Report of the Committee on Automotive and Marine Service Stations John S. Robison, Chair Alabama State Fire Marshal s Office, AL [E] Rep. International Fire Marshals Association E. Joseph Bocci, US Department of the Treasury, DC [U] Frank J. Cihak, American Public Transportation Association, DC [U] Mel Cosgrove, Southern Building Code Congress Int l./icc, AL [E] Hugh Council, Worlds Best Truck Stops, CA [U] Sullivan D. Curran, Fiberglass Tank & Pipe Institute, TX [M] Brian C. Donovan, Steel Tank Insurance Company, VT [I] Arthur C. Fink, Jr., Husky Corporation, MO [M] Thomas J. Forsythe, Gage-Babcock & Associates, Inc., CA [ SE] Albert G. Garlatti, Intertek Testing Services NA Inc., MN [RT] Fred B. Goodnight, Amerex Corporation, AL [M] Rep. Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association Larry R. Gregory, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Company, VA [U] Rep. American Petroleum Institute Keith W. Gustafson, Chart Industries, Incorporated, GA [M] James W. Hannah, Jr., Jones & Frank Corporation, SC [I M] John P. Hartmann, Hartmann Management Services Inc., IL [SE] Donald Hausz, All Out Fire Equipment Company, Inc., NY [I M] Rep. National Assn. of Fire Equipment Distributors Inc. John P. Higgins, Mutual Service Office, NJ [I] Marshall A. Klein, Marshall A. Klein & Associates, Inc., MD [U] Rep. Automotive Oil Change Association Donald L. Leininger, OPW Fueling Components, OH [M] Martin E. Magera, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., IL [RT] Gerry E. Misel, Jr., Georgia Gas Distributors, Inc., GA [I M] Armin E. Mittermaier, Data Action, IN [U] Rep. Petroleum Marketers Association of America William E. Rehr, BOCA International, Inc., IL [E] Robert N. Renkes, Petroleum Equipment Institute, OK [M] Robert C. Schultz, University of Texas at Austin, TX [U] Henry E. Seiff, Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, DC [M] Rep. Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition Richard Sharpe, Plasteel International Inc., CA [M] W. M. Shaughnessy, Nantucket Fire Department, MA [ E] Brian P. Stuber, Oldcastle Precast/Utility Vault, AZ [M] Rep. Oldcastle Precast, Inc. Andrea R. Zajac, Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, MI [E] Makhoul (Mike) T. Kadri, Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, MI [E] (Alt. to A. R. Zajac) Patrick A. McLaughlin, McLaughlin & Associates, RI [M] (Alt. to S. D. Curran) Robert L. Murray, OPW Fueling Components, OH [M] (Alt. to D. L. Leininger) Richard A. Powell, Autry Petroleum Company, GA [U] (Alt. to A. E. Mittermaier) Jeffrey M. Shapiro, International Code Consultants, TX [ M] (Alt. to B. P. Stuber) Bruce J. Swiecicki, National Propane Gas Association, IL [ I M] (Alt. to G. E. Misel) Nonvoting Donald M. Johnson, Walnut Creek, CA (Member Emeritus) Staff Liaison: Carl H. Rivkin Committee Scope: This Committee shall have primary responsibility for documents on safeguarding against the fire and explosion hazards associated with the storage, handling, and dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids at automotive and marine service stations and with related activities such as lubrication, minor repairs, adjustments, and routine maintenance work. This list represents the membership at the time the Committee was balloted on the text of this edition. Since that time, changes in the membership may have occurred. A key to classifications is found at the front of this book. The Report of the Technical Committee on Automotive and Marine Service Stations is presented for adoption. This Report was prepared by the Technical Committee on Automotive and Marine Service Stations and proposes for adoption, the withdrawal of NFPA 88B, Standard for Repair Garages, 1997 edition. NFPA 88B-1997 is published in Volume 4 of the 2001 National Fire Codes and in separate pamphlet form. This Report has been submitted to letter ballot of the Technical Committee on Automotive and Marine Service Stations which consists of 30 voting members. The results of the balloting, after circulation of any negative votes, can be found in the report. Alternates David M. Hammerman, Marshall A. Klein and Associates, Inc., MD [U] (Alt. to M. A. Klein) Shari L. Hunter, Underwriters Laboratories Inc., CA [RT] (Alt. to M. E. Magera) 862
(Log #1) 88B-1-(1-1.2) : Reject 1-1.2 This standard does not apply to Reference shall be made to NFPA 30A, Automotive and Marine Service Station Code, for requirements for automotive and marine service stations and buildings used for lubrication, inspection, and minor automotive maintenance work such as tune-ups and brake system repair as addressed in NFPA 30A, Automotive and Marine Service Station Code. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed language better clarifies that issues not addressed by 88B are sent to NFPA 30A. Editorial clarification. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The proposal states that NFPA 88B is not applicable which is not correct. The intent is to provide an additional reference to NFPA 30A not to the exlusion of NFPA 88B. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: SEIFF: Please change the old name of NFPA 30A in this section to reflect the new name. (Log #3) 88B-2-(3-4.3.1) : Reject 3-4.3 Spray Painting and Undercoating. 3-4.3.1 Spray painting and undercoating shall conform to NFPA 33, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials. 3-4.3.2 Where only a small portion of a vehicle is spray painted and no accumulations of paint residue are allowed to form, such occasional painting shall be permitted in the open in the structure if located not less than 20 ft (6.1 m) horizontally from all open flame devices or spark-producing electrical equipment or appliances. 3-4.3.3 Undercoating spray operations conducted in any area having adequate natural or mechanical ventilation shall be exempt from the requirements pertaining to spray finishing operations where the undercoating materials are nonflammable or where the solvents used have a flash point in excess of 100 F (37.8 C) (closed cup). There shall be no open flame devices or spark-producing electrical equipment or appliances within 20 ft (6.1 m) horizontally while such operations are conducted. Undercoating materials shall be dry before starting the engine of the undercoated vehicle. 3-4.3.4 Undercoating spray operations not conforming to the provisions of 3-4.3.3 shall conform to all requirements of NFPA 33, Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials. SUBSTANTIATION: NFPA 88B should comply with the requirements of NFPA 33 and not deviate from those requirements. The proposed wording would add undercoating to comply with NFPA 33 and eliminate the requirements not consistent with NFPA 33. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter did not explain why the more restrictive requirements of NFPA 33 should apply. AFFIRMATIVE: 17 ABSTENTION: 1 EXPLANATION OF ABSTENTION: SEIFF: I am not familiar with the requirements of NFPA 33 and I have limited expertise in this area. NOTE: Since the ballot on this Proposal did not confirm the Committee Action, the Committee is soliciting public comment for review when the proposal is reconsidered by the Committee as a Public Comment. (Log #7) 88B-3-(3-4.7.1) : Reject 3-4.7.1 Cleaning of parts shall not be performed with a flammable or combustible solvent. Exception: The use of combustible liquid with a flash point above 37.8 C(100 F) (closed cup) shall be permitted only in listed parts cleaning unit. SUBSTANTIATION: Better clarifies which type of cleaning solvent is to be used. Also clarifies that when combustible liquids are used that they be in a listed parts cleaner. 863 principle in part but because the document is to be withdrawn this proposal would be considered in the next revision of NFPA 30A, Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing 3-4.7.1 Cleaning of parts shall not be performed with a flammable or combustible solvent. AFFIRMATIVE: 14 NEGATIVE: 4 EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: CURRAN: The exception needs to be retained and modified, without the exception cleaning solvents would be banned entirely and there should be a provision for small quantities of parts cleaning. MAGERA: I am voting No on 88B-3 (Log #7) because the Committee Action: statement is not clear and, in fact, could be potentially catastrophic to manufacturers and user of parts cleaners using mineral spirits based solvents. Also the Committee Statement: seems to lack validity. Committee Action: - 88B-3 (Log #7) included proposed text changes to both 3-4.7.1 and the Exception to 3-4.7.1 (although there is a remote possibility that the proposed Exception was intended to be in addition to the existing Exception). As I understand it, the Committee Action was to accept the revised text for 3-4.7.1, but to reject the proposed Exception. As submitted for Ballot the Revise to read: statement only addresses the text change for 3-4.7.1, while the disposition of the Exception, be it the original or the proposed (or possibly the additional) is not indicated. While it might be understood or implied that the Committee intended to retain the original Exception while rejecting the proposed Exception, this is not at all clear. If 3-4.7.1 goes to print without the Exception, it should be noted that 95% of all existing parts cleaners (they being of the mineral spirits type) would be rendered not in compliance with Code requirements. Committee Statement: - The Committee Statement to reject the Proposed Exception was based on the lack of a minimum quantity statement. While it is true that no such statement was proposed, it should be noted that the original Exception made no reference to minimum quantity either. Since the Proposed Exception added little more than the need for listed parts cleaners (for those using flammable and combustible solvents but not water based solvents) the Committee Statement would need to address the issue (with great difficulty I believe) that the listing of a parts cleaner did not necessarily enhance its safety. Or, if the proposed Exception was intended to replace the existing exception, the Committee could have cited the lack of references to ventilation and ignition sources, which appeared in the original, but not the proposed Exception. This, too, would have been a weak justification as ventilation and ignition source statements could easily have been added by the committee. (This further raises the question as to whether the submitter intended his proposed Exception to replace or supplement the existing Exception.) SEIFF: In reference to the original proposal: if there is no evidence of a safety problem with the present requirements, there would seem to be no need for the additional requirement of a listed parts cleaning unit. The Committee Action seems to be even more restrictive by totally removing the exception (allowing limited use of combustible solvent) with no safety justification. SHAPIRO: I think that the committee, in processing this item overlooked the fact that there was an existing exception for parts cleaners. The intent of the committee action, as I understood it, was to NOT ADD a new requirement that parts cleaners be required for cleaning with flammable or combustible liquids without some quantity threshold. While I agree with this in concept, the non-quantity sensitive exception that already exists in the code is better than no exception at all. It makes no sense to delete the existing exception and make the code even more restrictive without justification. This is especially true when one considers the discussion at the committee meeting, which indicated that the proposed new exception should ve been more liberal. (Log #4) 88B-4-(3-4.8.1) : Reject 3-4.8.1 Chassis cleaning shall not be performed with flammable liquids. having flash points below 140 F (60 C) (closed cup). If steam is used, it shall be supplied from a boiler located, installed, and safeguarded in accordance with the applicable requirements for heating equipment set forth in Section 3-2 of this standard and in the following documents: NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment; NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code; NFPA 8501, Standard for Single Burner Boiler Operation; and NFPA 8502, Standard for the Prevention of Furnace Explosions/ Implosions in Multiple Burner Boiler-Furnaces. SUBSTANTIATION: As currently worded all flammable liquids are below a flash point of 140 F. The deletion of the wording eliminates confusion.
Delete the word flammable from the first line of 3.4.8.1 and retain struck text. (Log #8) 88B-5-(3-4.8.1) : Reject 3-4.8.1 Chassis cleaning shall not be performed with flammable liquids or combustible liquids having flash points below 60 C(140 F) (closed cup). If steam is used, it shall be supplied from a boiler located, installed, and safeguarded in accordance with the applicable requirements for heating equipment set forth in Section 3-2 of this standard and in the following documents: NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment; NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code; NFPA 8501, Standard for Single Burner Boiler Operation; and NFPA 8502, Standard for the Prevention of Furnace Explosions/Implosions in Multiple Burner Boiler-Furnaces. SUBSTANTIATION: The current wording is inconsistent with the definition of flammable liquid which is a flash point 100 F. The addition of the wording combustible is consistent. 3.4.8.1 Chassis cleaning shall not be performed with liquids having flash points below 60 C(140 F) (closed cup). If steam is used, it shall be supplied from a boiler located, installed, and safeguarded in accordance with the applicable requirements for heating equipment set forth in Section 3-2 of this standard and in the following documents: NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment; NFPA 54, National Fuel Gas Code; NFPA 8501, Standard for Single Burner Boiler Operation; and NFPA 8502, Standard for the Prevention of Furnace Explosions/Implosions in Multiple Burner Boiler-Furnaces. (Log #5) 88B-6-(3-5) : Reject 3-5 Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids, Liquefied Petroleum Gases, and Compressed Natural Gases. 3-5.1 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. The storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas shall be in accordance with NFPA 58, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases. The storage and handling of flammable compressed gas fuels shall be in accordance with NFPA 55, Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed and Liquefied Gases in Portable Cylinders, and NFPA 52, Standard for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems. 3-5.2 Dispensing of Flammable and Combustible Liquids. The design and installation of equipment used for the dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with the requirements for service stations as set forth in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. SUBSTANTIATION: Combustible liquids should also be regulated by NFPA 30. 3-5 Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids, Liquefied Petroleum Gases, and Compressed Natural Gases. 864 3-5.1 Except as otherwise provided by this standard, the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. The storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas shall be in accordance with NFPA 58, Standard for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gases. The storage and handling of flammable compressed gas fuels shall be in accordance with NFPA 55, Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed and Liquefied Gases in Portable Cylinders, and NFPA 52, Standard for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems. 3-5.2 Dispensing of Flammable and Combustible Liquids. The design and installation of equipment used for the dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with the requirements for service stations as set forth in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. COMMENT ON AFFIRMATIVE: SHAPIRO: The introductory text Except as otherwise provided by this standard should be underlined, as this was added by the committee as new text in the committee action. Please note that the committee also agreed during processing of this item to submit a committee proposal to NFPA 30A, Section 9-7.8 to match the modified text of NFPA 88B, Section 3-5 (as revised by this item). I realize that this would not appear in the ballot, but I wanted to make sure that the action is not lost prior to processing of NFPA 30A in the next cycle. (Log #6) 88B-7-(4-1) : Reject 4-1 Automatic Sprinklers. Approved automatic sprinkler equipment installed in conformance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, shall be provided in repair garages under the following conditions: (a) Repair garages more than one story in height or located beneath another occupancy that exceed an area on any one floor of 10,000 ft2 (929 m2) if of Type I construction; 8000 ft 2 (743 m 2 ) if of Type II (222) or Type II (111) construction; or 6000 ft 2 (557 m 2 ) if of Type II (000), Type III, Type IV, or Type V construction. (b) One-story repair garages exceeding an area of 15,000 ft 2 (1394 m 2 ) if of Type I construction; 12,000 ft 2 (1115 m 2 ) if of Type II (222) or Type II (111) construction; 9000 ft 2 (836 m 2 ) if of Type II (000), Type III, or Type IV construction; or 6000 ft 2 (558 m 2 ) if of Type V construction. (c) All below-grade floors of repair garages. the ceilings of which are less than 2 ft (.61 m) above grade Add a new definition of Below-grade to read: Below-Grade. A floor is considered below-grade when the ceiling is less than 2 ft (.61 m) above grade. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed definition has been taken from (c) which provided the definition within the requirement. Other sections of the standard, in particular 3-3.3, uses the term below-grade with no definition. For consistency and usability we believe the proposed change is needed. Add 7.4.6(3) and the definition of basement from NFPA 30A to NFPA 88B. AFFIRMATIVE: 17 NEGATIVE: 1 EXPLANATION OF NEGATIVE: SEIFF: This issue appears to have been better handled by 88B-8 (Log #2). (Log #2) 88B-8-(4-1(b) Exception) : Reject 4-1 Automatic Sprinklers. Approved automatic sprinkler equipment installed in conformance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, shall be provided in repair garages under the following conditions: (a) Repair garages more than one story in height or located beneath an-
other occupancy that exceed an area on any one floor of 10,000 ft2 (929 m2) if of Type I construction; 8000 ft 2 (743 m 2 ) if of Type II (222) or Type II (111) construction; or 6000 ft 2 (557 m 2 ) if of Type II (000), Type III, Type IV, or Type V construction. (b) One-story repair garages exceeding an area of 15,000 ft2 (1394 m2) if of Type I construction; 12,000 ft 2 (1115 m 2 ) if of Type II (222) or Type II (111) construction; 9000 ft 2 (836 m 2 ) if of Type II (000), Type III, or Type IV construction; or 6000 ft 2 (558 m 2 ) if of Type V construction. Exception to (b): When a four-hour fire resistance rated fire wall is installed in accordance with NFPA 221 and each area separated by the fire wall does not exceed those specified in 4-1(b). (c) All below-grade floors of repair garages, the ceilings of which are less than 2 ft (.61 m) above grade. SUBSTANTIATION: This change is to address Formal interpretation 79-2. If a fire wall is installed to divide the area to below those specified in 4-1(b) automatic sprinklers do not need to be provided. Revise to read: Automatic sprinkler protection installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, shall be provided in major repair garages, as herein defined, when any of the following conditions exist: (1) The major repair garage is two or more stories in height, including basements, and any one floor exceeds 10,000 ft 2 (930 m 2 ). (2) The major repair garage is one story and exceeds 15,000 ft /2 (1400 m 2 ) in floor area. (3) The major repair garage is in the basement of a building. (Log #9) 88B-9 (4-1(d) (New) ) : Reject SUBMITTER: Kenneth E. Bush, Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal/Rep. Chair WFCA/NFPA General Ad-Hoc Committee RECOMMENDATION: Add a new (d) to 4-1 to read: (d) All repair garages over 3,000 sq ft. SUBSTANTIATION: The proposed text would provide for a new trigger for the automatic suppression requirements to be applied, premised upon the area of the occupancy. The proposal merely recognizes the hazards associated with repair garages and establishes a threshold to appropriately contain the challenges of such an occupancy that could be unprotected to only 3,000 sq ft. The introduction of special hazards inherent with the major repair operations on automobiles, including, but not limited to the storage and handling, including spray application, of flammable and combustible liquids require additional fire safety measures in order to maintain adequate levels of protection for building occupants, contents and structural features. Where such operations are not confined to a small area or building in occupancies of this nature, the installation of automatic sprinkler protection should be 865
required in order to provide the necessary minimum levels of protection. COMMITTEE STATEMENT: The submitter has not provided substantiation for the 3,000 square foot cut off number given in the proposal. However, the committee will review the concept described in the proposal at the next NFPA 30A Report on Proposal Meeting. NFPA 88B is proposed to be withdrawn and this proposal, if adopted, would likely reside in NFPA 30A. NUMBER OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: (Log #CP2) 88B-10-(Entire Document) : Accept SUBMITTER: Technical Committee on Automotive and Marine Service Stations, RECOMMENDATION: The Technical Committee on Automotive and Marine Service Stations proposes a withdrawal of NFPA 88B, Standard for Repair Garages, 1997 edition. The document would be withdrawn and any changes would be made in the appropriate sections of NFPA 30A at the next revision cycle. SUBSTANTIATION: As an effort to increase ease of use, the requirements of NFPA 88B were incorporated into the 2000 edition of NFPA 30A. The document was not withdrawn immediately to allow for a phased out transition. COMMITTEE ACTION:Accept 866