FDNY Standards Blog

What Hazardous Materials are covered by the new FDNY Fire Code?

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By Lauren Biggs,  Operations Compliance Specialist

On July 1, 2008, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) rolled out a new Fire Code that established a new set of regulations governing the handling, use, and storage of hazardous materials: Corrosives, Toxics, Highly Toxics, Oxidizers, Organic Peroxides, Flammable Solids, Pyrophorics, Water-Reactives, Unstable Reactives, Pyroxylin Plastics, and Ozone Generators.

New buildings, uses and structures (constructed or converted after July 1, 2008) will be affected the most heavily, but even pre-existing structures that hold hazardous materials over the threshold quantities will now require acquisition of Permits and Certificates of Fitness (certificates issued to individuals who pass tests specific to certain regulatory functions mandated by the Code).

Who is affected? Anyone in the 5 boroughs who handles, uses, or stores hazardous materials at or above the quantities listed below will need to apply for a Hazardous Materials Permit from the FDNY. These volume thresholds also trigger the need for a C91 Certificate of Fitness (with the exception of corrosive liquids, which have a 550 gallon threshold).

In an attempt to help the regulated community understand the applicability, permitting, and Certificate of Fitness requirements of the new hazardous materials regulations, the FDNY is offering a free informational seminar on 8/20/09 from 9-11am. To register for the course, go to this link: Hazardous Materials (C-91)

For more history on the new code, click here.

Permit Threshold Quantities
Corrosive materials
Liquids           55 gallons
Solids            1000 pounds

Highly Toxic Materials
Liquids           Any amount
Solids            Any amount

Oxidizing Materials
Liquids
Class 4           Any amount
Class 3           1 gallon
Class 2           10 gallons
Class 1           55 gallons
Solids
Class 4           Any amount
Class 3           10 pounds
Class 2           100 pounds
Class 1           500 pounds

Organic Peroxides
Liquids
Class I           Any amount
Class II          Any amount
Class III         1 gallon
Class IV         2 gallons
Class V          No permit required
Solids
Class I           Any amount
Class II          Any amount
Class III         10 pounds
Class IV         20 pounds
Class V          No permit required

Pyrophoric Materials
Liquids           Any amount
Solids            Any amount

Toxic Materials
Liquids          10 gallons
Solids           100 pounds

Unstable (reactive) materials
Liquids
Class 4         Any amount
class 3         Any amount
Class 2         5 gallons
Class 1        10 gallons
Solids
Class 4         Any amount
Class 3         Any amount
Class 2         50 pounds
Class 1         100 pounds

Water-Reactive Materials
Liquids
Class 3         Any amount
Class 2         5 gallons
Class 1         55 gallons
Solids
Class 3        Any amount
Class 2        50 pounds
Class 1        500 pounds