N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 4005: Section FC 4005: Storage of Alcohol in Distilleries

4005.1 Alcohol storage tanks and containers.

In a distillery, raw alcohol and distilled spirits shall be stored in tanks and containers designed and installed in accordance with FC Chapter 32 and NFPA 30, as applicable, except as otherwise provided in FC 4005.1.1 through 4005.1.5.

4005.1.1 Aboveground storage.

Notwithstanding the provisions of FC 5701.7(3) and 5704.1.1, in a distillery raw alcohol, distilled spirits and other alcohol that is a Class II or III liquid, shall be stored in an aboveground storage tank or aboveground intermediate bulk container.

4005.1.2 Tank and container construction.

All tanks and containers in which alcohol is stored and handled, except barrel storage, shall be constructed of stainless steel and designed in accordance with FC 5704, 5705.2 and 5705.3. Raw alcohol delivered to a distillery in a plastic intermediate bulk container shall be expeditiously (but not later than the end of the workday) transferred into a stainless steel storage tank or stainless steel intermediate bulk container in accordance with FC 4005.

4005.1.3 Tank and container installation.

All tanks and containers in the distilled spirits processing area and all tanks and containers which transfer their contents by piping or which are otherwise part of a stationary installation, shall be securely affixed to the floor, to prevent movement.

4005.1.4 Portable tanks and containers.

Portable tanks and containers not required to be affixed to the ground shall be placed in a location and manner in which they will remain stable. Portable tanks and portable containers shall not be stacked unless such tanks and containers are designed and listed for that purpose, and, if so, shall not be stacked more than two tiers or 12 feet (3658 mm) above the floor. Powered industrial trucks or other suitable devices, equipment or systems shall be used to lift and lower the portable tanks and portable containers.

4005.1.5 Open tanks and containers.

Any open alcohol process tank or alcohol storage equipment shall have a vapor-tight lid or other similar form of closure. Such lid or closure shall be kept closed at all times when the tank or container contains alcohol or alcohol residues, except as necessary during handling and processing operations.

4005.1.6 Separation and aisles.

Separation and aisles between storage tanks and containers shall be in accordance with FC 5704.3.7.2.2.

4005.2 Distillery storage locations.

In a distillery, raw alcohol and distilled spirits shall be stored in the locations specified in FC 4005.2.1 through 4005.2.6, except as otherwise provided in FC 4003.4.2.

4005.2.1 Storage of raw alcohol.

Raw alcohol shall be stored in an alcohol storage area. Raw alcohol shall not be stored in distilled spirits processing areas, but shall be transferred from the alcohol storage area to the still.

4005.2.2 Storage of process alcohol.

Process alcohol shall be stored in the distilled spirits processing area in alcohol process tanks, except for alcohol temporarily stored in portable containers during processing, and barrel storage. Process alcohol undergoing aging in barrels shall be stored in a separate fire area as set forth in FC 4003.4.

4005.2.3 Storage of distilled spirits ready for bottling.

Distilled spirits ready for bottling or other packaging as finished goods shall be stored in distilled spirits process area in alcohol process tanks or alcohol storage area.

4005.2.4 Distillery waste products.

Any methanol, stillage or other residue that is susceptible to spontaneous ignition or otherwise presents an imminent hazard shall be stored in an alcohol storage area or other approved location. Any other distillery waste product, such as materials contaminated with alcohol, shall be stored in a noncombustible container in the business operations area and disposed of in accordance with FC 304.

4005.2.5 Finished goods.

Finished goods may be stored in the general business operations area, distillery serving area, alcohol storage room and barrel storage room. Finished goods shall not be counted toward the maximum allowable quantity of alcohol allowed in that fire area.

4005.3 Barrel storage.

Alcohol shall be stored in barrels in accordance with FC 4005.3.1 through 4005.3.2.

4005.3.1 Barrel storage.

Barrels shall be stored on the floor, in a secure rack of substantial construction in accordance with distilled spirits industry standards, or on pallets (with barrels stored on their flat ends). Barrel storage shall be limited such that the top of the stored barrels shall not exceed a height of 12 feet (3658 mm) above the floor, except as may be otherwise approved by the department based on the location and manner of such high-piled storage and a determination that barrel handling (including the dropping of a barrel or pallet of barrels) does not present an undue hazard to other distillery operations. Barrels stored above floor level shall be on approved shelves or racks designed and/or listed for such purpose. Barrel storage more than 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor shall be in compliance with Building Code requirements, the high-piled combustible storage requirements of FC Chapter 32, and distilled spirits industry standards.

4005.3.2 Used barrels.

Barrels previously filled with distilled spirits shall be handled and stored as if full unless cleaned and purged of vapors in accordance with distilled spirits industry standards.