Organic Peroxides

This chapter establishes requirements for the storage and use of organic peroxides, referencing additional regulations in Chapter 27.

3901 — General

3901.1 Scope. The storage and use of organic peroxides shall be in accordance with this chapter and Chapter 27.

Unclassified detonable organic peroxides that are capable of detonation in their normal shipping containers under conditions of fire exposure shall be stored in accordance with Chapter 33.

3901.2 Permits. Permits shall be required for organic peroxides as set forth in Section 105.6.

3902 — Definitions

3902.1 Definition. The following word and term shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings shown herein.

ORGANIC PEROXIDE. An organic compound that contains the bivalent -0-0- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can present an explosion hazard (detonation or defJagration) or they can be shock sensitive. They can also decompose into various unstable compounds over an extended period of time.

Class I. Describes those formulations that are capable of defJagration but not detonation. Class II. Describes those formulations that burn very rapidly and that pose a moderate reactivity hazard. Class III. Describes those formulations that burn rapidly and that pose a moderate reactivity hazard. Class IV. Describes those formulations that burn in the same manner as ordinary combustibles and that pose a minimal reactivity hazard. Class V. Describes those formulations that burn with less intensity than ordinary combustibles or do not sustain combustion and that pose no reactivity hazard. Unclassified detonable. Organic peroxides that are capable of detonation. These peroxides pose an extremely high-explosion hazard through rapid explosive decomposition.

Class I. Describes those formulations that are capable of defJagration but not detonation.

Class II. Describes those formulations that burn very rapidly and that pose a moderate reactivity hazard.

Class III. Describes those formulations that burn rapidly and that pose a moderate reactivity hazard.

Class IV. Describes those formulations that burn in the same manner as ordinary combustibles and that pose a minimal reactivity hazard.

Class V. Describes those formulations that burn with less intensity than ordinary combustibles or do not sustain combustion and that pose no reactivity hazard.

Unclassified detonable. Organic peroxides that are capable of detonation. These peroxides pose an extremely high-explosion hazard through rapid explosive decomposition.

3903 — General Requirements

3903.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage and use of organic peroxides in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 2703.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 3901 and 3903.

3903.1.1 Special limitations for indoor storage and use by occupancy. The indoor storage and use of organic peroxides shall be in accordance with Sections 3903.1.1.1 through 3903.1.1.4.

3903.1.1.1 Group A, E, I or U occupancies. In Group A, E, I or U occupancies, any amount of unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall be stored in accordance with the following: Unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 2703.8.7. The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage. 3903.1.1.2 Group R occupancies. Unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall not be stored or used within Group R occupancies. 3903.1.1.3 Group B, F, M or S occupancies. Unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall not be stored or used in offices, or retail sales areas of Group B, F, M or S occupancies. 3903.1.1.4 Classrooms. In classrooms in Group B, F or M occupancies, any amount of unclassified detonable and Class 1 organic peroxides shall be stored in accordance with the following. Unclassified detonable and Class 1 organic peroxides shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 2703.8.7. The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage. 3903.2 Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage and use of organic peroxides in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 2703.1 shall be in accordance with Chapter 27 and this chapter.

3903.1.1.1 Group A, E, I or U occupancies. In Group A, E, I or U occupancies, any amount of unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall be stored in accordance with the following:

Unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 2703.8.7. The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

Unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 2703.8.7.
The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

3903.1.1.2 Group R occupancies. Unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall not be stored or used within Group R occupancies.

3903.1.1.3 Group B, F, M or S occupancies. Unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall not be stored or used in offices, or retail sales areas of Group B, F, M or S occupancies.

3903.1.1.4 Classrooms. In classrooms in Group B, F or M occupancies, any amount of unclassified detonable and Class 1 organic peroxides shall be stored in accordance with the following.

Unclassified detonable and Class 1 organic peroxides shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 2703.8.7. The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

Unclassified detonable and Class 1 organic peroxides shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 2703.8.7.
The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

3903.2 Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage and use of organic peroxides in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 2703.1 shall be in accordance with Chapter 27 and this chapter.

Worked example

Scenario: A research lab plans to store 5 gallons of an organic peroxide that has a maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) of 10 gallons per control area according to Section 2703.1.

Explanation: Since the quantity does not exceed the MAQ, the storage and use must comply with Sections 2701, 2703, 3901, and 3903. This typically involves basic safety measures, proper labeling, and fire suppression as per the general hazardous materials requirements.

3904 — Storage

3904.1 Indoor storage. Indoor storage of organic peroxides in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1 (1) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2704 and this chapter.

Indoor storage of unclassified detonable organic peroxides that are capable of detonation in their normal shipping containers under conditions of fire exposure shall be stored in accordance with Chapter 33.

3904.1.1 Detached storage. Storage of organic peroxides shall be in detached buildings when required by Section 2703.8.2.

3904.1.1 Detached storage. Storage of organic peroxides shall be in detached buildings when required by Section 2703.8.2.

3904.1.2 Distance from detached storage buildings to exposures. In addition to the requirements of the International BUilding Code, detached storage buildings shall be located in accordance with Table 3904.1.2. 3904.1.3 Liquid-tight floor. In addition to the requirements of Section 2704.12, floors of storage areas shall be of liquid-tight construction. 3904.1.4 Electrical wiring and equipment. In addition to the requirements of Section 2703.9.4, electrical wiring and equipment in storage areas for Class I or II organic peroxides shall comply with the requirements for electrical Class I, Division 2 locations. 3904.1.5 Smoke detection. An approvedsupervised smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907 shall be provided in rooms or areas where Class I, II or III organic peroxides are stored. Activation of the smoke detection system shall sound a local alarm. Exception: A smoke detection system shall not be required in detached storage buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with Chapter 9. 3904.1.6 Maximum quantities. Maximum allowable quantities per building in a mixed occupancy building shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Table 2703.8.2. Maximum allowable quantities per building in a detached storage building shall not exceed the amounts specified in Table 3904.1.2. 3904.1.7 Storage arrangement. Storage arrangements for organic peroxides shall be in accordance with Table 3904.1.7 and shall comply with all of the following: Containers and packages in storage areas shall be closed. Bulk storage shall not be in piles or bins. A minimum 2-foot (610 mm) clear space shall be maintained between storage and uninsulated metal walls. Fifty-five-gallon (208 L) drums shall not be stored more than one drum high. 3904.1.8 Location in building. The storage of Class I or II organic peroxides shall be on the ground floor. Class III organic peroxides shall not be stored in basements. 3904.1.9 Contamination. Organic peroxides shall be stored in their original DOTn shipping containers. Organic peroxides shall be stored in a manner to prevent contamination. 3904.1.10 Explosion control. Indoor storage rooms, areas and buildings containing unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall be provided with explosion control in accordance with Section 911. 3904.1.11 Standby power. Standby power in accordance with Section 604 shall be provided for storage areas of Class I and unclassified detonable organic peroxide.

3904.1.2 Distance from detached storage buildings to exposures. In addition to the requirements of the International BUilding Code, detached storage buildings shall be located in accordance with Table 3904.1.2.

3904.1.3 Liquid-tight floor. In addition to the requirements of Section 2704.12, floors of storage areas shall be of liquid-tight construction.

3904.1.4 Electrical wiring and equipment. In addition to the requirements of Section 2703.9.4, electrical wiring and equipment in storage areas for Class I or II organic peroxides shall comply with the requirements for electrical Class I, Division 2 locations.

3904.1.5 Smoke detection. An approvedsupervised smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907 shall be provided in rooms or areas where Class I, II or III organic peroxides are stored. Activation of the smoke detection system shall sound a local alarm.

Exception: A smoke detection system shall not be required in detached storage buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with Chapter 9.

3904.1.6 Maximum quantities. Maximum allowable quantities per building in a mixed occupancy building shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Table 2703.8.2. Maximum allowable quantities per building in a detached storage building shall not exceed the amounts specified in Table 3904.1.2.

3904.1.7 Storage arrangement. Storage arrangements for organic peroxides shall be in accordance with Table 3904.1.7 and shall comply with all of the following:

Containers and packages in storage areas shall be closed. Bulk storage shall not be in piles or bins. A minimum 2-foot (610 mm) clear space shall be maintained between storage and uninsulated metal walls. Fifty-five-gallon (208 L) drums shall not be stored more than one drum high.

Containers and packages in storage areas shall be closed.
Bulk storage shall not be in piles or bins.
A minimum 2-foot (610 mm) clear space shall be maintained between storage and uninsulated metal walls.
Fifty-five-gallon (208 L) drums shall not be stored more than one drum high.

3904.1.8 Location in building. The storage of Class I or II organic peroxides shall be on the ground floor. Class III organic peroxides shall not be stored in basements.

3904.1.9 Contamination. Organic peroxides shall be stored in their original DOTn shipping containers. Organic peroxides shall be stored in a manner to prevent contamination.

3904.1.10 Explosion control. Indoor storage rooms, areas and buildings containing unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall be provided with explosion control in accordance with Section 911.

3904.1.11 Standby power. Standby power in accordance with Section 604 shall be provided for storage areas of Class I and unclassified detonable organic peroxide.

3904.2 Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage of organic peroxides in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1 (3) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2704 and this chapter.

3904.2.1 Distance from storage to exposures. Outdoor storage areas for organic peroxides shall be located in accordance with Table 3904.1.2. 3904.2.2 Electrical wiring and equipment. In addition to the requirements of Section 2703.9.4, electrical wiring and equipment in outdoor storage areas containing unclassified detonable, Class I or II organic peroxides shall comply with the requirements for electrical Class I, Division 2 locations. 3904.2.3 Maximum quantities. Maximum quantities of organic peroxides in outdoor storage shall be in accordance with Table 3904.1.2. 3904.2.4 Storage arrangement. Storage arrangements shall be in accordance with Table 3904.1.7. 3904.2.5 Separation. In addition to the requirements of Section 2703.9.8, outdoor storage areas for organic peroxides in amounts exceeding those specified in Table 2703.8.2 shall be located a minimum distance of 50 feet (15 240 mm) from other hazardous material storage.

3904.2.1 Distance from storage to exposures. Outdoor storage areas for organic peroxides shall be located in accordance with Table 3904.1.2.

3904.2.2 Electrical wiring and equipment. In addition to the requirements of Section 2703.9.4, electrical wiring and equipment in outdoor storage areas containing unclassified detonable, Class I or II organic peroxides shall comply with the requirements for electrical Class I, Division 2 locations.

3904.2.3 Maximum quantities. Maximum quantities of organic peroxides in outdoor storage shall be in accordance with Table 3904.1.2.

3904.2.4 Storage arrangement. Storage arrangements shall be in accordance with Table 3904.1.7.

3904.2.5 Separation. In addition to the requirements of Section 2703.9.8, outdoor storage areas for organic peroxides in amounts exceeding those specified in Table 2703.8.2 shall be located a minimum distance of 50 feet (15 240 mm) from other hazardous material storage.

A table appears here in the adopted code. Refer to the official source for the full table.

Worked example

Scenario: A manufacturing facility intends to store 200 lbs of a Type B organic peroxide in an indoor storage room, where Table 2703.1.1 (1) indicates a maximum allowable quantity of 150 lbs for that control area.

Explanation: Because the stored quantity exceeds the MAQ, the indoor storage must comply not only with Chapter 39 but also with the more stringent requirements outlined in Sections 2701, 2703, and specifically 2704, which covers the design and construction of storage facilities for hazardous materials.

3905 — Use

3905.1 General. The use of organic peroxides in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1 (1) or 2703.1.1 (3) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2705 and this chapter.

Worked example

Scenario: A chemical plant is using 50 gallons of a liquid organic peroxide for a reaction process, and the MAQ for use, as per Table 2703.1.1 (3), is 25 gallons.

Explanation: Since the quantity used exceeds the MAQ, the operation must adhere to the requirements of Sections 2701, 2703, and 2705, in addition to this chapter. Section 2705 typically addresses specific operational safeguards, ventilation, spill control, and process equipment requirements for the use of hazardous materials.

Frequently asked questions

What code chapters regulate organic peroxides?

The storage and use of organic peroxides are regulated by Chapter 39 and Chapter 27 of the IFC 2009.

Where can I find the maximum allowable quantities for organic peroxides?

Maximum allowable quantities per control area are indicated in Section 2703.1, and specifically in Table 2703.1.1 (1) and Table 2703.1.1 (3).

Are different rules applied for organic peroxide quantities below vs. above the maximum allowable quantity?

Yes, quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity follow Section 2703.1, while exceeding quantities involve additional sections like 2704 for storage and 2705 for use.