Virginia Law

A. Change Section 5301.1 to read:

5301.1 Scope. Storage, use, and handling of compressed gases in compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks, and systems shall comply with the applicable building code, this chapter, and the use and handling provisions of NFPA 55, including those gases regulated elsewhere in this code. Partially full compressed gas containers, cylinders, or tanks containing residual gases shall be considered as full for the purposes of the controls required.

Liquefied natural gas for use as a vehicular fuel shall also comply with NFPA 52 and NFPA 59A.

Compressed gases classified as hazardous materials shall also comply with Chapter 50 for general requirements and chapters addressing specific hazards, including Chapters 58 (Flammable Gases), 60 (Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials), 63 (Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids), and 64 (Pyrophoric Materials).

Compressed hydrogen (CH₂) for use as a vehicular fuel shall also comply with Chapters 23 and 58 of this code and NFPA 2.

Cutting and welding gases shall also comply with Chapter 35.

LP-gas shall also comply with Chapter 61.

Exceptions:

1. Gases used as refrigerants in refrigeration systems (see Section 606).

2. Compressed natural gas (CNG) for use as a vehicular fuel shall comply with Chapter 23, NFPA 52, and the International Fuel Gas Code.

3. Cryogenic fluids shall comply with Chapter 55.

B. Change Section 5301.2 to read:

5301.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 107.2.

C. Change Section 5303.16 to read:

5303.16 Vaults. Where approved by the applicable building code, generation, compression, storage, and dispensing equipment for compressed gases located in either above-grade or below-grade vaults shall be maintained in accordance with this section.

D. Delete Sections 5303.16.1 through 5303.16.3.

E. Delete Section 5303.16.5.

F. Delete Sections 5303.16.7 through 5303.16.10.

G. Delete Sections 5303.16.12 and 5303.16.14.

H. Change Sections 5305.5 and 5306.2 to read:

5305.5 Venting. Venting shall be operated, maintained, and directed to an approved location in accordance with this chapter and the applicable building code.

5306.2 Interior supply location. Unless otherwise approved by the applicable building code, medical gases shall be stored in areas dedicated to the storage of such gases without other storage or uses. Medical gases shall be stored in areas approved under the applicable building code.

I. Delete Sections 5306.2.1 and 5306.2.2.

J. Change Sections 5307.1 through 5307.4.5 to read:

5307.1 General. Compressed gases in storage or use not regulated by the material-specific provisions of Chapters 6, 54, 55, and 60 through 67, including asphyxiant, irritant, and radioactive gases, shall comply with this section in addition to other requirements of this chapter.

5307.2 Ventilation. Indoor storage and use areas and storage buildings shall be maintained with ventilation in accordance with Section 5004.3 and the applicable building code. Where mechanical ventilation is provided, the systems shall be operational during such time as the building or space is occupied.

5307.2.1 Gas detection system. In rooms or areas not operating with ventilation in accordance with Section 5307.2, a gas detection system, complying with the applicable building code or where approved by the building official, an oxygen depletion alarm system, either of which initiates audible and visible alarm signals in the room or area where sensors are installed, shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 9.

5307.3 Insulated liquid carbon dioxide systems used in beverage dispensing applications. Insulated liquid carbon dioxide systems with more than 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of carbon dioxide used in beverage dispensing applications shall comply with Section 5307.3.1.

5307.3.1 Ventilation. Insulated liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks, cylinders, piping, and equipment located indoors, in rooms or areas containing storage tanks, cylinders, piping, and equipment and in other areas where a leak of carbon dioxide is expected to accumulate, shall maintain and operate ventilation in accordance with the applicable building code and Section 5004.3 and keep the room containing carbon dioxide at a negative pressure in relation to the surrounding area.

Exception: Where a gas detection system was approved in accordance with the applicable building code.

5307.3.2 Gas detection system. Gas detection systems for insulated carbon dioxide systems shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

5307.4 Carbon dioxide enrichment systems. The maintenance of carbon dioxide enrichment systems with more than 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide enrichment systems with any quantity of carbon dioxide having a remote fill connection shall comply with Sections 5307.4.1 through 5307.4.7.

5307.4.1 Documentation. Where required by the fire code official for an operational permit in accordance with Section 107.2, the following shall be provided:

1. Total aggregate quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in pounds or cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure.

2. Location and total volume of the room where the carbon dioxide enrichment operation will be conducted. Identify whether the room is at grade or below grade.

3. Location of containers relative to equipment, building openings, and means of egress.

4. Manufacturer's specifications and pressure rating, including cut sheets, of all piping and tubing to be used.

5. A piping and instrumentation diagram that shows piping support and remote fill connections.

6. Details of container venting, including vent line size, material, and termination location.

7. Alarm and detection system and equipment, if applicable.

8. Seismic support for containers.

5307.4.2 Equipment. Pressure relief, vent piping, fill indicators, fill connections, vent terminations, piping systems, and the storage, use, and handling of the carbon dioxide shall be maintained in accordance with Chapter 53, the applicable building code, and the applicable maintenance provisions of NFPA 55.

5307.4.3 Gas detection system. Gas detection systems for carbon dioxide enrichment systems shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

5307.4.3.1 System activation. System activation shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable building code.

5307.4.4 Pressurization and ventilation. Rooms or indoor areas in which carbon dioxide enrichment is provided shall be operated and maintained at a negative pressure in relation to the surrounding areas in the building in accordance with the applicable building code.

5307.4.5 Signage. Hazard identification signs shall be posted at the entrance to the room and indoor areas where the carbon dioxide enrichment process is located and at the entrance to the room or indoor area where the carbon dioxide containers are located. The sign shall be not less than eight inches (200 mm) in width and six inches (150 mm) in height and indicate:

CAUTION - CARBON DIOXIDE GAS

VENTILATE THE AREA BEFORE ENTERING.

A HIGH CARBON DIOXIDE (CO₂) GAS CONCENTRATION IN THIS AREA CAN CAUSE ASPHYXIATION.