Corrosive Materials

This chapter regulates the safe storage and use of corrosive materials, including specific requirements for quantities that exceed maximum allowable limits.

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: A laboratory stores 1 gallon of hydrochloric acid, which is below the maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) for corrosive liquids in Section 2703.1.

Explanation: Because the quantity is below the MAQ, the storage and use must comply with the general requirements outlined in Sections 2701, 2703, and 3101, which cover general safeguards for hazardous materials.

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 chemical manufacturing plant plans to store 500 gallons of corrosive liquid indoors, which exceeds the maximum allowable quantity per control area listed in Table 2703.1.1(2).

Explanation: Since the quantity exceeds the MAQ, the indoor storage must adhere to the specific provisions of Sections 2701 (general requirements), 2703 (general regulations for hazardous materials), 2704 (storage of hazardous materials), and the additional requirements within Chapter 31 for corrosive materials.

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 facility uses 100 pounds of corrosive solid in a process, and this amount exceeds the maximum allowable quantity per control area from Table 2703.1.1(2).

Explanation: The indoor use of this quantity of corrosive material must comply with Sections 2701 (general requirements), 2703 (general regulations for hazardous materials), 2705 (use of hazardous materials), and any specific requirements of Chapter 31 for corrosive materials.

Frequently asked questions

What code sections govern the storage of corrosive materials?

The storage of corrosive materials is governed by Chapter 31, specifically Section 3104 for indoor storage, in conjunction with Sections 2701, 2703, and 2704.

When do I need to comply with specific, more stringent requirements for corrosive materials?

More stringent requirements apply when the quantity of corrosive materials exceeds the maximum allowable quantity per control area specified in Table 2703.1.1(2).

Are compressed gases subject to these corrosive material regulations?

Yes, the storage and use of compressed gases must comply with Chapter 30 in addition to the requirements of Chapter 31 if they are also corrosive materials.