

(0.25)

g

2

e, g

2

e, g

0.25

g

0.25

g

(0.25)

g

(0.25)

g

Unstable (reactive) nondetonable

4 3 2 1

H-1 H-1 or H-2 H-3 Not Applicable

1

e, g

5

d, e

50

d, e

Not Limited

(1)

e, g

(5)

d, e

(50)

d, e

Not Limited

10

e, g

50

d, e

250

d, e

750

d, e

0.25

g

1

d

50

d

Not Limited

(0.25)

g

(1)

d

(50)

d

Not Limited

2

e, g

10

d, e

250

d, e

Not Limited

0.25

g

1

d

10

d

Not Limited

(0.25)

g

(1)

d

(10)

d

Not Limited

Water-reactive detonable

p

3 2

H-1 H-1

1

e, g

1

e, g

(1)

e, g

(1)

e, g

Not Applicable

0.25

g

0.25

g

(0.25)

g

(0.25)

g

Not Applicable

0.25

g

0.25

g

(0.25)

g

(0.25)

g

Water-reactive

nondetonable

3 2 1

H-2 H-3 Not Applicable

5

d, e

50

d, e

Not Limited

(5)

d, e

(50)

d, e

Not Limited

Not Applicable

5

d

50

d

Not Limited

(5)

d

(50)

d

Not Limited

Not Applicable

1

d

10

d

Not Limited

(1)

d

(10)

d

Not Limited

For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m

3

, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

a. For use of control areas, see the New York City Fire Code and Section 414.2 of this code

.

b. The aggregate quantity in storage, handling and use shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.

c. The quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail and wholesale sales occupancies shall not be limited providing the liquids are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable shall not be limited, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.

d. Maximum allowable quantities, except for liquefied petroleum gas and flammable liquid motor fuel, shall be increased 100 percent in buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.

e. Maximum allowable quantities, except for liquefied petroleum gas and flammable liquid motor fuel, shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or listed safety cans. Listed safety cans shall be in accordance with the

New York City Fire Code

. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.

f. Quantities shall not be limited in a building protected throughout by a sprinkler system.

g. Allowed only in buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system.

h. Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control area of Class IA, Class IB or Class IC flammable liquids.

i. The maximum allowable quantity shall not apply to fuel oil storage that complies with the requirements of Section 1305 of the

New York City Mechanical Code

.

j. Quantities shown in the table in parentheses have the units shown in parentheses at the head of the column.

k. A maximum quantity of 200 pounds of solid or 20 gallons of liquid Class 3 oxidizers is allowed when such materials are necessary for maintenance and operation of equipment when the storage containers and the manner of storage are approved.

l. Reserved.

m. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with the

New York City Fire Code

.

n. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with the

New York City Fire Code

.

o. For purposes of this table, gasoline and other flammable liquid motor fuels are classified as a Class IA flammable liquid.

p. Unclassified detonable organic peroxides, detonable pyrophoric materials, detonable unstable (reactive) materials and detonable water-reactive materials shall be treated as explosives for purposes of storage, handling and use in accordance with the New York City Fire Code.

q. The maximum allowable quantities shall be limited by the New York City Fire Code for non-production laboratories classified as Occupancy Group B.

r. For storage of flammable and combustible liquids in Group M occupancy, see the New York City Fire Code.

s. Densely-packed baled cotton that complies with the packing requirements of ISO 8115 shall not be included in this material class.

Table 307.1(2) Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area of Hazardous Material Posing a Health Hazard

a, b, c, i, j

Material

Storage

d

Use-Closed Systems

d

Use-Open Systems

d

Solid pounds

Liquid gallons (pounds)

e, f

Gas SCF

e

(pounds)

Solid pounds

e

Liquid gallons (pounds)

e

Gas SCF

e

(pounds)

Solid pounds

e

Liquid gallons (pounds)

e

Corrosive

5,000

500

Gaseous 810

f

  Liquefied (150)

h

5,000

500

Gaseous 810

f

  Liquefied (150)

h

1,000

100

Highly toxic

10

(10)

h

Gaseous 20

g

Liquefied (4)

g, h

10

(10)

h

Gaseous 20

g

Liquefied (4)

g, h

3

(3)

h

Toxic

500

(500)

h

Gaseous 810

f

Liquefied (150)

f, h

500

(500)

h

Gaseous 810

f

Liquefied (150)

f, h

125

(125)

h

For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m

3

, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

a. For use of control areas, see the New York City Fire Code and Section 414.2 of this code

b. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics, containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.

c. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with the New York City Fire Code

.

d. The aggregate quantity in storage, handling and use shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.

e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note f also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.

f. Maximum allowable quantities may be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the

New York City Fire Code

. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.

g. Allowed only when stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the

New York City Fire Code

.

h. Quantities shown in the table in parenthesis have the units shown in parenthesis at the head of the column.

i. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with the

New York City Fire Code

.

j. The maximum allowable quantities shall be limited by Section 427 for chemical laboratories classified as Occupancy Group B and operating as nonproduction facilities for testing, research, experimental, instructional or education purposes.

307.1.2 Hazardous materials.

Hazardous materials in any quantity shall conform to the requirements of this code, including Section 414 of this code, and the New York City Fire Code.

307.2 Definitions.

The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

AEROSOL.

Level 1.

Level 2.

Level 3.

BALED COTTON.

BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED.

BARRICADE.

Artificial barricade.

Natural barricade.

BOILING POINT.

CLOSED SYSTEM.

COMBUSTIBLE DUST.

COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS.

COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID.

Class II.

Class IIIA.

Class IIIB.

COMPRESSED GAS.

CONTROL AREA.

CORROSIVE MATERIAL.

CRYOGENIC FLUID.

DAY BOX.

DEFLAGRATION.

DETONATION.

DISPENSING.

EXPLOSION.

EXPLOSIVE.

High explosive.

Low explosive.

Mass-detonating explosives.

UN/DOTn Class 1 explosives.

Division 1.1.

Division 1.2.

Division 1.3.

Division 1.4.

Division 1.5.

Division 1.6.

FIREWORKS.

Fireworks, 1.3G.

Fireworks, 1.4G.

FLAMMABLE GAS.

FLAMMABLE LIQUEFIED GAS.

FLAMMABLE LIQUID.

Class IA.

Class IB.

Class IC.

FLAMMABLE MATERIAL.

FLAMMABLE SOLID.

FLASH POINT.

HANDLING.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

HEALTH HAZARD.

HIGHLY TOXIC MATERIAL.

INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS.

INERT GAS.

OPEN SYSTEM.

ORGANIC PEROXIDE.

Class I.

Class II.

Class III.

Class IV.

Class V.

Unclassified detonable.

OXIDIZER.

Class 4.

Class 3.

Class 2.

Class 1.

OXIDIZING GAS.

PHYSICAL HAZARD.

PYROPHORIC MATERIAL.

PYROTECHNIC MATERIAL.

STANDARD CUBIC FEET (SCF).

TOXIC MATERIAL.

UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL.

Class 4.

Class 3.

Class 2.

Class 1.

WATER-REACTIVE MATERIAL.

Class 3.

Class 2.

Class 1.

307.3 High-hazard Group H-1.

Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a detonation hazard shall be classified as Group H-1. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Detonable pyrophoric materials

Explosives:

Division 1.1

Division 1.2

Division 1.3

Division 1.4

Division 1.5

Division 1.6

Organic peroxides, unclassified detonable

Oxidizers, Class 4

Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3 detonable and Class 4

307.3.1 Occupancies containing explosives not classified as H-1.

The following occupancies containing explosive materials shall be classified as follows:

1. Division 1.3 explosive materials that are used and maintained in a form where either confinement or configuration will not elevate the hazard from a mass fire to mass explosion hazard shall be allowed in H-2 occupancies.

2. Articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as a Division 1.4 explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulations, or unpackaged articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles shall be allowed in H-3 occupancies.

No part of this section shall be construed to authorize the manufacture, storage, sale or use of explosives, including fireworks, if otherwise prohibited by the New York City Fire Code and unless in compliance with the requirements of the New York City Fire Code.

307.4 High-hazard Group H-2.

Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning shall be classified as Group H-2. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids that are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (103.4 kPa)

Combustible dusts where manufactured, generated or used in such a manner that the concentration and conditions create a fire or explosion hazard based on information prepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3

Cryogenic fluids, flammable

Flammable gases

Organic peroxides, Class I

Oxidizers, Class 3, that are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (103 kPa)

Pyrophoric liquids, solids and gases, nondetonable

Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3, nondetonable

Water-reactive materials, Class 3, nondetonable

No part of this section shall be construed to authorize an LPG-distribution facility if otherwise prohibited by the New York City Fire Code.

307.5 High-hazard Group H-3.

Buildings and structures containing materials that readily support combustion or that pose a physical hazard shall be classified as Group H-3. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids that are used or stored in normally closed containers or systems pressurized at 15 pounds per square inch gauge (103 kPa) or less

Combustible fibers, other than densely packed baled cotton, where manufactured, generated or used in such a manner that the concentration and conditions create a fire or explosion hazard based on information prepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3

Cryogenic fluids, oxidizing

Flammable solids

Organic peroxides, Class II and III

Oxidizers, Class 1 and 2

Oxidizing gases

Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 2

Water-reactive materials, Class 2, nondetonable

307.6 High-hazard Group H-4.

Buildings and structures containing materials that are health hazards shall be classified as Group H-4. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Corrosives

Highly toxic materials

Toxic materials

307.7 High-hazard Group H-5.

Semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable research and development areas in which hazardous production materials (HPM) are used and the aggregate quantity of materials is in excess of those listed in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) shall be classified as Group H-5. Such facilities and areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 415.11.

307.8 Multiple hazards.

Buildings and structures containing a material or materials representing hazards that are classified in one or more of Groups H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 shall conform to the code requirements for each of the occupancies so classified.