Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 3 - Use and Occupancy Classification
Section 307 - HIGH-HAZARD GROUP H
Subsection 307.1 - High-hazard Group H

Universal Citation: 780 CMR MA Code of Regs 307.1

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

High-hazard Group H occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard in quantities in excess of those allowed in control areas complying with Section 414, based on the maximum allowable quantity limits for control areas set forth in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). Hazardous occupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 and shall be in accordance with this section, the requirements of Section 415 and the International Fire Code. Hazardous materials stored, or used on top of roofs or canopies shall be classified as outdoor storage or use and shall comply with the International Fire Code. [F]

Exceptions: The following shall not be classified as Group H, but shall be classified as the occupancy that they most nearly resemble.

1. Buildings and structures occupied for the application of flammable finishes, provided that such buildings or areas conform to the requirements of Section 416 and the International Fire Code.

2. Wholesale and retail sales and storage of flammable and combustible liquids in mercantile occupancies conforming to the International Fire Code.

3. Closed piping system containing flammable or combustible liquids or gases utilized for the operation of machinery or equipment.

4. Cleaning establishments that utilize combustible liquid solvents having a flash point of 140°F (60°C) or higher in closed systems employing equipment listed by an approved testing agency, provided that this occupancy is separated from all other areas of the building by 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 1-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both.

5. Cleaning establishments that utilize a liquid solvent having a flash point at or above 200°F (93°C).

6. Liquor stores and distributors without bulk storage.

7. Refrigeration systems.

8. The storage or utilization of materials for agricultural purposes on the premises.

9. 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 International Mechanical Code.

10. Corrosives shall not include personal or household products in their original packaging used in retail display or commonly used building materials.

11. Buildings and structures occupied for aerosol storage shall be classified as Group S-1, provided that such buildings conform to the requirements of the International Fire Code.

12. Display and storage of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area in Group M or S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5.

13. The storage of black powder, smokeless propellant and small arms primers in Groups M and R-3 and special industrial explosive devices in Groups B, F, M and S, provided such storage conforms to the quantity limits and requirements prescribed in the International Fire Code.

TABLE 307.1(1) MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa, j, m, n, p [F]

MATERIAL CLASS GROUP WHEN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY IS EXCEEDED STORAGEb USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSb USE-OPEN SYSTEMSb
Solid pounds (cubic feet) Liquid gallons (pounds) Gas (cubic feet at NTP) Solid pounds (cubic feet) Liquid gallons (pounds) Gas (cubic feet at NTP) Solid pounds (cubic feet) Liquid gallons (pounds)
Combustible liquidc,i II IIIA IIIB H-2 or H-3 H-2 or H-3 N/A N/A 120d, e 330d, e 13,200e, f N/A N/A 120d 330d 13,200f N/A N/A 30d 80d 3,300f
Combustible fiber Loose Baledo H-3 (100) (1,000) N/A N/A (100) (1,000) N/A N/A (20) (200) N/A
Consumer fireworks 1.4G H-3 125d, e, l N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Cryogenics, flammable N/A H-2 N/A 45d N/A N/A 45d N/A N/A 10d
Cryogenics, inert N/A N/A N/A N/A NL N/A N/A NL N/A N/A
Cryogenics, oxidizing N/A H-3 N/A 45d N/A N/A 45d N/A N/A 10d
Explosives Division 1.1 H-1 1e, g (1)e, g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g
Division 1.2 H-1 1e, g (1)e, g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g
Division 1.3 H-1 or H-2 5e, g (5)e, g N/A 1g (1)g N/A 1g (1)g
Division 1.4 H-3 50e, g (50)e, g N/A 50g (50)g N/A N/A N/A
Division 1.4G H-3 125d, e, l N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Division 1.5 H-1 1e, g (1)e, g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g
Division 1.6 H-1 1d, e, g N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Flammable gas Gaseous H-2 N/A N/A 1,000d, e N/A N/A 1,000d, e N/A N/A
Liquefied (150)d, e N/A (150)d, e N/A
Flammable liquidc 1A H-2 N/A 30d, e N/A N/A 30d N/A N/A 10d
1B and 1C or H-3 120d, e 120d 30d
Flammable liquid, combination (1A, 1B, 1C) N/A H-2 or H-3 N/A 120d, e, h N/A N/A 120d, h N/A N/A 30d, h
Flammable solid N/A H-3 125d, e N/A N/A 125d N/A N/A 25d N/A
Inert gas Gaseous Liquefied N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A NL NL N/A N/A N/A N/A NL NL N/A N/A N/A N/A
Organic peroxide UD H-1 1e, g (1)e, g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g
I H-2 5d, e (5)d, e N/A 1d (1)d N/A 1d (1)d
II H-3 50d, e (50)d, e N/A 50d (50)d N/A 10d (10)d
III H-3 125d, e (125)d, e N/A 125d (125)d N/A 25d (25)d
IV N/A NL NL N/A NL NL N/A NL NL
V N/A NL NL N/A NL NL N/A NL NL
Oxidizer 4 H-1 1e, g (1)e, g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g N/A 0.25g (0.25)g
3k H-2 or H-3 10d, e (10)d, e N/A 2d (2)d N/A 2d (2)d
2 H-3 250d, e (250)d, e N/A 250d (250)d N/A 50d (50)d
1 N/A 4,000e, f (4,000)e, f N/A 4,000f (4,000)f N/A 1,000f (1,000)f
Oxidizing gas Gaseous H-3 N/A N/A 1,500d, e N/A N/A 1,500d, e N/A N/A
Liquefied N/A (150)d, e N/A N/A (150)d, e N/A N/A N/A
Pyrophoric material N/A H-2 4e, g (4)e, g 50e, g 1g (1)g 10g 0 0
Unstable (reactive) 4 H-1 1e, g (1)e, g 10g 0.25g (0.25)g 2e, g 0.25g (0.25)g
3 H-1 or H-2 5d, e (5)d, e 50d, e 1d (1)d 10d, e 1d (1)d
2 H-3 50d, e (50)d, e 250d, e 50d (50)d 250d, e 10d (10)d
1 N/A NL NL NL NL NL NL NL NL
Water reactive 3 H-2 5d, e (5)d, e N/A 5d (5)d N/A 1d (1)d
2 H-3 50d, e (50)d, e N/A 50d (50)d N/A 10d (10)d
1 N/A NL NL N/A NL NL N/A NL NL

For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
NL = Not Limited; N/A = Not Applicable; UD = Unclassified Detonable
a. For use of control areas, see Section 414.2.
b. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.
c. The quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail and wholesale sales occupancies shall not be limited providing the liquids are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.
d. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, day boxes, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures or in listed safety cans in accordance with Section 2703.9.10 of the International Fire Code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
f. The permitted quantities shall not be limited in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
g. Permitted only in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
h. Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control area of Class IA, IB or IC flammable liquids.
i. The maximum allowable quantity shall not apply to fuel oil storage complying with Section 603.3.2 of the International Fire Code.
j. Quantities in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at the head of each column.
k. A maximum quantity of 200 pounds of solid or 20 gallons of liquid Class 3 oxidizers is allowed when such materials are necessary for maintenance purposes, operation or sanitation of equipment. Storage containers and the manner of storage shall be approved.
l. Net weight of the pyrotechnic composition of the fireworks. Where the net weight of the pyrotechnic composition of the fireworks is not known, 25 percent of the gross weight of the fireworks, including packaging, shall be used.
m. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with Section 2703.1.2 of the International Fire Code.
n. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5, see Tables 414.2.5(1) and 414.2.5(2).
o. Densely packed baled cotton that complies with the packing requirements of ISO 8115 shall not be included in this material class.
p. The following shall not be included in determining the maximum allowable quantities:
1. Liquid or gaseous fuel in fuel tanks on vehicles.
2. Liquid or gaseous fuel in fuel tanks on motorized equipment operated in accordance with this code.
3. Gaseous fuels in piping systems and fixed appliances regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code.
4. Liquid fuels in piping systems and fixed appliances regulated by the International Mechanical Code.

TABLE 307.1(2) MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL POSING A HEALTH HAZARDa,b,c,i[F]

MATERIAL STORAGE d USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSd USE-OPEN SYSTEMSd
Solid pounds (cubic feet)e,f Liquid gallons (pounds)e,f Gas (cubic feet at NTP) e Solid poundse Liquid gallons (pounds)e Gas (cubic feetat NTP)e Solid poundse Liquid gallons (pounds)e
Corrosive 5,000 500 Gaseous 810f Liquefied (150)h 5,000 500 Gaseous 810f Liquefied (150)h 1,000 100
Highly toxic 10 (10) h Gaseous 20g Liquefied (4)g,h 10 (10) Gaseous 20g Liquefied (4)g,h 3 (3) i
Toxic 500 (500) h Gaseous 810f Liquefied (150)f,h 500 (500) i Gaseous 810f Liquefied (150)f, h 125 (125)

For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.
a. For use of control areas, see Section 414.2.
b. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics, containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.
c. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5, see Tables 414.2.5(1) and 414.2.5(2).
d. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.
e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note f also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
f. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the International Fire Code. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.
g. Allowed only when stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the International Fire Code.
h. Quantities in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at the head of each column.
i. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with Section 2703.1.2 of the International Fire Code.
307.1.1 Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials in any quantity shall conform to the requirements of this code, including Section 414, and the International Fire Code.

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