STATIONARY BATTERY REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES (that mandate the use of spill containment systems)

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• REGIONAL FIRE AND BUILDING CODES

o UNIFORM FIRE CODE

o NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

o NATIONAL FIRE CODE

o STANDARD BUILDING CODE

o STANDARD FIRE CODE

• NATIONAL FIRE AND BUILDING CODES

o NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION 1

o NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION 76

o INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

• FEDERAL CODES

o OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINSTRATION

o CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

• FEDERAL GUIDELINES

o THE INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS

ENGINEERS

Stationary Battery Regulations:

REGIONAL FIRE/BUILDING CODES

Uniform Fire Code (UFC), 1999

ARTICLE 64 Stationary Lead-Acid Battery Systems

6401 Scope. The scope of the article applies to all battery types. Including Valve Regulated Lead Acid

(VRLA) and gel cell batteries. The definition of "lead-acid battery" includes all "electrochemical cells

interconnected to supply a nominal voltage of DC power…" The revision broadens the scope of the article

to regulate battery systems over 50 gallons (189.3 L) aggregate capacity reducing the prior 100 gallons

(378.5 L) minimum that previously existed. This was done to ensure Article 64 rather then Article 50

applies to these systems per the original intent. The electrolyte in stationary lead acid battery systems

(SLABS) contain sulfuric acid, which is classified as toxic when in concentrations over 12.5 percent

(IFCI’s Hazardous Materials Classification Guide). Previously, Article 80 is applicable to battery systems

with an electrolyte capacity between 50 gallons (189.3L) and 100 gallons (378.5L) in occupancies

unprotected by sprinklers. The adoption of Article 64 Supplement 1999 more specifically addresses

hazards related to battery systems and is now applicable to all systems over 50 gallons (189.3 L). If

individual lead-acid batteries with liquid capacity exceeding 20 gallons each shall also comply with Article

80.

6402 Definitions. For definitions of LEAD-ACID BATTERY and STATIONARY LEAD-ACID

BATTERY SYSTEM, see Article 2.

6403 Permits.

6403.1 General. For a permit to install or operate battery systems with stationary lead-acid batteries, see

Section 105.8, permit b.1.

6403.2 Design Submittals. Prior to installation, plans shall be submitted and approved.

6404 Installation and Maintenance.

6404.1 General. Installation and maintenance of battery systems shall be in accordance with nationally

recognized standards. See Section 9003, Standards a.2.10 and a.2.11, and Section 6404.

6404.2 Safety Venting. Batteries shall be provided with safety venting caps.

6404.3 Occupancy Separation. In other than A,E,I and R Occupancies, battery systems shall be located in

a room separated from other portions of the building by a minimum one-hour-resistive occupancy

separation. In A,E,I and R Occupancies, battery systems shall be located in a room separated from

other portions of the building by a two-hour-fire-resistive occupancy separation.

6404.4 Spill Control. Each rack of batteries, or group of racks shall be provided with a liquid tight 4-inch

spill-control barrier which extends at least 1inch beyond the battery rack in all directions.

6404.5 Neutralization. An approved method to neutralize spilled electrolyte shall be provided. The

method shall be capable of neutralizing a spill from the largest lead-acid battery to a pH between 7.0 - 9.0.

6404.6 Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with the Mechanical Code and the

following:

1. The ventilation system shall be designed to limit the maximum concentration of hydrogen to

1.0% of the total volume of the room in accordance with nationally recognized standards, or

2. Continuous ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute

square foot (.51L/s per m 2) of floor area of the room.

6404.7 Signs. Doors into rooms or buildings containing stationary lead-acid battery systems shall be

provided with approved signs. The signs shall state that the room contains lead-acid battery systems, that

the battery room contains energized electrical circuits and that the battery electrolyte solutions are corrosive

liquids.

6404.8 Seismic Protection. Battery systems shall be seismically braced in accordance with the Building

Code.

6504.9 Smoke Detection. An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in such areas

and supervised by an approved central proprietary or remote station service or local alarm which will give

an audible signal at a constantly attended location.

National Building Code (BOCA), 1996

307.8 Exempts battery systems from Group H-4 classification, and must be compliant with hazardous

material requirements of section 417 and the BOCA Fire Code.

307.8.13 Stationary batteries utilized for facility emergency power, uninterrupted power supply or

telecommunication facilities provided that the batteries are provided with safety venting caps and

ventilation is provided in accordance with the mechanical code listed in Chapter 35.

417.0 Hazardous Materials. Applies to use or storage of hazardous materials.

417.4 Hazardous materials systems. Controls shall be designed to prevent materials from entering or

leaving process or reaction systems at other than the intended time, rate or pate.

417.5.5 Spill control, drainage and containment. Rooms, buildings or areas occupied for the storage of

solid and liquid hazardous materials exceeding 100 gallons, shall be provided with a means of control

spillage and to contain or drain off spillage and fire protection water.

National Fire Code (BOCA), 1996

Chapter 23, Hazardous Materials

2315.1 "… rooms, structures or areas utilized for the storage of solid and liquid hazardous materials

exceeding the exempt amount shall be provided with a means to control spillage and contain or drain off

spillage and fire protection water".

2315.2 Floors shall be liquid tight and recessed a minimum of 4 inches or shall be provided with a liquid

tight 4-inch sill to prevent the flow of liquids to adjoining areas.

Chapter 28, Liquid and Solid Corrosive Materials

2802.2.1 Spill control, drainage and containment, in accordance with 2315.1

Standard Building Code (SBCCI), 1996

407 Special Hazardous Occupancies

407.1.1.1 Storage. handling and use of liquid hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this section

and the Standard Fire Prevention Code.

407.2 Storage and Dispensing Areas. Applies to storage according to table (308.2D) in excess of 500

gallons in an area unprotected by sprinklers.

407.2.3 Spill Control, Drainage and Containment. Requirement of liquid tight 4 inch sills, secondary

containment, neutralization or treatment system and compatible materials of construction.

Standard Fire Code (SBCCI), 1996

Chapter 22 Hazardous Materials

2201.1.2.11 Stationary batteries used for facility emergency power, uninterrupted power supply or

telecommunication facilities, provided that the batteries are provided with safety venting caps and

sufficient ventilation to produce a vapor-air mixture which is less than 25% of the lower explosive limit.

2203 Storage Requirements

2203.1.11 Spill Control, Drainage and Containment. Unless exempted in 2203.2 through 2203.14

rooms, building or areas used for the storage of solid and liquid hazardous materials shall be provided with

a means to control spillage and to contain or drain off spillage and fire protection water discharged in the

storage area. This includes: 4 inch liquid tight sills, compatible materials of construction, handle the

maximum worst case spill from the largest container (plus fire protection water) and a neutralizer or

treatment system.

2203.1.24 Floors. Except for surfacing, floors of storage areas shall be impervious to the material stored.

2203.13.1.2 Corrosives. Corrosive materials stored in one control area that exceeds 500 gallons in a

building unprotected by sprinklers or corrosive materials are contained in a cabinet, such storage shall be

within a room or building conforming to the Building Code requirements for a Group H4 occupancy.

2203.13.1.3 Liquid-Tight Floor. "…floors in storage areas for corrosive liquids shall be of liquid-tight

construction."

NATIONAL FIRE CODES

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1, National Fire Prevention

Code 2003(Proposed and in the adoption process)

Chapter 35 Stationary Lead-Acid Battery Systems

35-1 Scope: Stationary lead-acid battery systems having an electrolyte capacity of more than 100 gallons

(378.5L) in sprinklered buildings or 50 gallons (189.3L) in unsprinklered buildings used for facility

standby power, emergency power or uninterrupted power supplies shall be in accordance with Chapter 35.

35-2 Permits

35-2.1 General. Permits, where required shall comply with section 1-16.

35-2.2 Design Submittals. Prior to installation, plans shall be submitted and approved.

35-3 Installation and maintenance. Installation and maintenance of battery systems shall be accordance

with ANSI/IEEE 484 Recommended Practice for Installations of Large-Lead Storage for Generating

Stations and Substations and ANSI/IEEE Recommended Practice for Installation Maintenance of Lead-

Acid Batteries-------------------------

35-3.2 Safety Venting. Batteries shall be provided with safety venting caps.

35-3.3 Occupancy Separation. In other than A,E,I and R Occupancies, battery systems shall be located in

a room separated from other portions of the building by a minimum one-hour-resistive occupancy

separation. In A,E,I and R Occupancies, battery systems shall be located in a room separated from other

portions of the building by a two-hour-fire-resistive occupancy separation.

35-3.4 Spill Control. Each rack of batteries, or group of racks shall be provided with a liquid tight 4-inch

spill-control barrier, which extends at least 1inch beyond the battery rack in all directions.

35-3.5 Neutralization. An approved method to neutralize spilled electrolyte shall be provided. The

method shall be capable of neutralizing a spill from the largest lead-acid battery to a pH between 7.0 - 9.0.

35-3.6 Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with the Mechanical Code and the

following:

1. The ventilation system shall be designed to limit the maximum

concentration of hydrogen to 1.0% of the total volume of the room in

accordance with nationally recognized standards, or

2. Continuous ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cubic

foot per minute square foot (.51L/s per m 2) of floor area of the room.

35-3.7 Signs. Doors into rooms or buildings containing stationary lead-acid battery systems shall be

provided with approved signs. The signs shall state that the room contains lead-acid battery systems, that

the battery room contains energized electrical circuits and that the battery electrolyte solutions are corrosive

liquids.

35-3.8 Seismic Protection. Battery systems shall be seismically braced in accordance with the building

code.

35-3.9 Smoke Detection. An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in such areas

and supervised by an approved central proprietary or remote station service or local alarm which will give

an audible signal at a constantly attended location.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 76, Standard for The

Protection of Telecom Facilities 2000

Chapter 4 Central Office Facilities

4-7 Power Areas

4-7.9 Special Hazards

4-7.9.1 Safety Venting. Lead acid batteries shall be provided with safety venting caps.

4-7.9.2 Spill Control and Neutralization. An approved method and appropriate materials for the control

and neutralization of a spill of electrolyte shall be provided. The method and materials shall be capable of

controlling and neutralizing a spill from the largest battery to a pH between 7.0 and 9.0.

4-7.9.3 Ventilation. When a separate room is provided for the DC power plant, the room shall be provided

with a mechanical exhaust ventilation to limit the maximum concentration of hydrogen to 1.0% of the total

volume of the room, or continuous ventilation shall be provided at the rate of not less than 1 ft3/min/ft2 of

floor area of the room.

4-7.9.4 Signs. When a separate room is provided for the DC power plant, doors into the room shall be

provided with signs indicating the use of the room.

4-7.9.5 Seismic Protection. The battery systems shall be seismically braced in seismic zones that require

such bracing.

International Fire Code (IFC), 2000

Section 608 Stationary Lead-Acid Battery Systems

608.1 Scope. Stationary lead-acid battery systems having an electrolyte capacity of more than 50 gallons

(189L) use for facility stand by power, emergency power or uninterrupted power supplies shall comply

with this section.

608.2 Safety Venting. Batteries shall be provided with safety venting caps.

608.3 Room Design and Construction. Enclosure of stationary lead-acid system rooms shall comply with

the International Building Code. The battery systems are permitted to be in the same room with the

equipment they support.

608.4 Spill Control Neutralization. An approved method and materials for the control and neutralization

of a spill of electrolyte shall be provided. The method and materials shall be capable of controlling and

neutralizing a spill from the largest lead-acid battery to a pH between 7.0 and 9.0.

608.5 Ventilation. Ventilation shall be provided in accordance with the International Mechanical Code

and the following:

1. The ventilation system shall be designed to limit the maximum concentration of hydrogen to 1.0

percent of the total volume of the room; or

2. Continuous ventilation shall be provided at the rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute per

square foot (1 ft3/min/ft2) [(0.0051m3/(s-m2)] of floor area of the room.

608.6 Signs. Doors into rooms or buildings containing stationary lead-acid battery systems shall be

provided with approved signs. The signs shall state that the room contains lead-acid battery systems, that

the battery room contains energized electrical circuits, and that the battery electrolyte solutions are

corrosive liquids.

608.7 Seismic Protection. The battery systems shall be seismically braced in accordance with the

International Building Code.

608.8 Smoke Detection. An approved automatic smoke detection system shall be installed in battery

rooms in accordance with Section 907.2.

FEDERAL CODES

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 1926-441 Batteries and battery charging

A. General requirements.

(1) Batteries of the unsealed type shall be located in enclosures with outside vents or in well

ventilated rooms and shall be arranged so as to prevent the escape of fumes, gases, or electrolyte

spray into other areas.

(3) Racks and trays shall be substantial and shall be tested to make them resistant to the

electrolyte.

(4) Floors shall be of acid resistant construction unless protected from acid accumulations.

(7) Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte and for fire

protection.

Code of Federal Regulation (CFR)

Title 40, Hazardous Waste and Materials

Part 264 Owners and Operators of Hazardous Materials Facilities

264.175 Containment. A base which is free of cracks or gaps and sufficiently impervious to contain leaks,

spills until the material is detected and removed. The base must be sloped or otherwise designed to drain

and remove liquids resulting from the leaks, spills unless the containers are elevated or otherwise protected

from contact with accumulated liquids. Sufficient capacity to contain 10% of the volume of the containers

or the volume of the largest container, whichever is greater. Spilled or leaked waste must be removed from

the sump or collection area in a timely manner as necessary to prevent overflow of the collection system.

FEDERAL GUIDELINES

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

Standard 1187-1996

5.1 (g) Provisions for neutralizing, containing and safely disposing of acid electrolyte in accordance with

governmental regulations should be included.

Standard 484-1996

5.1 (g) Portable or stationary water facilities should be provided for rinsing spilled electrolyte. Provisions

for neutralizing, containing and safely disposing of acid electrolyte in accordance with governmental

regulation should be included.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Standards for cleaning concrete and concrete masonry units are available:

D4258-83 Surface Cleaning Concrete for Coating

D4261-83(1993)e1 Surface Cleaning Concrete Unit Masonry for Coating