Based on the 2006 IBC: 1. Diesel fuel is a hazardous material per Chapter 3 of the IBC. 2. Flash point of diesel fuel can vary, making the fuel either a Class II or a Class IIIA liquid. Class II liquids are more regulated so this is generally the classification chosen. 3. Per footnote i to IBC Table 307.1(1), the maximum quantity is limited to 660 gallons when connected to a "fuel-oil piping system". This generally exempts the fuel tanks from generating a H Use. 4. The IFC will regulate the installation of the tanks based on IBC 307.1.1. Since the control area quantity is not exceeded, IFC 2701 and 2703 will apply (IFC 2703.1.3). 5. Spill control, drainage, and containment are regulated by the IFC per IBC 414.5.5. 6. Spill control and containment are not required per IFC 2703. If the exempt quantities are exceeded, then these requirements apply. 7. IFC 2703.3 prohibits the release of any quantity of a hazardous material into sewer, storm drain, etc. (Floor drains in areas containing hazardous materials are normally a bad idea unless the drains are piped to some sort of collection system). 8. In addition to the requirements in Chapter 27, the requirements in Chapter 34 also apply (IFC 3401.1). 9. IFC 3403.4 does not require spill control and secondary containment if the allowable quantity per control area is not exceeded. In this case the limit of 660 gallons would apply. 10. 3404.2.9.4 requires a device to prevent overflow. 11. NFPA 37 is not referenced by the IBC/IFC. However, NFPA 37-2002, 6.3.2.4 does require the spill containment, and the exception to this paragraph does not appear to exempt the double wall tank.
So to answer the specific questions: Based on your reference to NFPA 37, spill containment is required. What is the basis for your supplier's opinion regarding the double wall tank? Does he believe it would fall under the NFPA 37, 6.3.2.4 Exception? I'd suggest leaving the floor drains to others. If there's no spill on the floor there is no drain issue. See Items 6 and 10 above. I can't explain the apparent differences between NFPA 37 and the IBC/IFC. The assessment above is intended for discussion purposes only. Please confirm all the references and consult with the designer of record and your AHJ prior to going forward. Bill Brooks William N. Brooks, P.E. Brooks Fire Protection Engineering Inc. 372 Wilett Drive Severna Park, MD 21146 410-544-3620 Phone 410-544-3032 FAX 412-400-6528 Cell -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: Diesel Fire Pump Fuel Tank From: "Russell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Fri, December 28, 2007 11:31 am To: <[email protected]> You really need to consult the IFC. Section 3404.2.9.4 maybe. It's being discussed on the www.eng-tips.com forum. Search for "NFPA Code". Go down the topics about 6 or 8 or so. This may be helpful. To post or reply you have to register; however, it works on donation. Ron -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Reed Roisum Sent: Friday, December 28, 2007 10:53 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Diesel Fire Pump Fuel Tank I am designing a fire pump room that has (2) diesel fire pumps that each have a 187 gallon fuel tank. My question is about containment. I was told by a fire pump supplier to use a double wall tank because it might eliminate the need for containment walls. Based on NFPA-37 6.3.2.4 it appears that I need to provide a wall or curb to contain the capacity of the largest tank regardless if the tank is single or double walled. Is this true? Any direction is appreciated. Also, is there further considerations with containment, such as, floor drains etc.? Reed A. Roisum Fire Protection Technician NICET Level III Ulteig Engineers, Inc. 3350 38th Avenue South Fargo, ND 58104-7079 Direct Number: 701.280.8580 Mobile: 701.212.8810 Main Office: 701.280.8500 Fax: 701.280.8739 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
