jar546
Forum Coordinator
When are multiple buildings on a single lot required to be classified as a High-Hazard Group H occupancy?
Question in Detail:
Where multiple buildings are located on a single lot, one of the detached buildings is dedicated to and contains a diesel-powered fire sprinkler pump provided to service the multiple associated buildings on the lot. The detached building containing the diesel-powered fire sprinkler pump is designed as a single fire area. The diesel-powered fire sprinkler pump is connected by a piping system to the diesel fuel stored within the building containing the fire sprinkler pump. The quantity of diesel fuel stored in the dedicated fire sprinkler pump building does not exceed the quantity of hazardous material allowed in Table 307.1(1) of the 2021 IBC for a fire area. Is the building required to be classified as a High-Hazard Group H occupancy, and therefore subject to the provisions of the IBC and IFC for the storage of hazardous materials?ICC Opinion:
This opinion is also applicable to the 2024 IBC
A detached building dedicated to and housing a diesel-engine-powered fire sprinkler pump, and the amount of diesel fuel stored within the building not exceeding the quantity allowed in 2021 IBC Table 307.1(1) for a single fire area, would not be classified as a Group H occupancy. Note i with Table 307.1(1) and Table 5003.1.1(1) of the 2021 IFC applies to the storage of fuel connected to a piping system for fuel-oil-fired equipment within the building, which includes diesel engines. The provisions of the note are further confirmed in the IFC (Section 5701.2, Item 4 and Section 605.4.2).