FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CORNER W RI TT E N B Y M IC H A E L T. R EA R D O N, P.E.
UTILIZING your CONTROL AREAS L
imiting flammable liquid quantities to maintain code compliance is a constant challenge for many distilleries. Model building and fire codes restrict the quantities of various hazardous materials as a means to keep an area or building from being classified as a high hazard occupancy. High hazard occupancies have very strict requirements and limitations for such things as building construction type and size, occupant egress, secondary containment, fire sprinkler system, etc., often leading to excessive construction costs or limitations to your facility. Model building and fire codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC), often adopted and amended by local jurisdictions, provide maximum allowable quantities (MAQs) for flammable and combustible liquids. These liquid MAQs are
provided with increased allowances if a building has an automatic fire sprinkler system and/or with storage in fire rated cabinets. MAQ limitations are based on designed control areas which need to be determined and constructed during the design phase of your distillery. A control area is defined by the International Building Code as: Spaces within a building where quantities of hazardous materials not exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area are stored, dispensed, used or handled.
A control area is a room or space that is separated from adjacent spaces by a fire-resistance rated partition, floor, and/or ceiling assembly. The IBC and IFC allow a specific number of control areas based on their locations above or below grade level. For example, you are permitted up to four control areas on the first floor with 100 Liquid maximum allowable quantities (MAQs) percent of the MAQ; however, you are only allowed three control areas are provided with increased allowances if a on the second floor with 75 percent building has an automatic fire sprinkler system of the MAQ. By providing control areas, you are able to increase your
and/or with storage in fire rated cabinets. 102
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