The Class increase mentioned applies to commodities stored on non-FM approved plastic pallets not those commodities stored IN plastic containers.
The weight of an empty barrel is irrelevant, it would classified as Group A automatically if it was empty. If you take a look over at FM Data sheet 8-1 Commodity Classification #160 Powders/Granulars, free flowing inert materials in combustible bags it's considered a Class I Then look at #122 "Plastic Containers- Plastic containers, solid or gridded, storing combustible solids that would be considered Class 1, 2, 3, or unexpanded plastics, all volumes, completely Full - Class UUP. UUP is considered Uncartoned, Unexpanded, Plastic. Per this data she in 2.3.8.3 " In general, plastic storage containers drive the fire protection. Treat the commodity as follows when storing the materials as described." - UUP - Noncombustible solids in containers greater than 1 gal (4 L) in volume." NFPA 13 Table A.5.6.3 for non-combustible liquids (yes I know were talking granulars but key in on non-combustible) in plastic containers with nominal wall thickness greater than 1/4" and larger than 5 gallons = Group A So if you follow the recommendations and direction provided across multiple Design standards you will be led back to considering this configuration as Group A plastics. Craig L. Prahl Fire Protection Group Lead CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive Spartanburg, SC 29303 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 CH2MHILL Extension 74102 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of James Crawford Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2015 2:21 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: absorbant in plastic drums Powder in a paper bag is a class 2 Put it into a plastic barrel, similar to a plastic pallet you would increase two classes to a class 4 commodity Class 4 contains within itself or it's packaging an appreciable amount (5 to 15% by weight or 5 to 25% by volume) of group A plastics. What is the weight of an empty barrel? Seems to fall in this range. Thank you James Crawford Phaser Fire Protection Ltd. Phone 604-888-0318 Fax 604-888-4732 Cel 604-790-0938 Email [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of [email protected] Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2015 9:02 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: absorbant in plastic drums The plastic drum will end up driving the design criteria, so treat it like Group A plastics. Craig L. Prahl Fire Protection Group Lead CH2MHILL Lockwood Greene 1500 International Drive Spartanburg, SC 29303 Direct - 864.599.4102 Fax - 864.599.8439 CH2MHILL Extension 74102 [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Todd - Work Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2015 11:09 AM To: [email protected] Subject: absorbant in plastic drums I am looking at a job where the product being stored is a granulated absorbent (think stuff to put on concrete to absorb oil) in 55 gallon plastic drums. New product, not used. I am teetering between Class IV and Group A Plastic. Has anyone else working on something like this? Sent from my iPad _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
