WSR 97-16-113

PROPOSED RULES

BUILDING CODE COUNCIL

[Filed August 6, 1997, 10:33 a.m.]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 97-05-064.

Title of Rule: Repeal of chapters 51-34 and 51-35 WAC, adoption and amendment of the 1994 Edition of the Uniform Fire Code and Fire Code Standards; and adoption of chapters 51-44 and 51-45 WAC, adoption and amendment of the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Fire Code and Fire Code Standards.

Purpose: To consider whether to adopt, or amend and adopt, the 1997 Editions of the Uniform Fire Code and Fire Code Standards, published by the International Fire Code Institute, and repeal the 1994 editions of these codes.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 19.27.031, 19.27.074.

Statute Being Implemented: Chapters 19.27 and 34.05 RCW.

Summary: The proposed rules include adoption of the 1997 Uniform Fire Code and Fire Code Standards, with amendments, including Appendices II-F, Protected Aboveground Tanks for Motor Vehicle Fuel Dispensing Stations Outside Buildings, and II-J, Storage of Flammable and Combustible liquids in tanks located within below-grade vaults.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting and Implementation: Al Rhoades, P.O. Box 48300, Olympia, WA 98504-8300, (360) 586-8999; and Enforcement: Local jurisdictions.

Name of Proponent: Washington State Building Code Council, governmental.

Agency Comments or Recommendations, if any, as to Statutory Language, Implementation, Enforcement, and Fiscal Matters: The council is seeking comments on the issues and options proposed in the rules shown below.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The proposed rule will adopt by reference and amend the 1997 Editions of the Uniform Fire Code (UFC) and the Uniform Fire Code Standards, published by the International Fire Code Institute (IFCI) and repeal the 1994 Editions of the UFC and UFC Standards. The purpose is to replace the 1994 UFC and UFC Standards (chapters 51-34 and 51-35 WAC) and assign the 1997 UFC and UFC Standards new WAC numbers (chapters 51-44 and 51-45 WAC). The 1997 UFC and UFC Standards will be amended to provide greater safety and flexibility than the published versions for their application in Washington state.

Several amendments, located in ten different sections of the 1994 UFC and UFC Standards, have not been included with the adoption of the 1997 UFC and UFC Standards. This is primarily due to changes between the 1994 and 1997 codes, which have incorporated language contained in the previous state amendments and rendered them obsolete.

Regulatory Review: In compliance with Executive Order 97-02, Regulatory improvement, the following criteria for regulatory review will be considered at the time of final adoption of the rule.

1. Need. This rule is necessary to comply with the requirements of RCW 19.27.074. The council must regularly review updated versions of the Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Fire Code Standards, and amend and adopt as deemed appropriate by the council. An updated, 1997 version of the Uniform Fire Code has been published. The purpose and objective of this review, as given in RCW 19.27.020, is to promote the health, safety and welfare of the occupants or users of buildings; to require minimum construction standards for the state of Washington; to permit the use of modern technical methods; to eliminate restrictive, obsolete, conflicting, duplicating and unnecessary regulations; and to provide standards to make buildings accessible to and usable by physically disabled persons. The technical advisory groups appointed by the council have identified rules that are obsolete, duplicative or ambiguous, and have proposed amendments and revisions.

2. Effectiveness and Efficiency. The mission of the council is to adopt building codes for uniform application throughout the state. In the course of the regular rule review, the council examined regulatory alternatives and new technologies. The council has identified where alternatives can be used effectively and efficiently. The council efficiently achieves uniform state building codes by serving as the central administrative agency for state-wide adoption of building codes.

3. Clarity. The council is revising their filing procedure for state amendments to the national uniform codes. To enhance clarity, only those subsections with a state amendment will be filed under the main section number. The balance of the main section will remain as written in the National Uniform Code, as adopted by reference, unless otherwise noted. This reformatting change reorganizes and shortens the WACs, and necessitates new WAC number assignments.

4. Intent and Statutory Authority. The proposed rule is consistent with the legislative intent of the statute chapter 19.27 RCW. The statute gives the council sufficient authority to maintain the state building code, and to amend and adopt new editions of the Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Fire Code Standards. The Uniform Fire Code is published every three years.

5. Coordination. The council rule-making process has included participation by national, state, and local building, fire, mechanical and plumbing officials, as well as state agency representatives for the Departments of Social and Health Services, Health, Labor and Industries, and the state Fire Marshal. The council actively seeks participation from other state agencies to assure that duplication and inconsistency is eliminated.

6. Cost. The council appointed technical advisory groups and an Economic and Regulatory Assessment Committee to examine the costs and benefits associated with the revisions to the building code.

7. Fairness. The state amendments to the Uniform Fire Code proposed by the council are intended to mitigate disproportionate impact on the regulated community. The council is made up of representatives from the regulated community, as well as public and regulatory officials. In addition, the council enlisted the assistance of technical advisory groups, made up of individuals, organizations and businesses impacted by the building codes, to review changes and proposals.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Amendments to the following sections have been maintained from the 1994 UFC (chapter 51-34 WAC) with no change: WAC 51-44-200, 51-44-900, 51-44-1007, 51-44-1109, 51-44-2500, and 51-44-7802. Amendments in WAC 51-44-6300, Article 63, Refrigeration, are maintained from the permanent rule filed as WSR 97-01-135.

WAC 51-44-003 Uniform Fire Code, two appendix items are adopted with the 1997 UFC: Appendix II-F, Protected Aboveground Tanks For Motor Vehicle Fuel-Dispensing Stations Outside Buildings; and Appendix II-J, Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids in Tanks Located Within Below-Grade Vaults.

WAC 51-44-007 Exceptions, "temporary growing structures" are defined and their regulation is exempted from the UFC.

WAC 51-44-103, Section 103.2.1.1, an exception deletes Medical Gas Systems from regulation under the fire code.

WAC 51-44-1003, Section 1003.2.4.1, the existing amendment requiring automatic fire-extinguishing systems in newly constructed school buildings has language added to clarify that substitutions as well as increases are allowed when Sections 505, 506 and 508 of the building code may be used.

WAC 51-44-5200, Section 5201.1, the existing amendment, which allows for fleet fueling, has language added to clarify the intent of item 3 stating that "tank vehicles with fuel in the cargo tank shall not be left unattended."

WAC 51-44-6100, Sections 6102 and 6103, in Section 6102 reference to Section 7902.1.7.4 has been changed to Section 7902.1.7 for accuracy. Section 6103 has been amended to allow a permit to be issued for disposing of an oil tank without an inspection of the tank or premises.

WAC 51-44-7404, Sections 7404.1 and 7404.2.3, an exception to Section 7404.1 assigns the regulation of medical gas systems to the plumbing code. Section 7404.2.3 - Medical Gas Systems, is not adopted.

WAC 51-44-7900, Sections 7902.1.7.2.4 and 7903.4.1, in Section 7902.1.7.2.4, an exception is added to item 3 which allows for the abandonment of residential heating oil tanks without filling with an inert solid material. For Section 7903.4.1, solvent distillation units listed for and used in laboratories has been removed from the exceptions to compliance with the code for listing, labeling and installation.

WAC 51-44-8000, Section 8001.3.2, for hazardous materials management storage plans showing the intended storage arrangement and location of aisles, the requirement for specifying the dimensions of aisles has been deleted.

WAC 51-44-10210, Appendix II-J, Section 5.4, for flammable and combustible liquids storage, the maximum number of storage tanks allowed in a below-grade vault is increased from one to three.

WAC 51-45-80400, Standard 80-4, Section 5.2.1.2, the requirement for a smoke detection system has been changed to requiring an automatic sprinkler system when bulk inert gas systems are installed in a building of other than Type I or II construction.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The council appointed Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to do a comprehensive review and comparison of the 1994 Uniform Fire Code and the 1997 Uniform Fire Code. The TAGs held meetings over a three year period. All national and state-wide code changes were examined. The TAG findings were reviewed by the council's Economic and Regulatory Assessment Committee. Based on this review, the council found that all changes proposed are editorial in nature or provide clarification and pose minimal economic impact. Therefore, no small business economic analysis was necessary.

Section 201, chapter 403, Laws of 1995, does not apply to this rule adoption. The state Building Code Council is not listed in this section as one of the agencies required to comply with this regulation.

Hearing Location: On Friday, September 12, 1997, at 9:00 a.m., at the Radisson Hotel, Flight Lounge, 17001 Pacific Highway South, SeaTac, WA; and on Friday, October 10, 1997, at 9:00 a.m., at the Spokane City Hall, City Council Chambers, West 808 Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Krista Braaksma by September 1, 1997, TDD (360) 753-2200, or (360) 753-5927.

Submit Written Comments to: Mike McEnaney, Chair, State Building Code Council, P.O. Box 48300, Olympia, WA 98504-8300, FAX (360) 586-5880, by October 8, 1997.

Date of Intended Adoption: November 14, 1997.

August 6, 1997

Mike McEnaney

Chair

STATE BUILDING CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT

OF THE 1997 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE

NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-001 Authority. These rules are adopted under the authority of chapter 19.27 RCW.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-002 Purpose. The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW, which provides that the State Building Code council shall maintain the State Building Code in a status which is consistent with the purpose as set forth in RCW 19.27.020. In maintaining the codes the council shall regularly review updated versions of the codes adopted under the act, and other pertinent information, and shall amend the codes as deemed appropriate by the council.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-003 Uniform Fire Code. The 1997 edition of the Uniform Fire Code, including Appendix II-F, Protected Aboveground Tanks For Motor Vehicle Fuel-Dispensing Stations Outside Buildings, and Appendix II-J, Storage of Flammable and Combustible Liquids in Tanks Located Within Below-Grade Vaults, published by the International Fire Code Institute is hereby adopted by reference with the following additions, deletions, and exceptions.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-007 Exceptions. The exceptions and amendments to the Uniform Fire Code contained in the provisions of chapter 19.27 RCW shall apply in case of conflict with any of the provisions of these rules.

The provisions of this code do not apply to temporary growing structures used solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits. "Temporary growing structure" means a structure that has the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material and is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention. A temporary growing structure is not considered a building for purposes of this code.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-008 Implementation. The Uniform Fire Code adopted by chapter 51-44 Washington Administrative Code (WAC) shall become effective in all counties and cities of this state on July 1, 1998.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-0103 Section 103--Inspection and enforcement.

103.2.1.1 General. The chief is authorized to administer and enforce this code. (Exception: Medical Gas Systems, Section 7404.2.3) Under the chief's direction, the fire department is authorized to enforce all ordinances of the jurisdiction pertaining to:

1. The prevention of fires,

2. The suppression or extinguishment of dangerous or hazardous fires,

3. The storage, use and handling of hazardous materials,

4. The installation and maintenance of automatic, manual and other private fire alarm systems and fire-extinguishing equipment,

5. The maintenance and regulation of fire escapes,

6. The maintenance of fire protection and the elimination of fire hazards on land and in buildings, structures and other property, including those under construction,

7. The maintenance of means of egress, and

8. The investigation of the cause, origin and circumstances of fire and unauthorized releases of hazardous materials.

For authority related to control and investigation of emergency scenes, see Section 104.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-0200 Article 2--Definitions and abbreviations.

SECTION 206 - E.

ELECTRICAL CODE is the National Electrical Code, promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted in chapter 296-46 WAC, or the locally adopted Electrical Code.

SECTION 216 - O.

Group E Occupancies:

Group E Occupancies shall be:

Division 1. Any building used for educational purposes through the 12th grade by 50 or more persons for more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day.

Division 2. Any building used for educational purposes through the 12th grade by less than 50 persons for more than 12 hours per week or four hours in any one day.

Division 3. Any building or portion thereof used for day-care purposes for more than six persons.

EXCEPTION: Family child day care homes as defined in chapter 51-40 WAC, Uniform Building Code, shall be considered Group R, Division 3 Occupancies.

Group LC Occupancies:

Group LC Occupancies shall be:

Group LC Occupancies shall include buildings, structures, or portions thereof, used for the business of providing licensed care to clients in one of the following categories regulated by either the Washington Department of Health or the Department of Social and Health Services:

1. Adult family home.

2. Adult residential rehabilitation facility.

3. Alcoholism intensive inpatient treatment service.

4. Alcoholism detoxification service.

5. Alcoholism long term treatment service.

6. Alcoholism recovery house service.

7. Boarding home.

8. Group care facility.

9. Group care facility for severely and multiple handicapped children.

10. Residential treatment facility for psychiatrically impaired children and youth.

EXCEPTION: Where the care provided at an alcoholism detoxification service is acute care similar to that provided in a hospital, the facility shall be classified as a Group I, Division 1.1 hospital.

Group R Occupancies:

Group R Occupancies shall be:

Division 1. Hotels and apartment houses. Congregate residences (each accommodating more than 10 persons).

Division 2. Not used.

Division 3. Dwellings, family child day care homes as defined in chapter 51-40 WAC, Uniform Building Code, and lodging houses. Congregate residences (each accommodating 10 persons or less).

OPEN BURNING is the burning of a bonfire, rubbish fire or other fire in an outdoor location where fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit. See chapter 173-425 WAC.

SECTION 219 - R.

RECREATIONAL FIRE is the burning of materials other than rubbish where fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit and with a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking or similar purposes. See chapter 173-425 WAC.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-0900 Article 9--Fire department access and water supply.

901.2.2.1 Fire apparatus access, is not adopted.

901.4.2 Fire apparatus access roads, is not adopted.

902.1 General. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with locally adopted street, road, and access standards.

902.2 through 902.2.4.1, are not adopted.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-1003 Section 1003--Fire-extinguishing systems.

1003.2.4.1 General. An automatic fire-extinguishing system shall be installed in all newly constructed buildings classified as Group E, Division 1 Occupancy. A minimum water supply meeting the requirements of UBC Standard 9-1 shall be required. The Chief may reduce fire flow requirements for buildings protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.

For the purpose of this section, additions exceeding 60 percent of the value of such building or structure, or alterations and repairs to any portion of a building or structure within a twelve month period that exceeds 100 percent of the value of such building or structure shall be considered new construction. In the case of additions, area separation walls shall define separate buildings.

EXCEPTION: Portable school classrooms, provided:

1. Aggregate area of clusters of portable school classrooms does not exceed 5,000 square feet (465 m²); and

2. Clusters of portable school classrooms separated as required in Chapter 5 of the Building Code.

When not required by other provisions of this chapter, a fire-extinguishing system installed in accordance with UBC Standard 9-1 may be used for increases and substitutions allowed in Sections 505, 506, and 508 of the building code.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-1007 Section 1007--Fire alarm systems.

1007.1.3 Where new construction or modification is to be in compliance with adopted chapter 51-40 WAC, Chapter 11, alarm modifications shall be designed to be compatible with the requirements of UFC Article 10.

1007.2.12.10 Accessible buildings.

1007.2.12.10.1 General. Alarm systems in buildings which are required to have accessible building facilities shall include both audible and visible alarms. All devices shall be listed or approved. The alarm devices shall be located in all accessible sleeping accommodations and common use areas, including toilet rooms and bathing facilities, hallways, and lobbies.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Alarm systems in Group I, Division 1.1 and 1.2 Occupancies may be modified to suit standard health care design practice.

2. Visible alarms are not required in Group R, Division 1 apartment buildings.

1007.2.12.10.2 Alarms.

1007.2.12.10.2.1 Audible alarms. Audible alarms shall produce a sound in accordance with UFC Standard 10-2. Audible alarms shall exceed the prevailing equivalent sound level in the room or space by at least 15 decibels, or shall exceed any maximum sound level with a duration of 30 seconds by 5 decibels, whichever is louder. Sound levels for alarm signals shall not exceed 120 decibels.

1007.2.12.10.2.2 Visible alarms. Visible alarm signal appliances shall be integrated into the building or facility alarm system. All devices shall be listed or approved. Where single-station audible alarms are provided, single-station visible alarm signals shall be provided.

EXCEPTION: Visible alarms are not required in Group R, Division 1 apartment buildings.

Visible alarms shall be located per nationally recognized standards. NFPA 72, 1993 edition, and ANSI 117.1, 1992, shall be considered equivalent facilitation.

1007.2.12.10.2.3 Access to manual fire alarm systems. Manual fire alarm devices shall be mounted at least 36 inches (914.4 mm) and not more than 54 inches (1371.6 mm) above the floor where a parallel approach is provided. Where a parallel approach cannot be provided the height shall not exceed 48 inches (1219.2 mm).

1007.3.3.3.4 Visual alarms. Alarm systems shall include both audible and visual alarms. Alarm devices shall be located in hotel guest rooms as required by the building code (see UBC Washington State Amendments, Section 1105.4.9); accessible public- and common-use areas, including toilet rooms and bathing facilities; hallways; and lobbies. (See UBC Washington State Amendments, Section 1106.15.2, for additional information about visual signals.)

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-10210 Appendix II-J--Storage of flammable and combustible liquids in tanks located within below-grade vaults.

5.4 Arrangement. Each vault may contain a maximum of three tanks. Compartmentalized tanks are allowed and shall be considered as a single tank.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-1109 Section 1109--Control of sources of ignition.

1109.8.3 Religious ceremonies. Participants in religious ceremonies shall not be precluded from carrying hand-held candles.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-2500 Article 25--Places of assembly.

2501.9.3 Width with Fixed Seats. Aisles in assembly occupancies with fixed seats shall comply with Section 2501.9.3. The clear width of aisles shall be based on the number of occupants within the portion of the seating areas served by the aisle.

The clear width of an aisle in inches shall not be less than the occupant load served by the aisle multiplied by 0.3 for aisles with slopes greater than 1 unit vertical to 8 units horizontal (12.5% slope) and not less than 0.2 for aisles with a slope of 1 unit vertical to 8 units horizontal (12.5% slope) or less. In addition, when the rise of steps in aisles exceeds 7 inches (178 mm), the aisle clear width shall be increased by 1 inches (32 mm) for each 100 occupants or fraction thereof served for each inch (6.35 mm) of riser height above 7 inches (178 mm).

EXCEPTION: For buildings with smoke-protected assembly seating and for which an approved life-safety evaluation is conducted, the minimum clear width of aisles and other means of egress may be in accordance with Table 2501-B. For Table 2501-B, the number of seats specified must be within a single assembly area, and interpolation shall be permitted between the specified values shown. If Table 2501-B is used the minimum clear widths shown shall be modified in accordance with the following:

1. Factor A: If risers exceed 7 inches (178 mm) in height, multiply the stair width in the tables by factor A, where:

WAC 51-44-6100 Article 61--Oil-burning equipment.

SECTION 6102 - GENERAL.

The design, construction and installation of oil-burning equipment shall be in accordance with the Mechanical Code. Oil-burning equipment shall be of an approved type. Tanks and piping serving oil-burning equipment which has been out of service for a period of one year shall be removed from the ground or property or abandoned in place in accordance with Section 7902.1.7 of this code.

SECTION 6103 - PERMITS.

A permit is required to remove, abandon, place temporarily out of service or otherwise dispose of a combustible liquids tank. See Section 105.8, permit f.3. Such a permit may be issued without an inspection of the tank or premises as otherwise required in Section 105.4.

SECTION 6106 - PORTABLE UNVENTED OIL-BURNING HEATING APPLIANCES AND UNVENTED DECORATIVE GAS LOGS AND FIREPLACES.

6106.1 General. The design, construction and use of portable unvented oil-burning heating appliances shall be in accordance with Section 6106 and other applicable provisions of this code.

6106.2 Equipment. Portable unvented oil-burning heating appliances shall be listed and shall be limited to a fuel tank capacity of 2 gallons (7.6 L).

EXCEPTION: Appliances approved for temporary use during construction processes are allowed to have a greater fuel tank capacity, provided such capacity does not exceed the terms of the listing of the appliance.

6106.3 Location. The use of listed portable unvented oil-burning heating appliances shall be limited to supplemental heating in Groups S, Divisions 3, 4, and 5 and Group U Occupancies.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. When approved, portable unvented oil-burning heating appliances may be used in any occupancy during construction processes when such use is necessary for the construction and the use does not represent a hazard to life or property.

2. Approved, unvented portable oil-fueled heaters may be used as a supplemental heat source in any Group B, F-2, M, R or U Occupancy provided that such heaters shall not be located in any sleeping room or bathroom, and shall comply with RCW 19.27A.080, 19.27A.090, 19.27A.100, 19.27A.110, and 19.27A.120.

3. Approved, unvented decorative gas logs and decorative fireplaces may be installed, used, maintained and permitted to exist in any Group I or R Occupancy, except bathrooms and bedrooms. An unvented decorative gas log is a listed natural or liquefied petroleum gas burning log with an open flame consisting of a metal frame or base supporting simulated logs which is designed so that its primary function lies in the aesthetic effect of the logs and flame. An unvented decorative fireplace is a listed unvented gas log permanently installed in a freestanding enclosure or zero clearance enclosure designed and approved for installation in walls or other building structures. Unvented decorative gas logs and fireplaces shall:

1. Be equipped with an approved oxygen-depletion sensor,

2. Be listed,

3. Not be installed in any room which does not have an alternative primary source of heat,

4. Have free air volume of at least 50 cubic feet (1.4 m³) for each 1,000 Btu (2.2 mm²/W) of thermal output,

5. Be permanently installed, and

6. Not be equipped with or connected to any automatic ignition or shut-off device except the oxygen-depletion sensor.

6106.4 Fuel. The grade and type of fuel shall be in accordance with the listing for the appliance. Storage and handling of fuel shall be in accordance with Article 79.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-6300 Article 63--Refrigeration.

SECTION 6301 - SCOPE.

6301.1 This article shall govern the design, installation, construction and repair of refrigeration systems that vaporize and liquefy a fluid during the refrigerating cycle. Refrigerant piping design and installation, including pressure vessels and pressure relief devices, shall conform to this code. Permanently installed refrigerant storage systems and other components shall be considered as part of the refrigeration system to which they are attached.

6301.2 Refrigeration unit and system installations having a refrigerant circuit containing more than 220 pounds (100 kg) of Group A1 or 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of any other group refrigerant shall be in accordance with Article 63 and the Mechanical Code. See the Mechanical Code for refrigerant group descriptions. See also Sections 8001.1.2 and 8002.

EXCEPTION: The chief is authorized to exempt temporary or portable installations.

6301.3 Refrigeration systems shall comply with the requirements of this code and, except as modified by this code, ASHRAE 15 - 1994. Ammonia refrigerating systems shall comply with this code and, except as modified by this code, ASHRAE 15 - 1994 and IIAR 2 - 1992.

SECTION 6309 - AMMONIA DISCHARGE.

Ammonia refrigeration systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with ASHRAE 15 - 1994 Section 9.7.8.2, Ammonia Discharge.

EXCEPTION: An emergency discharge is not required for ammonia-water absorption unit systems installed outdoors provided that the discharge is shielded and dispersed.

SECTION 6310 - REFRIGERATION MACHINERY ROOMS.

6310.1 When Required. Where required by UMC Table 1104.2(1), a machinery room shall be provided to enclose refrigeration systems located indoors. Access to the machinery room shall be restricted to authorized personnel. For rooms where occupational exposure could occur, see WAC 269-62-07515 and 296-62-3112.

6310.2 Dimensions. A machinery room shall be dimensioned so as to provide clearances required by UMC Chapter 3. There shall be clear head room of not less than 7 feet 3 inches (2210 mm).

6310.3 Means of egress. Means of egress shall comply with Uniform Building Code Section 1020 - Special Hazards.

Each machinery room shall be provided with a minimum of one exit door that opens directly to the outside.

EXCEPTION: Self-closing, tight-fitting doors opening into a vestibule leading directly outside.

6310.4 Refrigerant-vapor Alarms. Machinery rooms shall contain a refrigerant vapor detector with an audible and visual alarm. The detector, or a sampling tube that draws air to the detector, shall be located in an area where refrigerant vapor from a leak will concentrate. The alarm shall be actuated at a value not greater than the corresponding TLV - TWA values shown in UMC Table 1104.1. Detectors and alarms shall be placed in approved locations.

EXCEPTION: Detectors are not required for ammonia systems complying with UMC Section 1106.8.

6310.7 Special Requirements. Open flames that use combustion air from the machinery room shall not be installed in a machinery room.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Matches, lighters, halide leak detectors and similar devices.

2. Where the refrigerant is carbon dioxide or water.

3. Fuel burning equipment shall not be prohibited in the same machinery room with refrigerant - containing equipment where combustion air is ducted from outside the machinery room and sealed in such a manner as to prevent any refrigerant leakage from entering the combustion chamber, or where a refrigerant vapor detector is employed to automatically shut off the combustion process in the event of refrigerant leakage.

SECTION 6311 - REFRIGERATION MACHINERY ROOM VENTILATION.

6311.1 General. Machinery rooms shall be mechanically ventilated to the outdoors. Mechanical ventilation shall be capable of exhausting the minimum quantity of air both at the normal operating and emergency conditions. Multiple fans or multispeed fans shall be allowed in order to produce the emergency ventilation rate to obtain a reduced airflow for normal ventilation.

EXCEPTION: Where a refrigerating system is located outdoors more than 20 feet (6096 mm) from any building opening and is enclosed by a penthouse, lean - to or other structure, natural or mechanical ventilation shall be provided in accordance with UMC Section 1105.9.

6311.2 Distribution of Ventilation. Provisions shall be made for supply air to replace that being exhausted. Openings for supply air shall be located to avoid intake of exhaust air. Air supply and exhaust ducts to the machinery room shall comply with the provisions of UMC Section 1105.9.

6311.3 Intermittent Control of Ventilation Systems. Fans providing refrigeration machinery room temperature control or automatic response to refrigerant vapor are allowed to be automatically controlled to provide intermittent ventilation as conditions require.

6311.4 Emergency Control of Ventilation Systems. Fans providing emergency purge ventilation for refrigerant escape shall have a clearly identified switch of the break-glass type providing on-only control immediately adjacent to and outside of each refrigerant machinery room exit. Purge fans shall also respond automatically to the refrigerant concentration detection system set to activate the ventilation system at values not greater than the corresponding TLV - TWA values shown in UMC Table 1104.1. Ventilation equipment in ammonia machinery rooms equipped with a refrigerant vapor detector that will automatically start the ventilation system and actuate an alarm may be set at detection levels which exceed those in UMC Table 1104.1 but such detection level setting shall not exceed 1,000 ppm. An emergency purge control shall be provided with a manual reset only.

6311.6 Ventilation Discharge. Exhaust from mechanical ventilation systems shall be discharged 20 feet (6096 mm) or more from a property line or openings into buildings. Also see Section 6308.

6311.7 Fans. Fans and associated equipment intended to operate the emergency purge of other than Group A1 or Group B1 refrigerants shall meet the requirements for a Class I, Division 1 hazardous location as specified in the Electrical Code.

EXCEPTION: Ammonia machinery rooms.

SECTION 6313 - DETECTION AND ALARM SYSTEMS.

6313.2.1 Alarm. Refrigerant vapor alarms shall be activated at a value not greater than the corresponding TLV - TWA values shown in UMC Table 1104.1.

EXCEPTION: Alarms in ammonia machinery rooms may be activated by a detector setting not to exceed 1,000 ppm when the activation of the detector will automatically start the ventilation system.

6313.2.2 Automatic shutdown, is not adopted.

SECTION 6314 - REFRIGERATION MACHINERY ROOM EQUIPMENT AND CONTROLS.

6314.4 Emergency Control. A clearly identified switch of the break-glass type providing off-only control of electrically energized equipment and devices within the refrigeration machinery room shall be provided immediately adjacent to and outside of each refrigeration machinery room exit.

SECTION 6315 - REFRIGERANT CONTROL VALVES.

6315.2 Support. Stop valves installed in copper refrigerant lines of 7/8 inch (22 mm) or less outside diameter shall be securely supported independently of the tubing or piping.

SECTION 6318 - INSTRUCTIONS.

The person in charge of premises on which a refrigeration unit or system is installed shall provide an approved card located in the emergency control box designating:

1. Instructions for suspending operation of the system in the event of an emergency,

2. The name, address, and emergency telephone numbers to obtain emergency service,

3. The name, address, and telephone number of the fire department with instructions to notify the fire department in the event of an emergency,

4. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all corporate, local, state, and federal agencies to be contacted as required in the event of a reportable incident, and,

5. The location and operation of emergency discharge systems when such systems are required by Article 63.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-7404 Section 7404--Medical gas systems.

7404.1 General. Compressed gases at hospitals and similar facilities intended for inhalation or sedation including, but not limited to, analgesia systems for dentistry, podiatry, veterinary and similar uses shall be in accordance with Section 7404 in addition to other requirements of Article 74.

EXCEPTION: All distribution piping, supply manifolds, connections, regulators, valves, alarms, sensors and associated equipment shall be in accordance with the plumbing code.

7404.2.3 - Medical gas systems, is not adopted.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-7802 Section 7802--Fireworks.

7802.1 General. Storage, use and handling of fireworks shall be in accordance with chapter 70.77 RCW and local ordinances consistent with chapter 70.77 RCW.

7802.2 Seizure of Fireworks, through 7802.4.9.8.10 Record, is not adopted.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-7900 Article 79--Flammable and combustible liquids.

SECTION 7902 - STORAGE.

7902.1.7.2.4 Tanks abandoned in place. Tanks abandoned in place shall be abandoned as follows:

1. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be removed from the tank and connected piping,

2. The suction, inlet, gage, vapor return and vapor lines shall be disconnected,

3. The tank shall be filled completely with an approved, inert solid material,

EXCEPTION: Residential heating oil tanks of 1,100 gallons (4,164 L) or less, provided the fill line is permanently capped or plugged, below grade, to prevent refilling of the tank.

4. Remaining underground piping shall be capped or plugged, and

5. A record of the tank size, location and date of abandonment shall be retained.

7902.6.8 Leaking tanks. Leaking tanks shall be handled in accordance with WAC 173-360-325.

7902.6.10 Tank lining. Steel tanks are allowed to be lined only for the purpose of protecting the interior from corrosion or providing compatibility with a material to be stored. Only those liquids tested for compatibility with the lining material are allowed to be stored in lined tanks. Lining of leaking underground storage tanks shall be done in accordance with the provisions of WAC 173-360-325.

7902.6.15.2 Cathodic protection. Cathodic protection systems provided for corrosion protection shall be in accordance with recognized standards. See WAC 173-360-320.

SECTION 7903 - DISPENSING, USE, MIXING AND HANDLING.

7903.4 Solvent Distillation Units.

7903.4.1 General. Solvent distillation units used to recycle Class I, II or III-A liquids having a distillation chamber capacity of 60 gallons (227.1 L) or less shall be listed, labeled and installed in accordance with Section 7903.4 and nationally recognized standards. See Article 90, Standard u.1.17.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Solvent distillation units installed in dry-cleaning plants in accordance with Section 3603.

2. Solvent distillation units used in continuous throughput industrial processes where the source of heat is remotely supplied using steam, hot water, oil or other heat-transfer fluids, the temperature of which is below the auto-tion point of the solvent(s).

3. Approved research, testing and experimental processes.

Solvent-distillation units used to recycle Class I, II or III-A liquids, having a distillation chamber capacity exceeding 60 gallons (227.1 L) shall be used in locations that comply with the use and mixing requirements of Section 7903 and other applicable provisions in Article 79.

Classes I, II and III-A liquids also classified as unstable (reactive) shall not be processed in solvent-distillation units.

EXCEPTION: Appliances listed for the distillation of unstable (reactive) solvents.

SECTION 7904 - SPECIAL OPERATIONS.

7904.5.4.2.2 Marine craft and special equipment. Liquids intended for use as motor fuels are allowed to be transferred from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of marine craft and special equipment under the following conditions and when approved, and when:

1. The tank vehicle's specific function is that of supplying fuel to fuel tanks and each premises shall require a separate permit issued in accordance with Section 105,

2. The operation shall be performed only where the general public has no access or where there is no unusual exposure to life and property,

3. The dispensing line shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm) in length, and

4. The dispensing nozzle is approved.

7904.5.4.2.2.1 Vehicle fueling. When approved by the chief, dispensing of motor vehicle fuel from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles is allowed in accordance with Article 52 and Sections 7904.2 and 7904.5.4.2.2.

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NEW SECTION

WAC 51-44-8000 Article 80--Hazardous materials.

SECTION 8001 - GENERAL.

8001.3.2 Hazardous materials management plan. When required by the chief, each application for a permit shall include a hazardous materials management plan (HMMP). The location of the HMMP shall be posted adjacent to permits when an HMMP is provided. The HMMP shall include a facility site plan designating the following:

1. Storage and use areas,

2. Maximum amount of each material stored or used in each area,

3. Range of container sizes,

4. Locations of emergency isolation and mitigation valves and devices,

5. Product conveying piping containing liquids or gases, other than utility-owned fuel gas lines and low-pressure fuel gas lines,

6. On and off positions of valves for valves which are of the self-indicating type, and

7. Storage plan showing the intended storage arrangement, including the location of aisles.

The plans shall be legible and approximately to scale. Separate distribution systems are allowed to be shown on separate pages.

See also Appendix II-E.

SECTION 8003 - STORAGE.

8003.3.2.3 Canopies. Portable tanks and cylinders stored outside of buildings shall be stored under a canopy of noncombustible construction. Such storage shall not be considered indoor storage. See also Section 8003.1.14.

EXCEPTION: Portable tanks and cylinders used for storing anhydrous ammonia (fertilizer grade).

An automatic fire-sprinkler system shall be provided for canopies used for storage of highly toxic or toxic compressed gases.

EXCEPTION: Where water is incompatible with the hazardous material stored, the chief may approve alternate fire suppression methods to an automatic sprinkler system.

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