N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 5703: Section FC 5703: General Requirements

5703.1 Electrical.

Electrical wiring and equipment shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Electrical Code.

5703.1.1 Classified locations for flammable liquids.

Areas where flammable liquids are stored, handled or used, including the dispensing or mixing of such liquids, shall be in accordance with FC Table 5703.1.1 and the Electrical Code. A classified area shall not extend beyond any floor, roof or other solid partition having no openings. The extent of the classified area is allowed to be reduced, or eliminated, where sufficient technical justification is provided to the commissioner that a concentration in the area in excess of 25 percent of the lower flammable limit cannot be generated.

FC Table 5703.1.1 Class I Electrical Equipment Locations

a

Location

Group D Division

Extent of Classified Area

Underground tank fill opening

1

Pits, boxes or spaces below grade level, any part of which is within the Division 1 or 2 classified area.

2

Up to 18 inches above grade level within a horizontal radius of 10 feet from a loose-fill connection and within a horizontal radius of 5 feet from a tight-fill connection.

Vent – Discharging upward

1

Within 3 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions.

2

Area between 3 feet and 5 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions.

Drum and container filling

Outdoor or indoor with adequate ventilation

1

Within 3 feet of vent and fill opening, extending in all directions.

2

Area between 3 feet and 5 feet from vent of fill opening, extending in all directions. Also up to 18 inches above floor or grade level within a horizontal radius of 10 feet from vent or fill opening.

Pumps, bleeders, withdrawal fittings, meters and similar devices

Indoor

2

Within 5 feet of any edge of such devices, extending in all directions. Also up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 25 feet horizontally from any edge of such devices.

Outdoor

2

Within 3 feet of any edge of such devices, extending in all directions. Also up to 18 inches horizontally from an edge of such devices.

Pits

Without mechanical ventilation

1

Entire area within pit if any part is within a Division 1 or 2 classified area.

With mechanical ventilation

2

Entire area within pit if any part is within a Division 1 or 2 classified area.

Containing valves, fittings or piping, and not within a Division 1 or 2 classified area

2

Entire pit.

Drainage ditches, separators, impounding basins

Indoor

1 or 2

Same as pits.

Outdoor

2

Area up to 18 inches above ditch, separator or basin. Also up to 18 inches above grade within 15 feet horizontal from any edge.

Cargo tank and tank car

b

Loading through open dome

1

Within 3 feet of edge of dome, extending in all directions.

2

Area between 3 feet and 15 feet from edge of dome, extending in all directions.

Loading through bottom connections with atmospheric venting

1

Within 3 feet of point of venting to atmosphere, extending in all directions.

2

Area between 3 feet and 15 feet from point of venting to atmosphere, extending in all directions. Also up to 18 inches above grade within a horizontal radius of 10 feet from point of loading connection.

Office and restrooms

Ordinary

Where there is an opening to these rooms within the extent of an indoor classified location, the room shall be classified the same as if the wall, curb or partition did not exist.

Loading through closed dome with atmospheric venting

1

Within 3 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions.

2

Area between 3 feet and 15 feet from open end of vent, extending in all directions. Also within 3 feet of edge of dome, extending in all directions.

Loading through closed dome with vapor control

2

Within 3 feet of point of connection of both fill and vapor lines, extending in all directions.

Bottom loading with vapor control or any bottom unloading

2

Within 3 feet of point of connection, extending in all directions. Also up to 18 inches above grade within a horizontal radius of 10 feet from point of connection.

Repair garage for cargo tanks

1

Pits or spaces below floor level.

2

Area up to 18 inches above floor or grade level for entire storage or repair garage.

Garages for other than cargo tanks

Ordinary

Where there is an opening to these rooms within the extent of an outdoor classified area, the entire room shall be classified the same as the area classification at the point of the opening.

Outdoor drum storage

Ordinary

Indoor warehousing where there is no flammable liquid transfer

Ordinary

Where there is an opening to these rooms within the extent of an indoor classified area, the room shall be classified the same as if the wall, curb or partition did not exist.

Indoor equipment where flammable vapor/air mixtures could exist under normal operations

1

Area within 5 feet of any edge of such equipment, extending in all directions.

2

Area between 5 feet and 8 feet of any edge of such equipment, extending in all directions. Also, area up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 5 feet to 25 feet horizontally from any edge of such equipment.

c

Outdoor equipment where flammable vapor/air mixtures could exist under normal operations

1

Area within 3 feet of any edge of such equipment, extending in all directions.

2

Area between 3 feet and 8 feet of any edge of such equipment extending in all directions. Also, area up to 3 feet above floor or grade level within 3 feet to 10 feet horizontally from any edge of such equipment.

Tank – Aboveground

Shell, ends or roof and dike area

1

Area inside dike where dike height is greater than the distance from the tank to the dike for more than 50 percent of the tank circumference.

2

Area within 10 feet from shell, ends or roof of tank. Area inside dikes to level of top of dike.

Vent

1

Area within 5 feet of open end of vent, extending in all directions.

2

Area between 5 feet and 10 feet from open end of vent, extending in all directions.

Floating roof

1

Area above the roof and within the shell.

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

a. Locations as classified in the Electrical Code.

b. When classifying extent of area, consideration shall be given to the fact that tank cars or cargo tanks can be situated at varying points. Therefore, the perimeter of the loading or unloading positions shall be used.

c. The release of Class I liquids can generate vapors to the extent that the entire building, and possibly a zone surrounding it, are considered a Class I, Division 2 location.

5703.1.2 Classified locations for combustible liquids.

Areas where Class II or III liquids are heated above their flash points shall have electrical installations in accordance with FC 5703.1.1 and the Electrical Code.

Exception: Solvent distillation units in accordance with FC 5705.4.

5703.1.3 Other applications.

The commissioner may determine the extent of the Class I electrical equipment and wiring location when a condition is not specifically covered by these requirements or the Electrical Code.

5703.1.4 Tank grounding.

Tanks shall be properly grounded.

5703.2 Fire protection.

Fire protection for the storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids, including the dispensing and mixing of such liquids, and on-site transportation, shall be provided in accordance with this chapter and FC Chapter 9.

5703.2.1 Portable fire extinguishers and hose lines.

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with FC 906. Where required, hose lines shall be provided in accordance with FC 905.

5703.3 Site assessment.

The commissioner may require an owner or operator of a tank system to conduct a site assessment upon a determination that a potential fire or explosion hazard exists as a result of a spill, leak or discharge from such system. Such site assessments shall be conducted to ascertain potential fire hazards and shall be completed and submitted to the department within a time period established by the commissioner, not to exceed 60 calendar days.

5703.4 Spill control and secondary containment.

Where the maximum allowable quantity per control area is exceeded, and when required by FC 5004.2, rooms, buildings or areas used for storage, handling or use of Class I, II and III-A liquids, including the dispensing or mixing of such liquids, shall be provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with FC 5004.2.

5703.5 Labeling and signage.

The commissioner may require warning signs for the purpose of identifying the hazards of manufacturing, storing, handling or using flammable liquids, including the dispensing or mixing of such liquids. Signage for identification and warning such as for the inherent hazard of flammable liquids or smoking shall be provided in accordance with this chapter and FC 5003.5 and 5003.6.

5703.5.1 Style.

Warning signs shall be of a durable material. Signs warning of the hazard of flammable liquids shall have red, black or white lettering on a contrasting background and shall read: DANGER – FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS. Letters shall not be less than 3 inches (76 mm) in height and 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in stroke.

5703.5.2 Location.

Signs shall be posted in locations as required by the commissioner. Piping containing flammable liquids shall be identified in accordance with ASME A13.1.

5703.5.3 Warning labels.

Individual containers, packages and cartons shall be identified, marked, labeled and placarded in accordance with federal regulations and applicable state laws.

5703.5.4 Identification.

Color coding or other approved identification means consistent with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations, as set forth in 6 NYCRR Section 613, shall be provided on each loading and unloading riser for flammable or combustible liquids to identify the contents of the tank served by the riser.

5703.6 Piping systems.

Piping systems for flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with this section.

Exception: Piping that is integral to stationary or portable engines, including engines in aircraft, marine vessels, watercraft and motor vehicles, and piping associated with boilers and pressure vessels regulated by the construction codes, including the Mechanical Code.

5703.6.1 Reserved.

5703.6.2 Design and manufacture of piping system components.

Piping system components shall be designed and manufactured in accordance with the applicable standard listed in FC Table 5703.6.2 and NFPA 30, except as modified by this section.

FC Table 5703.6.2 Piping Standards

Piping Use

Standard

Power Piping

ASME B31.1

Process Piping

ASME B31.3

Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other Liquids

ASME B31.4

Building Services Piping

ASME B31.9

5703.6.2.1 Special materials.

Low-melting-point materials, such as aluminum, copper or brass, that soften on fire exposure, such as nonmetallic materials, and nonductile material, such as cast iron, shall be acceptable for use underground only in accordance with the applicable standard listed in FC Table 5703.6.2. Aboveground piping system components shall be constructed of Schedule 40 steel or a higher schedule steel.

5703.6.3 Testing.

Unless tested in accordance with the applicable section of ASME B31.9, piping, before being covered, enclosed or placed in use, shall be hydrostatically tested to 150 percent of the maximum anticipated operating pressure of the system, or pneumatically tested to 110 percent of the maximum anticipated pressure of the system, but not less than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 kPa) at the highest point of the system. This test shall be maintained for a sufficient time period to complete visual inspection of joints and connections. For a minimum of 60 minutes, there shall be no leakage or permanent distortion. Pneumatic testing shall be conducted using an inert gas, except that air may be used if the piping system does not contain flammable or combustible liquid vapors. Piping system tests shall be conducted at the owner's risk by his or her representative before a representative of the department. Care shall be exercised to ensure that these pressures are not applied to vented storage tanks. Such storage tanks shall be tested independently from the piping.

5703.6.3.1 Existing piping.

Existing piping shall be tested in accordance with this section, upon a determination by the commissioner that such piping may be leaking. Piping that could contain flammable or combustible liquid vapors shall not be tested pneumatically, except that vapor-recovery piping may be tested pneumatically using an inert gas. Such tests shall be conducted at the owner's risk by his or her representative.

5703.6.4 Protection from vehicles.

Posts or other approved means shall be provided in accordance with FC 312 to protect piping, valves, fittings or ancillary equipment subject to vehicular damage.

5703.6.5 Protection from corrosion and galvanic action.

Where subject to external corrosion, piping, related fluid-handling components and supports for both underground and aboveground applications shall be fabricated from noncorrosive materials, coated or otherwise provided with corrosion protection. Dissimilar metallic parts that promote galvanic action shall not be joined.

5703.6.6 Valves.

Piping systems shall contain a sufficient number of manual control valves and check valves to operate the system properly and to protect the facility under both normal and emergency conditions. Piping systems in connection with pumps shall contain a sufficient number of such valves to control properly the flow of liquids in normal operation and in the event of physical damage or fire exposure.

5703.6.6.1 Backflow protections.

Connections to pipelines or piping by which tank cars, cargo tanks, marine vessels, watercraft or other equipment discharge liquids into storage tanks shall be provided with check valves or block valves for automatic protection against backflow where the piping arrangement is such that backflow from the system is possible. Where loading and unloading is done through a common pipe system, a check valve is not required except as required by the applicable provisions of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations, as set forth in 6 NYCRR Section 613. However, a block valve shall be provided which is located so as to be readily accessible or remotely operable.

5703.6.6.2 Manual drainage.

Manual drainage-control valves shall be located at approved locations remote from the tanks, diked area, drainage system and impounding basin to ensure their operation in a fire condition.

5703.6.7 Connections.

Aboveground tanks with connections located below normal liquid level shall be provided with internal or external isolation valves located as close as practical to the shell of the tank. Except for liquids whose chemical characteristics are incompatible with steel, such valves, when external, and their connections to the tank shall be of steel.

5703.6.8 Piping supports.

Piping systems shall be substantially supported and protected from physical damage and designed to accommodate settlement, vibration, expansion, contraction or exposure to fire. The supports shall be constructed of steel, concrete or other approved noncombustible material.

5703.6.9 Flexible joints.

Flexible joints shall be listed and approved and shall be installed on underground liquid, vapor and vent piping at all of the following locations:

1. Where piping connects to underground tanks.

2. Where piping ends at pump islands and vent risers.

3. At points where differential movement in the piping can occur.

5703.6.9.1 Fiberglass-reinforced plastic piping.

Fiberglass-reinforced plastic piping is not required to be provided with flexible joints in locations where both of the following conditions are present:

1. Piping does not exceed 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter.

2. Piping has a straight run of not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) on one side of the connection when such connections result in a change of direction.

5703.6.9.1.1 Flexible joints.

In lieu of the minimum 4-foot (1219 mm) straight run length required in FC 5703.6.9.1(2), approved and listed flexible joints are allowed to be used under dispensers and suction pumps, at submerged pumps and tanks, and where vents extend aboveground.

5703.6.10 Pipe joints.

Joints shall be liquid-tight and shall be welded, flanged or threaded except that listed flexible connectors are allowed in accordance with FC 5703.6.9. Threaded or flanged joints shall fit tightly by using approved methods and materials for the type of joint. Joints in piping systems used for Class I liquids shall be welded when located in concealed spaces within buildings or structures. Nonmetallic joints shall be subject to the approval of the commissioner and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Pipe joints that are dependent on the friction characteristics or resiliency of combustible materials for liquid tightness of piping shall not be used in buildings or structures. Piping shall be secured to prevent disengagement at the fitting.

5703.6.11 Bends.

The bending of piping and tubing shall be performed in accordance with ASME B31.9.

5703.6.12 Contents.

Piping system components shall be documented as being compatible with the liquid to which such components will be exposed. Such documentation shall be approved and submitted to the department upon request.