HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 1009 a.
OPDPW!CE NO. 1009
National
ATI ORDIMANC= ADOPTINTO Tit: COX: OF TH7XMI=. FIRS PROTSCTIOIJ AS''OCIATIO" DESICrArm
AS PAMPHLET N . F' . P .A . No . 30-L3 I14 PART, AYD Ri;LATINO TO THE ^TOSACE , f ANDLINC , and
USE OF FLAL4.".ADL: LI:UIDS .
tYll's?MAS, the City Council of the City of Fayetteville , Arkansas , caused a
notice to be published that it had under consideration the adoption of an Ordin-
ance relating to the storage , handling, and use of flamaable liquids as set
forth in the code of the National Fire Protection Association designated as " Pam-
phlet NFPA No . 30-L" , and
IiH MAS , the requisite number of copies of said code were kept on file as
provided by Act 267 of the Acts of t.rkansaa for the year 1949 , cnd there have been
no protests or sue€estiann or requests for discussion , and
4. H'3REAS , the City Council of the City of Fayetteville , Arkansas , finds that it
is the best interest of the City of Fayetteville . that the above code of the
National Fire Protection Arsociaticn desif:nat=d as "Pamphlet VF'PA No . 30-L , be
substantially adopted except for those amendments hereinafter set forth :
NO4i , THEREFORE , BE IT ORDAINED BY TH"i. CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTWILM ,
ARKANSAS :
SECTION 1 . That the code of the National Fire Protection Association, deeig-
nated as Pamphlet NFPA No . 30-L, relating tothe storage , handling, and use of flamjn-
g able liquids , is hereby adopted for the City of Fayetteville , Arkansas , except as
hereinafter provided .
t
SECTIR'• 2 . That Section 104. 06 of Pamphlet NFPA No. 3C-L be and the same is
hereby amended to read as follows :
"104.06 . "Chief" shall moan the City Enr.ineer and shall include arpr officer,
member, or imopector deputized for the pur?oses of this ordinance by the chief. The
Chief of the Fire Department shall serve the chief in an advisory caps ;ity for the
purposes of this ordinance .
SECTION 3 . That Section 104 . 07 of Pamphlet MFH, Mo. 30-L be and the same is here-
by amdnded to read as follows :
"104. 07 . "City Council" shall mean the duly elected and constituted City Council
of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas .
S3CThDN 4. That Section 202 . 01 of Pamphlet *'FPA No . 30-L be and the same is
hereby deleted and omitted from the operation of tide ordinance .
SECTION 5. That Section 1003 . Ponalti :s . of Pamphlet :•'FPA Flo. 30-L be and the
same is hereby amended to read as follows :
111003 . Penalties : Any person whoshall fail to co:aply with the provisions of
this ordinance or with an order of the Chief issued pursuant thereto and from which
no a.apeal has been talcen, or u:ith such an order as affirmed or modified by the City
Council or by a court of competent jurisdiction, within the time fixed therein, shall
be fined not less than One (u1. 00 ) Dollar nor more than Twenty-Five (3225. 00 ) Dollars .
The :imposition of one penalty for the violation of such order shall not excuse the
violation or pe =it it to continue , and each succeedirr. day of violation of the terms
MICROFILMLD
DATE OCT 6 1918
REED -
and provisions of this ordimince shall constitute a separate offense .
sEcTion 6 . All ordinances or parts of ordioa.nces in conflict herewith are
hereby repealed, and this Ordinance being necessary for the preservation of the
public health, peace arc; safety, an emerpency is hereby declared to eyist, and
this Ordinance shall be in full force anal effect from and after its passa€-c ,
approval, and publication.
Passed and approved this 22 day of October, 1951 .
Yowe 1 c . Rhea,
AMEST:
PRC ghee , City C er
f
NOT TO BE. REMOVED FROM CLERKIS OFFICE `.
a part of Ordinance No , 1009/
I
Stora '
et Handling ane Use or
1
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
1951
�. Second Printine
a AFP
t
Price: 50 cents
i
Discount for Quantities
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
i� International
60 Batterymarch St., Boston 10, Mau., U.S.A.
J
8-721-7-81 W.A.S. Copyrl8ht, 1881 Printed In V.S.A.
National Fire Protection Anociation
1951
SUGGESTED ORDINANCE
for the
STORAGE, HANDLING AND USE
OF
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(PREPARED FOR USE AS A MUNICIPAL ORDINANCE)
Page
F?reword .................................................................................................................... 4
I General Provisions .................................................................................. S
IIStorage ...................................................................................................... 9
III Piping Valves and Fittings.................... ................. 19
IVBulk Plants ................................................................................................ 20
VService Stations ...............................--..................................................... 23
VI Commercial and Industrial Establishments............. ---................... 25
VIIProcessing Plants .................................................................................... 29
VIII Storage and Use of Flammable Liquids as Fuel for Heating and
PowerDevices ................................................................................ 31
IX Refineries and Other Plants Storing and Handling Crude
., Petroleum .............:............................................................................ 32
X Modification, Appeals, Penalties, etc............._................ ...... .......... . 33
APPENDIXES
A. Rooms, Cabinets and Outside Houses for the Storage of Flam-
mableLiquids ..........--.................................................................... 34
B. Protection of Tanks Containing Flammable Liquids in Loca-
tions That May Be Flooded.......................................................... 40 i
G Recommended Procedure for the Abandonment or Removal
of Service Station Underground Tanks........................----..... 44
List of Published Standards Included in the Ordinance...................... 46
l ..
National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association was organised in 1896 to jersects the
science and improve the methods of lire protection and prsosntion, to obtain and
circulate information on these subjects and to secure the cooperation of its members in
establishing proper safeguards against lose of life and property by fire. This pamphlet
is one of a large numbs: of publications on fire Safety issued by the Association.
NFPA COMhIITTEE ON FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS.
H. L. Mixga. Chairman,
4287 Osage Ave., Philadelphia 4, Pa.
H. E. NHwxlq Secretary,
National Board of Fire Underwriters, 86 John Street, New York, N. Y.
STANLer EAma, Flammable Liquids Engineer,
National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston 10, Mase.
W. J. BAHmt, A. J. KaAssam,
Conference of Special Risk Under- U. S. Bureau of Mines.
writers. W. S. MARSH,
Hsmoscr R. BoOAsous, Factory Mutual Engineering Div.
Fire Insurance Rating Organization of F. J. MCCLAtN,
New Jersey. Factory Insurance Association.
C. H. BUNN, JR, W. G. MCKENNA,
American Petroleum Institute Bureau of Explosives, Association of
S. L. BURCHER, American Railroads.
New England Fire Insurance Rating C. D. Nomas,
Association. American Petroleum Institute.
HAnow CROUCH, H. Nmmis Pre,
Eastman Kodak Co. South-Eastern Underwriters Aeon.
H. P. Dixey, ARNOLD C. RENNER,
Rating and Fire Prevention Bureau. NFPA Fire Marshals' Section.
W. H. DOYLH, FRANK SLUZE,
Factory Insurance Association. National Petroleum Association.
EDWARD W. HALL, ALLAN R. SMITH,
NFPA Fire Marshals' Section. Steel Tank Institute,
PetroleuN, D. V. STROUT,
R. T. American Petroleum Institute.
Ohio Petroleum Marketers Asan. E. F. TAstss,
JAmsa E. HILL, Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada.
Western Oil and Gas Asan. Faro A. TuAsx,
O. W. JOHNSON, Oil Insurance Association.
American Petroleum Institute J. H. WrrrH,
D. F. JONM' Underwritem' Laboratories, Inc.
Institute of Cooking and Heating Ap- J. MILTON WRIGHT.
pliance Manufacturers. Associated Reciprocal Exchanges.
G. T. KAUFMAN, T. H, WmCH'T,
Oil-Heat Institute of America Ohio Inspection Bureau.
CONFERENCE COMMITTER ON ORDINANCE.
C. H. BUNN, JR„ Chairman,
Standard Oil Development Company.
S. L. Buacngs, W. K. McCoy,
New England Fire Insurance Rating Gulf Oil Company.
Association.
W. H. Doym E. J. Mayan,
Factory Insurance Association. Manufacturing Chemists Association.
J. E HILL. H. E. NEWELL,
Union Oil Company. National Board of Fire Underwriters.
E. E. HOMMAN, Fa® A. TRASH,
National Paint, Varnish and Lacquer OB Insurance Amociation.
Association.
W. S. MARSH, FRANK G. Wnsox,
Factory Mutual Engineering Div. American Petroleum Institute.
F. R. MCLgAx, W. N. YOUNG,
socony-Vacuum OB Co. Shell Oil Company.
NFPA COMMITTEE ON LAWS AND ORDINANCES.
LEON A. WATSON, Chairman,
The Fire Insurance Rating Organization of New Jersey, Newark.
GwaGH W. CwuoH, F. T. Moses,
NFPA Fire Marshals' Section. Firemen'a Mut. Inc. Co.
Lawes A. VlxcaNT C. E. RIDLEy,
National Board of Fire Underwriters. International City Managers Ame,
FOREWORD.
This, the 1951 edition of the NFPA Suggested Ordinance on
Flammable Liquids adopted May 11, 1951, supersedes all previous
editions. Drafted by the Conference Committee listed on page
two, reviewed, amended and submitted to the Association by the
Committee on Flammable Liquids, further amended in detail of
legal form on the recommendation of the NFPA Committee on
Laws and Ordinances, it represents the National Fire Protection
Association's official recommendations for municipal regulation of
the storage and handling of gasoline and other flammable liquids in
the interest of public safety. It is only a recommendation as far as
the NFPA is concerned, but like its successive predecessor editions
dating back to the first edition issued December 1, 1913, is offered
as a guide to reasonable municipal legislation. While drafted for
adoption by a city, it can be used by states or other jurisdictions
with appropriate changes in wording. In any case, the text should
be checked by legal counsel for its suitability for any individual
city ; the present text while drafted for general use, may require
minor changes to meet special constitutional and legislative require-
ments in some jurisdictions.
The Fire Department is indicated as the enforcing agency in
this text, which is consistent with the present practice in the
majority of American cities. However, with minor changes in
wording, it may be equally well used by the Building Department,
Fire Marshal Department, or other regulatory agency.
This ordinance makes reference to other standards for various
matters which it is not practicable to cover in detail in this ordinance.
A list of such references is printed on pages 46 and 47. To avoid
legal criticism on the ground of improper delegation of legislative
power, these references are to specifically identified editions, the
latest current at the time of this NFPA printing. However, to keep
up to date, this text should be amended periodically to make
reference to the current editions of such reference standards, all of
which are subject to amendment from time to time. It is highly
desirable, where legally permissible, to make appropriate provision
for automatic utilization of new editions of reference publications
as issued. The NFPA office will at any time on request provide
information on the current status of such reference standards.
A full history of NFPA action on this and previous editions
of the Flammable Liquids Ordinance will be found in the published
NFPA Proceedings and Advance Reports for the various years.
A condensed history will be found in the National Fire Codes,
Vol. !, Flammable Liquids, Gases, Chemicals and Explosives, in
which this ordinance also appears. The present 1951 edition is
the result of intensive committee work over a period of several
years, printing and circulation of several successive drafts, and full
consideration of all suggestions received from every source. In
addition to the committees listed, the NFPA is indebted to Mr.
Charles S. Rhyne, General Council, National Institute of Municipal
Law Officers, Washington, D. C., for his assistance in clarifying
the legal terminology in several sections of this ordinance.
4
SUGGESTED ORDINANCE FOR THE STORAGE, HANDLING
AND USE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS.
(No. 30-L)
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL PROVISIONS.
101. Title: This ordinance shall be known as "an ordinance regulating the
storage, handling, and use of flammable liquids in the city
and may be referred to as "The Flammable Liquids Ordinance."*
102. Application : This ordinance shall apply to all persons, firms, corpora-
tions, copartnerships, governmental agencies except Federal, and voluntary
associations storing, handling or using flammable liquids, and to the owner or
lessee of any building, premises, or equipment in or on which flammable
liquids are stored, handled, or used.
103. Scope: This ordinance shall apply to flammable liquids as hereinafter
defined ; except that it shall not apply to the transportation of flammable
liquids in bulk** or to transportation when in conformity with Interstate
Commerce Commission regulations, or regulations lawfully on 'file with and
approved by the Interstate Commerce Commission.
104. Definitions:
104.01 "AIRCRAFT SERVICE STATION shall mean that portion of an
airport where flammable liquids used as aircraft fuel are stored or dispensed
from fixed equipment and shall include all facilities essential thereto.
104.02 "APPROVED' signifies acceptance, by the chief, of design, equip-
ment, installation, or intended use as required by this ordinance.
104.03 "AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE STATION" Shall mean that portion of a
property where flammable liquids used as motor fuels are stored and dispensed
from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles.
104.04 'BARREL" shall mean a volume of 42 U. S. gallons.
104.05 "BULK PLANT" shall mean that portion of a property where
flammable liquids are received by tank vessel, pipe lines, tank car, or tank
vehicle, and are stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such
liquids by tank vessel, pipe line, tank car, tank vehicle, or container.
104.06 "CHIEF" shall mean the chief of the fire department (or other
authorized person or body) and shall include any officer, member, or inspector
deputized for the purposes of this ordinance by the chief.
•The title should conform with local law and practice.
*•NFPA No. 886, Regulatory Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable Liquids
(1848) available from National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarck SL
Boston 10, Maas.
5
6 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
o„tay a tcc�cci 0i 41 e," „C ( >�
104.07 "CITY COUNCIL" shall mean the Fire—Commission-,er-,other.
d-o"= steer Board-of-Supervisors,-etc,).
city VfFayette ✓r'I/e, 4.- ,
104.08 "CLOSED CONTAINER" shall mean a container as herein defined,
so sealed by means of a lid or other device that neither liquid nor vapor will
escape from it at ordinary temperatures.
104.09 "COMMERCIAL OR INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT" shall mean a
place wherein the storage, handling, or use of flammable liquids is incidental
to but not the principal business or process.
104.10 "CONTAINER" shall mean any can, bucket, barrel, drum, or port-
able tank, except stationary tanks, tank vehicles, and tank cars.
104.11 "CRUDE PETROLEUM" shall mean hydrocarbon mixtures that
have a flash point below 150° F. and which have not been processed in a
refinery.
104.12 "FLAMMABLE LIQUID" shall mean any liquid having a flash
point below 200° F. and having a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 pounds
per square inch (absolute).
Flammable liquids shall be divided into three classes as follows :
CLASS I shall include those having flash points at or below 20° F.
CLASS II shall include those having flash points above 20° F. but at or
below 70° F.
CLASS III shall include those having flash points above 70° F.
The volatility of flammable liquids is increased when artificially heated to
temperatures equal to or higher than their flash points. When so heated
Class II and III liquids shall be subject to the applicable requirements for
Class I or II liquids. This ordinance may also be applied to high flash point
liquids which otherwise would be outside of its scope when they are so heated.
104.13 "FLASH POINT' shall mean the minimum temperature in
degrees Fahrenheit at which a flammable liquid will give off flammable vapor
as determined by appropriate test procedure and apparatus as specified below.*
The flash point of flammable liquids having a flash point below 175° F.
(79° C.) shall be determined in accordance with the Standard Method of
Test for Flash Point by Means of the Tag Closed Tester (A.S.T.M. D56-36)
as published in the book of American Society for Testing Materials Stand-
ards ( 1949) !• This method is also the Standard of the National Fire Pro-
tection Association (National Fire Codes Vol. 1, 1948) ,1 the Standard of
the American Petroleum Institute (A.P.I. No. 509-36) , and the Standard of
the American Standards Association (ASA Z11.24-1936) .
$This section should conform to local law and practice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with the ordinance.
**Available from American Society for Testing Materials, 1916 Race St., Phila. 8, Pa.
tAvailable from National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Roston
GENERAL PROVISIONS 7
The flash point of flammable liquids having a flash point of 700 F. or
below shall be determined by the apparatus and procedure called for in
Sections 7 and 8 of this A.S.T.M. Method D56-36.
The flash point of flammable liquids having a flash point of 1750 F. or
higher shall be determined in accordance with the Standard Method of
Test for Flash Point by Means of the Pensky-Martens Closed Tester
(A.S.T.M. D93-46) as published in the Book of American Society for Test-
ing Materials Standards ( 1949) ! This method is also the Standard of
the National Fire Protection Association (National Fire Codes Vol. I,
1948) !* that Standard of the American Petroleum Institute (A.P.I.
No. 510-46) , the Standard of the American Association .State Highway
Officials (A.A.S.H.O.T:73-46) , and Standard of the American Standards
Association (ASA Z11.7-1947) .
104.14 "MARINE SERVICE STATION" shall mean that portion of a prop-
erty where flammable liquids used as motor fuels are stored and dispensed
from fixed equipment on shore, piers, wharves, or barges into the fuel tanks
of floating craft, and shall include all facilities used in connection therewith.
104.15 "PROCESSING PLANT" shall mean that portion of a property in
which flammable liquids are mixed, heated, separated or otherwise processed
as principal business, but shall not include plants defined herein as refineries.
104.16 "REFINERY" shall mean a plant in which flammable liquids are
produced on a commercial scale from crude petroleum, natural gasoline, or
other hydrocarbon sources.
104.17 "SAFETY CAN" shall mean an approved container, of not over
5 gallons capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover.
104.18 "VAPOR PRESSURE' shall mean the pressure, measured in pounds
per square inch (absolute) exerted by a volatile liquid as determined by the
Standard Method of Test for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid
Method) ," (A.S.T.M.D. 323-49) as published in the Book of American
Society for Testing Materials Standards ( 1949) ! This method is also the
standard of the American Standards Association (A.S.A. Zll.44-1949) .1
105.[ Retroactivity : The chief shall issue a permit for the continued use of
an existing plant, stare, equipment, building, structure, and installation for
the storage, handling, or use of flammable liquids which is not in strict com-
pliance with the terms of this ordinance in all cases in which such continued
use will no[ constitute a distinct hazard to life or adjoining property. In all
rases where such permit is denied the chief shall notify the applicant and
specify the reasons for denial in writing.
*Available from American Society for Testing Materials, 1916 Race St.. Phila. S. Pa.
"Available from National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston
10, Mass.
tThis section should conform to local law and practice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with this ordinance.
S FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
106. Permits: A permit issued pursuant to this ordinance shall be obtained
from the Chief for any of the following :
r .
106.01 Storage, handling, or use of Class I or Class II flammable
liquids in excess of 1 gallon in a dwelling or other place of human habitation ;
or in excess of 6 gallons in any other building or other occupancy ; or in
excess of 10 gallons outside of any building ; except that no permit shall be
required for the following :
106.01-1 For the storage or use of flammable liquids in the fuel
tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant, or mobile
heating plant. -
106.01-2 For the storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes, or
similar flammable mixtures when such liquids are stored for maintenance,
painting, or similar purposes for a period of not more than 30 days.
106.02 Storage, handling, or use of - Class III flammable liquids in
excess of 25 gallons in a building ; or in excess of 60 gallons outside of a
building.
106.03 For the manufacture, processing, blending, or refining of flam-
mable liquids.
106.04 For the storage of flammable liquids in stationary tanks.
107. Inspection and Approval.
107.01 Application for a permit to construct or erect facilities for the
storage, handling or use of flammable liquids as herein required shall be made
in writing to the Chief. The Chief shall then muse to be made an inspection
of the premises and equipment proposed to be used. If they are found to be
in compliance with this ordinance, a statement to that effect shall be noted on
the application and the application signed by the person making the inspection
The Chief shall thereupon issue a permit as applied for.
107.02 Before operating any equipment or storing any flammable liquid,
or covering the underground portions of any such equipment for which a
permit is required, notification shall be given to the Chief and he shall, within
two working days thereof, cause such premises or equipment to be inspected.
107.03 The Chief may at any reasonable time inspect premises, build-
ings, installations, or equipment for the storage, handling, or use of flammable
liquids. If a violation of this ordinance is found to exist, he shall file with
the owner, occupant, or operator a notice citing the violation and ordering its
correction. If such order is not complied with, the Chief may suspend the
permit issued for such facility.
107.04 Containers, tanks, equipment and apparatus meeting the stand-
ards of nationally recognized inspection or test laboratories shall be con-
sidered as meeting the requirements of this section.
CHAPTER II. STORAGE I
CHAPTER II.
STORAGE.
Part OneStorageAboveground (Outside of Buildings).
201. Restricted Locations : The storage of , Class I and II flammable
liquids in aboveground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited within the
following limits : ( Note : These limits to be specified. They should include
the mercantile and other congested districts.)
202. Location with Respect to Property Lines : Location of an above-
ground tank for storage of flammable liquids with respect to distance from
the nearest line of adjoining property which may be built upon, shall be
such that the distance between any part of the tank and the line shall be not
less than that set forth in the following :
MINIMUM DISTANCE OF OUTSIDE ABOVEGROUND TANKS FOR FLAMMABLE
LIQUIDS OTHER THAN CRUDE PETROLEUM To LINE OF ADJOINING
PROPERTY WHICH MAY BE BUILT UPON.
Class or
Flammable
Capacity of Tank Liquid Minimum Distaaw
0 to 275 gals. III 0 feet
276 to 750 gals. III 5 feet
0 to 750 gals. I and II 10 feet
751 to 12,000 gals. III 10 feet
751 to 12,000 gals. I and II 15 feet
12,001 to 24,000 gals. I, II, and 1II 15 feet
24,001 to 30,000 gals. I, II, and III 20 feet
30,001 to 50,000 gals. I, II, and III 25 feet
Tanks with capacities in excess of 50,000 gallons and all tanks for storage of
crude petroleum shall be located in accordance with the following provisions :
GROUP A TANKS. Any all-steel, gas-tight tank constructed incom-
pliance with these or equivalent standards and equipped either with ( 1 ) an
approved permanently attached extinguishing system or (2) an approved
floating roof, which is to be used only for the storage of refined petroleum
products or other flammable liquids not subject to boil-over, shall be so located
that the distance from the line of adjoining property which may be built upon
shall be not less than the greatest dimension of diameter or height of the
tank, except that such distance need not exceed 120 feet.
GROUP B TANKS. Any all-steel, gas-tight tank constructed in com-
pliance with these or equivalent standards but not equipped either with. ( 1 ) an
approved permanently attached extinguishing system or (2) an approved
floating roof, which is to be used only for the storage of refined petroleum
products or other flammable liquids not subject to boil-over, shall be , so
10 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
located that the distance from the line of adjoining property which may be
built upon shall be not less than 1% times the greatest dimension of diameter
or height of the tank, except that such distance need not exceed 175 feet.
GROUP C TANKS. Any all-steel, gas-tight tank constructed in com-
pliance with these or equivalent standards and equipped either with ( 1) an
approved permanently attached extinguishing system or (2) an approved
floating roof, which is to be used for the storage of crude petroleum,* shall
be so located that the distance from the line of adjoining property which may
be built upon shall be not less than twice the greatest dimension of diameter
or height of the tank except that such distance shall be not less than 20 feet
and need not exceed 175 feet.
GROUP D TANKS. Any all-steel, gas-tight tank constructed in com-
pliance with these or equivalent standards and not equipped either with ( 1 ) an
approved permanently attached extinguishing system or (2) an approved
floating roof, which is to be used for the storage of crude petroleum,* shall
be so located that the distance from the line of adjoining property which may
be built upon shall be not less than three times the greatest dimension of
diameter or height of the tank except that such distance shall not be less than
20 feet and need not exceed 350 feet.
NOTE: The term "approved permanently attached extinguishing
syste t" as used in the foregoing description may be interpreted to apply
to a fixed foam or other recognized extinguishing system embodying a
supply of the extinguishing medium, or a system employing a pipe line
for conveying foam from a point outside the dike to the tank, subject to
the approval of the enforcing authority. Where reliance is placed upon
such a pipe for conveying foam, the pipe tine should be so installed and
attached as to be an integral part of the tank. Approved portable foam
generating equipment of sufficient capacity should be available on the
property, by response of a municipal fire department or otherwise readily
available, and there should be on hand or readily available a sufficient
supply of foam-producing materials as specified in the NFPA Standards
for Foom Extinguishing Systems."
202.01 In particular installations these provisions may be altered at
the discretion of the Chief after consideration of the special features such as
topographical conditions ; nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings on
adjoining property and height and character of construction of such buildings ;
capacity and construction of proposed tanks and character of liquids to be
stored ; degree of private fire protection to be provided, and facilities of the
fire department to cope with flammable liquid fires.
203. Spacing Between Tanks.
203.01 The location of a tank for the storage of any flammable liquid
with respect to any such other tank shall be such that the distance between
them shall be not less than 3 ft.
'Certain products. not petroleum products, handled in special proems and chemical
plants may have boil-over characteristics somewhat like those of crude petroleum.
"Standard No. 11 ( 1951 ) published in National Fire Codes Vol. IV and in separate
Pamphlet form : available from National Fire Protection Association, 60 Battary-
march St., Boston 10, Mass.
CHAPTER H. STORAGE 11
203.02 For tanks above 50,000 gallons individual capacity storing any
flammable liquid, except crude petroleum in producing areas, the distance
shall be not less than one-half the diameter of the smaller tank.
203.03 For tanks storing crude petroleum above 126,000 gallons
(3,000 bbls.) individual capacity, the distance shall be not less than the diam-
eter of the smaller tank.
204. Foundations and Supports: Tanks shall rest directly on the ground
or on foundations or supports of concrete, masonry, piling, or steel. Exposed
piling or steel supports shall be protected by fire -resistive materials to
provide a fire -resistance rating of not less than two hours.
204.01 ANCHORAGE: Where a tank is located in an area that may be
subjected to flooding, the applicable precautions outlined in Appendix B shall
be observed.
205. Stairs, Platforms and Walkways: Stairs, platforms and walkways
shall be of steel, concrete, or wood.
206. Dikes and Walls.
206.01 CRUDE PETROLEUM: Tanks or groups of tanks containing crude
petroleum* shall be diked or other suitable means taken to prevent discharge
of liquid from endangering adjoining property or reaching waterways. Where
a diked enclosure is required under this section, it shall have a capacity not
less than that of the tank or tanks, provided, however, that a single diked
enclosure shall not contain a group of tanks having a total capacity in excess
of 170,000 barrels.
206.02 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OTHER THAN CRUDE PETROLEUM: Indi-
vidual tanks or groups of tanks, where deemed necessary by the Chief on
account of proximity to waterways, character of topography, or nearness
to structures of high value, or to places of habitation or assembly, shall be
diked or the yard shall be provided with a curb or other suitable means
taken to prevent the spread of liquid onto other property or waterways.
Where a diked enclosure is required under this section, it shall have a net
capacity not less than that of the largest tank plus 10 per cent of the aggre-
gate capacity of all other tanks served by the enclosure.
206.03 DIKE CONSTRUCTION: Except where protection is provided by
natural topography, dikes or retaining walls required under the foregoing
section shall be of earth, concrete or solid masonry designed to be liquid tight
and to withstand a full hydraulic head, and so constructed as to provide the
required protection. Earthen dikes 3 ft. or more in height shall have a flat
section at the top not less than 2 ft. wide. The slope shall be consistent with
the angle of repose of the material of which the dikes are constructed. Unless
means are available for extinguishing a fire in any tank containing crude
petroleum, dikes and walls enclosing such tanks shall be provided at the top
with a flareback section designed to turn back a boil -over wave, provided,
however, that a flareback section shall not be required for dikes and walls
enclosing approved floating roof tanks.
•Certain products, not Petroleum Products, handled in special process and chemical
plants may have boil -over characteristics somewhat like those of crude petroleum.
12 FLAMMABLE LIOUIDS ORDINANCE
206.04 DRAINAGE: Where provision is made for draining rain water
from diked areas, such drains shall normally be kept closed and shall be so
designed that when in use, they will not permit flammable liquids to enter
natural water courses, public sewers, or public drains, if their presence would
constitute a hazard.
207. Design and Construction of Tanks Operating at Substantially
Atmospheric Pressure: Tanks shall be built of steel or concrete unless
character of liquid stored requires other materials. Steel commonly known
as "Mill Seconds" shall not be used. Tanks built of materials other than
steel or concrete shall be designed to specifications embodying safety factors
equivalent to those herein specified for steel tanks. Concrete tanks built in
accordance with "Standards for the Design and Construction of Concrete
Fuel Oil Storage Tanks (1922)" adopted by the National Fire Protection
Association and published in National Fire Codes, Vol. 1, (1948), shall be
deemed prima facie evidence of compliance with this section and three copies
of this standard shall be filed by the Chief with the city clerk and kept
available for examination." Such (unlined) concrete tanks shall only be
used for storage of liquids having a gravity of 400 A.P.I. or heavier. Con-
crete tanks with special linings may be used for other services provided the
design is approved by the Chief. Steel tanks shall be built in accordance with
is approved by the Chief. Steel tanks shall be built in accordance with the
the requirements of the following paragraphs. All shop -built tanks shall be
tested at a pressure of not less than five and not more than ten pounds per
square inch (measured at the top of the tank) for a period of at least ten
minutes without leakage or permanent deformation.
207.01 FIELD ERECTED VERTICAL TANKS: Vertical tanks erected in
the field and built in accordance with American Petroleum Institute
Standard No. 12A, 7th Edition, March 1941, "Specification for Standard
Tanks with Riveted Shells for Oil Storage," or American Petroleum
Institute Standard No. 12C, 9th Edition, October 1950, "Specification for
Welded Oil Storage Tanks,"t shall be deemed to comply with this section
and three copies of this standard shall be filed by the Chief with the city clerk
and kept available for examination.**
207.02 SMALL SHOP BUILT VERTICAL TANKS: Vertical tanks not
over 1,100 gallons capacity shall meet the following standards:
Minimum Thickness of steel
Capacity (Gallons)
U. S.
Standard
1- 60
18
gauge
61- 350
16
gauge
351- 560
14
gauge
561 - 1,100
12
gauge
207.03 LARGE SHOP BUILT VERTICAL TANKS: Vertical tanks over
1,100 gallons capacity shall meet the following standards:
'Available from National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St.. Boston 10,
Mass.
"This section should conform to local law and proctice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with this ordinance.
Monies of these standards available from: American Petroleum Institute, 60 West
50th Street, New York 20, N. Y.
CHAPTER II. STORAGE 13 -
For tanks up to 25 ft. in height the shell shall be not less than 3/16 in.
thick. For tanks from 25 to 30 ft. high the bottom ring shall be not less
than '/y in. thick and the remainder of the shell not less than 3/16 in. thick.
For tanks between 30 and 35 ft. high, the first two rings shall be not less
than / in. thick and the remainder of the shell not less than 3/16 in. thick
All / in. thick rings shall be not less than 5 ft. wide.
The tops of tanks shall be either dished or cone -shaped and of not less
than No. 10 U. S. Standard gauge steel.
Tanks shall be welded, or riveted and caulked, or otherwise made tight
in a workmanlike manner. The roof of the tank shall be securely fastened
to the top ring of the shell with a joint having the same tightness as the
joints between rings. The joint between roof and shell shall be weaker than
any other joints in the shell of the tank. Joints in the roof shall be welded
or riveted or made tight by other process satisfactory to the Chief. Roofs
of tanks shall have no unprotected openings.
NOTE: Tanks in this category which have been labeled by the
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. may be considered as meeting the
requirements of this section.
207.04 PRODUCTION TANKS: Vertical tanks not exceeding 126,000
gallons (3,000 bbls.) individual capacity,* when used for crude petroleum
storage in oil producing areas, shall be deemed prima facie evidence of com-
pliance with this section when built in accordance with American Petroleum
Institute Standard No. 12B, 5th Edition, Sept. 1944, with Supplement No. 4,
dated December 1949 —"Specification for Standard Bolted Tanks," and Stand-
ard 12D, 3rd Edition, Sept. 1911 "Welded Production Tanks," and
"Supplement No. 2, August 1947" thereto.**
207.05 SHOP BUILT HORIZONTAL TANKS: Horizontal tanks shall be
constructed in accordance with accepted engineering practice and shall meet
the following minimum requirements: Joints shall be riveted and caulked,
riveted and welded, or welded. Tank heads over 6 ft. in diameter shall be
dished, -stayed, braced, or reinforced.
207.05-1 SMALL SHOP BUILT HORIZONTAL TANKS: Horizontal
tanks not over 1,100 gallons capacity shall meet the following standards:
Capacity
(Gallons)
Minimum
ti Thickness of Steel
Standard
1 to
60
18
gauge
61 to
275
14
gauge
276 to
550
12
gauge
551 to
1,100
10
gauge
207.05-2 LARGE SHOP BUILT HORIZONTAL TANKS: Horizontal .
tanks over 1,100 �l gallons �capacity having a diameter of not over 6 ft made
of steel shall be t e in. or greater nominal thickness. Tanks having a diameter
of over 6 ft. and not more than 12 ft., made of steel, shall be / in. or greater
nominal thickness.
*This section should conform to local law and practice with respect to adoption by
reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with the ordinance.
Copies of these standards available from American Petroleum. Institute, 60 West
60th Street, New York 20, N. Y.
14 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS _ cE
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CHAPTER II. STORAGE Is
NOTE: Tanks in this category which have been labeled by the
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. may be considered as meeting the
requirements of this section.
208. Vents.
208.01 VENTS FOR NORMAL BREATHING: Tanks shall have normal
venting capacity sufficient to permit the filling and emptying of such tanks,
plus their breathing due to temperature changes, without distortion of tank
shell or roof. Tanks storing Class I and Class II flammable liquids shall be
equipped where practical + with either venting devices which shall be nor-
mally closed when not under pressure or vacuum, or with approved flame
arresters,** except that tanks under 2,500 gallons capacity for Class I liquids
and tanks under 3,000 barrels capacity for crude oil in producing areas may
have open vents.
208.02 VENTS FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF: In addition to the provisions
for normal venting herein required, every aboveground storage tank shall
have some form of construction or device that will relieve excessive internal
pressure, caused by exposure fires, that might cause the rupture of the tank
shell or bottom. In a vertical tank, this construction may take the form of a
weakened seam in the roof. The joint between the roof and the shell of a
tank 36 ft. or more in diameter, if built in accordance with Section 207.01 of
this ordinance, shall be deemed to be a weakened seam for this purpose.
Where entire dependence for such additional relief is placed upon some
device other than a weak roof seam or joint, the total venting capacity of
both normal and emergency vents shall be enough to prevent rupture of the
shell or bottom of the tank if vertical, or of the shell or heads if horizontal.
Such device may be a self -closing manhole cover, or one using long bolts
that permits the cover to lift under internal pressure, or an additional or
larger relief valve or valves. For the purpose of computing the number and
area of such vents and emergency relief devices, reference may be made to
the table, Required Capacities for Emergency Relief (preceding page).
209. Tank Valves: Each connection to an aboveground tank storing flam-
mable liquids, located below normal liquid level, shall be provided with an
internal or external control valve located as close as practicable to the shell
of the tank. Except for flammable liquids whose chemical characteristics are
incompatible with steel, such valves, when external, and their connections to
the tank shall be of steel.
Part Two.
Storage
Underground
or in Buildings.
210. Underground.
210.01 LOCATION CLASS I AND II: An underground tank for Class I
or Class II flammable liquids shall be located not less than the distance indi-
cated in the table below, measured horizontally from the nearest point of the
shell to the nearest line of adjoining property that may be built upon and
the nearest outside wall of any basement, pit, or cellar, of which the floor is
•Condensation and crystallization of certain products and freezing in winter may
make conservation vents and particularly flame arresters impractical for these
products and for use In very cold weather.
••Where the liquids stored have flesh points in the range of normal summer tempera-
tures. the vapor space above the liquid In the tank will normally contain vapors
in the explosive range. On such tanks flame arresters have their most important
application.
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
lower in elevation than the top of such tank. Where such location causes
unnecessary hardship, an underground tank may be placed closer than the
distance specified if enclosed, encased or otherwise protected from physical
damage.
MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM UNDERGROUND TANKS FOR CLASS I OR II
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS TO BASEMENTS OR TO LINE OF ADJOINING
PROPERTY THAT MAY BE BUILT UPON.
Location
It too of tank is above the lowest
Individual Tank Capacity floor, basement, cellar or part of
Class I and If any building which is not less than:
550 Gallons 5 feet away
5,000 gallons 10 feet away
10,000 gallons 15 feet away
15,000 gallons 20 feet away
Unlimited 25 feet away
210.02 DEPTH AND COVER: Underground tanks shall be set on firm
foundation and surrounded with soft earth or sand well -tamped in place.
Tanks shall be covered with a minimum of 2 ft. of earth, or shall be covered
with not less than one foot of earth on top of which shall be placed a slab
of reinforced concrete not less than four (4) inches thick. When subjected
to traffic, tanks shall be protected against damage from vehicles passing over
them by at least 3 ft. of earth cover, or 18 inches of well -tamped earth, plus
either 8 inches of asphaltic concrete or 6 inches of reinforced concrete. When
asphaltic or reinforced concrete paving is used as part of the -protection it
must extend at least 1 ft. horizontally beyond the outline of the tank in all
directions.
210.03 ANCHORAGE: Where a tank may become buoyant due to a rise
in the level of the water table or due to location in an area that may be
subjected to flooding, the applicable precautions outlined in Appendix B shall
be observed to anchor the tank in place.
211. Inside of Buildings, Class I or II: Tanks for storage of Class I
and II flammable liquids shall not be installed inside buildings except as pro-
vided under Chapters V and VII. Tanks for storage of Class I and II flam-
mable liquids may be installed under a building as an underground tank
complying with Section 210.
212. Inside of Buildings, Class III: Unenclosed tanks shall not be located
within 5 ft., horizontally, of any fire or flame. Tanks larger than 60 gallons
capacity shall not be located in buildings above the lowest story, cellar or
basement, except in commercial, industrial or process plants where storage on
a higher floor is required by the process. Tanks exceeding 275 gallons indi-
vidual capacity or 550 gallons aggregate capacity in an individual building or
in a section of a building separated by firewalls shall be installed in an
enclosure constructed as follows: The walls of the enclosure shall be con-
structed of reinforced concrete at least 6 in. thick or of brick at least 8 in.
thick. Such enclosures shall be installed only on concrete or other fire -
resistive floors and shall be bonded to the floors. Enclosures shall have tops
of reinforced concrete at least 5 in. thick or equivalent fire -resistive con-
struction, except that where floor or roof construction above the enclosure is
concrete or other fire -resistive construction, the walls may be extended to
and bonded to the underside of the construction above in lieu of the provision
II. STORAGE 17
of a separate top. Any openings to such enclosures shall be provided with
fire doors or other approved closures and six-inch noncombustible liquid tight
sills or ramps. Provision shall be made for adequate ventilation of such
enclosures prior to entering for inspection or repairs to tanks. In buildings
of ordinary construction, the nominal gross capacity of tanks shall not exceed
5,000 gallons. In fire -resistive buildings the nominal gross capacity of the
tanks shall not exceed 15,000 gallons. In any building, if in a fire -resistive
or detached room cut off vertically and horizontally in an approved manner
from other floors of the main building, the nominal gross capacity of tanks
shall not exceed 50,000 gallons, with an individual tank capacity not exceeding
25,000 gallons.
213. Design and Construction of Tanks.
213.01 UNDERGROUND TANKS OR ENCLOSED TANKS INSIDE OF BUILD-
INGS: Tanks shall be designed and constructed to withstand safely the service
to which subjected. Material other than steel, if used, shall be of suitable
durability and of thicknesses providing equivalent strength to that provided
by steel. Steel commonly known as "mill seconds" shall not be used. Steel
tanks shall be of a minimum gauge (U. S. Standard) in accordance with
the following table:
Minimum Nominal Thickness of Materiel
U. S. Standard
Pounds per
Capacity (Gallons)
Gauge
Square Foot
I to 285
No. 14
3.125
286 to 560
No. 12
4.375
561 to 1,100
No. 10
5.625
1,101 to 4,000
No. 7
7.50
4,001 to 12,000
/ in.
10.00
12,001 to 20,000
I°s in.
12.50
20,001 to 30,000
34 in.
15.00
If adequate internal
bracing is provided, tanks of
12,001 to 30,000 gallons
capacity may be built of /
in. plate.
213.02 UNENCLOSED TANKS INSIDE OF BUILDINGS: Tanks of this
category used for Class III flammable liquids shall not exceed 275 gallons
individual capacity. They may be cylindrical or of a special form which has
been demonstrated by appropriate tests to possess strength and tightness of
an acceptable degree. Material other than steel, if used, shall be of suitable
durability and thickness to provide strength equivalent to that provided by
steel. Steel commonly known as "mill seconds" shall not be used. Steel
tanks shall be of a minimum gauge (U. S. Standard) in accordance with the
following table:
Minimum Nominal Thickness of Material
U. S. Standard Founds per
Capacity (Gallons) Gauge Square Foot
1 to 180 No. 16 2.50
181 to 275 No. 14 3.125
NOTE: Tanks in this category which have been labeled by the
Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., may be considered as meeting the
requirements of this section.
18 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
214. Support of Tanks in Buildings: Inside storage tanks shall be
securely supported to prevent settling, sliding, or lifting.
215. Tank Connections for Tanks Underground or in Buildings.
215.01 VENTS.
215.01-1 LOCATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF VENTS -CLASS I
OR II: Vent pipes from tanks storing Class I or Class II flammable liquids
shall be so located that the discharge point is outside of buildings, higher than
the fill pipe opening, and not less than 12 ft. above the adjacent ground level.
Vent pipes shall discharge only upward or horizontally (not downward) in
order to disperse vapors. Vent pipes 2 in. or less in nominal inside diameter
shall not be obstructed by devices that will reduce their capacity and thus
cause excessive back pressure. Vent pipe outlets shall be so located that
flammable vapors will not enter building openings, or be trapped under eaves
or other obstructions. If the vent pipe is less than 10 ft. in length or greater
than 2 in. in nominal inside diameter, the outlet shall be provided with a
vacuum and pressure relief device or there shall be an approved flame arrester
located in the vent line at the outlet or within the approved distance from the
outlet. In no case shall a flame arrester be located more than 15 feet from
the outlet end of the vent line.
215.01-2 LOCATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF VENTS —CLASS III:
Vent pipes from tanks storing Class III flammable liquids shall terminate
outside of building and higher than the fill pipe opening. Vent outlets shall be
above normal snow level. They may be fitted with return bends, coarse
screens or other devices to minimize ingress of foreign material.
215.01-3 SIZE OF VENTS: Each tank shall be vented through
piping adequate in size to prevent blow -back of vapor or liquid at the fill
opening while tank is being filled. Vent pipes shall be not less than 1% in.
nominal inside diameter.
215.01-4 VENT PIPING: Vent pipes shall be so laid as to drain
toward the tank without sags or traps in which liquid can collect. They shall
be located so that they will not be subjected to physical damage above
ground. Vent pipes from tanks storing the same class of flammable liquids
may be connected into one outlet pipe. The outlet pipe shall at least be one
pipe -size larger than the largest individual vent pipe connected thereto. In no
case shall the point of connection between vent lines be lower than the top
of any fill -pipe opening. The lower end of a vent pipe shall enter the tank
through the top and shall not extend into the tank more than 1 inch.
215.02 FILL AND DISCHARGE PIPING: Filling and discharge lines far
Class I and Class II liquids, and for Class III liquids where practicable, shall
enter tanks only through the top and shall be graded toward the tank.
215.03 FILL OPENINGS: The fill pipe opening shall be located outside
of any building. For Class I or II flammable liquid storage the fill pipe
opening shall be not less than 5 feet from any door or cellar opening. For
Class III flammable liquid storage the fill pipe opening shall be not less than
2 feet from any building opening at the same or lower level. The fill -pipe
opening shall be closed and liquid tight when not in use. Fill -pipe for filling
by. tank car or tank truck shall be not larger than 4 in. nominal inside
diameter and shall not be constricted. Fill -pipe openings shall be identified
by a definite color scheme or other means.
CHAPTER III. PIPING, VALVES, AND FITTINGS 19
215.04 GAUGE OPENINGS: Gauge openings, if independent of fill -pipe,
shall be provided with liquid -tight cap or cover. Where Class I or Class II
liquids are stored within a building, such gauge opening shall be protected
against vapor release or liquid overflow by means of a spring -loaded check
valve or other approved device.
215.05 DRAINAGE of TANKS IN BUILDINGS: Inside storage tanks for
Class III flammable liquids shall be provided with draw -off or drain openings.
Tanks shall be installed so that the bottom pitches to the draw -off or drain
openings at a slope of not less than / in. per foot of length. The draw -off or
drain opening shall be provided with suitable connection to provide a sump
from which water or sediment can be drained readily.
216. Testing: Before being covered or placed in use, tanks and piping
connected thereto must pass a test for tightness. Where the vent outlet is
not more than 15 feet above the top of the tank the test pressure shall be at
least 5 psi and either air or hydrostatic pressure may be used. Where the
vent outlet is more than 15 feet above the top of the tank the test shall be
made under hydrostatic pressure with the vent line flooded. In special cases
where the height of the vent above the top of the tank is excessive the hydro-
static test pressure shall be specified by the Chief.
CHAPTER III.
PIPING, VALVES, AND FITTINGS.
301. Materials and Design: Piping, valves, and fittings for flammable
liquids shall be designed for the working pressures and structural stresses to
which they may be subjected. They may be of steel or other materials suitable
for use with the liquid being handled. Pipe -wall thicknesses determined by
reference to "American Standard Code for Pressure Piping (A.S.A. 831.1,
Edition of 1942, with Supplements B31 -la, November 1944, and B31 -lb,
April 1947)" shall be deemed prima facie evidence of compliance with this
section; provided, however, that light -wall piping under Schedule 40 of that
code shall be permitted when complying with other provisions of the code!'
All threaded joints and connections shall be made up with a suitable piping
compound.
302. Protection Against Corrosion: All piping for flammable liquids,
both aboveground and underground, where subject to external corrosion,
shall be painted or otherwise protected.
303. Supports: Pipe systems shall be substantially supported and protected
against physical damage and excessive stresses arising from settlement, vibra-
tion, expansion or contraction.
•Available from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 29 West 89th St.,
New York 18, N. Y. These provisions shall apply to all piping for flammable liquids
which falls within the scope of this ordinance, even though the code of reference data
not refer specifically to each type of installation.
•'This section should conform to local law and practice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with the ordinance.
20 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
304. Valves: Pipe systems shall contain a sufficient number of valves to
operate the system properly and to protect the plant. Pipe systems in con-
nection with pumps shall contain a sufficient number of valves properly to
control the flow of liquid in normal operation and in the event of physical
damage. Connections to pipe lines, by which equipment such as tank cars or
tank trucks discharge flammable liquids by means of centrifugal pumps into
aboveground storage tanks, shall be provided with check valves for automatic
protection against back -flow.
CHAPTER IV.
BULK PLANTS.
401. Location of Plants: No new bulk plant shall be constructed within
the portion of the city hereinafter described. (These limits to be defined as
comprising such areas as those zoned solely for residential occupancies, and
for mercantile establishments predominantly retail in character.)
402. Storage.
402.01 STORAGE -CLASS I OR II: Class I and Class II flammable
liquids shall be stored in closed containers, or in storage tanks aboveground
outside of buildings, or underground. (See Chapter II of this ordinance.)
402.02 STORAGE -CLASS III: Class III flammable liquids shall be
stored in containers, or in tanks within buildings or aboveground outside of
buildings, or underground. (See Chapter II of this ordinance.)
402.03 STORAGE OF CONTAINERS: Containers of flammable liquids
when piled one upon the other shall be separated by dunnage, sufficient to
provide stability and to prevent excessive stress on container walls. The
height of piles shall be consistent with stability and strength of containers.
403. Filling and Emptying Containers: Containers of Class I or Class II
flammable liquids shall not be drawn from or filled within buildings unless
provision is made to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors in
hazardous concentrations.
404. Ventilation: Ventilation shall be provided for all rooms, buildings,
or enclosures in which Class I or Class II flammable liquids are pumped or
dispensed. Design of ventilation systems shall take into account the relatively
high specific gravity of the vapors. Ventilation may be provided by adequate
openings in outside walls at floor level unobstructed except by louvers or
coarse screens. Where natural ventilation is impracticable, mechanical ven-
tilation shall be provided. Mechanical systems, for removing flammable
vapors, designed, installed and operated in accordance with National Fire
Protection Association standards for the "Installation of Blower and Exhaust
Systems" published in National Fire Codes, Vol. III, 1951, shall be deemed
prima facie evidence of compliance with this section and three copies of this
standard shall be filed with the city clerk by the Chief and kept available for
examination.**
'Printed separately as pamphlet No. 91. Available from National Fire Protection
Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston 10, Meas.; also available from National
Board of Fire Underwriters, 85 John St., New York 38, N. Y. (Pamphlet No. 91).
••This section should conform to local law and practice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with this ordinance.
CHAPTER IV. BULK PLANTS
405. Buildings.
405.01 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: Buildings shall be constructed so that
rooms in which flammable liquids are handled or stored, comply with the
requirements of the zone or area in which located. Class I and Class II
flammable liquids shall not be stored or handled within a building having a
basement or pit into which flammable vapors may travel, unless such area is
provided with ventilation designed to prevent the accumulation of flammable
vapors therein.
405.02 EXITS: Rooms storing flammable liquids or in which flammable
liquids are handled by pumps shall have exit facilities arranged to prevent
occupants being trapped in the event of fire.*
405.03 HEATING: Rooms in which Class I or Class II flammable
liquids are stored or handled shall be heated only by means not constituting a
source of ignition, such as steam or hot water. Rooms containing heating
appliances involving sources of ignition shall be located and arranged to
prevent entry of flammable vapors.
406. Loading and Unloading Facilities.
406.01 TRUCK LOADING RACKS.
406.01-1 LOCATION: Truck loading racks dispensing Class I or
Class II flammable liquids shall be separated from tanks, warehouses, other
plant buildings, and nearest line of property that may be built upon by a clear
distance of not less than 25 ft., measured from the nearest position of any
fill stem. Buildings for pumps or for shelter of loading personnel may be
part of the loading rack.
406.01-2 STATIC PROTECnoN: The following types of truck
loading racks shall be equipped with protection against static sparks during
truck filling: —racks dispensing Class I or Class II flammable liquids into
open domes of tank trucks, and racks dispensing Class III flammable liquids
into open domes of tank trucks which may contain flammable vapors from
previous cargoes of Class I or Class II flammable liquids. Protection shall
consist of a bare metallic bond -wire permanently electrically connected to the
fill -stem or some part of the fill -stem piping. The free end of such wire
shall be provided with a clamp or similar device for convenient attachment to
some metallic part of the cargo tank of the tank truck. The bond -wire
connection shall be made prior to opening the dome covers. It shall be
maintained in place during the entire filling operation and the dome covers
shall be securely dosed before the bond -wire is disconnected from the
cargo tank.
406.01-3 DRAG CHAINS: Drag chains or similar devices on
tank. trucks shall not be deemed to meet the requirements of the preceding
paragraph for static protection.
NOTE: The term "tank truck" or "truck" is intended to cover all
types of vehicles used for the bulk transportation of flammable liquids on
highways. It specifically includes tank full -trailers and tank semi -trailers
as well as conventional tank trucks.
406.02 TANK CAR RACKS: Class I and Class II flammable liquids
shall not be discharged from or loaded into tank cars unless protection against
*See NFPA Building Exits Code, 1951.
22 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
stray currents has been provided and is used. Protection designed and
installed in accordance with Circulars of the Association of American Rail-
roads, No. 17-D, dated August 1, 1947,* and No. 17-E, dated August 1, 1947*
shall be deemed prima facie evidence of compliance with this section and three
copies of each circular shall be filed with the city clerk by the Chief and
kept available for examination.**
406.03 CONTAINER FILLING FACILITIES: Class I and Class II flam-
mable liquids shall not be run into containers unless the nozzle and container
are electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floorplate on which the
container stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where
the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling operations by means of
a bond -wire, the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have been
complied with.
406.04 DRAINS: Provision shall be made to prevent flammable liquids
which may be spilled at loading or unloading points from entering public
sewers and drainage systems, or natural waterways. Connections to such
sewers, drains, or waterways by which flammable liquids might enter shall be
provided with separator boxes or other approved means whereby such entry
is precluded.
407. Electrical Equipment: All wiring and electrical equipment including
motors and electrical switch gear for pumps handling Class I or Class II
flammable liquids shall be designed and installed so as to not create an ignition
hazard. Electrical equipment designed and installed in accordance with the
Standards known as the "National Electrical Code" (1951), as published by
the National Fire Protection Association] shall be deemed to be in com-
pliance with this section.
408. Sources of Ignition: Class I or Class II flammable liquids shall not
be handled, drawn, or dispensed where flammable vapors may reach a source
of ignition. Smoking shall be prohibited except in designated localities.
"NO SMOKING" signs shall be conspicuously posted where hazard from
flammable liquids vapors is normally present.
409. Fire Control: Suitable first -aid fire -control devices, such as small
hose or portable extinguishers, shall be available to locations where fires are
likely to occur. Additional fire -control equipment may be required where a
tank of more than 50,000 gallons individual capacity contains Class I or
Class II flammable liquids and where an unusual exposure hazard exists from
surrounding property. Such additional fire -control equipment shall be suffi-
cient to extinguish a fire in the largest tank. The design and amount of such
equipment shall be in accordance with approved engineering standards.
NOTE: This ordinance does not cover the design or operation of
petroleum wharves, found in bulk terminals (shore). A guide to regula-
tion of petroleum wharves was published in 1938 by NFPA under the
title "Suggested Ordinance for Petroleum Wharves" and may be consulted
for applicable sections.
OAvailable from the Association of American Railroads, 69 East Van Buren St.,
Chicago. Ill.
**This section should conform to local law and practice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with the ordinance.
tNational Fire Codes, Volume V or as pamphlet No. 70; also available from the
National Board of Fire Underwriters, 85 John St., New York 38, N. Y. (Pamphlet
No. 70).
CHAPTER V. SERVICE STATIONS 23
CHAPTER V.
SERVICE STATIONS.
501. Location: Apparatus dispensing Class I flammable liquids into the
fuel tanks of motor vehicles of the public shall not be located at a bulk plant
unless separated by a fence or similar barrier from the area in which bulk -
operations are conducted.
501.01 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION: Buildings shall be constructed so
that rooms in which flammable liquids are handled or stored comply with
the requirements of the zone or area in which located. Class I and Class
II flammable liquids shall not be stored or handled within a building having
a basement or pit into which flammable vapors may travel, unless such area
is provided with ventilation designed to prevent the accumulation of flam-
mable vapors therein.
502. Storage and Handling
502.01 GENERAL PROVISIONS: Class I and Class II flammable liquids
shall be stored in closed containers, or in tanks located underground or in
special enclosures as described in section 502.02. Class III flammable liquids
shall be stored in containers or in tanks located underground or in special
enclosures as described in section 502.02. Aboveground tanks, located in an
adjoining bulk plant, may be connected by piping to service station under-
ground tanks if, in addition to valves at aboveground tanks, a valve is also
installed within control of service station personnel.
502.02 SPECIAL ENCLOSURES: When installation of tanks in accord-
ance with section 210 is impractical because of property or building limita-
tions, tanks for flammable liquids may be installed in buildings if enclosed as
follows: Enclosure shall be substantially liquid and vapor tight without
backfill. Sides, top and bottom of the enclosure shall be of reinforced con-
crete at least 6 inches thick, with openings for inspection through the top
only. Tank connections shall be so piped or closed that neither vapors nor
liquid can escape into the enclosed space. Means shall be provided whereby
portable equipment may be employed to discharge to the outside any vapors
which might accumulate should leakage occur.
502.03 STORAGE INSIDE BUILDINGS: No Class I flammable liquids
shall be stored or handled Within any service station building except packaged
items, for example: cleaning fluid received and resold in unbroken metallic
containers of not over one (1) gallon capacity each, or in approved non-
metallic containers of not more than one quart capacity each. Class II
flammable liquids in closed containers may be stored inside the station
building. A container equipped with an approved pump shall be considered
a closed container for purposes of storage only. No Class I or Class II
flammable liquids shall be dispensed, or transferred from one container to
another, inside of a service station building, provided, however, that flammable
anti -freeze liquids may be dispensed in rooms of a service station building
provided such rooms have approved heating devices and provided also that
there is no open flame in such room lower than 8 ft. above floor level.
Class III liquids may be stored and dispensed inside service station buildings
from approved containers of not more than 120 gallons capacity each.
24 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
502.04 LABELING: No sale or purchase of any Class I, II or III
flammable liquids shall be made in containers unless such containers are
clearly marked with the name of the product contained therein.
503. Dispensing Devices.
503.01 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: Class I and Class II flammable
liquids shall be transferred from underground tanks by means of fixed pumps
so designed and equipped as to allow control of the flow and to prevent leakage
or accidental discharge. Supplemental means shall be provided outside of the
dispensing device whereby the source of power may be readily disconnected in
the event of fire or other accident. Dispensing devices for Class I or Class II
flammable liquids shall be of approved type. Devices meeting the standards
of the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., shall be deemed to be in compliance
with this section. Class I or Class II flammable liquids shall not be dispensed
by pressure or gravity from drums, barrels, and similar containers. Gear
pumps or similar positive displacement devices taking suction through the top
of the container shall be used. Class I and Class II flammable liquids shall
not be dispensed by a device that operates through pressure within a storage
tank, unless the tank has been approved as a pressure vessel for the use to
which it is subjected. In no case shall air or gas pressure be used for this
purpose.
503.02 AUTOMATIC DISPENSING DEVICES: The dispensing of Class I
flammable liquids into the fuel tank of a vehicle or container shall at all times
be under the manual control of a competent person. The use of any device
which permits the dispensing of Class I flammable liquids, when the hand of
the operator of the discharge nozzle is removed from the nozzle control
lever, is hereby forbidden. The installation and use of coin -operated dis-
pensing devices for Class I flammable liquids is prohibited.
503.03 LocATroN: Dispensing devices at automotive service stations
shall be so located that all parts of the vehicle being served will be on private
property.
503.04 INSIDE GARAGES: Where an outside location is impractical,
dispensing devices approved for inside use may be installed inside garage or
similar establishment storing, parking, servicing or repairing automotive
equipment upon the approval of the location and safeguards and issuance of
permit therefor by the Chief. The dispensing device shall be located in an
area of fire -resistive construction well away from vehicle storage and repair
areas and well ventilated, preferably near a doorway. It shall be protected
against physical damage by vehicles by mounting on a concrete island or by
equivalent means and shall be located in a position where it cannot be struck
by a vehicle descending a ramp or other slope out of control. A convenient
remote emergency shut-off for electric power to the dispensing unit and the
pump supplying it shall be provided.
504. Marine Service Station.
504.01 Pumps supplying flammable liquids at marine service stations
shall be located on shore, or on a pier of solid -fill type, where practicable.
504.02 Class I and Class II flammable liquids shall not be dispensed
into the fuel tanks of marine craft except by means of a hose, equipped with
CHAPTER VI. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS 25
a self -closing nozzle and with a valve which must be held open by manual
control while making a delivery.
504.03 Pipe lines at marine service stations, where attached to piers,
wharves, or other structures, shall be protected against physical damage.
A valve shall be provided in each line at or near the approach to the pier,
wharf, or other structure whereby supply from shore may be shut off.
504.04 Class III flammable liquids may be dispensed into the fuel tanks
of marine craft from tank trucks by gravity or power -operated pumps
through a hose equipped with a self -closing nozzle.
505. Drainage: Provision shall be made in the area where Class I flam-
mable liquids may be spilled to prevent liquids from flowing into interior of
service -station buildings. Such provision may be by grading driveway,
raising door sills, or other equally effective means. Crankcase drainings and
flammable liquids shall not be dumped into sewers.
506. Safety Rules: There shall be no smoking on the driveway of service
stations in the areas used for fueling motor vehicles, dispensing flammable
anti -freeze or the receipt of products by tank truck, or in those portions of
the building used for servicing automobiles, tractors or internal combustion
engines. Conspicuous signs prohibiting smoking shall be posted within sight
of the customer being served. Letters on such signs shall be not less than
4 in. high. The motors of all vehicles being fueled shall be shut off during
the fueling operation.
507. First -aid Fire Appliances: Suitable first -aid fire -control devices,
such as small hose or portable extinguishers, shall be available to locations
where fires are likely to occur.
CHAPTER VI.
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
601. Manner of Storage.
601.01 Class I and Class II flammable liquids shall be stored only in
aboveground tanks out of doors, in underground tanks, or in closed containers
outside of buildings or in rooms of buildings meeting the requirements of
"Type A Inside Storage or Mixing Rooms" (see Appendix A). Such room
shall not contain more than 275 gallons nor more than a day's supply of these
liquids. Storage outside of such room shall not exceed 25 gallons aggregate
capacity and shall be in original sealed containers or in approved safety cans
of not more than 5 gallons capacity. Distance from outside aboveground
tanks to important buildings shall be not less than distance to property lines
specified in the table under paragraph 202.
601.02 Class III flammable liquids may be stored in aboveground tanks
out of doors or within buildings, in underground tanks, or in tanks in enclo-
sures, or in containers out of doors or within buildings. Installation of a
tank in an enclosure or casing shall be in accordance with the requirements
and capacities outlined in paragraph 212. Distance from outside aboveground
tanks to buildings shall be not less than distance to property lines specified in
the table under paragraph 202.
26 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
601.03 Containers of flammable liquids stored outdoors shall be segre-
gated by an open space of at least 10 feet from roadways, sidewalks and
structures so as not to constitute an immediate life or property hazard in
event of fire. Special attention should be given to routes of egress for
building occupants, window and door openings, and combustible exterior
walls, platforms, cornices, and roofs in securing the desired separation.
Containers piled one upon the other shall be separated by dunnage sufficient
to provide stability and to prevent excessive stress on container walls. The
height of piles shall be consistent with stability. Drums and barrels stored
on their sides shall have their heads facing aisles so that leakage of bungs
may be detected. Containers storing flammable liquids shall have caps,
plugs, or bungs replaced immediately after use and when the container is
empty.
602. Use of Flammable Liquids.
602.01 Class I or Class II flammable liquids in quantities requiring a
permit shall be used only in buildings or separate rooms of buildings so
located or designed to prevent the spread of fire to other structures or
property or to other sections of the building. This shall be accomplished by
confining the use of such liquids as follows: (1) to a detached one-story
building; (2) to a one-story section cut off from the remainder of the building
by an approved fire wall with any openings in this wall protected properly by
approved automatic fire doors; (3) to a separate area within a fire -resistive
building. The separating walls in the fire -resistive building shall have a
fire resistance of not less than one hour with all openings in such walls
protected by approved fire doors. Openings in fire walls or separating walls
should have noncombustible, liquid -tight, raised sills or ramps at least six
inches in height.
602.02 Installations made according to the Standards of the National
Fire Protection Association on "Safeguarding Dry Cleaning and Dry Dyeing
Plants" (1944)*; on "Dip Tanks Containing Flammable Liquids, Including
Hardening and Tempering Tanks and Flow Coat Work" (1946)**; on "Spray
Finishing Using Flammable Materials" (1950),t shall be deemed prima facie
evidence of compliance with this section and three copies of each standard
shall be filed with the city clerk by the Chief and kept available for
examination.} j
603. Dispensing.
603.01 Class I or Class II flammable liquids shall not be drawn from
or dispensed into vessels or containers within a building except by means of a
device drawing from top of the tank or the container. Gravity discharge
*National Fire Codes, Volume I (1948) available from National Fire Protection
Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston 10, Mass.; also available from the
National Board of Fire Underwriters, 85 John St., New York 38, N. Y.
(Pamphlet No. 32).
**National Fire Codes, Volume I (1948) ; also published by the National Board of Fire
Underwriters (Pamphlet No. 34).
tPmmphlet No. 33, available from National Fire Protection Association; also avail-
able from the National Board of Fire Underwriters (Pamphlet No. 33).
ttThis section should conform to local law and practice with respect to adoption
by "reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be
prima facie evidence of compliance with the ordinance.
CHAPTER VI. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS 27
within a building of Class I or Class II flammable liquids from tanks, drums,
or containers other than safety cans, is specifically forbidden, except where
the nature of the manufacturing process requires gravity flow. Upon approval
of the Chief, such gravity flow shall be permitted only from vessels storing
flammable liquids sufficient for not more than one day's operation.
603.02 Class I or Class II flammable liquids shall not be dispensed
within a room or building which normally contains sources of ignition, within
the possible path of vapor travel. Dispensing devices shall be provided with
iron or steel valves where compatible with the flammable liquid handled.
Where practicable, there shall be, in addition to the outlet valve, a secondary
control device or valve outside of the immediate area, by which the flow may
be stopped in the event of fire or other accident at the outlet. Outlet valves,
where practicable, shall be of the self -closing type.
603.03 CONTAINER FILLING FACILITIES: Class I and II flammable
liquids shall not be run into containers unless the nozzle and container are
electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floor plate on which the con-
tainer stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where
the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling operations by means of
a bond -wire, the provisions of this section shall be deemed to have been
complied with.
603.04 ExITs: Buildings or rooms in which flammable liquids are
stored or handled shall have exit facilities arranged to prevent occupants
being trapped in the event of fire.*
604. Ventilation. .
604.01 Buildings, or rooms or other enclosures in which Class I or
Class II flammable liquids are used or stored in open vats or dip tanks shall
be provided with ventilation sufficient at all times to prevent accumulation of
flammable vapors. Where natural ventilation is insufficient under all condi-
tions to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapors, mechanical ventilation
shall be provided and used. The accumulation of flammable vapors within
the combustible or explosive range under normal operating conditions, as
determined by an approved flammable -vapor indicator, shall be prima facie
evidence of the violation of this section.
604.02 Design of ventilating systems shall take into account the rela-
tively high specific gravity of the vapors. Openings to the outside for natural
ventilation shall be at floor level and shall be unobstructed except by louvers,
or coarse screens. Mechanical systems for removing flammable vapors,
designed, installed and operated in accordance with National Fire Protection
Association Standards for the "Installation of Blower and Exhaust Sys-
tems," published in National Fire Codes, Vol. III, 1951!* shall be deemed
prima facie evidence of compliance with this section and three copies of this
*See National Fire Protection Association Building Exits Code, National Fire Codes,
Vol. III, 1951.
"National Fire Codes, Vol. III (1951) available from National Fire Protection Asso-
ciation; also available from the National Board of Fire Underwriters, 85 John St.
New York 38, N.Y. (Pamphlet No. 91).
28 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
standard shall be filed with the city clerk by the Chief and kept available for
examination*
605. Sources of Ignition: Open flames, heating devices and processes
employing temperatures capable of igniting the vapors of the flammable
liquids used shall be prohibited in buildings, rooms and other confined spaces
in which Class I or Class II flammable liquids are used in the open, or in
which Class III flammable liquids are used for the purpose of saturating,
coating or otherwise treating goods or materials. Artificial lighting shall be
by electricity only. Electric devices located within the possible path of vapor
travel shall be of a type approved for such locations. Compliance with
applicable provisions of the "National Electrical Code" (1951) as published
by the National Fire Protection Association** shall be deemed prima facie
evidence of compliance with this section and three copies of this standard
shall be filed with the city clerk by the Chief and kept available for examina-
tion.* Smoking shall be prohibited and suitable signs to that effect shall be
displayed.
606. Housekeeping.
606.01 Wherever flammable liquids are stored in containers, provision
shall be made and maintained for the detection of leakage. Leaking containers
shall be immediately removed or made tight.
606.02 Access shall be provided by unobstructed aisles whereby first -
aid fire -control apparatus may be brought to bear on any part of such flam-
mable liquids storage.
606.03 In buildings, rooms or other confined spaces in which flammable
liquids are stored, combustible waste materials shall not be allowed to
accumulate, except in closed metal containers.
607. First -aid Appliances: Where flammable liquids are - used or dis-
pensed, first -aid fire -control equipment shall be provided in such quantities as
public safety shall require. The number and type of appliances meeting the
standards for "Fire Aid Fire Appliances"t adopted in 1950 by the National
Fire Protection Association shall be deemed prima facie evidence of com-
pliance with this section and three copies of this standard shall be filed with
the city clerk by the Chief and kept available for examination.*
This section should conform to local law and practice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with the ordinance.
"National Fire Codes. Volume V (1951) ; also available from the National Board of
Fire Underwriters (Pamphlet No. 70).
iNational Fire Codes, Volume IV (1951) ; also available from the National Board of
Fire Underwriters (Pamphlet 10).
CHAPTER VII. PROCESSING PLANTS 29
CHAPTER VII.
PROCESSING PLANTS.
701. Manner of Storage.
701.01 Class I or Class II flammable liquids shall be stored in closed
containers, aboveground tanks outside buildings, or tanks underground or in
enclosures as described in section 502.02. (See Chapter II of this ordinance.)
701.02 Class III flammable liquids shall be stored in containers, above-
ground tanks outside buildings, or tanks underground or in enclosures as
described in section 502.02. (See Chapter II of this ordinance.)
701.03 Storage in sealed cans, or similar portable closed containers not
exceeding 5 gallons in individual capacity shall be permitted within buildings.
Unlimited storage of flammable liquids in metal barrels and in drums not
exceeding 60 gallons in individual capacity shall be permitted only in buildings
or rooms used solely for such storage, and which meet the following design
standards: Walls, floors and ceilings shall be of 8 in. of brick or concrete, or
4 in. of reinforced concrete. Openings to other rooms or buildings shall be
provided with noncombustible liquid tight raised sills or ramps at least 6
inches in height and with fire -doors with heat -actuated releasing devices
arranged to close doors automatically in case of fire. No combustible material
shall be used in construction, except that floor surfacing may be of wood.
Proper ventilation shall be provided. There shall be no opening to rooms
below, except as made necessary by trade or manufacturing process.
701.04 Storage of flammable liquids shall be limited within buildings
not meeting the requirements of Section 701.03, in accordance with the
following subsections:
701.04-1 Within frame buildings, storage of Class I and Class II
flammable liquids shall be prohibited; storage of Class III flammable liquids
shall be limited to 60 gallons in any tank or container unless installed and
constructed in accordance with Chapter II of this ordinance.
701.04-2 In other than frame buildings, Class I flammable
liquids may be stored in closed containers or safety cans of not more than
5 gallon individual capacity and not exceeding a total of 25 gallons. Class II
flammable liquids may be stored in closed containers or safety cans of not
more than 5 gallons individual capacity, and in barrels, drums, or tanks of
not more than 60 gallons individual capacity. The total quantity that may be
stored in this manner shall be limited to 220 gallons. Class III flammable
liquids may be stored in closed containers of not more than 5 gallons indi-
vidual capacity, or in barrels, drums, or tanks not exceeding 120 gallons
individual capacity. The total quantity stored in this manner shall be limited
to 220 gallons.
702. Blending and Mixing.
702.01 Mixing or blending rooms or buildings shall meet the design
standards of Section 701.03. Mixing or blending rooms or buildings shall
be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation that will prevent the accu-
mulation of flammable vapors in hazardous concentrations. Design of ven-
tilating systems shall take into account the relatively high specific gravity of
30 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
the vapors. Openings in outside walls for natural ventilation shall be at floor
level and shall be unobstructed except by louvers, or coarse screens. Mechan-
ical systems for removing flammable vapors, designed, installed and operated
in accordance with National Fire Protection Association Standards for the
"Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems," published in National Fire
Codes, Vol. III, 1951* shall be deemed prima facie evidence of compliance
with this section and three copies of this standard shall be filed with the
city clerk by the Chief and kept available for examination.**
702.02 Vessels used for mixing or blending of Class I flammable
liquids shall be provided with self -closing tight -fitting non-combustible lids
that will control a fire within such vessel when applied thereto. Where such
devices are impracticable, automatic or manually controlled chemical or other
fire -extinguishing devices approved by the Chief shall be used.
702.03 Open flames and other sources of ignition shall not be used
within the possible path of vapor travel where flammable liquids are mixed or
blended in open containers.
702.04 Vessels shall be electrically connected by bond -wires, piping, or
similar means, where differences of potential could otherwise be created by
accumulation of static -electrical charges.
703. Dispensing from Containers Within Buildings.
703.01 Class I or Class II flammable liquids may be dispensed from
approved safety cans, provided that there are no open flames or other sources
of ignition within the possible path of vapor travel.
703.02 Class III flammable liquids may be dispensed from containers
not exceeding 60 gallons in individual capacity by means of a pump or similar
device taking suction through the top of the container.
704. Sources of Ignition: Open flames, heating devices and processes em-
ploying temperatures capable of igniting the vapors of the flammable liquid
used shall be prohibited in buildings, rooms and other confined spaces in
which Class I or Class II flammable liquids are used in the open, or in which
Class III flammable liquids are heated above their flash point in open con-
tainers. Artificial lighting shall be by electricity only. Electrical devices
located within the possible path of vapor travel shall be of a type approved
for such locations. Electrical devices meeting the applicable standards of the
"National Electrical Code" (1951) as published by the National Fire Pro-
tection Association,* shall be deemed prima facie evidence of compliance
with this section and three copies of this standard shall be filled with the
city clerk by the Chief and kept available for examination.**
*National Fire Codes, Volume III (1951) available from National Fire Protection
Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston 10, Mass.; also available from the National
Board of Fire Underwriters, 85 John St., New York 38, N. Y. (Pamphlet No. 91).
•*This section should conform with local law and practice with respect to adoption by
'reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with this ordinance.
{National Fire Codes, Vol. V (1951) : also available from the National Board of Fire
Underwriters, 85 John St.. New York 38, N. Y. (Pamphlet No. 70).
CHAPTER VIII. HEATING AND POWER
705. Housekeeping.
705.01 Wherever flammable liquids are stored in containers, provision
shall be made and maintained for the detection of leakage. Leaking containers
shall be immediately removed and the contents transferred to a tight container.
705.02 Access shall be provided by unobstructed aisles whereby first -aid
fire -control apparatus may be brought to bear on any part of such flammable
liquids storage.
705.03 In buildings, rooms or other confined spaces in which flammable
liquids are stored, combustible waste materials shall not be allowed to accu-
mulate, except in closed metal containers.
706. First -aid Fire Control: Where flammable liquids are stored, or are
used in open vessels, or are dispensed within buildings or other enclosures,
first -aid fire -control equipment shall be provided in such quantities as public
safety shall require. The number and type of appliances meeting the
Standards for "First Aid Fire Appliances"* adopted in 1950 by the National
Fire Protection Association shall be deemed prima facie evidence of com-
pliance with this section and three copies of this standard shall be filed with
the city clerk by the chief and kept available for examination.**
CHAPTER VIII,
STORAGE AND USE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AS FUEL FOR
HEATING AND POWER DEVICES.
801. Manner of Storage: All flammable liquids used for and connected to
heating and power devices by means of piping shall be stored in accordance
with Chapter 2 of this ordinance.
802. Oil Burners: Heating and other devices using oil burners shall be
installed, maintained and operated in accordance with recognized safe practices.
Burners and accessories such as piping, tanks, vents, control devices, etc.,
complying with the National Fire Protection Association Standards for the
"Installation of Oil Burning Equipments" (1950),t. shall be deemed prima
facie evidence of compliance with this section.**
*National Fire Codes, Volume IV (1951) available from National Fire Protection
Association, GO Batterymarch St_, Boston 10. Mass.; also published by the National
Board of Fire Underwriters, 85 John St., New York 38, N. Y. (Pamphlet No. 10).
**This section should conform with local law and practice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed prima facie
evidence of compliance with the ordinance.
tNational Fire Codes, Volume I (1948) ; also published by the National Board of Fire
Underwriters (Pamphlet No. 31).
32 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
CHAPTER IX.
REFINERIES AND OTHER PLANTS STORING AND HANDLING
CRUDE PETROLEUM.
901. Location: No permit shall be issued for the construction of a refinery
or plant storing or handling crude petroleum within that part of the city zoned
solely for residential occupancies or for mercantile establishments predomi-
nantly retail in character; or until approval has been given for the proposed
location with respect to topography, nearness to places of public assembly,
and adequacy of water supply for fire control.
902. Manner of Storage.
902.01 Crude petroleum shall be stored in tanks aboveground or under-
ground. (See Chapter II of this ordinance.)
902.02 Other flammable liquids shall be stored in tanks aboveground or
underground or in containers. (See Chapter II of this ordinance.)
903. Storage Tanks: Tanks for the storage of flammable liquids in tank
farms and in locations other than process areas shall be located in accordance
with Sections 202 —Location with Respect to Property Lines, and 203 —
Spacing Between Tanks.
904. Unfired Pressure Vessels: Unfired pressure vessels shall be con-
structed in accordance with recognized standards of design. Vessels meeting
the standards of the API-ASME Code for "Unfired Pressure Vessels for
Petroleum Liquids and Gases" (1950), or "Rules for Construction of Unfired
Pressure Vessels, Section VIII, ASME Boiler Construction Code" (1949)*
of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, shall be deemed prima
facie evidence of compliance with this section and three copies of this
standard shall be filed by the Chief with the city clerk and kept available for
examination!*
905. Location of Process Units: Process units shall be located so that
they are accessible from at least one side for the purpose of fire control.
Where topographical conditions are such that oil may flow from a processing
area so as to constitute a fire hazard to property of others, provision shall be
made to divert or impound the flow by curbs, drains, or other suitable means.
906. Fire Control: Water shall be available in pressure and quantity
sufficient to provide cooling streams for any unit or any tank in the process-
ing
area. Hose and hydrants shall be available in sufficient number to
provide application of cooling streams as required in this section. Fire.
control chemicals and suitable application devices shall be available sufficient
to extinguish a fire in any tank in the processing area, other than approved
floating roof tanks.
•Available from American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 29 West 39th St., New
York, N. Y.
**This section should conform with local law and practice with respect to adoption by
"reference" or where conformity with a published standard is deemed to be prima
facie evidence of compliance with this ordinance.
CHAPTER X. - MODIFICATION, APPEALS, PENALTIES, ETC. 33
CHAPTER X.
MODIFICATION, APPEALS, PENALTIES, ETC.
1001. Modification: The Chief shall have the power to grant exemption
from application of the ordinance upon request in writing so to do when
such request shows that the enforcement of the ordinance will cause un-
necessary hardship to the petitioner, provided that said request shall not be
granted where the requested use will constitute a distinct hazard to life or
adjoining property. The particulars of such exemptions when granted shall
be entered upon the permit issued. A copy thereof shall be retained by the
chief.
1002. Appeals.
1002.01 An owner, lessee, agent, operator, or occupant aggrieved by any
order issued pursuant to this ordinance, may file an appeal to the City
Council within ten days from the service of such an order, and the City
Council shall fix a time and place not less than five days nor. more than ten
days thereafter when and where such appeal may be heard by it. Such appeal
shall stay the execution of such order until it has been heard and reviewed,
vacated or confirmed.*
1002.02 The City Council shall at such hearing, affirm, modify, revoke,
or vacate such order. Unless revoked or vacated, such order shall then be
complied with.
1002.03 Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to deny the right of
any person, firm, corporation, co -partnership, or voluntary association to
appeal from an order or decision of the City Council to a court of competent
jurisdiction. Such appeal shall stay the execution of such order until it has
been heard and reviewed, vacated or confirmed.
1003.. Penalties: Any person who shall fail to comply with the provisions of
this ordinance or with an order of the Chief issued pursuant thereto and from
which no appeal has been taken, or with such an order as affirmed or modified
by the City Council or by a court of competent jurisdiction, within the time
fixed therein, shall be fined not less than $................ or more than $.................
The imposition of one penalty for the violation of such order shall not excuse
the violation or permit it to continue.
1004. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances: All former ordinances or parts
thereof conflicting with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed
1005. Severability: The City Council hereby declares that should any
section, paragraph, sentence, or word of this ordinance be declared for any
reason to be invalid, it is the intent of said City Council that it would have
passed all other portions of this ordinance independent of the elimination
Therefrom of any such portion as may be declared invalid.
1006. Effective Date: This ordinance shall take effect upon
This section should conform to local law
and
practice
with
respect
to
terminology
- and designation of agency to hear appeals.
34 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
APPENDIX A.
Rooms, Cabinets and Outside Houses for the
Storage of Flammable Liquids.
These standards were developed by the Committee on Flammable
Liquids in 1927 and 1928, and adopted by the Association in 1928. Minor
editorial revisions have been made to bring this Appendix up to date in
accordance with Committee action.
Standards for the Construction of
ROOMS, CABINETS AND OUTSIDE HOUSES FOR THE STORAGE
OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS.
1. Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, lacquers, varnish, turpentine,
paints, oils, etc., when stored in sealed original containers present a poten-
tial rather than an active hazard. The latter results when the containers
are open and when the liquids are transferred or handled by means of
open containers or receptacles. This is due to the opportunity afforded the
vapors to escape and become ignited by various means. The degree of
hazard in such cases depends upon the capacity of the containers and to
a certain extent upon the area of the liquid surface exposed.
2. When stored in original sealed containers (i. e., "dead storage"),
the hazard is that due to the possibility of storage becoming involved by
fire from without. Under such conditions the hazard, as in the case of open
containers, will depend upon the character of the liquid as well as the
capacity of the container. For this reason the storage of large amounts of
flammable liquids in containers of large size, or handling or mixing opera-
tions involving considerable amounts of such liquids should be segregated
and restricted to specially constructed storage rooms or storage houses as
hereinafter described.
3. Moderate quantities, should be stored in cabinets of construction
in accordance with the specifications given herein.
NOTE. Where drums constructed in accordance with the I. C. C. speci-
fications are used as storage and handling containers, a storage room or
cabinet may not be required, but this can only be determined by the
Chief by consideration of the following features: character of liquid in
question; capacity of individual containers and total quantity involved; type
of building and nature of occupancy, and protection available. Withdrawal
of liquids from drums in such cases shall be by pump only.
4. An inside storage room should be avoided; where one is necessary it
should be located at or above grade, and where practicable in a comer of
the building. Care should be taken to locate it away from sections having
combustible and valuable contents. If situated over damageable materials
or products, floors should be waterproofed, and provisions made for drainage
to a safe place.
APPENDIX A 35
GENERAL.
(Applies wherever flammable liquids are stored or handled.)
5. All mixers, filters, pumps, motors, shafting, etc., shall be electri-
cally grounded in an effective manner..
6. Smoking shall be prohibited.
TYPE A.
INSIDE STORAGE OR MIXING ROOM.
(For storage of large quantities or where there is extensive
mixing and handling.)
Nore. Figure I illustrates a typical Type A storage or mixing -room.
7. Construction.
(a) Walls, floors, and ceilings shall be of 8 inches of brick or con-
crete; 4 inches of reinforced concrete, or 8 inches of tile set in Portland
cement mortar and plastered on both sides with Portland cement plaster
to a thickness of 34 inch.
(b) Exterior doors or doors opening to other rooms or building shall
be provided with noncombustible sills or ramps raised at least 6 inches.
(c) Floor shall be waterproof and arranged to drain to a safe loca-
tion.
(d) All door openings shall' be protected by a standard fire door of
approved automatic or self -closing type, suitable for openings in fire walls.
(e) Where other portions of the building or other properties are
exposed, windows shall be protected in a standard manner.
(f) Shelving shall be noncombustible.
8. Artificial lighting shall be by electricity with installation in ac-
cordance with the National Electrical Code for hazardous locations.
9. Good natural ventilation is preferable in all storage and mixing
rooms. Ducts should be of substantial metal construction extending above
roof of building and terminating in an efficient suction creating device and
having screened openings at floor level. Natural ventilation by other methods
of equivalent efficiency may be provided. Where a mechanical ventilating
system is necessary, installation shall be in compliance with the require-
ments of Class B for the removal of flammable vapors as provided by the
Standards for the Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems.*
10. Heating shall be restricted to low pressure steam or hot water.
11. An approved waste can shall be provided for the storage of oily
rags or waste; contents shall be removed daily.
12. For first aid fire protection there shall be provided extinguishing
equipment of such type and amount as required by the Standards for
First Aid Fire Appliances,** for Class B fires. Such rooms should also be
protected by automatic sprinklers.
ONational Fire Codes. Vol. III (1951).
"National Fire Codes, Vol. IV (1951).
36 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
SECTION ei*nex pear l4 XVYVee
wue! Peenrtreo
Sm. !}!!l 3/.!n vRn WNW GUYv
O�\ WITH nsl a xCase nalll
! vnite ene
MCT4 RAY Y.W.
a/3al1.C e. vent! ON lL!la�1e11
❑ OIL nmYe
NniGGPCOG CH IMT elope
v.r.o PAILS can luIT.
.0. CTe1c LKWI av rtCM exle!! Sit..MD Pose 101.
61 D. ND pmn
N
FIG. 1.
Type A. Typical Storage and Mixing Room.
APPENDIX A 37
TYPE B.
INSIDE STORAGE OR MIXING ROOM.
(The following specifications are intended to apply to inside
storage and mixing rooms, where the quantities involved
do not require Type A construction.)
Non. Figure 2 illustrates a typical Type B storage or mixing room.
!1D V[xTWiav Cs ntfwo I
aesro eaurn U/1
o¢ eveaf
rex•M TIN% vfMetHOD
M xufil(en
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4 -MM VDn /1R
Mate
eyxe
3ECTI ON
U. Cene,n Mamt C- rCTAt u'M. &Acx ♦IM C xCCP sTCC .
4At v ux
♦vx7 hme4M0
a
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• win .'n..MAx !II (
• II CMpµ Doe1µ 1{ s
S ii do
t r M
^
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♦'%M swrCxa 4 I`(w+Ne♦ ieen
'VS. SO3POO¢ ♦e..M!
e
M tTL
PLAN
FIG. 2.
Type B. Typical Storage and Mixing Room.
38 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
13. Construction.
(a) Walls shall be one of the following types of construction and
shall be continuous from floor to ceiling and be securely anchored:
Metal lath encased in solid cement plaster not less than 24 inches
thick.
Gypsum or cement plaster at least fl inch thick on metal lath on
each side of stud partitions.
Tile, gypsum or concrete block (cement plaster on each side to
a thickness of % inch).
In lieu of the foregoing any type of partition construction may be
used which will afford one hour's protection against fire as determined
by the American Society for Testing Materials specifications for
standard fire test.
(b) Ceiling shall be of construction equivalent to not less than 4 inch
of cement or gypsum plaster on metal lath.
(c) Floors if of wood should be protected with not less than 2 inches
of concrete. If situated over damageable materials or products, floors
should be waterproofed and provisions made for drainage to a safe place.
(d) Door openings to other rooms or buildings shall be provided with
noncombustible sills or ramps raised 6 inches. Such openings shall be pro-
tected by standard Class C fire doors of approved automatic or self -closing
type.
(e) Where other portions of the building or other properties are
exposed, windows shall be protected in a standard manner.
(f) Shelving shall be non-combustible.
14. Artificial lighting shall be by electricity with installation in ac-
cordance with the National Electrical Code for extra hazardous locations.
15. Good natural ventilation is preferable in all storage and mixing
rooms. Ducts should be of substantial metal construction extending above
roof of building and terminating, in an efficient suction creating device and
having screened openings at floor level. Natural ventilation by other
methods of equal efficiency may be provided. Where a mechanical ven-
tilating system is necessary, installation shall be in compliance with the
requirements of Class B for the removal of flammable vapors as provided
by the Standards for the Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems.
16. Heating shall be restricted to low pressure steam or hot water.
17. An approved waste can shall be provided for the storage of oily
rags or waste; contents shall be removed daily.
18. For first aid fire protection there shall be provided extinguishing
equipment of such type and amount as required by the Standards for
First Aid Fire Appliances, for Class B fires. Such rooms should also be
protected by automatic sprinklers.
STORAGE CABINETS.
19 Storage cabinets may be used where it is desired to keep more
than lb gallons of oils, varnishes, lacquers or similar materials inside
buildings, no individual container to exceed 5 gallons capacity. Not over
50 gallons should be stored in any one cabinet. Such cabinets shall be of
construction conforming with or equivalent in fire resistance to the fol-
lowing requirements:
Nora. Figure 3 illustrates a typical storage cabinet
APPENDIX A 39
FLAMMAOLe
•AEe+ON Dote KEEP I Te m waf
1155 TNN NPe.0Y4t
FIRt AWAY nIT IVY
I �
i I
1 i
f
ELEVATION
CA51NCT ID NAVt J AIM SPACt ON 5IDC3.
TOP AND DOTTOr. DOOM 1 DC Orme Sni&
CONSTRUCTION.
PLAN
NOTE : ALL JOINTS TO Ge TIGHT.
no. s
Typical Storage Cabinet.
Joints shall be riveted, welded, or made tight by some equally efficient means.
Doors shall be of construction equivalent to walls, provided with 3 -point lock
and kept closed when not in use; door sill shall be raised at least 2 inches
above bottom of cabinet. Cabinet shall be conspicuously labeled in red
letters "FLAMMABLE, KEEP FIRE AWAY."
Non. When deemed necessary, cabinets shall be vented.
40 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
20. Bottom, top and sides of cabinet shall be made of sheet iron at
least No. 18 gauge in thickness and double walled with 1% -inch air space.
21. Volatile flammable liquids shall be kept in metal safety cans, or
other approved metal containers.
OUTSIDE STORAGE HOUSES.
22. The type of construction to be employed for outside storage houses
shall depend upon the proximity of proposed location to other buildings
or structures.
,
23.When an outside storage house is so located as to seriously ex-
pose any nearby building or structure, construction should be equivalent in
fire resistance to the Type A construction requirements for inside storage
or mixing rooms.
24. When an outside storage house is so located as to moderately
expose any other building or structure, construction should be equivalent in
fire resistance to the Type B construction requirements for inside storage
or mixing rooms.
NOTE. In cases where exposures are slight or absent, the above re-
quirement may be modified by the Chief.
25. The provisions of Types A and B construction for lighting, heat-
ing, ventilating and first aid fire appliances shall be complied with.
APPENDIX B.
Recommended Safeguards and Safe Practices for the
PROTECTION OF TANKS CONTAINING FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
IN LOCATIONS THAT MAY BE FLOODED.
General. Pipe connections below allowable liquid level in tanks shall
be provided with valves or cocks located as closely as practicable to tank
shell. Such valves and their connections and fitting to the tank shall not be
of cast iron.
Section A. Above Ground Tanks.
1. Vertical Tanks.
(a) No above ground vertical storage tank containing flammable liquids
shall be so located that the maximum allowable liquid level within the tank
is below the established maximum flood stage, unless the tank is provided
with a guiding structure such as described in Section D.
(b) Except at locations where there is an ample and dependable public
water supply available at and below the established maximum flood stage,
facilities independent of public water supply shall be provided for loading
partially empty tanks with water.
(c) In addition to the preceding requirements, each tank so located that
more than 70 per cent, but less than 100 per cent, of its allowable liquid
storage capacity will be submerged at the established maximum flood stage,
shall be safeguarded by one of the following methods:
APPENDIX
1. Tank shall be raised, or its height shall be increased, until its top
extends above the maximum flood stage a distance equivalent to 30 per cent
or more of its allowable liquid storage capacity, provided, however, that the
submerged part of the tank shall not exceed 2% times the diameter; or,
2. As an alternative to the foregoing, adequate noncombustible struc-
tural guides, designed to permit the tank to float vertically without loss of
product, shall be provided.
2. Horizontal Tanks.
(a) Except at locations where there is an ample and dependable public
water supply available at and below the established maximum flood stage,
facilities independent of public water supply shall be provided for loading
partially empty tanks with water.
(b) Each horizontal tank so located that more than 70 per cent of its
storage capacity shall be submerged at the established maximum flood stage,
shall be secured to a concrete or steel and concrete foundation of sufficient
weight to produce adequate loading of tank when filled with flammable
liquids.
(c) Special provision shall be provided to equalize the internal and ex-
ternal'pressures on the tank so as to prevent deformation of the tankand
resultant expulsion of flammable liquid. One method of accomplishing this
equalization of pressures is illustrated in Exhibit A.
3. Other Types of Tanks.
Spherical and spheroidal tanks shall be protected by applicable methods
as specified for either vertical or horizontal tanks.
Section B. Underground Tanks.
1. Underground tanks containing flammable liquids at locations where
there is an ample and dependable water supply available at and below the
maximum flood stage and so installed that more than 70 per cent of storage
capacity will be submerged at the maximum flood stage, shall be loaded with
concrete or other approved loading material sufficient to prevent movement of
the tank when filled with flammable liquid and submerged by flood waters.
2. At locations where there is no ample and dependable water supply,
the tank shall be loaded with concrete as above required, and in addition,
there shall be provided an emergency liquid supply which shall be sufficient
to fill the tank during flood stages.
3. Where loading of underground tanks with liquids is impracticable
because of the character of their contents or their use, each tank shall be
safeguarded against movement when empty and when submerged by flood
waters by loading with concrete or other approved solid loading material.
Each such tank shall be so constructed and installed that it will safely resist
external pressures due to flood waters.
4. In addition to the foregoing requirements the capacity of each new
tank installed shall be restricted to not more than 3,000 gallons. When in-
stalled but before backfilling, tank and fittings shall be tested for tightness at
not less than 15 pounds per square inch. Greater test pressures may be
required by the Chief when tanks are subject to submergence in excess of
30 feet.
42 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
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APPENDIX B 43
5. Where tanks are not designed to resist external pressure, special
provision shall be provided to equalize the internal and external pressures on
the tank so as to prevent deformation and resultant expulsion of flammable
liquids. One method of accomplishing this equalization of pressures is illus-
trated in Exhibit A.
Section C. Independent Water Supply Facilities.
1. At locations where an independent water supply is required, it shall
be entirely independent of public power and water supply. Independent
source of water shall be available when flood waters reach a level not less
than 10 feet below the bottom of the lowest tank on a property.
2. The self-contained power and pumping unit shall be so located or so
designed that pumping into tanks may be carried on continuously throughout
the rise in flood waters from a level 10 feet below the lowest tank to the level
of the potential flood stage.
3. Capacity of the pumping unit shall be such that the rate of rise of
water in all tanks shall be equivalent to the established potential average rate
of rise of flood waters at any stage.
4. Each independent pumping unit shall be tested periodically to insure
that it is in satisfactory operating condition.
Section D. Structural Guides.
1. Structural guides for holding floating tanks above their foundations
shall be so designed that there will be no resistance to the free rise of a tank,
and shall be constructed of noncombustible material.
2. The strength of the structure shall be adequate to resist lateral move-
ment of a tank subject to a horizontal force in any direction equivalent to not
less than 25 pounds per square foot acting on the projected vertical cross-
sectional area of the tank.
3. Where tanks are situated on exposed points or bends in a shore line
where swift currents in flood waters will be present, the structures shall be
designed to withstand a unit force of not less than 50 pounds per square foot.
Section E. Safe Practices.
1. Water Loading.
(a) The filling of a tank to be protected by water loading shall be
started as soon as flood waters reach a dangerous flood stage. The rate of
filling shall be at least equal to the rate of rise of the flood waters (or the
established average potential rate of rise).
(b) Sufficient fuel to operate the water pumps shall be available at all
times to insure adequate power to fill all tankage with water.
(c) All valves on connecting pipe lines shall be closed and locked in
dosed position when water loading is completed.
2. Floating Tanks.
(a) Where structural guides are provided for the protection of floating
tanks, all rigid connections between tanks and pipe lines shall be disconnected
44 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
before the flood waters reach the bottom of the tank, unless control valves
and their connections to the tank are of an approved type of extra heavy con-
struction, designed to prevent breakage between valve and tank.
(b) All valves attached to tanks other than those used in connection
with water loading operations shall be closed and locked.
(c)If a tank is equipped with a swing line, the swing pipe shall be
raised to and secured at its highest position.
Section F. Enforcement and Inspections.
Because of its relation to the general problem of fire prevention and
extinguishment in connection with the storage of flammable liquids, it is
recommended that the enforcement of the foregoing requirements be placed
with the fire department.
The chief of the fire department or other enforcing official shall make
periodic inspections of all plants where the storage of flammable liquids is
such as to require compliance with the foregoing requirements, in order to
assure the following:
1. That all flammable liquid storage tanks are in compliance with these
requirements and so maintained.
2. That detailed printed instructions of what to do in flood emergencies
are properly posted.
3. That station operators and other employees depended upon to carry
out such instructions are thoroughly informed as to the location and operation
of such valves and other equipment necessary to effect the intent of these
requirements.
APPENDIX C.
RECOMMENDED PROCEDURE FOR THE ABANDONMENT OR
REMOVAL OF SERVICE STATION UNDERGROUND TANKS.
Flammable liquids not only require care in handling and use but proper
attention should also be paid to abandoning tanks which have held flammable
liquids. This is particularly true of underground service station tanks which
are most frequently used for the storage of motor fuel and occasionally used
for other flammable liquids such as crank case drainings (which may contain
some gasoline). There have been some regrettable accidents where, through
carelessness or curiosity, explosions have occurred because abandoned service
station tanks had not been properly conditioned before being abandoned. The
victims are usually children who cannot, of course, be expected to exercise
judgment in such circumstances.
In order to prevent future accidents from this cause, it is suggested that
the safe procedures outlined below be followed in all cases where service
station underground tanks are abandoned.
Underground tanks taken out of service may be disposed of by any one
of the three following means:
(a) Being placed in "temporarily out of service" condition,
(b) Abandoned in place, or,
(c) Removed.
APPENDIX C 45
In all cases where tanks are either rendered temporarily out of service or
permanently abandoned, records should be kept of tank size, locations; date of
abandonment, and method used for placing the abandoned tank in safe,
condition.
Safe procedures for carrying out each of the above methods of abandoning
underground tanks are described below under their respective headings. In
each case the numbered steps given shall be carried out successively.
(a) Tanks Rendered "Temporarily Out of Service."
1. Remove all flammable liquid that can be pumped out with the service
Pump.
2. The fill line, gauge hatch and pump suction shall be capped and secured
against tampering.
3. The vent line shall be left open.
NorE: As an alternate to the above procedure, the tank may be rendered
gas free.
(b)
Abandoning
Underground Tanks in Place.
1.
Remove all flammable
liquid from tank and from all connecting lines.
2.
The
suction. inlet,
gauge and vent lines shall be disconnected.
3.
The
tank shall be
flooded with water.
4.
The
tank and any
remaining pipe stubs shall be filled with an inert, solid
material.
S.
Cap
or plug all connecting lines below ground level.
(c) Removal of UndergroundTanks.
1. Remove all flammable liquid from tank and from connecting lines.
2. Disconnect the suction, inlet, gauge and vent lines.
3. The tank shall be flushed with water and rendered gas free as indicated
by combustible gas indicator.
4. Cap or plug inlets and outlets and keep them capped or plugged during
the transportation and storage of the tank.
5. If a tank is to be disposed of as junk, it should be re -tested for explosive
vapors, and, if necessary, rendered gas free. After junking and before
releasing to junk dealer, a sufficient number of holes or openings should
be made in it to render it unfit for further use.
46 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE
Standards Specified in Flammable Liquids Ordinance.
Separate
In
NFPA
NFPA
Fire Codes NBFU
Section
Standard
Pamphlet
Volume Pamphlet Misc.
108
885
885
I
10418
I Book of ASTM Standards 1949
Part 5
202
11 11
IV
11
207
SOD
I
20
207.01
207.04
207.04
801 -
404 91 91
405.02 101. 101
406.02 —
API Standard No. 12A, 7th
Edition, March 1941, "Specifi-
cation for Standard Tanks
with Riveted Shells for Oil
Storage"
API Standard No. 12c, 9th
Edition, Oct. 1950, "Specifica-
tion for Welded Oil Storage
Tanks"
API Standard No. 12B, 6th
Edition. Sept. 1944, with Sup-
plement No. 4 (Dec. 1949)
"Specification for Standard
Bolted Tanks"
API Standard No. 12D, Srd
Edition, Sept. 1944, "Welded
Production Tanks" and "Sup-
plement No. 2. (Aug. 1947)"
thereto
"American Standard Code for
Pressure Piping (ASA) B 81.1.
Edition of 1942. with Sup-
plements B 81 -la, Nov. 1944
and B 81 -lb April, 1947)
American Society of Much.
Eng., 29 West 89th St.. New
York 18, New York
in 91
IN
Circulars of the Association of
American Railroads, No. 17-D,
dated Aug. 1, 1947 and No.
17-E dated Aug. 1, 1947 (Asso-
elation of American Railroads.
59 East Van Duren St.. Chi-
cago, III.)
STANDARDS SPECIFIED IN FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS ORDINANCE 47
Separate
In
NFPA
NFPA
Fire Coles
NBFU
Section
Standard
Pamphlet
Volume
Pamphlet Misc.
407
70
70
V
70
602.02
32
I
32
602.02
83
33
I
33
602.02
84
1
34
603.04
101
101
III
-
604.02
91
91
III
91
606
70
70
V
70
607
10
IV
10
702.01
91
91
III
91
704
70
70
V
70
706
10
IV
10
802
81
I
31
904
API-ASME Code for "Unfired
Pressure Vessels for Petroleum
Liquids and Gases (1960)" or
"Rules for Construction of Un-
fired Pressure Vessels, Section
VIII, ASME Boiler Construc-
tion Code (1949) of the Amer-
ican Society of Mechanical
Engineers, 29 West 89th St..
New York 18, New York
Related NFPA Standards.
NFPA
Number.
30-D
Concrete Fuel Oil Tanks.
30-E
Self Service Gasoline Sta-
tions.
31
Oil Burning Equipment.
31-L
Oil Burner Ordinance.
32
Dry Cleaning Plants.
325
Fire Hazard Properties of
Flammable Liquid.
326
Warning Labels for Con-
tainers of Flammable
Liquids.
33
Spray Finishing Using
Flammable Materials.
34
Dip Tanks.
35
Lacquer Manufacturing
Plants.
NFPA
Number.
37
Internal Combustion En-
gines.
385
Tank Vehicle for Flam-
mable Liquids.
39-L
Range Oil Burner Ordi-
nance.
310
Small Heating and Cooking
Appliances (Kerosene
and Fuel Oil).
392
Gasoline Stoves.
393
Gasoline Blow Torches.
394-M
Gasoline and Kerosene on
the farm.
395
Farm Storage of Flam-
mable Liquids.
304-L
Petroleum Wharves. ..
305
Gasoline Fueling Stations
for Small Craft.
NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION
INTERNATIONAL
Organization Member.
Amatial Materials Am
pine Prevention and Engineering
National Metaiclad Dom Am
Air Conditioning and Refrigerating
Bureau of Texas
National Paint, Varnish and Lamar
Maehinery Am
Fire Underwriters Inspection Bureau
Am
Air Filter Institute
Florida Inspection and Rating Bureau
National Safety Council
Air Transport Am of America
Gas Appliance Manufacturers Am
National Task Truck Carriers. Ins.
Alabama Inspection and Rating Bureau
Georgia Inspection ad Rating Bureau
National Wasp Air Hating and Au
Awed LInes Am
Gymnasium Seating Coma
Conditioning Am
American Rohm and Affiliated Ind"-
Gypsum Am
Nebraska Inspection Bureau
trim
Hawaii Fire Rating Bureau
New Brunswick Board of Underwriters
American Gas Am
Heating. Piping and Air Conditioning
New England Am of Fire Chiefs
American Hospital Am
Contractors National Am
New England Fire Ins, Rating Am
American Hotel Am
Idaho Surveying and Rating Bureau
New Hampshire Board of Underwriters
American Institute of Architeea
Illinois Inspection Bureau
New York Board of Fire Underwriters
Americo Institute of Electrical Re-
Improved Risk Mutual
New York Fire Insurance Rating
gineer,
Indian Bating Bureau
Organization
Americ.anInstitute of Steel Court.
Inland Marine Underwriters Assn.
Newfoundland Board of Fin IInder-
Amerim Iron and Steel Institute
Institute of Makers of Explains
writers
American Management Am
Insulation Board Institute
North Carolina Fire Insurance Rating
American Marine Insurance Syndicates
Insunuce Ann of Providence
Bureau
American Medical Am.
resonance Rating Bureau of the
Non Scala Board of Insurance Under -
American National Red Corse
District of Columbia
writers
Americas Petroleum Institute
International Acetylene Am
Oeuvre poor Is Seeurlte et 1'Orgaain-
Amerim Society of Anesthesiologists
International Ann of Electrical In-
Don des Sectors
American Transit Man
speears
Ohio Inspection Bureau
American Warehousemen's Am
International Ann of Fire Chiefs
Oil -Heat Institute of America
America Wood -Preservers' Am
International Am of Fire Fighters
Oil Insurance Aso
Arkansas Inspection and Rating Bureau
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Oklahoma Inspection Bureau
Asbestos Cement Product. Am
Workers
Oregon Insurance Rating Bureau
Asphalt Roofing Industry Bureau
International Municipal Sinai Am
Oxychloride Cement Am
Associated Reciprocal Exchange
Iowa Inspection Bureau
Pacific Coast Building OmeiaL' Cew-
Am of American Railroads
Kansas Inspection Bureau
ferenee
Am of Canadian Fire Marshals
Kentucky Inspection Bureau
Pacific Coast Inter -Mountain Am of
Am of Casualty & Surety CO..
Lightning Rod Manufacturers Am
Fire Chiefs
Am of Edison Iliminatinwg CmpWa
Liquefied Petroleum Gas Am
Pacific Fire Rating Bureau
Am of Iron & Stmt Enthusiasm
Luutaians Rating and Fun Prevention
Radio -Television Manufacturers Mn
Am. of Mfrs. of Woodworking Ma-
Bureau
Red Cedar Shingle Bureau
thine"
Lumber Mutuals
Royal Canadian Air Fora
Am of Mill and Elevator Mutual
Magnesim Am
Safe Manufacturers National Am
Insurance Companies
Manufacturing Cbeslstt Am
Rorie" of Motion Picture and Tai►
Am of Mutual Fire W. ELdneen
Maryland Fire Underwrite" Ridge
vision Engineers
Autmsfe Fire Alarm Am
Bureau
South Caroline Inspection and Rating
Bond of Flee Underwriters of the
Metal Lath Manufacturer. Am
Bureau
Pacific
Michigan Inspection Buren
South-Eeatea Underwriter? Am
Board of Underwriters of New York
Middle Department Am of fire IIn-
Steel press Fabriatgn Am
British Columbia Underwriters Am
derwriten
Steel Tank Institute
Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Am
Mississippi State Rang Bureau
Tennessee Inspection Bureau
Canadian Manufacturers' Am
Missouri Inspection Bureau
Terminal Elevator Grain Merchant?
Canadian Underwriters' Am
Motion Pia" Am of America
Am
Cast Iron Pipe Research An
Mountain States Inspection Bureau
Text. Board of Ins. Commissioners
Central Station Fire Protection Am
Mutual Fire Inspect. Bureau of N. E.
Theatre Owners of America
Central Traction and Lahting Bureau
Chiago Board or Underwriters
Mutual Fin Ion Am of N. E.
Toy Pistol and Paper Cap Mnmaeta-
Chlorine
Mutual lass Research Bureau
an Am
clay PssedcG Am
products
National Am of Credit Men
Transportation Ins. Rating Bureau
CoGan Am
National Am of Engine and Bat
Underwriter' Laboratories
county Bureau
Cook Cam
Manufacturers .
Moral
of (Spada
Underwriters
Sian
Dentin Insurance ors
Am
National Am of Pen MmWagen
Service Amories
U. iertice dm
Dominion Board of mamma Under-
National Am of Agents
S. Force
U. S. Air
writers
Manufacturers
National Am of Mutual
e
U. S. Department of Agr
Dou Piro Prevention Am
Ion.
National Ann off uIna
Army
U. S. Department of the Army
Douglasfir Plywood Am
ssora
National Am of Mutual Insurance
U. S. Department of eeav
Edlism Underwriters Am
companies
G. S. Department the Navy
ketsInstitute
Facto Electric Excuses
National Automatic Sprinkler and Fin
zof
Vermiculite Institute
Factory Mutual { Dlvlstm
Control Am
Washing Insurance Bureau
Factory Insurance Am
Asia
National COW of Underwriter. en
Surveying
Washington Banmag and Bating
facto, Mutual ue
and
National Blew Up and Paint Up Cam-
Bureau
Federation Mutual M Ins. Cam.
on it Flown
a
ton Elects
West Virginia Inspection Bureau
Equip e t Manufacturer. Am.
Fire Equipment e
National Electrical Contractor? Am.
m
Western Actuarial Bureau
Fin Insurance Boo
Rating Benno
National IAm
Wewrin Canada Insurance Under -
n
fire Insurance Rating of N. I.
National Elevator Mfg. Industry
fg.
stern O Am
ee
Fire Omen' Cmmittee Fire Prntee-
National Lumber Manufacturer? Am
actu
Western Oil and Oat Am
Mm Am
National Machine Tool Boded Am
Western Undenriten Am
Over Thirteen Thousand Associate Members.