N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 5804: Section FC 5804: Storage

5804.1 Indoor storage.

Indoor storage of flammable gases in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in FC Table 5003.1.1(1), is not allowed where outdoor storage is available on the premises. Indoor storage shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003 and 5004, and this chapter.

5804.1.1 Explosion control.

Buildings or portions thereof containing flammable gases shall be provided with explosion control in accordance with FC 911.

5804.1.2 Maximum storage quantity.

Storage of flammable gases shall not exceed 15,000 SCF (424.8 m

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) in any building or structure, except at construction sites where larger quantities of CNG are authorized by rule.

5804.1.3 Flammable gas storage of 3,500 SCF ( 99.11 m3) or less.

Indoor storage shall be protected against damage or injury from falling objects or surrounding activity, and be located not less than:

1. 20 feet (6096 mm) from all classes of flammable and combustible liquids, oxidizing gases and readily combustible materials, such as paper and combustible fibers.

2. 25 feet (7620 mm) from open flames, ordinary electrical equipment or other sources of ignition.

3. 50 feet (15 240 mm) from air-conditioning equipment, air compressors and intakes of ventilation.

4. 50 feet (15 240 mm) from other flammable gas storage.

5804.1.4 Flammable gas storage of more than 3,500 SCF ( 99.11 m3).

Except as otherwise provided in the rules with respect to construction sites, a storage room may contain more than one storage area, provided that each storage area does not exceed 3,500 SCF ( 99.11 m

3

) and storage areas are separated from each other by at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) or an approved masonry barrier having a minimum fire resistance rating of 2 hours. Each such storage area shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC 5804.1.2 and 5804.1.3.

5804.2 Outdoor storage.

Outdoor storage of flammable gases in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in FC Table 5003.1.1(3) shall be limited to a maximum storage of 3,500 SCF (99.12 m

3

) except where the provisions of this code or the rules authorize storage in larger quantities at construction sites. Outdoor storage of flammable gases shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003 and 5004, and this chapter.

5804.2.1 Location of outdoor storage areas.

Outdoor storage areas for flammable gases shall be located at or above grade level, and in accordance with FC 5804.2.1.1 and FC Table 5804.2.1, as applicable.

FC Table 5804.2.1 Flammable Gases Distance from Outdoor Storage Areas to Exposures

Type of Outdoor Exposure

Flammable Gas Storage Area More Than 1,500 SCF up to Maximum 3,500 SCF Minimum Distance to Outdoor Exposure (feet)

Building or structure of combustible construction

10

a

Building or structure of noncombustible construction

5

a

Building openings

10

Flammable and combustible liquids Aboveground – 1,000 gallons or less

10

a

Flammable and combustible liquids Aboveground – in excess of 1,000 gallons

20

a

Flammable and combustible liquids Underground tank – 1,000 gallons or less

10

a

Flammable and combustible liquids Underground tank – 1,000 gallons or less Vent or fill opening of tank

15

a

Flammable and combustible liquids Underground tank – in excess of 1,000 gallons

15

a

Flammable and combustible liquids Underground tank – in excess of 1,000 gallons Vent or fill opening of tank

15

a

Flammable gas storage area, any pressure 1,500 SCF or less

10

a

Flammable gas storage area, any pressure More than 1,500 SCF up to maximum 3,500 SCF

20

a

Oxygen storage – 20,000 SCF or less

In accordance with NFPA 51

a

Oxygen storage – in excess of 20,000 SCF

In accordance with NFPA 55

a

Combustible material or combustible waste

10

a

Air compressor intakes or inlets to ventilating or air-conditioning equipment

5

Group A occupancies and public gathering places

25

Public sidewalks and parked motor vehicles

10

Public streets, private roads and lot lines

10

a

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m

3

, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

a. The minimum required distances shall be reduced to 5 feet when protective structures having a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between the container and the exposure. The protective structure shall be at least 5 feet from the exposure. The configuration of the protective structure shall be designed to allow natural ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gas concentrations.

5804.2.1.1 Proximity to hazards.

Storage shall not be located where the stored flammable gases would be exposed to the following hazards in the event of the failure of their structure or containment systems:

1. Electric power lines.

2. Piping containing flammable or combustible liquids.

3. Piping containing flammable gases.

4. Piping containing oxidizing materials.

5804.2.2 Proximity to flammable and combustible liquid storage.

Storage within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of aboveground storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be located on ground higher than such storage, except where dikes, diversion curbs, grading or walls are used to prevent these liquids from accumulating under the flammable gas storage.

5804.2.3 Electrical equipment.

Electrical equipment within 3 feet (914 mm) in any direction of an outdoor flammable gas storage area shall comply with the Class I, Division 2 wiring requirements of the Electrical Code for hazardous locations, unless such electrical equipment is separated from such area by a wall or other solid partition having no openings.