Implications of the International Building and Fire Codes on New and Existing Processes and Structures

Across most of the United States, the International Building Code and international Fire Code have been adopted in some form as the law of the land. The International Fire Code places restrictions on the type of construction used to contain various hazardous processes. It requires a process using hazardous materials above a specified Maximum Allowable Quantity to be housed In a structure meeting the requirements for one of several High Hazard Occupancy Classes. The International Building Code specifies the construction methods required for each of the Occupancy Classes identified In the International Fire Code.

This paper will review how the International Fire Code classifies hazardous materials, and how to determine if a High Hazard Occupancy structure is required for a particular process. Floor area and height restrictions will be discussed, along with the definitions of storage, open use and closed use as they relate to determine compliance with the Maximum Allowable Quantity. It will also review various strategies for meeting the requirements of the code without triggering the use of High Hazard Occupancy construction methods and restrictions.