N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 421: Section BC 421: Hydrogen Fuel Gas Rooms

421.1 General.

Where required by the New York City Fire Code, hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Sections 421.1 through 421.7 of this code.

421.1.1 Scope.

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be separately ventilated, fully enclosed, and shall contain all equipment and piping for the immediate on-premises use of hydrogen in indoor fuel cells or other energy production process, and incidental indoor storage of gaseous hydrogen in accordance with the New York City Fire Code. A hydrogen fuel gas room shall not be used to house production or dispensing of hydrogen motor fuel.

421.1.2 Storage.

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall not be used for storage of gaseous hydrogen in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 307.1(1). Where approved by the Fire Department, such hydrogen fuel gas rooms permitted to store greater quantities shall be classified as Occupancy Group H.

421.1.3 Definitions.

The following term is defined in Chapter 2:

HYDROGEN FUEL GAS ROOM.

421.2 Location.

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall not be located below grade.

421.3 Design and construction.

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms not classified as Occupancy Group H shall be separated from other areas of the building in accordance with Section 509.1. Such separation shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours for all occupancy groups.

421.3.1 Pressure control.

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be provided with a ventilation system designed to maintain the room at a negative pressure in relation to surrounding area.

421.3.2 Windows.

Operable windows in interior walls shall not be permitted. Fixed windows shall be permitted where in accordance with Section 716.

421.4 Exhaust ventilation.

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be separately ventilated and provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation in accordance with the applicable provisions of NFPA 2.

421.5 Gas detection system.

Hydrogen fuel gas rooms shall be provided with a gas detection system that complies with Sections 421.5.1, 421.5.2, and 918.

421.5.1 System activation.

Activation of a gas detection alarm shall initiate the following notification and action:

1. Initiation of distinct audible and visible alarm signals both inside and outside of the hydrogen fuel gas room.

2. Automatic activation of the mechanical exhaust ventilation system.

421.5.2 Failure of the gas detection system.

Failure of the gas detection system shall automatically discontinue hydrogen generation, activate the mechanical exhaust ventilation system and transmit a supervisory signal to the control panel and a central station.

421.6 Explosion control.

Explosion control shall be provided where required by Section 414.5.1.

421.7 Emergency power.

Mechanical exhaust ventilation and gas detection systems shall be provided with an emergency power system in accordance with Section 2702.