§ 30-95. Potentially explosive materials.  


Latest version.
  • A. 
    Explosives and blasting agents shall not be stored in the same building or in close proximity to potentially explosive chemicals.
    B. 
    Organic peroxides.
    (1) 
    A detached, well-isolated, ventilated and unheated storage building constructed with walls having a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours, a noncombustible floor and lightweight insulated roof shall be provided for the storage of 50 pounds or more of organic peroxides. If not adequately protected by a fast-acting deluge-type automatic sprinkler system, the storage building shall be located the following minimum distances from flammable liquid storage, combustible materials in the open and from any other building or highway:
    Weight of Organic Peroxide
    (pounds)
    Distance
    (feet)
    50 to 100
    75
    100 to 500
    100
    500 to 1,000
    125
    1,000 to 3,000
    200
    3,000 to 5,000
    300
    (2) 
    The organic peroxides shall be stored in the original shipping containers (Interstate Commerce Commission containers). Care shall be taken to avoid rough handling or contamination of these chemicals. Readily legible warning signs and placards shall be prominently placed in the storage and processing areas.
    C. 
    Nitromethane.
    (1) 
    A suitable isolated outdoor storage area shall be provided for nitromethane. Hazardous processing shall not be permitted in the vicinity of this storage area. Nitromethane shall be stored in drums in which it is received or in an underground tank with suitable corrosion protection and a minimum of two feet of earth over the tank or in barricaded tanks above ground. If the drum storage is not adequately protected by a fast-acting deluge-type automatic sprinkler system, the storage of 2,000 pounds or more shall be located the following minimum distances from inhabited buildings:
    Approximate Weight
    (pounds)
    Number of Drums
    Distance
    (feet)
    Beginning at 2,000
    4
    100
    Over 2,000 to 10,000
    20
    200
    Over 10,000 to 20,000
    40
    300
    Over 20,000 to 40,000
    80
    400
    Over 40,000 to 80,000
    160
    500
    (2) 
    Care shall be taken to avoid rough handling or contamination of this chemical. Readily legible warning signs and placards shall be prominently placed in the storage and processing areas.
    D. 
    Ammonium nitrate.
    (1) 
    Each storage pile of bags or other authorized packages and containers of such materials shall not exceed 12 feet in height, 12 feet in width and 30 feet in length. Such pile units shall be separated by a clear space of not less than 36 inches in width from the base to the top of the piles, serving as cross aisles. At least one service or main aisle in the storage area shall be not less than four feet in width. A clearance of not less than 30 inches shall be maintained from building walls and partitions and of not less than 36 inches from ceilings or roof structural members, with a minimum of 18 inches below sprinklers.
    (2) 
    Ammonium nitrate storage areas shall be separated by a space of 30 feet or by a tight noncombustible partition from storages of organic chemicals, corrosive liquids, compressed gases, flammable and combustible materials or other contaminating substances such as sulphur, coal, flour and metallic powders such as zinc, copper and magnesium where storage of such materials is permitted with ammonium nitrate.
    (3) 
    Quantities of ammonium nitrate or ammonium nitrate fertilizer, having no organic coating, in the form of crystals, flakes, grains or prills, including fertilizer grade, dynamite grade, nitrous oxide grade and technical grade ammonium nitrate and ammonium nitrate phosphate (containing 60% or more ammonium nitrate by weight) of more than 50 tons' total weight shall be stored in a well-ventilated building of fire-resistive or noncombustible construction or in buildings of other types of construction equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. In populated areas, quantities of 2,500 tons or more shall be stored in well-ventilated buildings of fire-restrictive or noncombustible construction equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system, and no combustible materials or ammonium nitrate sensitizing contaminants shall be stored in this building.
    (4) 
    Storage of ammonium nitrate, coated or mixed with organic anticaking materials, except compounded blasting agents, shall not be permitted in populated and congested areas. Outside such areas, quantities of 500 tons or less may be stored in well-ventilated buildings of fire-resistive or noncombustible construction equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.