1301:7-7-37. Combustible fibers

(A) Section 3701 General

(1) 3701.1 Scope. The equipment, processes and operations involving combustible fibers shall comply with this rule.

(2) 3701.2 Applicability. Storage of combustible fibers in any quantity shall comply with this paragraph.

(3) 3701.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in rule 1301:7-7-01 of the Administrative Code.

(B) Section 3702 Definitions

(1) 3702.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in rule 1301:7-7-02 of the Administrative Code.

"Baled cotton."

"Baled cotton, densely packed."

"Combustible fibers."

"Seed cotton."

(C) Section 3703 General precautions

(1) 3703.1 Use of combustible receptacles. Ashes, waste, rubbish or sweepings shall not be placed in wood or other combustible receptacles and shall be removed daily from the structure.

(2) 3703.2 Vegetation. Grass or weeds shall not be allowed to accumulate at any point on the premises.

(3) 3703.3 Clearances. A minimum clearance of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles.

(4) 3703.4 Agricultural products. Hay, straw, seed cotton or similar agricultural products shall not be stored adjacent to structures or combustible materials unless a clear horizontal distance equal to the height of a pile is maintained between such storage and structures or combustible materials. Storage shall be limited to stacks of 100 tons (91 metric tons) each. Stacks shall be separated by not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) of clear space. Quantities of hay, straw, seed cotton and other agricultural products shall not be limited where stored in or near farm structures located outside closely built areas. A permit shall not be required for agricultural storage.

(5) 3703.5 Dust collection. Where located within a building, equipment or machinery that generates or emits combustible fibers shall be provided with an approved dust-collecting and exhaust system. Such systems shall comply with rule 1301:7-7-22 of the Administrative Code and section 511 of the mechanical code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code.

(6) 3703.6 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 as required for extra-hazard occupancy protection as indicated in Table 906.3(1) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.

(7) 3703.7 Sources of ignition. Sources of ignition shall comply with paragraphs (C)(7)(a)(3703.7.1) and (C)(7)(b)(3703.7.2) of this rule.

(a) 3703.7.1 Smoking. Smoking shall be prohibited and "No Smoking" signs provided as follows:

(i) In rooms or areas where materials are stored or dispensed or used in open systems.

(ii) Within 25 feet (7620 mm) of outdoor storage or open use areas.

(iii) Facilities or areas within facilities that have been designated as totally "no smoking" shall have "No Smoking" signs placed at all entrances to the facilities or area. Designated areas within such facilities where smoking is permitted either permanently or temporarily shall be identified with signs designating that smoking is permitted in these areas only.

Signs required by this paragraph shall be in English as a primary language or in symbols allowed by this rule and shall comply with paragraph (J)(310) of rule 1301:7-7-03 of the Administrative Code.

(b) 3703.7.2 Open flames. Open flames and high-temperature devices shall not be used in a manner that creates a hazardous condition. High-temperature devices and those devices utilizing an open flame shall be listed for use with the materials stored or used.

(D) Section 3704 Loose fiber storage

(1) 3704.1 General. Loose combustible fibers, not in suitable bales or packages and stored outdoors in the open, shall comply with paragraph (H)(2808) of rule 1301:7-7-28 of the Administrative Code. Occupancies involving the indoor storage of loose combustible fibers in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area as set forth in paragraph (C)(1)(50031) of rule 1301:7-7-50 of the Administrative Code shall comply with paragraphs (D)(2)( 3704.2 ) to (D)(6)( 3704.6 ) of this rule.

(2) 3704.2 Storage of 100 cubic feet or less. Loose combustible fibers in quantities of not more than 100 cubic feet (3 m) located in a structure shall be stored in a metal or metal-lined bin equipped with a self-closing cover.

(3) 3704.3 Storage of more than 100 cubic feet to 500 cubic feet. Loose combustible fibers in quantities exceeding 100 cubic feet (3 m) but not exceeding 500 cubic feet (14 m) shall be stored in rooms enclosed with 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 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with section 711 of the building code as list in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code, or both, with openings protected with an approved opening protective assembly having a fire protection rating of ¾ hour in accordance with the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code.

(4) 3704.4 Storage of more than 500 cubic feet to 1,000 cubic feet. Loose combustible fibers in quantities exceeding 500 cubic feet (14 m3) but not exceeding 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) shall be stored in rooms enclosed with 2-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 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with section 711 of the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code, or both, with openings protected with an approved opening protective assembly having a fire protection rating of 1 1/2 hours in accordance with the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code.

(5) 3704.5 Storage of more than 1,000 cubic feet. Loose combustible fibers in quantities exceeding 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) shall be stored in rooms enclosed with 2-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 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with section 711 of the building code as list in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code, or both, with openings protected by an approved opening protective assembly having a fire protection rating of 1½ hours in accordance with the building code as listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code. The storage room shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)(a)(i)(903.3.1.1) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code.

(6) 3704.6 Detached storage structure. Not more than 2,500 cubic feet (70 m3) of loose combustible fibers shall be stored in a detached structure suitably located, with openings protected against entrance of sparks. The structure shall not be occupied for any other purpose.

(E) Section 3705 Baled storage

(1) 3705.1 Bale size and separation. Baled combustible fibers shall be limited to single blocks or piles not more than 25,000 cubic feet (700 m) in volume, not including aisles or clearances. Blocks or piles of baled fiber shall be separated from adjacent storage by aisles not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) wide, or by flash-fire barriers constructed of continuous sheets of noncombustible material extending from the floor to a minimum height of 1 foot (305 mm) above the highest point of the piles and projecting not less than 1 foot (305 mm) beyond the sides of the piles.

(2) 3705.2 Special baling conditions. Sisal and other fibers in bales bound with combustible tie ropes, jute and other fibers that swell when wet, shall be stored to allow for expansion in any direction without affecting building walls, ceilings or columns. A minimum clearance of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be required between walls and sides of piles, except that where the storage compartment is not more than 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, the minimum clearance at side walls shall be 1 foot (305 mm), provided that a center aisle not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) wide is maintained.

Replaces: 1301:7-7-29.

Effective: 12/15/2017
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 12/15/2022
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3737.22, 3737.82, 3737.83
Rule Amplifies: 3737.83 , 3737.22, 3737.82
Prior Effective Dates: 07/01/1979, 06/01/1985, 06/15/1992, 07/01/1993, 09/01/1995, 03/30/1998, 09/01/2005, 07/01/2007, 11/01/2011