Ohio Administrative Code
Title 1301:7 - Division of State Fire Marshal
Chapter 1301:7-7 - Ohio Fire Code
Section 1301:7-7-32 - High-piled combustible storage

(1) 3201.1 Scope. High-piled combustible storage shall be in accordance with this rule. In addition to the requirements of this rule, the following material-specific requirements shall apply:

(2) 3201.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in rule 1301:7-7-01 of the Administrative Code.

(3) 3201.3 Construction documents. At the time of building permit application for new structures designed to accommodate high-piled storage or for requesting a change of occupancy/use, and at the time of application for a storage permit, plans and specifications shall be submitted for review and approval. In addition to the information required by the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code, the storage permit submittal shall include the information specified in this paragraph. Following approval of the plans, a copy of the approved plans shall be maintained on the premises in an approved location. The plans shall include all of the following:

(4) 3201.4 Evacuation plan. Where required by the fire code official, an evacuation plan for public accessible areas and a separate set of plans indicating location and width of aisles, location of exits, exit access doors, exit signs, height of storage, and locations of hazardous materials shall be submitted at the time of permit application for review and approval. Following approval of the plans, a copy of the approved plans shall be maintained on the premises in an approved location.

(1) 3202.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in rule 1301:7-7-02 of the Administrative Code.

"Array."

"Array, closed."

"Automated rack storage."

"Bin box."

"Commodity."

"Early suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinkler."

"Expanded plastic."

"Extra-high rack combustible storage."

"High-piled combustible storage."

"High-piled storage area."

"Longitudinal flue space."

"Manual stocking methods."

"Mechanical stocking methods."

"Shelf storage."

"Solid shelving."

"Transverse flue space."

(1) 3203.1 Classification of commodities. Commodities shall be classified as Class I, II, III, IV or high hazard in accordance with this paragraph. Materials listed within each commodity classification are assumed to be unmodified for improved combustibility characteristics. Use of flame-retarding modifiers or the physical form of the material could change the classification. See paragraph (C)(7)( 3203.7) of this rule for classification of Group A, B and C plastics.

(2) 3203.2 Class I commodities. Class I commodities are essentially noncombustible products on wooden pallets, in ordinary corrugated cartons with or without single-thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without pallets. Class I commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics in accordance with paragraph (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this rule. Examples of Class I commodities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 20-per cent alcohol

Appliances noncombustible, electrical

Cement in bags

Ceramics

Dairy products in nonwax-coated containers (excluding bottles)

Dry insecticides

Foods in noncombustible containers

Fresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic trays or containers

Frozen foods

Glass

Glycol in metal cans

Gypsum board

Inert materials, bagged

Insulation, noncombustible

Noncombustible liquids in plastic containers having less than a 5-gallon (19 L) capacity Noncombustible metal products

(3) 3203.3 Class II commodities. Class II commodities are Class I products in slatted wooden crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness paperboard cartons or equivalent combustible packaging material with or without pallets. Class II commodities are allowed to contain a limited amount of Group A plastics in accordance with paragraph (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this rule. Examples of Class II commodities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Alcoholic beverages not exceeding 20-per cent alcohol, in combustible containers

Foods in combustible containers

Incandescent or fluorescent light bulbs in cartons

Thinly coated fine wire on reels or in cartons

(4) 3203.4 Class III commodities. Class III commodities are commodities of wood, paper, natural fiber cloth, or Group C plastics or products thereof, with or without pallets. Products are allowed to contain limited amounts of Group A or B plastics, such as metal bicycles with plastic handles, pedals, seats and tires. Group A plastics shall be limited in accordance with paragraph (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this rule. Examples of Class III commodities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Aerosol, Level 1 (see rule 1301:7-7-51 of the Administrative Code)

Biomass briquettes, bagged, and static piles

Biomass pellets, bagged, and static piles

Charcoal

Combustible fiberboard

Cork, baled

Corn cobs, static piles

Corn stover, baled and chopped

Feed, bagged

Fertilizers, bagged

Firewood

Food in plastic containers

Forest residue, round wood or chipped (branches, bark, cross-cut ends, edgings and treetops)

Furniture: wood, natural fiber, upholstered, nonplastic, wood or metal with plastic-padded and covered arm rests

Glycol in combustible containers not exceeding 25 per cent

Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in metal cans

Lumber

Mattresses, excluding foam rubber and foam plastics

Noncombustible liquids in plastic containers having a capacity of more than 5 gallons (19 L)

Paints, oil base, in metal cans

Paper, waste, baled

Paper and pulp, horizontal storage, or vertical storage that is banded or protected with approved wrap

Paper in cardboard boxes

Peanut hulls, bagged, and static piles

Pillows, excluding foam rubber and foam plastics

Plastic-coated paper food containers

Plywood

Rags, baled

Recovered construction wood

Rice hulls, bagged, and static piles

Rugs, without foam backing

Seasonal grasses, baled and chopped

Straw, baled

Sugar, bagged

Wood, baled

Wood chips, bagged, and static piles

Woody biomass, round wood or chipped (vase-shaped stubby bushes, bamboo, willows; branches, bark and stem wood)

Wood doors, frames and cabinets

Wood pellets, bagged, and static piles

Yarns of natural fiber and viscose

(5) 3203.5 Class IV commodities. Class IV commodities are Class I, II or III products containing Group A plastics in ordinary corrugated cartons and Class I, II and III products with Group A plastic packaging, with or without pallets. Group B plastics and free-flowing Group A plastics are also included in this class. The total amount of nonfree-flowing Group A plastics shall be in accordance with paragraph (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this rule. Examples of Class IV commodities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Aerosol, Level 2 (see rule 1301:7-7-51 of the Administrative Code)

Alcoholic beverages, exceeding 20 -per cent but less than 80-percent alcohol, in cans or bottles in cartons

Clothing, synthetic or nonviscose

Combustible metal products (solid)

Furniture, plastic upholstered

Furniture, wood or metal with plastic covering and padding

Glycol in combustible containers (greater than 25 per cent and less than 50 per cent)

Linoleum products

Paints, oil base in combustible containers

Pharmaceutical, alcoholic elixirs, tonics, etc.

Rugs, foam back

Shingles, asphalt

Thread or yarn, synthetic or nonviscose

(6) 3203.6 High-hazard commodities. High-hazard commodities are high-hazard products presenting special fire hazards beyond those of Class I, II, III or IV. Group A plastics not otherwise classified are included in this class. Examples of high-hazard commodities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Aerosol, Level 3 (see rule 1301:7-7-51 of the Administrative Code)

Alcoholic beverages, exceeding 80-per cent alcohol, in bottles or cartons

Commodities of any class in plastic containers in carousel storage

Flammable solids (except solid combustible metals)

Glycol in combustible containers (50 per cent or greater)

Lacquers that dry by solvent evaporation, in metal cans or cartons

Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in plastic containers

Mattresses, foam rubber or foam plastics

Pallets and flats that are idle combustible

Paper and pulp, rolled, in vertical storage that is unbanded or not protected with an approved wrap

Paper, asphalt, rolled, horizontal storage

Paper, asphalt, rolled, vertical storage

Pillows, foam rubber and foam plastics

Pyroxylin

Rubber tires

Vegetable oil and butter in plastic containers

(7) 3203.7 Classification of plastics. Plastics shall be designated as Group A, B or C in accordance with paragraphs (C)(7)(a)(3203.7.1) to (C)(7)(d)(3203.7.4) of this rule.

(1) 3204.1 General. High-piled storage areas, and portions of high-piled storage areas intended for storage of a different commodity class than adjacent areas, shall be designed and specifically designated to contain Class I, Class II, Class III, Class IV or high-hazard commodities. The designation of a high-piled combustible storage area, or portion thereof intended for storage of a different commodity class, shall be based on the highest hazard commodity class stored except as provided in paragraph (D)(2)( 3204.2) of this rule.

(2) 3204.2 Designation based on engineering analysis. The designation of a high-piled combustible storage area, or portion thereof, is allowed to be based on a lower hazard class than that of the highest class of commodity stored when a limited quantity of the higher hazard commodity has been demonstrated by engineering analysis to be adequately protected by the automatic sprinkler system provided. The engineering analysis shall consider the ability of the sprinkler system to deliver the higher density required by the higher hazard commodity. The higher density shall be based on the actual storage height of the pile or rack and the minimum allowable design area for sprinkler operation as set forth in the density/area figures provided in NFPA 13 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code. The contiguous area occupied by the higher hazard commodity shall not exceed 120 square feet (11 m2), and additional areas of higher hazard commodity shall be separated from other such areas by 25 feet (7620 mm) or more. The sprinkler system shall be capable of delivering the higher density over a minimum area of 900 square feet (84 m2) for wet pipe systems and 1,200 square feet (111 m2) for dry pipe systems. The shape of the design area shall be in accordance with paragraph (C)(903) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.

(1) 3205.1 Rack structures. The structural integrity of racks shall be maintained.

(2) 3205.2 Ignition sources. Clearance from ignition sources shall be provided in accordance with paragraph (E)(305) of rule 1301:7-7-03 of the Administrative Code.

(3) 3205.3 Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited. Approved "No Smoking" signs shall be conspicuously posted in accordance with paragraph (J)(310) of rule 1301:7-7-03 of the Administrative Code.

(4) 3205.4 Aisle maintenance. When restocking is not being conducted, aisles shall be kept clear of storage, waste material and debris. Fire department access doors, aisles and exit doors shall not be obstructed. During restocking operations using manual stocking methods, a minimum unobstructed aisle width of 24 inches (610 mm) shall be maintained in 48-inch (1219 mm) or smaller aisles, and a minimum unobstructed aisle width of one-half of the required aisle width shall be maintained in aisles greater than 48 inches (1219 mm). During mechanical stocking operations, a minimum unobstructed aisle width of 44 inches (1118 mm) shall be maintained in accordance with paragraph (F)(9)( 3206.9) of this rule.

(5) 3205.5 Pile dimension and height limitations. Pile dimensions and height limitations shall comply with paragraph (G)(3)( 3207.3) of this rule.

(6) 3205.6 Designation of storage heights. Where required by the fire code official, a visual method of indicating the maximum allowable storage height shall be provided.

(7) 3205.7 Arrays. Arrays shall comply with paragraph (G)(4)( 3207.4) of this rule.

(8) 3205.8 Flue spaces. Flue spaces shall comply with paragraph (H)(3)( 3208.3) of this rule.

(1) 3206.1 General. Fire protection and life safety features for high-piled storage areas shall be in accordance with paragraphs (F)(2)( 3206.2) to (F)(10)( 3206.10) of this rule.

(2) 3206.2 Extent and type of protection. Where required by Table 3206.2of this rule, fire detection systems, smoke and heat removal, and automatic sprinkler design densities shall extend the lesser of 15 feet (4572 mm) beyond the high-piled storage area or to a permanent partition. Where portions of high-piled storage areas have different fire protection requirements because of commodity, method of storage or storage height, the fire protection features required by Table 3206.2of this rule within this area shall be based on the most restrictive design requirements.

Table 3206.2

General fire protection and life safety requirements

For SI: 1 foot =304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot =0.02832 m3; 1 square foot =0.0929 m2.

a. Where automatic sprinklers are required for reasons other than those in this rule, the portion of the sprinkler system protecting the high-piled storage area shall be designed and installed in accordance with paragraphs (G)(3207) and (H)(3208) of this rule.

b. For aisles, see paragraph (F)(9)( 3206.9) of this rule.

c. Piles shall be separated by aisles complying with paragraph (F)(9)( 3206.9) of this rule.

d. For storage in excess of the height indicated, special fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Note g where required by the fire code official. See also rule 1301:7-7-51 and rule 1301:7-7-57 of the Administrative Code for special limitations for aerosols and flammable and combustible liquids, respectively.

e. Paragraph (C)(503) of rule 1301:7-7-05 of the Administrative Code shall apply for fire apparatus access.

f. For storage exceeding 30 feet in height, Option 1 shall be used.

g. Special fire protection provisions including, but not limited to, fire protection of exposed steel columns; increased sprinkler density; additional in-rack sprinklers, without associated reductions in ceiling sprinkler density; or additional fire department hose connections shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

h. High-piled storage areas shall not exceed 500,000 square feet. A 2-hour fire wall constructed in accordance with section 706 of the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code shall be used to divide high-piled storage areas exceeding 500,000 square feet in area.

i. Not required where an automatic fire-extinguishing system is designed and installed to protect the high-piled storage area in accordance with paragraphs (G)(3207) and (H)(3208) of this rule.

j. Not required where storage areas are protected by either early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler systems or control mode special application sprinklers with a response time index of 50 (ms)1/2 or less that are listed to control a fire in the stored commodities with 12 or fewer sprinklers, installed in accordance with NFPA 13 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code.

(3) 3206.3 Separation of high-piled storage areas. High-piled storage areas shall be separated from other portions of the building where required by paragraphs (F)(3)(a)(3206.3.1) to (F)(3)(b)(ii)(3206.3.2.2) of this rule.

(4) 3206.4 Automatic sprinklers. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in accordance with paragraphs (G)(3207), (H)(3208) and (I)(3209) of this rule.

(5) 3206.5 Fire detection. Where fire detection is required by Table 3206.2of this rule, an approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed throughout the high-piled storage area. The system shall be monitored and be in accordance with paragraph (G)(907) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.

(6) 3206.6 Building access. Where building access is required by Table 3206.2of this rule, fire apparatus access roads in accordance with paragraph (C)(503) of rule 1301:7-7-05 of the Administrative Code shall be provided within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the exterior walls of buildings used for high-piled storage.

Exception: Where fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of topography, railways, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, the fire code official is authorized to require additional fire protection.

(7) 3206.7 Smoke and heat removal. Where smoke and heat removal is required by Table 3206.2of this rule, it shall be provided in accordance with paragraph (J)(910) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.

(8) 3206.8 Fire department hose connections. Where exit passageways are required by the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code for egress, a Class I standpipe system shall be provided in accordance with paragraph (E)(905) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.

(9) 3206.9 Aisles. Aisles providing access to exits and fire department access doors shall be provided in high-piled storage areas exceeding 500 square feet (46 m2), in accordance with paragraphs (F)(9)(a)(3206.9.1) to (F)(9)(c)(3206.9.3) of this rule. Aisles separating storage piles or racks shall comply with NFPA 13 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code. Aisles shall also comply with rule 1301:7-7-10 of the Administrative Code.

Exception: Where aisles are precluded by rack storage systems, alternate methods of access and protection are allowed when approved.

(10) 3206.10 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with paragraph (F)(906) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.

(1) 3207.1 General. Shelf storage and storage in solid piles, solid piles on pallets and bin box storage in bin boxes not exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm) in any dimension, shall be in accordance with paragraph (F)(3206) of this rule and this paragraph.

(2) 3207.2 Fire protection. Where automatic sprinklers are required by Table 3206.2of this rule, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the building or to 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with section 707 of the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code. Openings in such fire barriers shall be protected by opening protectives having a 1-hour fire protection rating. The design and installation of the automatic sprinkler system and other applicable fire protection shall be in accordance with the building code and NFPA 13 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code.

(3) 3207.3 Pile dimension and height limitations. Pile dimensions, the maximum permissible storage height and pile volume shall be in accordance with Table 3206.2of this rule.

(4) 3207.4 Array. Where an automatic sprinkler system design utilizes protection based on a closed array, array clearances shall be provided and maintained as specified by the standard used.

(1) 3208.1 General. Rack storage shall be in accordance with paragraph (F)(3206) of this rule and this paragraph. Bin boxes exceeding 5 feet (1524 mm) in any dimension shall be regulated as rack storage.

(2) 3208.2 Fire protection. Where automatic sprinklers are required by Table 3206.2of this rule, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the building or to 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with section 707 of the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code. Openings in such fire barriers shall be protected by opening protectives having a 1-hour fire protection rating. The design and installation of the automatic sprinkler system and other applicable fire protection shall be in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)(a)(i)(903.3.1.1) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code and the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code.

(3) 3208.3 Flue spaces. Flue spaces shall be provided in accordance with Table 3208.3of this rule. Required flue spaces shall be maintained.

(4) 3208.4 Column protection. Steel building columns shall be protected in accordance with NFPA 13 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code.

(5) 3208.5 Extra-high-rack storage systems. Approval of the fire code official shall be obtained prior to installing extra-high-rack combustible storage.

(1) 3209.1 General. Automated storage shall be in accordance with this paragraph.

(2) 3209.2 Automatic sprinklers. Where automatic sprinklers are required by Table 3206.2of this rule, the building shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)(a)(i)(9033.1.1) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.

(3) 3209.3 Carousel storage. High-piled storage areas having greater than 500 square feet (46 m2) of carousel storage shall be provided with automatic shutdown in accordance with one of the following:

(4) 3209.4 Automated rack storage. High-piled storage areas with automated rack storage shall be provided with a manually activated emergency shutdown switch for use by emergency personnel. The switch shall be clearly identified and shall be in a location approved by the fire code official.

(1) 3210.1 General. Records storage facilities used for the rack or shelf storage of combustible paper records greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height shall be in accordance with paragraphs (F)(3206) and (H)(3208) of this rule and NFPA 13 as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code. Palletized storage of records shall be in accordance with paragraph (G)(3207) of this rule.

Replaces: 1301:7-7-32