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Corrosive Materials

Corrosive Materials

This chapter establishes regulations for the safe storage and use of corrosive materials, including specific provisions for compressed gases.

3101 — General

3101.1 Scope. The storage and use of corrosive materials shall be in accordance with this chapter. Compressedgasesshall also comply with Chapter 30.

Exceptions: Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies complying with Section 2703.11. Stationary storage battery systems in accordance with Section 608. This chapter shall not apply to R-717 (ammonia) where used as a refrigerant in a refrigeration system (see Section 606).

Exceptions:

  • Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies complying with Section 2703.11.
  • Stationary storage battery systems in accordance with Section 608.
  • This chapter shall not apply to R-717 (ammonia) where used as a refrigerant in a refrigeration system (see Section 606).

3101.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.6.

3102 — Definitions

3102.1 Definition. The following word and term shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meaning shown herein.

CORROSIVE. A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin ofalbino rabbits by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR 173.137, such chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the structure of the tissue at the point of contact following an exposure period of 4 hours. This term does not refer to action on inanimate surfaces.

3103 — General Requirements

3103.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage and use of corrosive materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 2703.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 2701,2703 and 3101.

3103.2 Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage and use of corrosive materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantityper control area indicated in Section 2703.1 shall be in accordance with this chapter and Chapter 27.

Worked example

Scenario: An architect is designing a small laboratory that will use various corrosive cleaning agents.

Explanation: If the total quantity of corrosive materials stored or used in the lab does not exceed the maximum allowable quantity per control area specified in Section 2703.1, the design must comply with Sections 2701, 2703, and 3101.

3104 — Storage

3104.1 Indoor storage. Indoor storage of corrosive materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1(2), shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2704 and this chapter.

3104.1.1 Liquid-tight floor. In addition to the provisions of Section 2704.12, floors in storage areas for corrosive liquids shall be of liquid-tight construction.

3104.1.1 Liquid-tight floor. In addition to the provisions of Section 2704.12, floors in storage areas for corrosive liquids shall be of liquid-tight construction.

3104.2 Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage of corrosivemateri-als in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantityper control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2704 and this chapter.

3104.2.1 Above-ground outside storage tanks. Aboveground outside storage tanks exceeding an aggregate quantity of 1,000 gallons (3785 L) of corrosive liquids shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 2704.2.2. 3104.2.2 Distance from storage to exposures. Outdoor storage of corrosive materials shall not be within 20 feet (6096 mm) of buildings not associated with the manufacturing or distribution of such materials, lot lines, public streets, public alleys, public ways or means ofegress. A 2-hour fire barrier wall without openings or penetrations, and extending not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above and to the sides of the storage area, is allowed in lieu of such distance. The wall shall either be an independent structure, or the exterior wall of the building adjacent to the storage area.

3104.2.1 Above-ground outside storage tanks. Aboveground outside storage tanks exceeding an aggregate quantity of 1,000 gallons (3785 L) of corrosive liquids shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 2704.2.2.

3104.2.2 Distance from storage to exposures. Outdoor storage of corrosive materials shall not be within 20 feet (6096 mm) of buildings not associated with the manufacturing or distribution of such materials, lot lines, public streets, public alleys, public ways or means ofegress. A 2-hour fire barrier wall without openings or penetrations, and extending not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above and to the sides of the storage area, is allowed in lieu of such distance. The wall shall either be an independent structure, or the exterior wall of the building adjacent to the storage area.

Worked example

Scenario: A new chemical distribution center plans to store large volumes of sulfuric acid indoors, exceeding standard control area limits.

Explanation: Because the stored quantity of corrosive material exceeds the maximum allowable per control area from Table 2703.1.1(2), the indoor storage design must comply with Sections 2701, 2703, 2704, and Chapter 31.

3105 — Use

3105.1 Indoor use. The indoor use of corrosive materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2705 and this chapter.

3105.1.1 Liquid transfer. Corrosive liquids shall be transferred in accordance with Section 2705.1.10. 3105.1.2 Ventilation. When corrosive materials are dispensed or used, mechanical exhaust ventilation in accordance with Section 2705.2.1.1 shall be provided.

3105.1.1 Liquid transfer. Corrosive liquids shall be transferred in accordance with Section 2705.1.10.

3105.1.2 Ventilation. When corrosive materials are dispensed or used, mechanical exhaust ventilation in accordance with Section 2705.2.1.1 shall be provided.

3105.2 Outdoor use. The outdoor use of corrosive materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 2703.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 2701, 2703, 2705 and this chapter.

3105.2.1 Distance from use to exposures. Outdoor use of corrosive materials shall be located in accordance with Section 3104.2.2.

3105.2.1 Distance from use to exposures. Outdoor use of corrosive materials shall be located in accordance with Section 3104.2.2.

Worked example

Scenario: A metal finishing plant uses highly corrosive pickling agents in its process, with quantities per control area surpassing the code's maximums.

Explanation: For the indoor use of these corrosive materials, the plant's operational areas and safety measures must conform to Sections 2701, 2703, 2705, and Chapter 31.

Frequently asked questions

What code governs corrosive materials?

The storage and use of corrosive materials are governed by Chapter 31 of the IFC 2009.

Are compressed gases covered in this chapter?

Yes, compressed gases must comply with both Chapter 31 and Chapter 30.

Where can I find the maximum allowable quantities for corrosive materials?

Maximum allowable quantities for corrosive materials are referenced in Section 2703.1 and Table 2703.1.1(2).

Where verbatim source text is shown, it is reproduced from the code as adopted into law by the jurisdiction, sourced from public.resource.org under the government edicts doctrine (see Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, Inc., 590 U.S. 255 (2020)). This material reflects enacted law and is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect local amendments or the most recently adopted edition. Always verify requirements with the authority having jurisdiction.