International Fire Code - Hazardous Material Cabinets

IFC 5003.8.7: Hazardous Materials Storage Cabinets

Where storage cabinets are used to increase maximum allowable quantity per control area or to comply with this chapter, such cabinets shall be in accordance with Sections 5003.8.7.1 and 5003.8.7.2.

5003.8.7.1 Construction. The interior of cabinets shall be treated, coated or constructed of materials that are nonreactive with the hazardous material stored. Such treatment, coating or construction shall include the entire interior of the cabinet. Cabinets shall either be listed in accordance with UL 1275 as suitable for the intended storage or constructed in accordance with the following:

1. Cabinets shall be of steel having a thickness of not less than 0.0478 inch (1.2 mm) (No. 18 gage). The cabinet, including the door, shall be double walled with a 11/2-inch (38 mm) airspace between the walls. Joints shall be riveted or welded and shall be tight fitting. Doors shall be well fitted, self-closing and equipped with a self-latching device.
2. The bottoms of cabinets utilized for the storage of liquids shall be liquid tight to a minimum height of 2 inches (51 mm). Electrical equipment and devices within cabinets used for the storage of hazardous gases or liquids shall be in accordance with NFPA 70.

5003.8.7.2 Warning markings. Cabinets shall be clearly identified in an approved manner with red letters on a contrasting background to read: HAZARDOUS—KEEP FIRE AWAY.

IFC 5003.9.8: Separation of Incompatible Materials

Incompatible materials in storage and storage of materials that are incompatible with materials in use shall be separated where the stored materials are in containers having a capacity of more than 5 pounds (2 kg) or 0.5 gallon (2 L). Separation shall be accomplished by:

1. Segregating incompatible materials in storage by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
2. Isolating incompatible materials in storage by a noncombustible partition extending not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above and to the sides of the stored material.
3. Storing liquid and solid materials in hazardous material storage cabinets.
4. Storing compressed gases in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures in accordance with Sections 5003.8.5 and 5003.8.6. Materials that are incompatible shall not be stored within the same cabinet or exhausted enclosure.

6203.1.1.1: Organic Peroxides 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:

1. Unclassified detonable and Class I organic peroxides shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 5003.8.7.
2. The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

6203.1.1.1: Organic Peroxides 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:

1. Unclassified detonable and Class 1 organic peroxides shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 5003.8.7.
2. The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

6303.1.1.1.1: Solid Oxidizers In Group A, E, I or U Occupancies

In Group A, E, I or U occupancies, any amount of Class 4 liquid and shall be stored in accordance with the following:

1. Class 4 liquid and solid oxidizers shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 5003.8.7.
2. The hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

6303.1.1.1.4: Solid Oxidizers Classrooms of Group B, F or M Occupancies

Any amount of Class 4 liquid and solid oxidizers shall be stored in accordance with the following:

1. Class 4 liquid and solid oxidizers shall be stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets complying with Section 5003.8.7.
2. Hazardous materials storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

6304.1.6: Separation of Class 4 Oxidizers From Other Materials

In addition to the requirements in Section5003.9.8, Class 4 oxidizer liquids and solids shall be separated from other hazardous materials by not less than a 1- hour fire barrier or stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets.

6603.1.2.1: Unstable (Reactive) Materials In Group A, E, I or U Occupancies

Any amount of Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in accordance with the following:

1. Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in hazardous material storage cabinets complying with Section 5003.8.7.
2. The hazardous material storage cabinets shall not contain other storage.

6603.1.2.5: Unstable (Reactive) Materials in Group B, F or M Occupancies

Any amount of Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in accordance with the following:

Please consult your local authority having jurisdiction with your questions and for guidance in conforming to laws as they apply to your application. This is only meant for a reference and does not imply a warranty.