Section 5906 — MAGNESIUM

Storage, use, handling and processing of magnesium, including the pure metal and alloys of which the major part is magnesium, shall be in accordance with Chapter 50 and Sections 5906.2 through 5906.5.8.

The storage of magnesium shall comply with Sections 5906.2.1 through 5906.4.3.

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FLAMMABLE SOLIDS

5906.2.1 Storage of greater than 50 cubic feet. Magnesium storage in quantities greater than 50 cubic feet (1.4 m [3] ) shall be separated from storage of other materials that are either combustible or in combustible containers by aisles. Piles shall be separated by aisles with a minimum width of not less than the pile height. 5906.2.2 Storage of greater than 1,000 cubic feet. Magnesium storage in quantities greater than 1,000 cubic feet (28 m [3] ) shall be separated into piles not larger than 1,000 cubic feet (28 m [3] ) each. Piles shall be separated by aisles with a minimum width of not less than the pile height. Such storage shall not be located in nonsprinklered buildings of Type III, IV or V construction, as defined in the California Building Code .

5906.2.3 Storage in combustible containers or within 30 feet of other combustibles. Where in nonsprinklered buildings of Type III, IV or V construction, as defined in the California Building Code, magnesium shall not be stored in combustible containers or within 30 feet (9144 mm) of other combustibles.

5906.2.4 Storage in foundries and processing plants. The size of storage piles of magnesium articles in foundries and processing plants shall not exceed 1,250 cubic feet (25 m [3] ). Piles shall be separated by aisles with a minimum width of not less than onehalf the pile height.

The storage of magnesium pigs, ingots and billets shall comply with Sections 5906.3.1 and 5906.3.2.

5906.3.1 Indoor storage. Indoor storage of pigs, ingots and billets shall only be on floors of noncombustible construction. Piles shall not be larger than 500,000 pounds (226.8 metric tons) each. Piles shall be separated by aisles with a minimum width of not less than one-half the pile height.

5906.3.2 Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage of magnesium pigs, ingots and billets shall be in piles not exceeding 1,000,000 pounds (453.6 metric tons) each. Piles shall be separated by aisles with a minimum width of not less than one-half the pile height. Piles shall be separated from combustible materials or buildings on the same or adjoining property by a distance of not less than the height of the nearest pile.

The storage of scrap magnesium shall comply with Sections 5906.4.1 through 5906.4.3.

5906.4.1 Separation. Magnesium fines shall be kept separate from other combustible materials. 5906.4.2 Storage of 50 to 1,000 cubic feet. Storage of fine magnesium scrap in quantities greater than 50 cubic feet (1.4 m [3] ) [six 55-gallon (208 L) steel drums] shall be separated from other occupancies by an open space of not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) or by a fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code .

5906.4.3 Storage of greater than 1,000 cubic feet. Storage of fine magnesium scrap in quantities greater than 1,000 cubic feet (28 m [3] ) shall be separated from all buildings other than those used for magnesium scrap recovery operations by a distance of not less than 100 feet (30 480 mm).

The use of magnesium shall comply with Sections 5906.5.1 through 5906.5.8.

5906.5.1 Melting pots. Floors under and around melting pots shall be of noncombustible construction.

5906.5.2 Heat-treating ovens. Approved means shall be provided for control of magnesium fires in heat-treating ovens.

5906.5.3 Dust collection. Magnesium grinding, buffing and wire-brushing operations, other than rough finishing of castings, shall be provided with approved hoods or enclosures for dust collection that are connected to a liquid-precipitation type of separator that converts dust to sludge without contact (in a dry state) with any high-speed moving parts.

5906.5.3.1 Duct construction. Connecting ducts or suction tubes shall be completely grounded, as short as possible, and without bends. Ducts shall be fabricated and assembled with a smooth interior, with internal lap joints pointing in the direction of airflow and without unused capped side outlets, pockets or other dead-end spaces that allow an accumulation of dust.

5906.5.3.2 Independent dust separators. Each machine shall be equipped with an individual dust-separating unit.

Exceptions:

1. One separator is allowed to serve two dust-producing units on multiunit machines.
2. One separator is allowed to serve not more than four portable dust-producing units in a single enclosure or stand.

5906.5.4 Power supply interlock. Power supply to machines shall be interlocked with exhaust airflow, and liquid pressure level or flow. The interlock shall be designed to shut down the machine it serves when the dust removal or separator system is not operating properly.

5906.5.5 Electrical equipment. Electric wiring, fixtures and equipment in the immediate vicinity of and attached to dust-producing machines, including those used in connection with separator equipment, shall be of approved types and shall be approved for use in Class II, Division 1 hazardous locations in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

5906.5.6 Grounding. Equipment shall be securely grounded by permanent ground wires in accordance with the California Electri- cal Code.

5906.5.7 Fire-extinguishing materials. Fire-extinguishing materials shall be provided for every operator performing machining, grinding or other processing operation on magnesium in accordance with either of the following:

1. Within 30 feet (9144 mm), a supply of extinguishing materials in an approved container with a hand scoop or shovel for applying the material.
2. Within 75 feet (22 860 mm), a portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906.

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FLAMMABLE SOLIDS

All extinguishing materials shall be approved for use on magnesium fires. Where extinguishing materials are stored in cabinets or other enclosed areas, the enclosures shall be openable without the use of a key or special knowledge.

5906.5.8 Collection of chips, turnings and fines. Chips, turnings and other fine magnesium scrap shall be collected from the pans or spaces under machines and from other places where they collect not less than once each working day. Such material shall be placed in a covered, vented steel container and removed to an approved location.

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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 60 – HIGHLY TOXIC AND TOXIC MATERIALS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

• The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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