• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

IBC Explosion Control

Kevin

REGISTERED
Joined
Mar 25, 2020
Messages
40
Location
philadelphia
IBC 2021 section 414.5.1 Explosion Control states:

Explosion control shall be provided in accordance with the International Fire Code as required by Table 414.5.1 where quantities of hazardous materials specified in that table exceed the maximum allowable quantities in Table 307.1(1) or where a structure, room or space is occupied for purposes involving explosion hazards as required by Section 415 or the International Fire Code.

I'm confused by this section. The space will contain flammable gas in closed system that does not exceed the MAQ (max allowable quantity) per the table. The commentary states that it's either the upper portion of the table if MAQ is exceeded, or the bottom portion (Special Uses) if the use applies. The last row for special uses is "where explosion hazards exist".

I'd think that flammable gas presents an explosion hazard, but flammable gas is already "baked" in to the upper portion, so I think the last row can be disregarded. Is that how everyone here interprets that?

FWIW, we'll have gas detection so in some respects the explosion hazard doesn't exist if gas is detected and shut off before it reaches the lower level explosion limit.

Does anyone here have any hazardous code consultants they use?
 
Back
Top