Section 2306 — FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES

Storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 57 and Sections 2306.2 through 2306.6.3.

Approved methods of storage for Class I, II and III liquid fuels at motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be in accordance with Sections 2306.2.1 through 2306.2.6.

2306.2.1 Underground tanks. Underground tanks for the storage of Class I, II and IIIA liquid fuels shall comply with Chapter 57.

2306.2.1.1 Inventory control for underground tanks. Accurate daily inventory records shall be maintained and reconciled on underground fuel storage tanks for indication of possible leakage from tanks and piping. The records shall include records for each product showing daily reconciliation between sales, use, receipts and inventory on hand. Where there is more than one system consisting of tanks serving separate pumps or dispensers for a product, the reconciliation shall be ascertained separately for each tank system. A consistent or accidental loss of product shall be immediately reported to the fire code official.

2306.2.2 Above-ground tanks located inside buildings. Above-ground tanks for the storage of Class I, II and IIIA liquid fuels are allowed to be located in buildings. Such tanks shall be located in special enclosures complying with Section 2306.2.6, in a liquid storage room or a liquid storage warehouse complying with Chapter 57, or shall be listed and labeled as protected above-ground tanks in accordance with UL 2085.

2306.2.3 Above-ground tanks located outdoors, above grade. Above-ground tanks shall not be used for the storage of Class I, II or III liquid motor fuels, except as provided by this section.

1. Above-ground tanks used for outdoor, above-grade storage of Class I liquids shall be listed and labeled as protected above-ground tanks in accordance with UL 2085 and shall be in accordance with Chapter 57. Such tanks shall be located in accordance with Table 2306.2.3.

2. Above-ground tanks used for outdoor, above-grade storage of Class II or IIIA liquids shall be listed and labeled as protected above-ground tanks in accordance with UL 2085 and shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 57. Tank locations shall be in accordance with Table 2306.2.3.

Exception: Other above-ground tanks that comply with Chapter 57 where approved by the fire code official. 3. Tanks containing fuels shall not exceed 12,000 gallons (45 420 L) in individual capacity or 48,000 gallons (181 680 L) in aggregate capacity. Installations with the maximum allowable aggregate capacity shall be separated from other such installations by not less than 100 feet (30 480 mm). 4. Tanks located at farms, construction projects or rural areas shall comply with Section 5706.2. 5. Above-ground tanks used for outdoor, above-grade storage of Class IIIB liquid motor fuel shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 142 or listed and labeled as protected above-ground tanks in accordance with UL 2085 and shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 57. Tank locations shall be in accordance with Table 2306.2.3.

on projects or rural areas shall comply with Section 5706.2. 5. Above-ground tanks used for outdoor, above-grade storage of Class IIIB liquid motor fuel shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 142 or listed and labeled as protected above-ground tanks in accordance with UL 2085 and shall be installed in accordance with Chapter 57. Tank locations shall be in accordance with Table 2306.2.3.

TABLE 2306.2.3—MINIMUM SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ABOVE-GROUND TANKS

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2306.2.4 Above-ground tanks located in above-grade vaults or below-grade vaults. Above-ground tanks used for storage of Class I, II or IIIA liquid motor fuels are allowed to be installed in vaults located above grade or below grade in accordance with Section 5704.2.8 and shall comply with Sections 2306.2.4.1 and 2306.2.4.2. Tanks in above-grade vaults shall also comply with Table 2306.2.3.

2306.2.4.1 Tank capacity limits. Tanks storing Class I and Class II liquids at an individual site shall be limited to a maximum individual capacity of 15,000 gallons (56 775 L) and an aggregate capacity of 48,000 gallons (181 680 L).

2306.2.4.2 Fleet vehicle motor fuel-dispensing facilities. Tanks storing Class II and Class IIIA liquids at a fleet vehicle motor fuel-dispensing facility shall be limited to a maximum individual capacity of 20,000 gallons (75 700 L) and an aggregate capacity of 80,000 gallons (302 800 L).

2306.2.5 Portable tanks. Where approved by the fire code official, portable tanks are allowed to be temporarily used in conjunction with the dispensing of Class I, II or III liquids into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles or motorized equipment on premises not normally open to the public. The approval shall include a definite time limit.

2306.2.6 Special enclosures. Where installation of tanks in accordance with Section 5704.2.11 is impractical, or because of property or building limitations, tanks for liquid motor fuels are allowed to be installed in buildings in special enclosures in accordance with all of the following:

1. The special enclosure shall be liquid tight and vapor tight.
2. The special enclosure shall not contain backfill.
3. Sides, top and bottom of the special enclosure shall be of reinforced concrete not less than 6 inches (152 mm) thick, with openings for inspection through the top only.
4. Tank connections shall be piped or closed such that neither vapors nor liquid can escape into the enclosed space between the special enclosure and any tanks inside the special enclosure.
5. Means shall be provided whereby portable equipment can be employed to discharge to the outside any vapors that might accumulate inside the special enclosure should leakage occur.
6. Tanks containing Class I, II or IIIA liquids inside a special enclosure shall not exceed 6,000 gallons (22 710 L) in individual capacity or 18,000 gallons (68 130 L) in aggregate capacity.
7. Each tank within special enclosures shall be surrounded by a clear space of not less than 3 feet (910 mm) to allow for maintenance and inspection.

Above-ground tanks for the storage of liquid motor fuels shall be safeguarded from public access or unauthorized entry in an approved manner.

Guard posts complying with Section 312 or other approved means shall be provided to protect aboveground tanks against impact by a motor vehicle unless the tank is listed as a protected above-ground tank with vehicle impact protection.

Above-ground tanks shall be provided with drainage control or diking in accordance with Chapter 57. Drainage control and diking is not required for listed secondary containment tanks. Secondary containment systems shall be monitored either visually or automatically. Enclosed secondary containment systems shall be provided with emergency venting in accordance with Section 2306.6.2.5.

The design, fabrication, assembly, testing and inspection of piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for use with flammable or combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 57 and Sections 2306.6.1 through 2306.6.3.

2306.6.1 Protection from damage. Piping shall be located such that it is protected from physical damage.

2306.6.2 Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for above-ground tanks for Class I, II and III liquids. Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for above-ground tanks storing Class I, II and III liquids shall comply with Sections 2306.6.2.1 through 2306.6.2.6.

2306.6.2.1 Tank openings. Tank openings for above-ground tanks shall be through the top only.

2306.6.2.2 Fill-pipe connections. The fill pipe for above-ground tanks shall be provided with a means for making a direct connection to the tank vehicle’s fuel-delivery hose so that the delivery of fuel is not exposed to the open air during the filling operation. Where any portion of the fill pipe exterior to the tank extends below the level of the top of the tank, a check valve shall be installed in the fill pipe not more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the fill-hose connection.

2306.6.2.3 Overfill protection. Overfill protection shall be provided for above-ground flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks in accordance with Sections 5704.2.7.5.8 and 5704.2.9.7.5.

2306.6.2.4 Siphon prevention. An approved antisiphon method shall be provided in the piping system to prevent flow of liquid by siphon action.

2306.6.2.5 Emergency relief venting. Above-ground storage tanks, tank compartments and enclosed secondary containment spaces shall be provided with emergency relief venting in accordance with Chapter 57.

2306.6.2.6 Spill containers. A spill container having a capacity of not less than 5 gallons (19 L) shall be provided for each fill connection. For tanks with a top fill connection, spill containers shall be noncombustible and shall be fixed to the tank and

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equipped with a manual drain valve that drains into the primary tank. For tanks with a remote fill connection, a portable spill container is allowed.

2306.6.2.7 Piping for tanks in underground areas. Piping systems connected to a tank in an underground area shall also comply with Section 5703.6.2.2.

2306.6.3 Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for underground tanks. Piping, valves, fittings and ancillary equipment for underground tanks shall comply with Chapter 57 and NFPA 30A.

The design, fabrication and installation of fuel-dispensing systems for flammable or combustible liquid fuels shall be in accordance with Sections 2306.7.1 through 2306.7.9.2.4. Alcoholblended fuel-dispensing systems shall also comply with Section 2306.8.

2306.7.1 Listed equipment. Electrical equipment, dispensers, hose, nozzles and submersible or subsurface pumps used in fueldispensing systems shall be listed.

2306.7.2 Fixed pumps required. Class I and II liquids shall be transferred from tanks by means of fixed pumps designed and equipped to allow control of the flow and prevent leakage or accidental discharge.

2306.7.3 Mounting of dispensers. Dispensing devices, except those installed on top of a protected above-ground tank that qualifies as vehicle-impact resistant, shall be protected against physical damage by mounting on a concrete island 6 inches (152 mm) or more in height, or shall be protected in accordance with Section 312. Dispensing devices shall be installed and securely fastened to their mounting surface in accordance with the dispenser manufacturer’s instructions. Dispensing devices installed indoors shall be located in an approved position where they cannot be struck by an out-of-control vehicle descending a ramp or other slope.

2306.7.3.1 Additional impact protection. The fire code official is authorized to require additional impact protection in accordance with Section 312 where dispensing devices are located in areas near parking areas, multiple dispensing devices, highway on- and off-ramps, and other areas where there is a higher potential for vehicle impacts.

2306.7.4 Dispenser emergency shutoff valve. An approved automatic emergency shutoff valve designed to close in the event of a fire or impact shall be properly installed in the liquid supply line at the base of each dispenser supplied by a remote pump. The valve shall be installed so that the shear groove is flush with or within [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) of the top of the concrete dispenser island and there is clearance provided for maintenance purposes around the valve body and operating parts. The valve shall be installed at the liquid supply line inlet of each overhead-type dispenser. Where installed, a vapor return line located inside the dispenser housing shall have a shear section or approved flexible connector for the liquid supply line emergency shutoff valve to function. Emergency shutoff valves shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, tested at the time of initial installation and not less than yearly thereafter in accordance with Section 2305.2.4.

2306.7.5 Dispenser hose. Dispenser hoses shall be not more than 18 feet (5486 mm) in length unless otherwise approved. Dispenser hoses shall be listed and approved. When not in use, hoses shall be reeled, racked or otherwise protected from damage.

2306.7.5.1 Emergency breakaway devices. Dispenser hoses for Class I and II liquids shall be equipped with a listed emergency breakaway device designed to retain liquid on both sides of a breakaway point. Such devices shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Where hoses are attached to hose-retrieving mechanisms, the emergency breakaway device shall be located between the hose nozzle and the point of attachment of the hose-retrieval mechanism to the hose.

2306.7.6 Fuel delivery nozzles. A listed automatic-closing-type hose nozzle valve with or without a latch-open device shall be provided on island-type dispensers used for dispensing Class I, II or III liquids.

Overhead-type dispensing units shall be provided with a listed automatic-closing-type hose nozzle valve without a latch-open device. The design of the system shall be such that the hose nozzle valve will close automatically in the event the valve is released from a fill opening or upon impact with a driveway.

Any latch-open device determined to be inoperative by the fire code official shall be repaired or replaced within 48 hours after notification.

Exception: A listed automatic-closing-type hose nozzle valve with latch-open device is allowed to be used on overhead-type dispensing units where the design of the system is such that the hose nozzle valve will close automatically in the event the valve is released from a fill opening or upon impact with a driveway.

2306.7.6.1 Special requirements for nozzles. Where dispensing of Class I, II or III liquids is performed, a listed automatic-closing-type hose nozzle valve shall be used incorporating all of the following features:

1. The hose nozzle valve shall be equipped with an integral latch-open device.
2. Where the flow of product is normally controlled by devices or equipment other than the hose nozzle valve, the hose nozzle valve shall not be capable of being opened unless the delivery hose is pressurized. If pressure to the hose is lost, the nozzle shall close automatically.

Exception: Vapor recovery nozzles incorporating insertion interlock devices designed to achieve shutoff on disconnect from the vehicle fill pipe. 3. The hose nozzle shall be designed such that the nozzle is retained in the fill pipe during the filling operation. 4. The system shall include listed equipment with a feature that causes or requires the closing of the hose nozzle valve before the product flow can be resumed or before the hose nozzle valve can be replaced in its normal position in the dispenser.

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2306.7.7 Remote pumping systems. Remote pumping systems for liquid fuels shall comply with Sections 2306.7.7.1 and 2306.7.7.2.

2306.7.7.1 Leak detection. Where remote pumps are used to supply fuel dispensers, each pump shall have installed on the discharge side a listed leak detection device that will detect a leak in the piping and dispensers and provide an indication. A leak detection device is not required if the piping from the pump discharge to under the dispenser is above ground and visible.

2306.7.7.2 Location. Remote pumps installed above grade, outside of buildings, shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from lines of adjoining property that can be built on and not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from any building opening. Where an outside pump location is impractical, pumps are permitted to be installed inside buildings as provided for dispensers in Section 2301.4 and Chapter 57. Pumps shall be substantially anchored and protected against physical damage.

2306.7.8 Gravity and pressure dispensing. Flammable liquids shall not be dispensed by gravity from tanks, drums, barrels or similar containers. Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be dispensed by a device operating through pressure within a storage tank, drum or container.

2306.7.9 Vapor-recovery and vapor-processing systems. Vapor-recovery and vapor-processing systems shall be in accordance with Sections 2306.7.9.1 through 2306.7.9.2.4.

2306.7.9.1 Vapor-balance systems. Vapor-balance systems shall comply with Sections 2306.7.9.1.1 through 2306.7.9.1.5.

2306.7.9.1.1 Dispensing devices. Dispensing devices incorporating provisions for vapor recovery shall be listed and labeled. Where existing listed or labeled dispensing devices are modified for vapor recovery, such modifications shall be listed by report by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The listing by report shall contain a description of the component parts used in the modification and recommended method of installation on specific dispensers. Such report shall be made available on request of the fire code official.

Means shall be provided to shut down fuel dispensing in the event the vapor return line becomes blocked.

2306.7.9.1.2 Vapor-return line closeoff. An acceptable method shall be provided to close off the vapor return line from dispensers when the product is not being dispensed.

2306.7.9.1.3 Piping. Piping in vapor-balance systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5703.6, 5704.2.9 and 5704.2.11. Nonmetallic piping shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Existing and new vent piping shall be in accordance with Sections 5703.6 and 5704.2. Vapor return piping shall be installed in a manner that drains back to the tank, without sags or traps in which liquid can become trapped. If necessary, because of grade, condensate tanks are allowed in vapor return piping. Condensate tanks shall be designed and installed so that they can be drained without opening.

2306.7.9.1.4 Flexible joints and shear joints. Flexible joints shall be installed in accordance with Section 5703.6.9.

An approved shear joint shall be rigidly mounted and connected by a union in the vapor return piping at the base of each dispensing device. The shear joint shall be mounted flush with the top of the surface on which the dispenser is mounted.

2306.7.9.1.5 Testing. Vapor return lines and vent piping shall be tested in accordance with Section 5703.6.3.

2306.7.9.2 Vapor-processing systems. Vapor-processing systems shall comply with Sections 2306.7.9.2.1 through 2306.7.9.2.4.

2306.7.9.2.1 Equipment. Equipment in vapor-processing systems, including hose nozzle valves, vapor pumps, flame arresters, fire checks or systems for prevention of flame propagation, controls and vapor-processing equipment, shall be individually listed for the intended use in a specified manner.

Vapor-processing systems that introduce air into the underground piping or storage tanks shall be provided with equipment for prevention of flame propagation that has been tested and listed as suitable for the intended use.

2306.7.9.2.2 Location. Vapor-processing equipment shall be located at or above grade. Sources of ignition shall be located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from fuel-transfer areas and not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above tank fill openings and tops of dispenser islands. Vapor-processing units shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the nearest building or lot line of a property that can be built on.

Exception: Where the required distances to buildings, lot lines or fuel-transfer areas cannot be obtained, means shall be provided to protect equipment against fire exposure. Acceptable means shall include but not be limited to either of the following:

1. Approved protective enclosures, which extend not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the equipment, constructed of fire-resistant or noncombustible materials.

2. Fire protection using an approved water-spray system.

2306.7.9.2.2.1 Distance from dispensing devices. Vapor-processing equipment shall be located not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from dispensing devices.

2306.7.9.2.2.2 Physical protection. Vapor-processing equipment shall be protected against physical damage by guardrails, curbs, protective enclosures or fencing. Where approved protective enclosures are used, approved means shall be provided to ventilate the volume within the enclosure to prevent pocketing of flammable vapors.

2306.7.9.2.2.3 Downslopes. Where a downslope exists toward the location of the vapor-processing unit from a fueltransfer area, the fire code official is authorized to require additional separation by distance and height.

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2306.7.9.2.3 Installation. Vapor-processing units shall be securely mounted on concrete, masonry or structural steel supports on concrete or other noncombustible foundations. Vapor-recovery and vapor-processing equipment is allowed to be installed on roofs where approved.

2306.7.9.2.4 Piping. Piping in a mechanical-assist system shall be in accordance with Section 5703.6.

The design, fabrication and installation of alcohol-blended fuel-dispensing systems shall be in accordance with Section 2306.7 and Sections 2306.8.1 through 2306.8.6.

2306.8.1 Listed equipment. Dispensers shall be listed in accordance with UL 87A. Hoses, nozzles, breakaway fittings, swivels, flexible connectors or dispenser emergency shutoff valves, vapor recovery systems, leak detection devices and pumps used in alcohol-blended fuel-dispensing systems shall be listed for the specific purpose.

2306.8.2 Compatibility. Dispensers shall be used only with the fuels for which they have been listed and that are marked on the product. Field-installed components including hose assemblies, breakaway fittings, swivel connectors and hose nozzle valves shall be provided in accordance with the listing and the marking on the unit.

2306.8.3 Change of system contents. Fuel-dispensing systems subject to change in contents from gasoline to alcohol-blended fuels shall be subject to fire code official review and approval prior to commencing dispensing operations.

2306.8.4 Facility identification. Facilities dispensing alcohol-blended fuels shall be identified by an approved means.

2306.8.5 Marking. Dispensers shall be marked in an approved manner to identify the types of alcohol-blended fuels to be dispensed.

2306.8.6 Maintenance and inspection. Equipment shall be maintained and inspected in accordance with Section 2305.2.