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Fire Safety Operational
Permits in Detail
New Hope
Borough Ordinance No. 2004-2 authorizes the Borough to
administer and enforce the Pennsylvania Construction Code, Act
45 of 1999, 35 P.S. §§7210.101-7210.1103 and authorizes and
charges the New Hope Borough Office of the Fire Marshall to
administer the issuance of the following operational permits:
IFC2003-105.6.1 Aerosol products.
An
operational permit is required to manufacture, store or handle
an aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products in
excess of 500 pounds (227 kg) net weight.
IFC2003-105.6.2 Amusement buildings.
An
operational permit is required to operate a special amusement
building.
IFC2003-105.6.3 Aviation facilities.
An
operational permit is required to use a Group H or Group S
occupancy for aircraft servicing or repair and aircraft
fuel-servicing vehicles. Additional permits required by other
sections of the Fire Code include, but are not limited to, hot
work, hazardous materials and flammable or combustible finishes.
IFC2003-105.6.4 Carnivals and fairs.
An
operational permit is required to conduct a carnival or fair.
IFC2003-105.6.5 Battery systems.
A
permit is required to install stationary lead-acid battery
systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189
L).
IFC2003-105.6.6 Cellulose nitrate film.
An
operational permit is required to store, handle or use cellulose
nitrate film in a Group A occupancy.
IFC2003-105.6.7 Combustible dust-producing operations.
An operational permit is required to operate a grain elevator,
flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum,
coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations
producing combustible dusts as defined in Chapter 2 of the 2003
IFC.
IFC2003-105.6.8 Combustible fibers.
An
operational permit is required for the storage and handling of
combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet
(2.8 m3).
Exception:
A
permit is not required for agricultural storage.
IFC2003-105.6.9 Compressed gases.
An
operational permit is required for the storage, use or handling
at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases in
excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.9.
Exception:
Vehicles equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for
propelling the vehicle.
TABLE 105.6.9
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR COMPRESSED GASES
|
TYPE OF GAS |
AMOUNT
(cubic feet at NTP) |
|
Corrosive |
200 |
|
Flammable (except cryogenic fluids
and liquefied petroleum gases) |
200 |
|
Highly toxic |
Any Amount |
|
Inert and simple asphyxiant |
6,000 |
|
Oxidizing (including oxygen) |
504 |
|
Toxic |
Any Amount |
IFC2003-105.6.10 Covered mall buildings.
An
operational permit is required for:
1.
The placement of retail fixtures and displays, concession
equipment, displays of highly combustible goods and similar
items in a mall.
2.
The display of liquid- or gas-fired equipment in a mall.
3.
The use of open-flame or flame-producing equipment in a mall.
IFC2003-105.6.11 Cryogenic fluids.
An
operational permit is required to produce, store, transport on
site, use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids in excess of the
amounts listed in Table 105.6.11.
Exception:
Permits are not required for vehicles equipped for and using
cryogenic fluids as a fuel for propelling the vehicle or for
refrigerating the lading.
TABLE 105.6.11
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
|
TYPE OF CRYOGENIC FLUID |
INSIDE BUILDING
(gallons) |
OUTSIDE BUILDING
(gallons) |
|
Flammable |
More than 1 |
60 |
|
Inert |
60 |
500 |
|
Oxidizing (includes oxygen) |
10 |
50 |
|
Physical or health hazard not indicated above |
Any Amount |
Any Amount |
IFC2003-105.6.12 Cutting and welding.
An
operational permit is required to conduct cutting or welding
operations within the jurisdiction.
IFC2003-105.6.13 Dry cleaning plants.
An operational permit is required to engage in the business of
dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent
used in existing dry cleaning equipment.
IFC2003-105.6.14 Exhibits and trade shows.
An
operational permit is required to operate exhibits and trade
shows.
IFC2003-105.6.15 Explosives.
An
operational permit is required for the manufacture, storage,
handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosive, explosive
material, fireworks, or pyrotechnic special effects within the
scope of Chapter 33 of the 2003 IFC.
IFC2003-105.6.16 Fire hydrants and valves.
An
operational permit is required to use or operate fire hydrants
or valves intended for fire suppression purposes which are
installed on water systems and accessible to a fire apparatus
access road that is open to or generally used by the public.
Exception:
A
permit is not required for authorized employees of the water
company that supplies the system or the fire department to use
or operate fire hydrants or valves.
IFC2003-105.6.17 Flammable and combustible liquids.
An
operational permit is required:
1.
To use or operate a pipeline for the transportation within
facilities of flammable or combustible liquids.
This
requirement shall not apply to the off-site transportation in
pipelines regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT)
nor does it apply to piping systems.
2.
To store, handle or use Class I liquids in excess of 5 gallons
(19 L) in a building or in excess of 10 gallons (37.9 L) outside
of a building, except that a permit is not required for the
following:
2.1.
The storage or use of Class I liquids in the fuel tank of a
motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile
heating plant, unless such storage, in the opinion of the code
official, would cause an unsafe condition.
2.2.
The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar
flammable mixtures when such liquids are stored for maintenance,
painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than 30
days.
3.
To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess
of 25 gallons (95 L) in a building or in excess of 60 gallons
(227 L) outside a building, except for fuel oil used in
connection with oil-burning equipment.
4.
To remove Class I or Class II liquids from an underground
storage tank used for fueling motor vehicles by any means other
than the approved, stationary on-site pumps normally used for
dispensing purposes.
5.
To operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals,
wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and
similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are
produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used.
6.
To place temporarily out of service (for more than 90 days) an
underground, protected above-ground or above-ground flammable or
combustible liquid tank.
7.
To change the type of contents stored in a flammable or
combustible liquid tank to a material which poses a greater
hazard than that for which the tank was designed and
constructed.
8.
To manufacture, process, blend or refine flammable or
combustible liquids.
9.
To engage in the dispensing of liquid fuels into the fuel tanks
of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental or
manufacturing establishments.
10.
To utilize a site for the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank
vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial,
industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments.
IFC2003-105.6.18 Floor finishing.
An
operational permit is required for floor finishing or surfacing
operations exceeding 350 square feet (33 m2)
using Class I or Class II liquids.
IFC2003-105.6.19 Fruit and crop ripening.
An
operational permit is required to operate a fruit- or
crop-ripening facility or conduct a fruit-ripening process using
ethylene gas.
IFC2003-105.6.20 Fumigation and thermal insecticidal fogging.
An
operational permit is required to operate a business of
fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging and to maintain a
room, vault or chamber in which a toxic or flammable fumigant is
used.
IFC2003-105.6.21 Hazardous materials.
An
operational permit is required to store, transport on site,
dispense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of the
amounts listed in Table 105.6.21.
TABLE 105.6.21
PERMIT AMOUNTS FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
|
TYPE OF MATERIAL |
AMOUNT |
|
Combustible
liquids |
See section
IFC2003-105.6.17 |
|
Corrosive
materials
Gasses
Liquids
Solids |
See section IFC2003-105.6.9
55 gallons
1000 pounds |
|
Explosive
materials |
Any amount of
explosive, explosive materials, fireworks, or
pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of
Chapter 33 of the 2003 IFC. |
|
Flammable
materials
Gasses
Liquids
Solids |
See section
IFC2003-105.6.9
See section
IFC2003-105.6.17
100 pounds |
|
Highly toxic
materials
Gasses
Liquids
Solids |
See section
IFC2003-105.6.9
Any Amount
Any Amount |
|
Oxidizing
materials
Gasses
Liquids
Class 4
Class 3
Class 2
Class 1
Solids
Class 4
Class 3
Class 2
Class 1 |
See section
IFC2003-105.6.9
Any Amount
1 gallon
10 gallons
55 gallons
Any Amount
10 pounds
100 pounds
500 pounds |
|
Organic
peroxides
Liquids
Class I
Class
II
Class
III
Class
IV
Class V
Solids
Class I
Class
II
Class
III
Class
IV
Class V |
Any Amount
Any Amount
1 gallon
2 gallons
No Permit
Required
Any Amount
Any Amount
10 pounds
20 pounds
No Permit
Required |
|
Pyrophoric
materials
Gasses
Liquids
Solids |
See section
IFC2003-105.6.9
Any Amount
Any Amount |
|
Toxic
materials
Gasses
Liquids
Solids |
See section
IFC2003-105.6.9
10 gallons
100 pounds |
|
Unstable
(reactive) materials
Liquids
Class 4
Class 3
Class 2
Class 1
Solids
Class 4
Class 3
Class 2
Class 1 |
Any Amount
Any Amount
5 gallons
10 gallons
Any Amount
Any Amount
50 pounds
100 pounds |
|
Water-reactive materials
Liquids
Class 3
Class 2
Class 1
Solids
Class 3
Class 2
Class 1 |
Any Amount
5 gallons
55 gallons
Any Amount
50 pounds
500 pounds |
IFC2003-105.6.22 HPM facilities.
An
operational permit is required to store, handle or use hazardous
production materials.
IFC2003-105.6.23 High-piled storage.
An
operational permit is required to use a building or portion
thereof as a high-piled storage area exceeding 500 square feet
(46 m2).
IFC2003-105.6.24 Hot work operations.
An
operational permit is required for hot work including, but not
limited to:
1.
Public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is
conducted.
2.
Use of portable hot work equipment inside a structure.
Exception:
Work
that is conducted under a construction permit.
3.
Fixed-site hot work equipment such as welding booths.
4.
Hot work conducted within a hazardous fire area.
5.
Application of roof coverings with the use of an open-flame
device.
6.
When approved, the fire code official shall issue a permit to
carry out a Hot Work Program. This program allows approved
personnel to regulate their facility’s hot work operations. The
approved personnel shall be trained in the fire safety aspects
denoted in the applicable chapter of the Fire Code and shall be
responsible for issuing permits requiring compliance with the
requirements found in Chapter 26. These permits shall be issued
only to their employees or hot work operations under their
supervision.
IFC2003-105.6.25 Industrial ovens.
An
operational permit is required for operation of industrial ovens
regulated by Chapter 21 of the 2003 IFC.
IFC2003-105.6.26 Lumber yards and woodworking plants.
An operational permit is required for the storage or processing
of lumber exceeding 100,000 board feet (8,333 ft3)
(236 m3).
IFC2003-105.6.27 Liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in
assembly buildings.
An
operational permit is required to display, operate or
demonstrate liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in
assembly buildings.
IFC2003-105.6.28 LP-gas.
An
operational permit is required for:
1.
Storage and use of LP-gas.
Exception:
A
permit is not required for individual containers with a
500-gallon (1893 L) water capacity or less serving occupancies
in Group R-3.
2.
Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP-gas.
IFC2003-105.6.29 Magnesium.
An
operational permit is required to melt, cast, heat treat or
grind more than 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of magnesium.
IFC2003-105.6.30 Miscellaneous combustible storage.
An
operational permit is required to store in any building or upon
any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet (71m3)
gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels
or similar containers, rubber tires, rubber, cork or similar
combustible
material.
IFC2003-105.6.31 Open burning.
An
operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining
of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or
other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of
the permit shall be adhered to.
Exception:
Recreational fires.
IFC2003-105.6.32 Open flames and torches.
An
operational permit is required to remove paint with a torch; or
to use a torch or open-flame device in a hazardous fire area.
IFC2003-105.6.33 Open flames and candles.
An
operational permit is required to use open flames or candles in
connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or
drinking establishments.
IFC2003-105.6.34 Organic coatings.
An
operational permit is required for any organic-coating
manufacturing operation producing more than 1 gallon (4 L) of an
organic coating in one day.
IFC2003-105.6.35 Places of assembly.
An
operational permit is required to operate a place of assembly.
IFC2003-105.6.36 Private fire hydrants.
An
operational permit is required for the removal from service, use
or operation of private fire hydrants.
Exception:
A
permit is not required for private industry with trained
maintenance personnel, private fire brigade or fire departments
to maintain, test and use private hydrants.
IFC2003-105.6.37 Pyrotechnic special effects material.
An operational permit is required for use and handling of
pyrotechnic special effects material.
IFC2003-105.6.38 Pyroxylin plastics.
An
operational permit is required for storage or handling of more
than 25 pounds (11 kg) of cellulose nitrate (pyroxylin) plastics
and for the assembly or manufacture of articles involving
pyroxylin plastics.
IFC2003-105.6.39 Refrigeration equipment.
An
operational permit is required to operate a mechanical
refrigeration unit or system regulated by Chapter 6 of the IFC.
IFC2003-105.6.40 Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing
facilities.
An
operational permit is required for operation of repair garages
and automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing
facilities.
IFC2003-105.6.41 Rooftop heliports.
An
operational permit is required for the operation of a rooftop
heliport.
IFC2003-105.6.42 Spraying or dipping.
An
operational permit is required to conduct a spraying or dipping
operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids or the
application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 15 of
the IFC.
IFC2003-105.6.43 Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts.
An
operational permit is required to establish, conduct or maintain
storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds 2,500
cubic feet (71m3)
of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires
and tire byproducts.
IFC2003-105.6.44 Temporary membrane structures, tents and
canopies.
An
operational permit is required to operate an air-supported
temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess
of 200 square feet (19 m2),
or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2).
Exceptions:
1.
Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
2.
Fabric canopies open on all sides which comply with all of the
following:
2.1.
Individual canopies having a maximum size of 700 square feet (65
m2).
2.2.
The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side
without a fire break
clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed
700 square feet (65 m2)
total.
2.3.
A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other
tents shall be
provided.
IFC2003-105.6.45 Tire-rebuilding plants.
An
operational permit is required for the operation and maintenance
of a tire-rebuilding plant.
IFC2003-105.6.46 Waste handling.
An
operational permit is required for the operation of wrecking
yards, junk yards and waste material-handling facilities.
IFC2003-105.6.47 Wood products.
An
operational permit is required to store chips, hogged material,
lumber or plywood in excess of 200 cubic feet (6 m3).
Note: All citations, definitions, and
classifications reference the 2003 International Fire Code.
This document is provided for informational
purposes only. It is not meant to constitute an opinion,
interpretation, or change of the code(s) it references. It is
being provided for the convenience of the residents and
businesses of New Hope Borough only. All inspection and
enforcement activities charged to and undertaken by the New Hope
Borough Office of the Fire Marshall are in accordance with
Borough Ordinance #2004-2.
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