Safety_and_Design_Checklists_0001.pdf

Version 5/21

Aboveground Storage Tank Design Checklist

Project and Location:

This checklist is a guide for reviewing installations of Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) for flammable and combustible liquids. This checklist addresses some, but not all, safety issues involved in fuel tank installations.

Most of the design criteria is found in the current NFPA 30 (2018), Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30A (2018), Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages, or is established by the State in which the tank is located. These, plus any other applicable codes, need to be referenced for complete details on requirements. Note: The requirements of LPG (propane) facilities are covered under NFPA 58 (2017), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, and are not addressed here.

Citations below refer to chapters or sections found in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, unless otherwise noted. All items are mandatory unless listed as a recommendation. The following apply to aboveground tanks storing gasoline, diesel, or oil at pressures less than 2.5 psig., with a storage capacity of less than 12,000 gallons.

# Design / Construction Yes No NA

1 ASTs shall comply with NFPA 30, Chapter 21.4 or a specific State requirement(s).

(The States and the EPA manage the AST program. In all cases, the stricter rules apply.)

2 Tanks shall be approved double-wall construction or otherwise meet secondary containment standards.

Emergency vents will be installed to limit pressure to less than 2.5 psig.

Vents shall release vapors not less than 12 ft above adjacent ground level and shall be at least 5 ft from any building opening. Must not vent to a point under a roof or overhang.

4 Vents outlets will be located so that vapors are not trapped by eaves, roofs, or other obstructions.

5 Each connection to an AST through which liquid could normally flow shall have a valve located as close to the shell of the tank as practical.

Fuel dispensers shall be wired to meet NEC standards for Hazardous Locations.

(Class 1 Division 1 within pits; Class 1, Division 2 within 18” around dispenser and within 6” of ground within 20’, etc.).

# Installation / Location Yes No NA

7 The installation of an AST will comply with NFPA 30, Chapter 22 or a specific State requirement(s).

8 Installations shall be approved by the appropriate State regulatory agency where required. (States have primacy regarding AST installations.)

Tanks and dispensers shall be protected from vehicular traffic through the use of bollards, setbacks, concrete islands, etc.

Bollards will be a minimum 4 in. diameter steel pipe (3’ high) filled with concrete; buried 3 feet deep in concrete footing; spaced not more than 4 feet on center.

10 Tanks located in areas subject to earthquakes or flooding must meet certain requirements. NFPA 30, 22.5 and 22.14

11 Tanks shall be located at least 5 feet from the nearest important building (property line setbacks vary).

ASTs shall be located at least 20 feet away from propane tanks.

Exceptions exist for propane tanks smaller than 125 gallons located near ASTs with a capacity of less than 660 gallons. See 30, 22.4.2.4

13 Secondary containment, dikes, etc. shall be installed as required.

14 Suitable measures, such as dikes, curbing, or grading, will be taken to prevent accumulation of flammable or combustible liquids under adjacent propane tanks.

An installation of a tank inside a building that has a canopy or roof that limits the dissipation of heat or dispersion of flammable vapors will meet Storage Tank Building requirements in NFPA 30, Chapter 24.

At least one portable fire extinguisher will a minimum rating of 40B:C will be mounted in a location near the AST / fuel dispensing equipment, within 30 feet, but not adjacent to a dispenser.

A larger 80B:C extinguisher must be within 100 feet of the dispenser. NFPA 30A

# Labeling Yes No NA

17 Tanks will be labeled as to their contents and hazards.

18 Fuel Dispensers shall have a clearly labeled emergency electrical disconnect at a remote location, in plain view not less than 20 feet or more than 100 feet from the dispensers.

19 All fuel dispensing equipment (pumps, hoses, nozzles) will be listed for such use. Hoses used for dispensing Class 1 or 2 liquids to vehicles must have a listed breakaway fitting.

Warning signs will be conspicuously posted in any dispensing area with the following (or equivalent) wording:

No Smoking. Stop motor.

It is unlawful and dangerous to dispense gasoline into unapproved containers.

No filling of portable containers in or on a motor vehicle.

Place container on ground before filling.

21 Tanks containing diesel fuel for motor vehicles must be labeled to meet requirements of 40 CFR

80.570 through 80.574 regarding sulfur content of the fuel.

Project Leaders should contact the Regional Environmental Compliance Coordinator for additional regulatory information, contract language, and tank installation requirements.

Project Leaders must ensure all operators of AST systems comply with any additional applicable operational requirements such as inventory control documentation, employee training, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans, etc.

Bunkhouse Design Checklist

The following checklist is to be used as a reference to the common safety issues encountered when designing Bunkhouses. This list is not complete, and NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and the Uniform Building Code (IBC) need to be referenced for complete details on all requirements. All items are mandatory unless identified as a recommendation. Most of the references below can be found in Chapter 26 of the current NFPA Life Safety Code. Questions or unusual situations may be addressed to the Regional Safety Office.

# FIRE ALARM SYSTEM Yes No NA

Every bunkhouse must have a hardwired battery-backup fire alarm system meeting NFPA 101 and NFPA 72 requirements.

In addition to the other requirements, there will be:

1 Hardwired smoke detectors or other approved devices in each sleeping room.

2 At least one smoke detector in the hallway or space outside the sleeping room(s).

Smoke detectors at other required locations, including one smoke detector on each level of the building, including the basement.

4 At least one manual pull station will be located by a primary building exit (within 5’).

5 Will a Fire Alarm Panel be installed as part of the alarm system? Necessary in most situations.

6 No smoke detectors will be installed in bathrooms, garages, or kitchens. (Heat Detectors OK.)

7 Completion Certificates are to be provided by installers, as required by NFPA 72.

8 Owner’s manuals, as-built drawings, and training will be required from the installers.

Visible signals (strobes) required if any occupants are hearing impaired. It is recommended that all bunkhouses have strobes installed in common areas and in at least one bedroom to avoid costly retrofits should any future residents be hearing impaired. Will visible signals be installed?

A carbon monoxide detection system meeting 101, 26.3.4.6 requirements must be installed if there are fuel-fired appliances. Will a CO detection system be installed? In addition, LP-Gas detectors are recommended if propane is being used.

# ELECTRICAL Yes No NA

11 All installations are to meet or exceed current National Electric Code (NEC) requirements.

12 GFCI-protected outlets will be installed per NEC. Exterior receptacles need “In-Use Covers.”

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters protection will be installed on interior outlets per NEC 210.12(A).

Locations include kitchens, family rooms, closets, hallways, bedrooms, dens, laundry areas, etc. Some locations will require both GFCI and AFCI protection.

# DOORS Yes No NA

14 Doors shall be provided with latches/mechanisms suitable for keeping the door closed.

15 Any Locks will not require the use of a key, tool, special knowledge, or effort to open from inside.

Exit locks shall open in one motion from the egress side. If a deadbolt is desired, then a Dormitory Lockset that opens all latches in one motion is required on building exits and recommended for sleeping room doors. Other latches must be simple and obvious to operate.

During its swing, any door from occupiable space into means of egress (such as a corridor) shall leave unobstructed at least one half of the required width of an aisle, corridor, or landing.

18 Panic-style hardware is recommended for building exits. Will panic hardware be installed?

19 Bathroom doors are designed to be opened from the outside during an emergency.

20 Obstructions (other doors, furniture) will be eliminated that may interfere with operating a door.

21 No doors shall be locked against egress when the building is occupied.

# OTHER Yes No NA

22 The minimum width of corridors is 36". The minimum door width is 28" (24" for bathroom).

The design ensures that no dwelling unit shall have its sole means of egress pass through any nonresidential occupancy in the same building.

Fire extinguishers (minimum 2A, 10B:C) will be provided, spacing per NFPA 10. (Minimum one per every 1500 sq ft floor space, one on each level, and one in any attached garages.)

Lighted exit signs or other approved signs are recommended for all building exits (do not put in sleeping rooms). Recommend LED style lights. Will exit sign(s) be installed?

Sleeping rooms shall be separated from escape corridors by walls and doors that are smoke resistant. No louvers or operable transoms or other air passageways except properly installed hearting/ac ducts. Will doors and walls be smoke resistant?

27 Will interior walls of sleeping rooms be insulated to reduce sound transmission? Recommended

The design ensures that no sleeping rooms of a lodging or rooming house shall be located above any nonresidential occupancy. Exception, see 101, 26.1.3

29 Grab bars will be installed to meet 26.2.4 for all new toilets, showers, and bathtubs.

Exterior stairs shall be reasonably protected against blockage caused by fire that would expose both interior and exterior means of escape at the same time.

Interior stairways will be constructed to meet requirements of 26.2.2 and 26.3.1. Stairways may need to be enclosed, upstairs sleeping rooms may need appropriate secondary egress, etc.

To prevent clutter, will storage space be provided for cleaning equipment and personal items to prevent accumulation in hallways, etc.? (Shed, closets, lockable cabinets, etc. – Recommended.)

The placement of offices, large storage rooms, maintenance shops, etc. in or next to a bunkhouse may necessitate additional Code requirements. Will such spaces be a part of the design? Contact the RSM/S for guidance on mixed occupancies.

If solar panels, HVAC or other equipment is installed on the roof, properly engineered roof anchors will be installed for personnel fall protection during future maintenance work.

# FIRE SPRINKLERS Yes No NA

All new bunkhouses, bunkhouses that are significantly remodeled, and bunkhouses created by a change in occupancy shall have an approved fire sprinkler system installed per NFPA 101 Chapter 26 standards. The option involving putting doors to the outside from each sleeping room no longer exists.

35 A fire sprinkler system meeting NFPA 101 standards will be installed.

NFPA 13D, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes, may be used when bunkhouse is not part of a mixed occupancy.

Lodging with more than eight occupants shall be treated as two-family dwellings with regard to the water supply. Will NFPA 13D be used for the sprinkler system design?

In buildings up to and including four stories in height, sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA 13R shall be permitted. Will NFPA 13R be used for the fire sprinkler system design?

Closets over 12 ft² and any closets containing such equipment as washers, dryers, furnaces, or water heaters will be sprinklered.

The contract includes the requirement that drawings, completion certificates, test certificates, owner’s manual, and other written documents be submitted, per NFPA 13 & 72 requirements.

Designer has determined what the sprinkler water demand will be and that the existing water supply system is adequate to meet that demand. (If NO, an alternate system is needed.)

41 The activation of the fire sprinkler system will cause the fire alarm system to sound.

# CODE REQUIREMENTS Yes No NA

This checklist is not intended to be a substitute for, nor an interpretation of the code requirements found in the NFPA Life Safety Code (LSC). The full version of the LSC needs to be adhered to.

Does the design incorporate the applicable sections of the current NFPA Life Safety Code?

In the event that applicable IBC or local building codes are stricter than the LSC, have the more stringent of the requirements been incorporated into the design?

Guardrail Design Criteria

The following checklist is a guide for reviewing installations of guardrails needed for the protection of employees and/or the visiting public. In areas where protection is intended only for employees, OSHA mandates the design criteria. In public use areas, protection as described in the NFPA Life Safety Code or the International Building Code, is required for pedestrians. This list is not complete, and the current codes referenced above need to be consulted for complete details on requirements. All items are mandatory unless identified as a recommendation.

Unusual situations or questions should be directed to the Regional Safety Office.

# GUARDRAILS for EMPLOYEE USE AREAS Yes No NA

Floor openings, wall openings, open-sided platforms, etc., four or more feet (48”) above an adjacent surface will be guarded by a standard railing or other appropriate means. 29 CFR 1910.23

Regardless of height, floors, and walkways above a “high hazard” area (chemical vat, rapid water, dangerous equipment, etc.) will be guarded by a standard guardrail.

A Standard Guardrail for employee use areas:

3 Will have a top rail, an intermediate rail, and posts.

4 Will have a vertical height of 42 in. nominal from upper surface of top rail to floor or surface.

5 Will have an intermediate rail approximately halfway between top rail and the floor.

6 The ends of the rails shall not overhang the terminal posts so as to constitute a projection hazard.

7 The top rail will be smooth surfaced throughout its length.

Railings will be made of wood, steel pipe (min. 1 ½ in diameter), or structural steel. The spacing of posts, construction of top rails, and design options shall comply with 1910.23(e).

The anchoring of posts and framing members shall be such that the completed structure can withstand a load of at least 200 pounds applied in any direction to any point of the top rail.

Toeboards will be placed on guardrails under which a person could pass or there is moving machinery.

Toeboards will be 4 in. in nominal height, with no openings greater than 1 in. and no more than ¼ in. clearance above floor level.

Where material is piled to such height that a standard toeboard does not provide protection, paneling from floor to either intermediate (mid-rail) or top rail will be provided.

Every flight of stairs with four or more risers will be protected by a standard stair railing or standard handrails. See 29 CFR 1910.23(d)

A Standard Stair Railing for employee use:

14 Will have construction standards similar to those of a standard guardrail.

Will have vertical height of not more than 34 in. or less than 30 in. from the upper surface of the top rail to the surface of the tread in line with the face of riser of forward edge of tread.

A Standard Handrail for employee use:

16 Will consist of a lengthwise member mounted directly to a wall or partition.

Mounting brackets will be attached to the lower side of the handrail to maintain smooth surface and sides.

18 The size of brackets shall give a clearance between wall and handrail of at least 3 in.

19 The spacing of the brackets will not exceed 8 feet.

20 The handrail shall be of rounded or other section that will furnish an adequate handhold.

21 The size of handrails will be at least 2 in. diameter hardwood or 1 ½ in. diameter pipe.

The ends of the handrails will be turned into the supporting wall or otherwise arranged so as not to constitute a projection hazard.

# Topic Yes No NA

23 The height of the handrails will not be more than 34 in. nor less than 30 in. from upper surface of the handrail to the surface tread in line with face of riser or surface of ramp.

24 The completed handrail shall be capable of withstanding a force of 200 pounds in any direction.

Note: At Construction Sites, during the period of construction, the duty to protect workers from falls begins when the working surface is 6 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level. Design criteria for construction guardrails are different, consult 29 CFR 1926.501 for details.

# GUARDRAILS for PUBLIC USE AREAS Yes No NA

The duty to protect people from falls increases in areas where the public, especially children, are permitted or invited. This is especially important in areas where hazards are not obvious (i.e., underwater hazards) or in areas that are particularly attractive, say ladders or walkways close to water. While guarding of natural hazards has a large degree of management discretion, this is generally not the case with man-made hazards. Such places as water intakes, pits, piers, raceways, moving machinery, access to hazardous areas, etc., need to be adequately and securely guarded.

25 Guards, in accordance with IBC Section 1012, will be located along open-sided walking surfaces, platforms, ramps, and stairways which are located more than 30 in. above the floor or grade below.

26 Guards will form a protective barrier not less than 42 in. high. Exceptions for residences. Also exceptions for accessible fishing platforms, see ADA Platforms.

27 Open guards will have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a 4-inch diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 34 in.

28 From a height of 34 in. to 42 in. an 8-inch sphere shall not pass through.

29 On stairs, the triangular opening formed by the riser, the tread, and the bottom rail must not allow a sphere of 6-in. to pass through any opening.

30 Handrails along stairways and ramps will comply with IBC 1009.11.

31 The outside diameter of a circular rail will be between 1.25 in. and 2 in. Non-circular handrails will comply with IBC standards.

32 Stairs will have handrails on both sides. Exceptions will comply with IBC 1009.11.

33 Handrails shall be uniform, not less than 34 in. and not more than 38 in. above tread nosings.

34 The handrail and adjacent wall will be required to be clear of sharp or abrasive elements. Thus the top rail of a chain-link fence cannot serve as a handrail because of sharp ends of wires.

35 Clear space between the wall and handrail will be a minimum of 1.5 in.

Handrails will return to the wall, guard, or walking surface, or be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent flight of stairs. Where not continuous, handrails will extend at least 12 in. beyond the top and bottom riser. There are some exceptions for railings inside individual dwelling units.

# VEHICLE or HIGHWAY GUARDRAILS Yes No NA

Protection for vehicle traffic on bridges is described in 362 FW 2, Bridge Design. Designs for guardrails in other areas can be found in specific standards such as those by the American Assoc.

of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Federal Highway Administration, or from the state highway departments. Contact the Regional Engineering Office for questions. Will vehicle guardrails be installed on this project according to applicable codes?

Regardless of what type of guardrail or handrails are installed, and whom they are intended to protect, after installation all railings need to be maintained so that their strength, safety, and protective features remain in compliance with the design criteria at the time they were constructed. For new guardrails and for railings where there has been a change of occupancy (say from employee to public use), the construction standards of this checklist shall apply.

Industrial (Shop) Design Checklist

The following checklist is a guide for reviewing new designs and remodeling of shops and other industrial areas and addresses some common safety issues in Industrial Occupancies. (Industrial occupancies are buildings or areas that are used primarily for finishing, manufacturing, mixing, assembling, and repairing operations.) The latest edition of NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code (LSC) and the International Building Code (IBC) need to be referenced. Many of the requirements are found in Chapter 40 of the NFPA 101. This list is not complete, and other applicable codes need to be referenced for complete details on all requirements. All items are mandatory unless listed as a recommendation. Questions or unusual situations may be addressed to the Regional Safety Office (RSO).

1 All doors are in compliance with NFPA 101 (LSC), 7.2.1. Width, height, direction of swing, etc.

Doors are arranged to open readily from the egress side. Not locked against egress except delayed egress locks per NFPA 101, 7.2.1.6.1 or access-controlled egress locks per NFPA 101, 7.2.1.6.2.

All required egress doors are side-hinged or if not side-hinged, the door complies with exceptions of LSC 7.2.1.4.1? Note: Garage doors do not count as exits except from spaces <1,000 sq ft.

Doors swing in direction of egress per NFPA 101, 7.2.1.4.2 when: a) Serving occupant load > 50 persons; b) In an exit stair enclosure; or c) When serving a high hazard area per NFPA 101, 6.2.

5 Stairs, ramps, horizontal exits, etc. comply with NFPA 101, Chapter 40.

# EXITS Yes No NA

At least two separate exits are provided on every story or section and are accessible from every part of every story. Exception: If single means of egress, needs to comply with NFPA 101, 40.2.4.

Only permitted in low or ordinary hazard occupancies if the exit can be reached within the distance permitted as a common path of travel. NFPA 101, 40.2.4

Exits from the building or area are remotely located in accordance with NFPA 101, 7.5.1.3.

(Separated by ½ diagonal if not sprinklered, or 1/3 diagonal if protected with sprinklers.)

Common paths of travel does not exceed 50 ft. (100 ft. allowed with automatic fire sprinklers.) A common path of travel is that portion of a space that must be traveled before two separate and distinct paths of travel to two different exits are available.

9 Dead-end corridors do not exceed 50 ft.

10 Travel distance to exits does not exceed 200 ft. (250 ft. permitted with automatic fire sprinklers.)

Areas with high hazards (see definition in NFPA 101, 6.2.2) shall comply with NFPA 101 Chapter

40. (See also Flammable Storage Design Checklist for flammable liquid storage areas.)

Industrial equipment areas such as access walkways, platforms, stairs, etc. that serve as a component of egress complies with 101, 40.2.5.2 (May be > 22” when serving < 20 persons)

Vertical openings (openings between floors) are enclosed or protected in accordance with NFPA 101, 40.3.1.

14 Exit discharge is unrestricted to a public way, in accordance with NFPA101, 7.7.

# LIGHTING and SIGNS Yes No NA

15 Emergency lighting is provided in accordance with NFPA 101, 40.2.9.

Exit signs are provided in accordance with NFPA 101, 7.10. In most cases, this means that internally lighted exit signs are required at building exits and in the access to exits at every location where the direction of travel to the nearest exit is not apparent.

Any door, passage, or stairway not an exit nor a way of exit access and is located so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit, is identified by a “NO EXIT” sign meeting NFPA 101, 7.10.8.3.

# ELECTRICAL Yes No NA

18 All electrical work is in accordance with the National Electric Code (NEC) standards.

Electrical installations in hazardous areas, including vehicle service pits and flammable liquid storage rooms comply with NEC requirements. Reference NEC Article 511 for shops.

In areas where maintenance or repair work is done, and where major or minor vehicle repairs are performed, all single-phase 125 V outlets in the shop area are GFCI protected. (NEC, 511.12.)

GFCI protection is needed to protect all workers using power tools who are performing maintenance, repair, or construction work. GFCI protection can be by either receptacle type or circuit breaker type.

21 Interior outlets located such that tools and cords may be plugged in and used outside are GFCIs.

22 Outside and any wet areas have GFCIs that are approved Weather-Resistant type.

It is recommended that retractable power cord units mounted on shop ceilings be used to help control the number of extension cords and reduce tripping hazards. Are retractable power cords to be provided? These also need GFCI protection.

# OTHER Yes No NA

Portable fire extinguishers (minimum 2A,10B:C) in are in accessible locations so that no occupant is more than 75 ft from an extinguisher.

Mixed occupancies comply with NFPA 101, 6.1.14. (Non-ancillary spaces generally need fire separation between the two occupancies, i.e., between a group of biologist offices and the shop.)

For industrial occupancies with ordinary hazards, a fire alarm system is required only if the total capacity of the building is more than 100 persons, or more than 25 persons could be above or below the level of exit discharge. Will a fire alarm system be installed?

Flammable Storage Cabinets are located away from exits (cannot be located near the only exit).

Storage of flammable and combustible liquids must comply with NFPA 30.

Eyewash stations are provided where corrosive chemicals (battery acid, pesticides, etc.) are used.

Eyewash installations shall comply with ANSI Z358.1-1998 standards.

Welding area mechanical ventilation meets OSHA standards (articulated booms are very useful);

walls need to be of non-combustible or limited-combustible construction; storage of flammable liquids needs to be controlled (fire-rated cabinets); maintain 35 ft separation from combustibles where possible (avoid locating beside wood working areas); and provide adequate electrical services. See OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252. Will a welding area be installed to meet Code?

Hoisting equipment is engineered, and the installation contract requires testing, inspection, and load rating certification to meet OSHA and manufacturer’s standards. See 29 CFR 1910.179(k).

Overhead Storage Areas will be designed to meet building code and NFPA Life Safety Code Standards. Minimum capacity is 125 psf (250 psf for heavy loads). Load capacity sign must be posted. Exiting must meet common path of travel, dead end, and travel distance requirements.

In the event that applicable IBC or local building codes are stricter than the LSC, have the more stringent of the requirements been incorporated into the design?

This checklist is not intended to be a substitute for, nor an interpretation of the code requirements found in the NFPA Life Safety Code (LSC). The full version of the LSC needs to be adhered to.

Does the design incorporate the full version of the current Life Safety Code?

Laboratory Design Checklist

The following checklist is a guide for reviewing new designs and remodeling of laboratories. This checklist applies only to Fire Hazard C and D facilities (those most typical in FWS). This list is not complete, and other applicable codes need to be referenced for complete details on all requirements. All items are mandatory unless listed as a recommendation. Most of the references below can be found in NFPA 45, Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals; NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Stations shall strive to reduce the quantity and hazards of chemicals to be used to achieve the lowest hazard class possible. Questions or unusual situations may be addressed to the Responsible Safety Managers/Specialists. Items marked with an asterisk have explanatory material included in the appendix at the end of the checklist.

Note: Unless otherwise stated, the requirements below apply only to Class C or Class D laboratories of 10,000 square feet or less. Labs with explosion hazards*, Level 3 biohazards, or units with a Fire Hazard Class of A or B* must meet different requirements. See NFPA 45, 1.1 for Scope.

# DOORS Yes No NA

1 All doors will be in compliance with NFPA 101, 7.2.1.

2 Doors are arranged to open easily from the egress side.

3 Stairs, ramps, horizontal exits, special locks, etc. will comply with NFPA 101, 40.2.

4 Only side-hinged or pivot-swinging doors are allowed for exits. Exceptions must meet 7.2.1.4.1

5 Doors in one-hour fire-rated enclosures are a minimum of ¾-hour fire rated assemblies.

6 Are doors wide enough for installation of lab equipment and to accommodate normal operations?

# EXITS from LABORATORIES Yes No NA

Not less than two means of egress, remotely located from each other as possible, shall be provided when: the lab work area exceeds 1,000 sq ft; where there is an explosion hazard;

when a fume hood is located adjacent to the primary exit; or when a compressed gas cylinder or cryogenic container could prevent safe egress in the event of accidental gas release. See 45, 5.3.1 for more requirements.

8 To reduce the risk of both exits being blocked by a fire, exits are separated per 101, 7.5.1.3.

Fire rated separation is not required for a single Class C or D lab unit on a floor except for educational occupancies. Will any new lab unit have fire separation where required by NFPA 45?

Flammable Storage Cabinets are located away from exits (cannot be located near the only exit from a lab). The installation and use of flammable storage cabinets will comply with

NFPA 30.

Educational occupancies. Laboratories in educational occupancies will be separated from non- laboratory areas by one-hour-fire-rated construction.

Except for educational laboratories or unless otherwise required by NFPA 45, do Class C labs safety features comply with NFPA 101, Chapter 40, Industrial Occupancies?

Chemical fume hoods will not be located near the only exit from the lab. In general, fume hoods should not be located near any exit even when there are two or more exits.

# LIGHTING and SIGNS Yes No NA

Means of egress shall be marked with signs in accordance with 101, 7.10. In most cases, this means internally lighted exit signs are required at building exits. Will lighted exit signs be used?

15 Emergency lighting will be provided in the lab whenever two or more exits are required.

An approved sign with a directional marker showing the direction of travel will be placed in every location where the direction of travel to the nearest exit is not apparent.

Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and is located so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit, will be identified by a “NO EXIT” sign meeting 7.10.8.3.

18 In areas subject to moisture or within 6 ft of any sink, outlets will be GFCI protected.

Electrical installations in any hazardous area (i.e., inside a flammable liquid fume hood) will comply with National Electric Code (NEC) requirements.

Will electrical installations meet NEC requirements for flammable liquid refrigerators or other flammable liquid handling equipment?

Will adequate outlets be provided for countertops, walls, and benches that will contain test equipment? Extension cords are not permitted to be used as permanent wiring.

Has consideration been given for providing dedicated circuits to specific equipment, proper voltages, and electric service with room for future expansion?

To protect sensitive and expensive lab equipment, designers should consider installing adequate surge protection or other devices to maintain quality power supply. Will such devices be installed?

24 All electrical work will be required to meet NEC standards.

Portable fire extinguishers (minimum 2A,10B:C) will be mounted and accessible so that no occupant is more than 75 ft from an extinguisher. Consideration may be given to have additional gas extinguisher(s) to protect sensitive electrical equipment.

Eyewash stations (and usually emergency showers) will be required where corrosive chemicals are used. Installations shall comply with ANSI Z358.1-1998 standards.

27 Eyewash and body shower stations will be installed where formaldehyde is used.

Consideration has been given to providing any separate piping systems using specific materials required for Deionized Water; Natural Gas; Other Gases; Autoclaves; Water Treatment Filters; Dishwashers; Floor Drains; or other equipment.

Flammable Storage Cabinets are located away from exits (cannot be located near the only exit from a lab). No more than three flammable storage cabinets may be located in any single fire area.

When possible, mechanical spaces or storage areas are provided to separate laboratory operations from other operations (heating, ventilation, hot water tanks, tools, and field equipment, etc.).

Shelves and cabinets will be provided with earthquake protection (lips, straps, childproof locks) to prevent shelf contents from spilling or breaking during a seismic event.

Recommendation.

Will any special requirements for air conditioning, acid storage, biological specimen storage, waste disposal, exhaust systems, corrosion-resistant sinks or counter tops be provided for in the design?

Will fume hoods and exhaust air systems be installed to meet requirements of NFPA 45, Chapter 6 and the hood manufacturer? Usually vents must be 10’ above highest point on the roof. *

For Class C and D lab occupancies, a fire alarm system is required if the total capacity of the building is over 100 persons or more than 25 persons are above or below the level of exit discharge. (Occupant load is considered one person per 100 sq ft.) Even if not required, the Station should consider the installation of a smoke detection, fire alarm system. Any installation shall comply with the Life Safety Code. Will a smoke detection/fire alarm system be installed?

Lab Design Appendix

Laboratory Design Explanations and Definitions

- Laboratory. A laboratory is a facility where the containers used for reactions, transfers, and other handling of chemicals are designed to be easily and safely manipulated by one person. It is a workplace where chemicals are used or synthesized on a non-production basis. Flammable liquid storage requirements shall not apply to laboratory units with less than or equal to 1.1 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids. Rooms or work areas with incidental testing facilities, operations that use chemicals only for incidental purposes such as cleaning, or that handle only substances with a hazard rating of zero or one are not laboratories and should not be designated as such. See NFPA 45-1.1 for Scope and Exceptions.

- Chemicals. For this checklist, a chemical is a substance with a hazard (flammability, health, or reactivity) rating of 2, 3, or 4. Many requirements are based on the flammability of a given liquid.

- Flashpoint. The minimum temperature of a liquid at which sufficient vapor is given off to form an ignitable mixture with the air near the surface of the liquid or within the container. Generally, low flash point liquids are more flammable and potentially explosive.

- Class I (Flammable) Liquids. Liquids that have a flashpoint below 100°F. Class IA liquids have a flashpoint below 73°F and a boiling point below 100°F. Class IB liquids have a flashpoint below 73°F and a boiling point above 100°F (gasoline is an example). Class IC liquids have a flashpoint between 73°F and 100°F.

- Class II (Combustible) Liquids. Liquids that have a flashpoint at or above 100°F and below 140°F. Diesel fuel is usually a Class II liquid.

- Class III (Combustible) Liquids. Class IIIA liquids have a flashpoint between 140°F and 200°F. Class IIIB liquids are combustible liquids with a flashpoint above 200°F.

- Explosion Hazard. A lab contains an explosion hazard if any chemicals used or stored is any explosive, blasting agent, emulsion explosive, water gel, or detonator. If an explosive material has a hazard great enough to cause property damage outside the laboratory work area or injury outside that laboratory area requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, appropriate protection should be provided for the occupants of labor work area and surrounding non-laboratory area See 45, C.2.

- Laboratory Fire Hazard Class is based on the amounts of either Class I flammable liquids or total amounts of Class I, II, and IIIA flammable and combustible liquids that are to be kept in the lab. Requirements also depend on whether the space is fire sprinklered, the floor area of the lab, and if the flammable liquids are kept inside flammable storage cabinets. Most FWS laboratory facilities are, or with proper management of flammable liquids could be, classified as a Class C (low hazard) or D (minimal hazard) lab. Class A or B labs must comply with stricter design and construction standards. The design criteria in the table below relates to the flammable liquids stored in a laboratory work area. (Amounts of flammable liquids that are stored inside a separate and properly designed indoor flammable liquid room do not count toward this total. Indoor liquid storage rooms must comply with NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.) The information below is taken from NFPA 45, Tables Table 9.1.1(a).

Lab Design Appendix

Quantities in Use Quantities in Use and Storage

Laboratory Fire Hazard Class

Flammable Liquid Class

Max quantity per 100 ft2

Max quantity per Lab

Max quantity per

100 ft2

Max quantity per Lab

C I 2 gal 150 gal 4 gal 300 gal I, II, and IIIA 4 gal 200 gal 8 gal 400 gal

D I 1 gal 75 gal 2 gal 150 gal I, II, and IIIA 1 gal 75 gal 2 gal 150 gal

Example: For a lab that was 400 sq. ft. in size, in order to maintain a Class D rating the lab must not contain a total of more than 8 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids (400 ft2 x 2 gal per 100 ft2). If these liquids are not use (not inside a flammable cabinet or in safety cans), the total flammable and combustible liquids amount cannot exceed 4 gallons (400 ft2 x 1 gal per 100 ft2).

Laboratory units with more flammable and/or combustible liquids than permitted for Class C labs will be classified as Class A or B units. The higher classification requires that the unit meet additional construction or protection requirements. Contact your Responsible Safety Manager/Specialist for assistance if you have additional questions.

-- Laboratory or Fume Hoods have a number of specific requirements, depending on the toxicity and combustibility of the chemicals being used in the lab. Exhaust air shall not be recirculated. Controls shall be located external to the hood and within easy reach. Exhaust stacks should extend to a point where exhaust fumes will not be recirculated into the building. It is highly recommended that the designer contact lab hood manufacturers to discuss the technical issues and requirements needed for particular installations. There are several suppliers that are on GSA contract. After installation, hoods will need to be certified by an appropriate contractor, usually on an annual basis.

--Earthquake Protection. It is highly recommended that thought be given to protection of personnel, chemicals, and equipment during design. Simple door latches on cabinets, and anchoring shelving units can prevent shifting of items during an earthquake and the falling and breaking of chemical containers, glassware, test equipment, and preserved samples. This will help save money and prevent injuries, fires, or loss of data.

New Office Design Checklist

The following checklist is to be used as a guide for reviewing designs of business and office spaces, including new construction and remodeling activities. This list is not complete, and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code (2018) and the International Building Code (IBC) shall be referenced for complete details on all requirements. All items are mandatory unless listed as a recommendation. Most of the references below can be found in Chapter 38 of NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Questions or unusual situations may be addressed to your Joint Administrative Operations (JAO) Responsible Safety Specialist or Manager.

1 All doors are in compliance with NFPA 101, 7.2.1. Width, height, direction of swing, etc.

2 Doors are arranged to open readily from the egress side. NFPA 101, 7.2.1.4.2

Locks on egress doors shall not require the use of a key, tool, or special knowledge to open.

There is an exception for principal entrance doors, but must meet all conditions of NFPA 101, 7.2.1.5.4

4 Access-control doors (automatic doors) will comply with 101, 7.2.1.6.2.

5 All security grilles or doors in a means of egress will comply with NFPA 7.2.1.4.1

Adjacent to the egress door/grille, a durable, readily visible sign shall be posted reading:

THIS DOOR TO REMAIN OPEN WHEN THE SPACE IS OCCUPIED

Letters shall be no less than 1 inch high on a contrasting background

6 Any required fire-rated doors will be listed, labeled, and installed to meet NFPA standards.

At least two separate exits are provided on every story or section and are accessible from every part of every story. Any exceptions will comply with requirements of 101, 38.2.4.1 thru .6.

8 The minimum clear width of any corridor serving an occupant load of 50 or more shall be 44”.

9 The minimum clear width of any corridor serving an occupant load less than 50 shall be 36”.

The width of exit access (i.e. an aisle from a set of cubicles leading to a corridor) formed by furniture and movable partitions, will comply with 101, 7.3.4. New 36”, existing 28”, see Code.

11 Access to a required exit is not through a storeroom, restroom, closet, or other lockable space.

12 Exit access is not through an area that is more hazardous (storeroom, lab, kitchen, shop, etc.).

13 Exit access is not through another room or space that is not accessory to the area. NFPA 101, 7.5.1.6.

14 Required exits are remotely located in accordance with requirements of NFPA 101, 7.5.1.3.

15 Exits are clearly recognizable, do not have mirrors, nor are obscured with hangings or draperies.

16 Dead-end corridors do not exceed 20 ft (50 ft with approved automatic fire sprinklers).

17 Common paths of travel do not exceed 75 ft (100 ft if meets exceptions). NFPA101, 38.2.5.3.

18 Travel distance to exits shall not exceed 200 ft. (300 ft in buildings with fire sprinklers).

Corridors, providing access to exits, will have a fire resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Exceptions for open areas, sprinklers, see NFPA 101, 38.3.6.1. Exception 2 not permitted per IBC 1020.

20 Exit discharge will be to a public way, area of refuge, or as otherwise permitted in NFPA 101, 7.7.

Emergency lighting is recommended for all offices, and is required when the building is three or more stories, has 50 or more occupants above or below the level or exit discharge, or is subject to more than 300 people. Will emergency lighting be installed?

Means of egress will be marked in accordance with NFPA 101, 7.10. Exits, other than main exterior doors that obviously and clearly are identifiable as exits, shall be marked by approved signs visible from any direction of access. In most cases, this means internally lighted exit signs are required. It is recommended that LED-type signs be used.

An approved sign with a directional indicator showing the direction of travel shall be placed in every location where the direction of travel to reach the nearest exit is not apparent.

Any door, passage, or stairway that is neither an exit nor a way of exit access and is located so that it is likely to be mistaken for an exit, shall be identified as noted below and meets

NFPA 101 7.10.8.3.2

NO

EXIT

# PROTECTION from HAZARDS Yes No NA Where required by provisions of NFPA 101, Chapters 11 through 43, occupancies with storage, use, and handling of hazardous materials shall comply with the following codes unless otherwise modified by other provisions of this Code: NFPA 30, NFPA 54, NFPA 55, NFPA 58, NFPA 400, and NFPA 495.

The specific NFPA Code depends on the hazard present.

The Joint Administrative Operations Safety Personnel can assist with the code requirements.

https://doimspp.sharepoint.com/sites/fws-FF10G24000/SitePages/Responsible-Safety-Managers-

Specialists.aspx

Hazardous areas including, but not limited to, areas used for general storage, boiler and furnace rooms, and maintenance shops that include woodworking and painting areas will be protected in accordance with Section 8.4 (except as detailed below). In many cases, either one-hour fire rated enclosures or an approved automatic fire sprinkler system is needed.

26 Furnace Rooms will have 1-hour fire separation and/or automatic sprinkler protection.

(NFPA 101 38.3.2.1)

Storage rooms (with ordinary hazards) more than 100 sq ft will have fire separation.

There is an exception for rooms used to store routine office supplies, NFPA 101, Annex A,

38.3.2.1. It is not the intent of this provision that rooms inside individual tenant spaces that are used to store routine office supplies for that tenant be required to be either separated or sprinklered.

28 High Hazard content areas shall be protected by one-hour barriers and fire sprinklers.

29 Laboratories will be separated and protected in accordance with NFPA 45.

30 Will a fire sprinkler system be installed in any portion of the building?

# OTHER Yes No NA

Electrical connections, outlets, etc. are designed with future furniture use, office equipment, and office layout in mind. For systems furniture, it is highly recommended that panels wired with electrical outlets be used. If not, the use of systems furniture may dictate the installation of floor-mounted outlets, etc.

To avoid the common problem of extension cords and power strips, an adequate number of properly placed building outlets will be installed to address anticipated uses. May need more than minimum number of outlets, four-plexes where multiple needs are anticipated, etc.

33 Portable fire extinguishers (minimum 2A, 10B:C) shall be mounted and accessible so that no occupant is more than 75 feet from an extinguisher.

34 Mix occupancies shall comply with NFPA 101, 6.1.14

35 Will there be any portions of the building that will be an Assembly or Educational Occupancy?

A fire alarm system meeting NFPA 101, 38.3.4 will be installed when buildings are three or more stories, when there are 50 or more occupants above or below the level of exit discharge, or when the building is subject to 300 or more total occupants. Will a fire alarm system be installed?

If a fire alarm or fire sprinkler system will be installed, the contract will specify that drawings, completion certificates, test certificates, owner’s manuals, and other written documents will be submitted per NFPA 13 and 72 requirements.

This checklist is not intended to be a substitute for, nor an interpretation of the code requirements found in the NFPA Life Safety Code (LSC). The full version of the LSC needs to be adhered to. Does the design incorporate the full version of the current Life Safety Code?

39 In the event that applicable IBC or local building codes are stricter than the LSC, have the more stringent of the requirements been incorporated into the design?

Preoccupancy Checklist for New Residential Occupancies

Project:

The following checklist is to be used as a reference to the common safety issues encountered when finalizing One-and Two-Family Residence and Bunkhouse construction. This list is not complete, and the current NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and International Building Code (IBC) need to be referenced for complete details on all requirements.

This is a companion document to the Single-Family Residence and Bunkhouse Design Guides which should have been used during the design and construction phases. Most of the references below can be found in Chapter 24 or 26 of the current NFPA Life Safety Code. Where a block begins with: “Questions:”, this is informational as some elements are recommended rather than required. Questions or unusual situation may be addressed to the Responsible Safety Manager/Specialist (RSM/S)

SF = Questions pertains only to Single-Family Residence. B = Applies to Bunkhouse installations.

# FIRE ALARM and FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Yes No NA

Every residence must have a fire alarm system. There may or may not be a fire alarm panel in SF.

1 Hardwired smoke detectors are in each sleeping room. Powered by the building electrical system.

2 Interconnected smoke detectors so that when one device alarms, all devices alarm.

3 One hardwire detector in a hallway or space adjacent to the sleeping room(s). <21’ of the door

4 At least one hardwired smoke detector on each building level, including the basement.

Not attic.

5 No smoke detectors are in bathrooms, garages, or kitchens. (Proper heat detectors are permitted.)

No smoke detectors within 3 feet of a door to a bathroom or kitchen; a supply air vent; or tips of blades of a ceiling fan. Recommend locating detectors 6’ from ceiling light fixtures.

7 Only permitted types of smoke detectors within 20’ of a cooking appliance (either switched or photoelectric types). NFPA 72, 29.8.3.4

8 Where fuel fired appliances exist, is there a carbon monoxide detection system? 101, 24.3.4.2

9 Question: Are there any visible signals (strobes) installed?

B = Visible notification signals (strobes) installed in common areas and sleeping rooms.

10 Question: Are there any heat detectors installed in the system? (Garage, kitchen, etc.)

11 A test of the fire alarm system indicates all devices, strobes, alarms function when tested?

B = There is at least one Manual Pull Station located near a building exit. Not required in SF. Learn how to reset pull station, if it uses breakable glass rods, ensure extras are on hand.

13 Question: Is there a dialer installed to automatically alert local fire agency if the alarm sounds? Not required, just need to know if there is one, need to know for testing

14 An automatic Fire Sprinkler system has been installed. Required in almost all new residences.

15 A Certification of Completion (per NFPA 13D/R) has been provided by the Contractor.

16 Contractor has provided Operations Manual and training for FWS staff on alarms / sprinklers.

17…