ICC Public Safety Standards

What is the International Code Council?

ICC is a non-profit organization responsible for promulgating the predominant building construction and fire safety codes within the United States. Through its 15 correlated codes and mandatory reference standards it promotes public health, safety and welfare in the built environment.

The ICC publishes the consensus-based International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Plumbing Code, International Pool and Spa Code and others that include requirements for toxic and highly toxic gas safe use, storage and handling.

Why ICC Matters

The International Building Code is adopted and enforced in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, New York City, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Its partner document, the International Fire Code, is adopted in at least 42 states. Both documents contain requirements for toxic gas control, although specific details are found in IFC section 6004. The I-Codes offer national and international safety codes that are unmatched by any organization.

IFC 6004.2.2.1 addresses gas controls by stating, “Cylinders shall be located within gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or gas rooms. Portable and stationary tanks shall be located within gas rooms or exhausted enclosures.” Although the code does not yet specify cylinder containment systems in this section, the ChlorTainer product line offers an alternate protection approach to gas cabinets.

The section continues by including safety requirements for uncontrolled events,” 6004.2.2.3 Leaking cylinders and tanks. One or more gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures shall be provided to handle leaking cylinders, containers or tanks.

Exceptions:

1. Where cylinders, containers or tanks are located within gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures.
2. Where approved containment vessels or containment systems are provided in accordance with all of the following:
   1. Containment vessels or containment systems shall be capable of fully containing or terminating a release.
   2. Trained personnel shall be available at an approved location.
   3. Containment vessels or containment systems shall be capable of being transported to the leaking cylinder, container or tank.

Treatment Systems

IFC 6004.2.2.7 has detailed requirements for treatment systems, “The exhaust ventilation from gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures and gas rooms, and local exhaust systems required in Sections 6004.2.2.4 and 6004.2.2.5 shall be directed to a treatment system. The treatment system shall be utilized to handle the accidental release of gas and to process exhaust ventilation. The treatment system shall be designed in accordance with Sections 6004.2.2.7.1 through 6004.2.2.7.5 and Section 509 of the International Mechanical Code.

Exceptions:

1. Highly toxic and toxic gases—storage. A treatment system is not required for cylinders, containers and tanks in storage where all of the following controls are provided:
   1. Valve outlets are equipped with gastight outlet plugs or caps.
   2. Handwheel-operated valves have handles secured to prevent movement.
   3. Approved containment vessels or containment systems are provided in accordance with Section 6004.2.2.3.
2. Toxic gases—use. Treatment systems are not required for toxic gases supplied by cylinders or portable tanks not exceeding 1,700 pounds (772 kg) water capacity where a gas detection system complying with Section 6004.2.2.10 and listed or approved automatic-closing fail-safe valves are provided. The gas detection system shall have a sensing interval not exceeding 5 minutes. Automatic-closing fail-safe valves shall be located immediately adjacent to cylinder valves and shall close when gas is detected at the permissible exposure limit (PEL) by a gas sensor monitoring the exhaust system at the point of discharge from the gas cabinet, exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or gas room.

6004.2.2.7.1  Design

Treatment systems shall be capable of diluting, adsorbing, absorbing, containing, neutralizing, burning or otherwise processing the contents of the largest single vessel of compressed gas. Where a total containment system is used, the system shall be designed to handle the maximum anticipated pressure of release to the system when it reaches equilibrium.

6004.2.2.7.2  Performance

Treatment systems shall be designed to reduce the maximum allowable discharge concentrations of the gas to one-half immediate by dangerous to life and health (IDLH) at the point of discharge to the atmosphere. Where more than one gas is emitted to the treatment system, the treatment system shall be designed to handle the worst case release based on the release rate, the quantity and the IDLH for all compressed gases stored or used.

6004.2.2.7.3  Sizing

Treatment systems shall be sized to process the maximum worst-case release of gas based on the maximum flow rate of release from the largest vessel utilized. The entire contents of the largest compressed gas vessel shall be considered.

Finding ICC Information

For additional information and free access to view the International Codes, visit the ICC and select “Codes” from the home page.