The final main code is Uniform Fire Code:
SECTION 3006
MEDICAL GAS SYSTEMS
3006.1 General. Compressed gases at hospitals and similar facilities intended for inhalation or sedation including, but not limited to, analgesia systems for dentistry, podiatry, veterinary and similar uses shall comply with Sections 3006.2 through 3006.4 in addition to other requirements of this chapter.
3006.2 Interior supply location. Medical gases shall be stored in areas dedicated to the storage of such gases without other storage or uses. Where containers of medical gases in quantities greater than the permit amount are located inside buildings, they shall be in a 1-hour exterior room, a 1-hour interior room or a gas cabinet in accordance with Section 3006.2.1, 3006.2.2 or 3006.2.3, respectively. Rooms or areas where medical gases are stored or used in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area as set forth in Section 2703.1 shall be in accordance with the International Building Code for high-hazard Group H occupancies.
3006.2.1 One-hour exterior rooms. A 1-hour exterior room shall be a room or enclosure separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings between the room or enclosure and interior spaces shall be self-closing smoke-and draft-control assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour. Rooms shall have at least one exterior wall that is provided with at least two vents. Each vent shall not be less than 36 square inches (0.023 m2) in area. One vent shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the floor and one shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ceiling. Rooms shall be provided with at least one automatic sprinkler to provide container cooling in case of fire.
3006.2.2 One-hour interior room. When an exterior wall cannot be provided for the room, automatic sprinklers shall be installed within the room. The room shall be exhausted through a duct to the exterior. Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a 1-hour-rated shaft enclosure from the room to the exterior (Fire Wrap?!).. Approved mechanical ventilation shall comply with the California Mechanical Code and be provided at a minimum rate of 1 cubic foot per minute per square foot [0.00508 m3/(s . m2)] of the area of the room. (Where is the Mechanical Plan Checker?!)
3006.2.3 Gas cabinets. Gas cabinets shall be constructed in accordance with Section 2703.8.6 and the following:
- The average velocity of ventilation at the face of access ports or windows shall not be less than 200 feet per minute (1.02 m/s) with a minimum of 150 feet per minute (0.76 m/s) at any point of the access port or window.
- They shall be connected to an exhaust system.
- They shall be internally sprinklered.
3006.3 Exterior supply locations. Oxidizer medical gas systems located on the exterior of a building with quantities greater than the permit amount shall be located in accordance with Section 4004.2.1.
3006.4 Medical gas systems. Medical gas systems including, but not limited to, distribution piping, supply manifolds, connections, pressure regulators and relief devices and valves, shall comply with NFPA 99 and the general provisions of this chapter.
SECTION 3007
COMPRESSED GASES NOT OTHERWISE REGULATED
3007.1 General. Compressed gases in storage or use not regulated by the material-specific provisions of Chapters 6, 31, 35 and 37 through 44, including asphyxiant, irritant and radioactive gases, shall comply with this section in addition to other requirements of this chapter.
3007.2 Ventilation. Indoor storage and use areas and storage buildings shall be provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation or natural ventilation in accordance with the requirements of Section 2704.3 or 2705.1.9. When mechanical ventilation is provided, the systems shall be operational during such time as the building or space is occupied.
The issues outstanding are many.
Industrial gas piping regulations, controls, the hazardous quantities are not checked by nearly anyone or sparse check at best.
This section of the code is like an orphan child that no body wants to adopt. However, the immanent danger here is far greater than extreme harsh check for plumbing fixture counts or many archaic planning or building issues.
All organizations must address this carefully and adopt a unified program with multidisciplinary departmental approach.
Some of the plan checks by other Cities are attached and are good start for the greater LA/OC basin.
Saum
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