1 of 113

Be familiar with other identification marking requirements.

10–0

Chemical manufacturers and importers

    • Name of the product
    • Manufacturer’s contact information
    • Precautionary hazard warnings
    • Directions for use and handling
    • Names of active ingredients
    • First aid instructions
    • Other pertinent information

Required under OSHA HCS to provide appropriate labels on their product containers

(Cont.)

2 of 113

Be familiar with other identification marking requirements.

10–1

    • Provide their own marking systems for hazardous materials and chemicals in addition to DOT and TC markings on transports

Military services (U.S. and Canada)

    • Must provide markers where pipelines cross under (or over) roads, railroads, and waterways

Pipeline companies

    • Provides number ratings for rapidly identifying the presence of hazardous materials and their potential severity based on health, flammability, instability, and related hazards

NFPA® 704 System

3 of 113

Know the requirements for manufacturers’ warnings.

10–2

    • May have minor health effects

CAUTION

    • Moderate hazards that have significant health effects or flammability

WARNING

    • Highest degree of hazard
    • Used on products that explode when exposed to heat

DANGER

    • Use in addition to DANGER on the labels of highly toxic materials

POISON

4 of 113

Know how to recognize military markings.

10–3

Used on fixed facilities

May also be seen on military vehicles (although they are not required)

Not necessarily uniform

Some buildings and areas that store hazardous materials may not be marked due to security reasons

5 of 113

CAUTION

The military ships some hazardous materials and chemicals by common carrier. In these instances, materials are not required to be marked with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) or Transport Canada (TC) markings.

10–4

6 of 113

Know how to recognize pipeline markings.

10–5

Markers must be in sufficient numbers along a pipeline to identify the pipe’s location

Do not always mark the exact location of the pipeline

In the U.S. and Canada include the signal words CAUTION, WARNING, or DANGER

Contain information describing the transported commodity and the name and emergency telephone number of the carrier

7 of 113

Inspectors need to understand the NFPA® 704 system.

10–6

Provides a widely recognized method for indicating the presence of hazardous materials at commercial, manufacturing, institutional, and other fixed-storage facilities

Commonly required by local ordinances for all occupancies that contain hazardous materials

Designed to alert emergency responders to health, flammability, instability, and related hazards

8 of 113

Know what the NFPA® 704 system does NOT cover.

10–7

Transportation

General public use

Nonemergency occupational exposures

Explosives and blasting agents

Chronic health hazards

Etiologic agents and other similar hazards

9 of 113

The NFPA® 704 system uses a rating system of numbers from 0 to 4.

10–8

Number 0 indicates a minimal hazard

Number 4 indicates a severe hazard

Rating is assigned to three categories: health, flammability, and instability

10 of 113

Know how to read NFPA® 704 system markings.

10–9

(Cont.)

11 of 113

Know how to read NFPA® 704 system markings.

10–10

Special hazards are located in the six o’clock position and have no specified background color; however, white is most commonly used

Only two special-hazard symbols are presently authorized for use in this position by NFPA®

Inspectors may see other symbols in the white quadrant on old placards, including the trefoil radiation symbol

If more than one special hazard is present, multiple symbols may be seen

12 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

What are some of the other types of markings inspectors might encounter?

10–11

13 of 113

Several references are widely used to identify hazardous materials.

10–12

Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG)

Hazardous Materials Guide for First Responders from the U.S. Fire Administration

Hazardous Materials Information Resource System (HMIRS) is available for those inspectors who deal with U.S. government facilities

14 of 113

The ERG is primarily a guide to aid emergency responders.

10–13

Developed jointly by TC, DOT, and the Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT) of Mexico

Used to quickly identify the hazards of materials involved in an emergency incident

Knowledge helps protect them and the general public

Useful resource for inspectors

15 of 113

NOTE

The ERG does not address all circumstances that may be associated with hazardous materials/dangerous goods. It is primarily designed for use at hazardous materials/dangerous goods incidents occurring on highways or railroads.

10–14

16 of 113

Inspectors can use the ERG in several ways.

10–15

Identify the four-digit UN identification number on a placard or on shipping papers and then find the appropriate guide in the yellow-bordered pages of the guidebook

Find the name of the material involved (if known) in the blue-bordered pages section of the guidebook

Use the three-digit guide code associated with the placard in the Table of Placards and Initial Response Guide to Use On-Scene located in the front of the ERG

17 of 113

The NPG is a reference source of general industrial hygiene information.

10–16

Provides key information and data in abbreviated or tabular form for over 600 chemicals or groups of chemicals

Designed for occupational safety personnel, employers, and employees

Can also provide a quick reference for inspectors

(Cont.)

18 of 113

The NPG is a reference source of general industrial hygiene information.

10–17

Chemical names, synonyms, trade names, conversion factors, Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number, Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances® (RTECS®), and DOT numbers

NIOSH recommended exposure limits (RELs)

OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs)

NIOSH immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) values

(Cont.)

19 of 113

The NPG is a reference source of general industrial hygiene information.

10–18

Physical description of the agent with chemical and physical properties

Measurement methods

Personal protection and sanitation recommendations

Respirator recommendations

Information on health hazards including route, symptoms, first aid, and target organ information

20 of 113

Be familiar with the Hazardous Materials Guide for First Responders.

10–19

    • Indexes; Alphabetical Material Name Index and a UN/NA Number Index

Section 1

    • Specific Material Guides: specific recommendations for 430 commonly encountered materials

Section 2

    • Materials Summary Response Table; summary information for 1,422 less commonly encountered materials

Section 3

(Cont.)

21 of 113

Be familiar with the Hazardous Materials Guide for First Responders.

10–20

    • DOT Placards; Chart 10

Section 4

    • Silhouettes of Rail Cars, Tank Trucks, and Chemical Tanks

Section 5

    • General Approach to a Hazardous Materials Incident

Section 6

    • Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations

Section 7

22 of 113

Inspectors should be familiar with the HMIRS.

10–21

A U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) automated system the Defense Logistics Agency developed

Central repository for SDSs for the U.S. Government military services and civil agencies

Contains other valuable information including hazard communications (HAZCOM) warning labels and transportation information

Includes data for hazardous materials that the federal government purchased through the DoD and civilian agencies

23 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

List some of the references used to identify hazardous materials.

10–22

24 of 113

Inspectors should be familiar with the Canadian Dangerous Goods System.

10–23

Federal or provincial government regulates a number of products designated as dangerous goods

Municipal inspectors are not normally empowered to enforce these regulations

Be aware of and familiar with other regulations to avoid conflicts between federal, provincial, and local laws

Be prepared to notify the proper agency to address a hazard or dangerous commodity when they encounter one

25 of 113

NOTE

Inspectors can obtain federal and provincial legislation from government web sites. Federal legislation can be found at the Department of Justice Canada web site. The provincial Queen’s Printer web site usually contains provincial legislation.

10–24

26 of 113

Inspectors should be familiar with WHMIS.

10–25

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Designed to reduce the risk from hazardous products in the workplace

Health Canada and provincial agencies administer WHMIS

Provincial agency responsible for occupational health and safety (OHS) normally regulates WHMIS within each province

Inspectors may not have authority to apply these regulations on their own

WHMIS is applicable to federal government employees

27 of 113

Inspectors should be familiar with WHMIS requirements for employers.

10–26

Controlled products used, stored, handled, or disposed of in the workplace are properly labeled

SDS are readily available to workers

Workers receive education and training in the safe storage, handling, usage, and disposal of controlled products in the workplace

28 of 113

Be familiar with what WHMIS considers a controlled product.

10–27

Burn readily

Explode

Produce toxic reactions, allergies, infectious diseases, or dangerous reactions

29 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with other WHMIS characteristics.

10–28

Requires all containers holding a controlled product to display a WHMIS label

Critical component of WHMIS is that an SDS must be available on site for each controlled product

Suppliers of controlled products must label all containers with a Supplier Label

When moved to another unmarked container for use at a worksite, the new container must be labeled with a Workplace Label

30 of 113

NOTE

The Workplace Label does not require the distinctive crosshatch border that is required on the Supplier Label.

10–29

31 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with WHMIS labels.

10–30

    • Must show all text in English and French
    • Have a WHMIS-hatched border
    • Product identifier
    • Supplier identifier
    • Statement that an MSDS/SDS is available
    • Hazard symbols
    • Risk phrases
    • Precautionary measures
    • First aid measures

Supplier Label

    • Product identifier
    • Information on safe handling
    • Statement that an MSDS/SDS is available

Workplace Label

32 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

Why is it important for inspectors to be aware of different aspects of the Canadian Dangerous Goods System?

10–31

33 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with the Mexican Hazard Communication System.

10–32

Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOMs) augment the Mexican Regulation for the Land Transport of Hazardous Materials and Wastes

Mexican SCT is responsible for publishing and maintaining the NOMs

Mexico’s equivalent to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is NOM-018-STPS-2000

Requires employers to see that hazardous chemical substances in the workplace are labeled

Essentially an adoption of the NFPA® 704 marking system and HMIG

Remember that employers in Mexico may use any alternative system that complies with the objectives of the standard

(Cont.)

34 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with the Mexican Hazard Communication System.

10–33

NOM-026-STPS-1998 authorizes the use of some International Organization for Standardization (ISO) safety symbols from ISO-3864

General caution symbols in Mexico are triangular rather than round like those in Canada or rectangular as in the U.S.

(Cont.)

35 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with the Mexican Hazard Communication System.

10–34

Transportation placards, labels, and markings are based on the UN Recommendations

Uses the same hazard classes and divisions

Placards and labels in Mexico will have text in Spanish

Information provided on markings will also be written in Spanish

36 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with a few Spanish hazard warnings.

10–35

Peligro (danger)

Gases Flamables (flammable gas)

Radioactivo (radioactive)

Liquido Criogenico (cryogenic liquid)

37 of 113

Know some of the differences between Mexican transportation regulations and U.S. HMR.

10–36

Official Mexican regulations do not authorize the use of DANGEROUS placards

Package markings are consistent except that the proper shipping name is provided in Spanish in addition to English

The HOT mark used for elevated temperature in the U.S. is not authorized in Mexico

The Mexican standard regarding the classification of flammable liquids does not incorporate provisions for combustible liquids; combustible liquid requirements only apply in the U.S.

38 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

What are some of the differences between markings in the Mexican Hazard Communication System and those found in the U.S. and Canada?

10–37

39 of 113

Inspectors should understand piping identifications.

10–38

Model fire codes require identification of the piping that conveys hazardous materials

Enables plant personnel to trace piping in the event of a leak or a spill

Pipe labels must identify the contents and direction of flow

    • A maximum spacing of 25 feet (7.5 m)
    • Each change of piping direction
    • Both sides of floor or ceiling penetrations

Labels are required at

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

40 of 113

Inspectors should understand cylinder markings.

10–39

Cylinder color does not indicate which gas it may store

Only way to identify a cylinder’s contents is by labeling or marking the cylinder

Require markings in accordance with Compressed Gas Association (CGA) Standard C-7

Labels are located on the shoulder or wall of the cylinder

C-7 requires that the marking contain several items

If the compressed gas is an inhalation hazard, warning statements about this hazard are required

Courtesy of Ron Moore, McKinney (TX) Fire Department

41 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

Describe the requirements for marking piping and cylinders.

10–40

42 of 113

�Learning Objective 7

Describe code considerations for determining the permissible amount of hazardous materials within a building.

10–41

43 of 113

Know the three possible storage situations for hazardous materials.

10–42

Storage

Use — Closed system

Use — Open system

44 of 113

Inspectors need to know the definition of storage.

10–43

A material in a package that is static and not moving is defined as storage

Hazardous materials storage can present its own hazards

Containers of compressed gases and cryogenic fluids contain materials that are stored at high pressures and create stored kinetic energy

Loss of container integrity will result in the release of a hazardous material

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

45 of 113

When a hazardous material is moved from its original container, it is use.

10–44

    • Does not allow for the release of the hazardous particulates or vapor

Use-closed system

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

46 of 113

When a hazardous material is moved from its original container, it is use.

10–45

    • Include liquids dispensed from a container or intermediate bulk containers
    • Vapors or dusts are liberated to the atmosphere
    • Has a much higher potential for unintended consequences

Use-open systems

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

47 of 113

Model fire codes set limits for the amount of hazardous materials allowed inside a building.

10–46

    • Maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) per control area is the largest amount of a particular class of hazardous materials permitted inside a building without changing the occupancy to a High Hazard use

Definition

    • Building’s occupancy classification
    • Material’s physical state
    • Material’s situation
    • Classification of the hazardous material

Determinations

48 of 113

Know what a code official must have to determine the MAQ of an occupancy.

10–47

Material hazard classification

Physical state

Amount of material that is in storage and use

49 of 113

Understand the importance of the footnotes in the MAQ tables.

10–48

When the MAQ is exceeded, the tables in the model fire codes will stipulate the Hazardous (High Hazard) occupancy classification that is required

Establish certain requirements or conditions that allow an increase of hazardous materials inside buildings without requiring a change of occupancy

Set forth limitations or prohibitions for certain classes of hazardous materials

50 of 113

Know requirements for materials isolated by noncombustible enclosures.

10–49

Most buildings are not protected by automatic sprinkler systems

Model fire codes allow an MAQ increase when materials are isolated by noncombustible enclosures

These enclosures offer increased resistance to fire

51 of 113

Adding individual protection features can safely increase the MAQ.

10–50

In the case of a fire in a sprinklered building, it is expected that the sprinkler system will control the fire

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

52 of 113

Know which materials are too high risk to be allowed in unprotected buildings.

10–51

Class 4 Oxidizers

Detonable Unstable (Reactive) materials

Explosives (excluding Division 1.4G consumer fireworks)

Pyrophoric materials

53 of 113

Most standards have specific sprinkler design requirements for hazmat.

10–52

Review their adopted fire code

Verify that the required discharge density and design area is selected

Most NFPA® standards governing hazardous materials have requirements that exceed the minimum requirements in NFPA® 13

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

54 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

What must a code official have to determine the MAQ?

10–53

55 of 113

A control area is a physical boundary inside a building where hazmat can be stored.

10–54

Used as long as the MAQ is not exceeded

For the purposes of applying hazardous material regulations, all buildings are considered a single control area

    • An area bounded by the floor
    • Exterior walls
    • Roof of a building
    • Areas of a building separated by fire-resistant rated construction

Control areas can be

The number of control areas inside a building and their MAQ is influenced by the building’s occupancy

56 of 113

Know the characteristics of control areas.

10–55

Model codes have established MAQs based on the loss history of certain hazardous materials in certain occupancies

MAQs are also based on concerns for occupant and firefighter safety

Construction requirements for control areas are in the jurisdiction’s adopted building code

Requirements for control areas are deferred to the building code

57 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

Describe examples of control areas.

10–56

58 of 113

�Learning Objective 8

Explain the requirements for storage and use of nonbulk and bulk packaging.

10–57

59 of 113

Inspectors need to know the two DOT and TC categories of packaging for hazmat.

10–58

Nonbulk

Bulk

60 of 113

Inspectors need to know the IFC categories of packaging for hazmat.

10–59

Containers

Cylinders

Portable containers

Stationary tanks

61 of 113

Know the characteristics of nonbulk packaging.

10–60

119 gallons (475 L) or less of liquids

882 pounds (440 kg) or less of solids

Compressed gas cylinders with a water capacity of 1,000 pounds (500 kg) or less

Designed to hold:

(Cont.)

62 of 113

Know the characteristics of nonbulk packaging.

10–61

Water capacity (w.c.) is the accepted measurement of the available volume of compressed gas cylinders

The reason for expressing available volume in this manner is that gases have different densities based on their molecular weight

Gas cylinders are generally filled by weight

The cylinder’s empty (termed tare) weight is combined with the density of the packaged gas to prevent overfilling of cylinders

(Cont.)

63 of 113

Know the characteristics of nonbulk packaging.

10–62

Nonbulk packages containing liquefied compressed gases, cryogenic fluids, or liquids with a high vapor pressure must contain a means of venting

Same for flammable liquids stored in portable tanks

Vented products cannot create a flammable mixture in air or a poisonous or asphyxiating atmosphere

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

64 of 113

Code requirements for containers address packaging of flammable and combustible liquids.

10–63

NFPA® 30 has specific limits

Additional requirements for containers and their construction are also established based on the building’s occupancy

All model fire codes exempt liquid fuels stored in motor vehicle fuel tanks from regulation; storage of distilled spirits in containers if their volume does not exceed certain limits

65 of 113

Safety cans are the safest containers approved for storing small amounts.

10–64

An inspector most often encounters flammable or combustible liquids stored in containers that are a maximum of 5 gallons (20 L) or less in size

Constructed to reduce the chance of leakage or container failure

Designed to virtually eliminate vapor release from the container under normal conditions

Uses self-closing lids with vapor seals

Self-closing lid also acts as a pressure-relief device when the can is heated

66 of 113

Know the characteristics of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).

10–65

Also known as totes

Common form of DOT authorized nonbulk packaging for liquids or solids

Designed for volumes between 119 to 793 gallons (475 L to 3 150 L)

Made of carbon or stainless steel, aluminum, high-density polyethylene, or multiple-layer fiberboard and plastic

(Cont.)

67 of 113

Know the characteristics of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).

10–66

Multiple-layer fiberboard IBCs, only allowed for single trips

All others are subject to requalification every 30 months

Rigid plastic IBCs cannot be used for storage and dispensing of Class I flammable liquids

(Cont.)

68 of 113

Know the characteristics of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).

10–67

    • Generally required to have a means of spill control; this method is not allowed for Class I-A flammable liquids and Highly Toxic liquids
    • For the remaining classes of flammable and combustible liquids an automatic-closing valve is provided

Designed for gravity dispensing

    • Design of the pressure relief is based on the classification of the stored hazardous material
    • NFPA® 30 has specific requirements for the design of pressure relief devices installed on IBCs for flammable and combustible liquids

Require a means of pressure relief

(Cont.)

69 of 113

Know the characteristics of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs).

10–68

    • Be aware of IBCs inside buildings
    • Storage of certain liquids will automatically change the building to a High-Hazard or Hazardous occupancy

Inspectors duties

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

70 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with the characteristics of cylinders.

10–69

A compressed gas container is a pressure containment vessel

Container must be properly engineered to safely store and dispense the gas based on its physical or health hazards

Compressed gas cylinders are designed and constructed in accordance with US DOT requirements and approved standards

Unless they are disposable, compressed gas containers are subject to periodic testing and examination

Stationary pressure vessels must be constructed in accordance with the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) requirements for unfired pressure vessels

(Cont.)

71 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with the characteristics of cylinders.

10–70

Size of a cylinder or container is limited

Volume of gas that can be stored is directly proportional to the density of the gas molecules

Cylinders, containers, and tanks always have a circular cross-sectional area

Not constructed using other geometric shapes because of the imposed forces in the corners of rectangular-shaped containers

Designed to operate at pressures above 25 PSIG

(Cont.)

72 of 113

Inspectors need to be familiar with the characteristics of cylinders.

10–71

Proper storage and use of compressed gas containers is dependent on the material contained within, construction, and intended use

Cylinders are designed for either a vertical or horizontal orientation

Almost all compressed gas containers are equipped with a pressure relief device

Valve fittings are manufactured with unique, material-specific connections

Cylinders require markings

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

73 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

List examples of containers used for nonbulk and bulk packaging.

10–72

74 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of bulk packaging.

10–73

Refers to a packaging, other than that on a ship or barge, in which materials are loaded with no intermediate form of containment

Includes a transport vehicle or freight container such as a cargo tank, railcar, or portable tank

Also includes stationary tanks

Courtesy of Rich Mahaney

75 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of stationary tanks.

10–74

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

Stationary tanks used to store hazardous materials are permanently installed underground or aboveground

Depending on the design, stationary tanks are either listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or they must be approved by the fire official

Most common stationary tanks are those used for storing flammable and combustible liquids

Either shop fabricated or field erected

(Cont.)

76 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of stationary tanks.

10–75

    • Assembled from metallic or nonmetallic materials, tested, factory certified, and shipped to the installer
    • All underground storage tanks and most aboveground storage tanks are shop-fabricated tanks
    • Model fire codes require shop-fabricated tanks for storing flammable and combustible liquids to be listed

Shop-fabricated tanks

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

77 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of stationary tanks.

10–76

    • Field-erected tanks are commonly found in refineries and petroleum terminals and other places
    • Engineered specifically for the product they will store and for the site conditions
    • Not limited in diameter or height
    • Very common for tanks to hold ten to hundreds of millions of gallons (liters) of product
    • Always installed aboveground and are usually approved by the fire official

Field-erected tanks

(Cont.)

78 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of stationary tanks.

10–77

Stationary tanks are also categorized by their design pressure

The applicable engineering standard used as the basis for design and approval governs its design pressure

Standards prohibit installing an underground storage tank aboveground and aboveground storage tanks being installed underground

(Cont.)

79 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of stationary tanks.

10–78

80 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of shop-fabricated aboveground tanks.

10–79

Fire inspectors commonly encounter atmospheric aboveground storage tanks (ASTs)

ASTs can range in volume from 60 to 60,000 gallons (240 L to 240 000 L)

A variety of installations use ASTs

ASTs for flammable and combustible liquids are required by NFPA® 30 and the IFC to be listed

Standard considered universal by tank manufacturers and AHJs is UL 142

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

81 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of shop-fabricated aboveground tanks.

10–80

    • Requires that any shop-fabricated AST storing flammable or combustible liquids have a permanent nameplate
    • Indicates the application that the tank is designed for
    • Indicates the standard the tank was constructed to
    • Also stipulates the required flow rate for tanks equipped with emergency vents

UL 142 nameplates

    • Carbon or stainless steel
    • Aluminum is not allowed

UL 142 construction requirements

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

82 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of shop-fabricated aboveground tanks.

10–81

ASTs are constructed with a normal and an emergency vent

Vent openings are provided to protect the tank from excessive vacuum or positive pressure

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

83 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of shop-fabricated aboveground tanks.

10–82

    • Normal vent protects the tank from collapse or overpressurization
    • Normal vent is also required for all underground storage tanks
    • NFPA® 30 and the IFC require that the normal vent on tanks storing Class I flammable liquids have a pressure/vacuum (PV) vent designed so that
      • Air is not introduced into the storage tank unless product is being removed
      • Flammable vapors remain inside the tank unless it is being filled
      • The PV vent must terminate at least 12 feet (3.5 m) above grade, and 5 feet (1.5 m) from lot lines that can be built upon

Normal vents

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

84 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of shop-fabricated aboveground tanks.

10–83

    • Most important safety feature on any AST
    • Designed to prevent the tank from exploding
    • Serves as a pressure relief
    • Not required for underground storage tanks
    • Designed to open when subjected to a few ounces of pressure
    • Designs vary based on whether the AST is shop-fabricated or field-erected

Emergency vents

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

85 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of shop-fabricated aboveground tanks.

10–84

    • Is the tank equipped with an emergency vent?
    • Is the vent operational?
    • Is it properly sized?
    • Has the vent been modified or obstructed so it is no longer functional?
    • Sizing of emergency vents is performed by the tank designer
    • Emergency vents are sized based on the surface area of the tank, its orientation, and its geometry

Inspector concerns

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

86 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of field-erected aboveground tanks.

10–85

Fabricated from plate carbon steel and stainless steel

Steel sheets are erected into a structurally safe tank onsite

Model codes do not limit the diameter or height of field erected ASTs

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

87 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of field-erected aboveground tanks.

10–86

Tanks designed to operate at atmospheric pressure are designed to API 650

Tanks that operate at a pressure between 2-15 PSIG or that store liquids at temperatures above 200°F (93°C) are classified as low pressure field-erected ASTs

Inspectors will need to review the manufacturer’s nameplate affixed to the tank to determine the standard of construction that was used

API Standard 653 requires that major modifications or repairs to field-erected ASTs be noted on a permanent repair nameplate affixed to the storage tank

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

88 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of field-erected aboveground tanks.

10–87

Constructed to American Petroleum Institute (API) standards

Constructed as cone roof, open floating roof, or internal floating roof tanks

Type of roof selected is based on the petroleum product the tank will store

New tanks utilize welded construction and are liquid- and vapor-tight

Older tanks may be of riveted or bolted construction and may not be vapor-tight

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

89 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of field-erected aboveground tanks.

10–88

    • Requirements will vary based on the tank’s volume, contents, and design
    • Need also influenced by the tank’s location and the capabilities of fire department
    • Review their locally adopted codes to determine when fire protection for field-erected ASTs is required

Fire protection

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

90 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of field-erected aboveground tanks.

10–89

Tank owners/representatives are required to perform a monthly visual inspection of the exterior of each field-erected AST

An authorized inspector certified to API 653 must perform an external examination every five years

At an interval no greater than 20 years, the tank must be removed from service and internally inspected

91 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of underground storage tanks (USTs).

10–90

Designed to operate at atmospheric pressure

USTs offer the highest degree of fire safety

With the exception of lightning strikes, USTs are safe from most fire exposures

Model fire code-compliant USTs are listed

Constructed of carbon steel or glass-fiber reinforced plastic

It is a violation of model fire codes to attempt to install an aboveground tank underground

USTs are designed to resist the dead load of water-saturated soil

(Cont.)

92 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of underground storage tanks (USTs).

10–91

(Cont.)

Gasoline

Diesel

Bio-fuels

Alcohol-blended fuels

Designed to store

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

93 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of underground storage tanks (USTs).

10–92

(Cont.)

Openings are located on top of the tank and are prohibited below the tank’s liquid level

Require openings for a normal vent, filling the tank with liquid, and openings to accommodate pumps to supply dispensers

94 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of underground storage tanks (USTs).

10–93

    • Requires electronic monitoring
    • One method used for verifying the liquid-tightness of the UST
    • Compares a measurement of the product that comes into the UST from the tanker and compares it to the amount of petroleum fuel sent to consumers via the dispensers
    • If measurements deviate beyond a set limit, an audible alarm activates at the control panel
    • Reconciliation is required daily

Product reconciliation

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

95 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of underground storage tanks (USTs).

10–94

Model fire codes do not require USTs to have secondary containment

May be required by state environmental laws; along with electronic monitoring

Review their applicable state environmental laws to determine any special UST design or installation requirements

Model codes require overfill protection and spill control for all USTs

96 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of pressure vessels.

10–95

Engineered stationary containers designed to store liquids, cryogenic fluids, or gases at pressures of 15 PSIG or greater

Can be constructed for either a horizontal or vertical orientation

Design, construction, and examination requirements are contained in Section VIII, Division 1 of BPVC

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

97 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of pressure vessels.

10–96

(Cont.)

    • Official code symbol for all pressure vessels is a shamrock with the letter “U” inside it
    • Manufacturer’s name preceded with the words “certified by”
    • Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP), expressed in PSIG at the design temperature, expressed in degrees Fahrenheit (°F)
    • Minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) expressed in °F at a given pressure (PSIG)
    • Manufacturer’s serial number for the pressure vessel
    • Year of construction
    • Required abbreviations specified by the BPVC

Required markings

98 of 113

Inspectors need to know the characteristics of pressure vessels.

10–97

    • Required by BPVC
    • Either safety relief valves or non-reclosing relief devices such as burst discs
    • Open at a predetermined pressure below the design pressure of the vessel
    • Close automatically when the pressure falls below the opening pressure
    • Burst discs cannot close upon operation and are replaced after activation
    • The operating pressure of the relief device generally does not exceed the MAWP of the pressure vessel

Pressure relief device

99 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

List types of stationary tanks that may be used for nonbulk and bulk packaging.

10–98

100 of 113

�Learning Objective 9

Describe the code requirements for testing, maintenance and operation of equipment, containers and tanks.

10–99

101 of 113

Know inspector duties regarding testing, maintenance, and operations.

10–100

Fire inspectors evaluating hazardous materials will encounter processes and equipment used to facilitate their safe storage and handling

Important that the mechanical integrity and the tightness of the system are maintained

Must have a good understanding of the hazards involved and how the model fire codes regulate use

(Cont.)

102 of 113

Know inspector duties regarding testing, maintenance, and operations.

10–101

Verify tank vents are operational; tanks and piping are free of any leaks

Damaged or nonfunctional tank or piping components should be repaired or replaced with approved components

Tanks with integral secondary containment that cannot be visually monitored require an electronic means of leak detection, which requires periodic testing

(Cont.)

Courtesy of Scott Stookey, International Code Council, Washington, D.C

103 of 113

Know inspector duties regarding testing, maintenance, and operations.

10–102

    • Common use of hazardous materials
    • Occurs when liquids are flowed from containers or IBCs using the weight of the stored liquid to flow from the container when a valve is opened
    • For gravity dispensing to be safely accomplished, the arrangement of the dispensing system must anticipate small liquid losses
    • Before dispensing can occur, a self-closing automatic valve that requires an operator is required
    • The receiving container must comply with jurisdiction’s fire code
    • A means of spill control is also required

Gravity dispensing

104 of 113

REVIEW QUESTION

What are some of the things inspectors need to verify when inspecting hazardous materials storage?

10–103

105 of 113

�Summary

  • The ability to distinguish hazardous materials or dangerous goods by their properties and identify the materials or goods by the markings on the containers is basic to an inspector’s duties.

10–104

(Cont.)

106 of 113

�Summary

  • This chapter provided information that will help an inspector apply the requirements contained in the model building and fire codes for storing, handling, transporting, dispensing, and using the materials or goods.

10–105

(Cont.)

107 of 113

�Summary

  • Information was also given for federal markings used to identify the materials or goods while in transit.
  • This information can be used to generate an inventory of the type and size of the hazards present in the community.

10–106

(Cont.)

108 of 113

�Summary

  • An inspector must be proficient in reading the placards, markings, and labels of all types of hazardous materials or dangerous goods and using reference guidebooks.

10–107

(Cont.)

109 of 113

�Summary

  • During the course of an inspection, an inspector may encounter materials that may individually or in combination pose a risk or hazard.

10–108

(Cont.)

110 of 113

�Summary

  • It is essential for an inspector to recognize these potential hazards and have them removed, modify the way hazardous materials are stored, or provide for measures that reduce risks to acceptable levels.

10–109

(Cont.)

111 of 113

�Summary

  • The inspector must also be familiar with the maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials that are permitted based on occupancy type and the materials themselves.

10–110

(Cont.)

112 of 113

�Summary

  • Hazardous and High-hazard occupancies require special attention because of the materials involved and potential for a catastrophic event.

10–111

(Cont.)

113 of 113

�Summary

  • This chapter provided information on the types of storage containers and packaging used to store hazardous materials and dangerous goods in North America.

10–112