HAZARDOUS MATERIALS COMMITTEE
Palo Alto, Ca.
May 18, 2001

In Attendance:

Jeff Tarter, IES
Roger Benson, FM Global
Dan Heiser, Palo Alto Fire Department
Clare Owen, IES
Paul Inouye, Milpitas Fire Department
Kent Miller, Stockton Fire Department
Ron Keefer, Menlo Park Fire District

1. The Committee again reviewed proposed changes to be submitted to the California Building Standards Commission. All members were in agreement with the following outcomes:

304.2.2.1 Oppose. The proposal would allow a Lab or Vocational Shop to be constructed without automatic fire sprinkler protection provided that portion of the building was compartmented by one-hour fire rated construction. The types of chemicals and compressed gases that could be found in Labs or Vocational Shops could greatly increase the fire risk, allowing the one-hour fire rated construction to weaken before it’s rating. Fires in Laboratory settings have the potential for releasing toxic smoke, that would leave the property line, causing evacuations downwind of the fire.

307 Support. Reinstate the exempt amount for Flammable Solids and references Class C Fireworks.

Ask for clarification. The proposal suggests dropping the Division 2 category. If it refers to Group H, Division 2 definition, to our knowledge, Group H, Division 2 is still used.

Support. The proposal would require emergency power for Group H Division 8 occupancies.

307.2.12 Oppose. The proposal would allow for the storage of flammable in basements using the same Exempt Amounts in Table 3-D. Safeguards for these quantities, to be stored below grade, appear to be limited. Issues such as transporting the chemicals to the basement don’t seem to be addressed. Other items such as sprinkler protection, ventilation requirements, electrical installations and exiting don’t appear to be addressed. The provisions allow for up to 30 gallons of a Class I-A Liquid and 60 gallons of a Class I-B Liquid in a basement without any safeguards required. If there is truly an need for this type of storage, the California Fire Chiefs Association would like the time to work with the proponent to develop a standard set of safeguards agreeable with all parties.

Support. The provision would add the word "smoke" to read "Fire and Smoke Dampers. . ." when referring to fume hood exhaust ducts in H-8 Occupancies.

Table 3-D Support. See 307 above.

2. The committee discussed a proposed code change sponsored by KPB Enterprises that would have made a separate Chapter in NFPA 1/UFC specifically for Gel Cell Battery Systems. The proposal may still go forward, but it proposes taking away the spill control requirement for gel cell batteries, claiming that this type of battery, due to it’s make-up cannot spill it’s electrolyte. The proponent also required that provisions be made to prevent "Thermal Runaway." Clearly, more research is needed on the subject before the Fire Service gives up safeguards or asks for provisions we are not totally familiar with.

3. Jeff Tarter advised that effective 7/1/01 the chemical Tetrazole will be classified by the Department of Transportation as a Class 1.1D explosive. Tetrazole is a common chemical used in the biotech field. However, once the chemical is dissolved in acetonitrile, its instability is controlled.

4. Cities are being "hit" with applications for stand-by generators due to California’s rolling black-outs. Some cities are only asking for basic fire protection measures as defined by Articles 9 of the Fire Code. If the installations will be temporary, we suggest using the Construction Site requirements of Division 4 in Article 79.

Ronald Keefer & Kent Miller, Co-Chairs

Hazardous Materials Committee