The Codes Our Products Are Designed To Exceed

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2012 Edition.

4.1.1* Fire. A goal of this code is to provide an environment for the occupants that is reasonably safe from fire by the following means:
(1)* Protection of occupants not intimate with the initial fire development
(2) Improvement of the survivability of occupants intimate with the initial fire development

4.2.3 System Effectiveness. Systems utilized to achieve the goals of section 4.1 shall be effective in mitigating the hazard or condition for which they are being used, shall be reliable, shall be maintained to the level at which they were designed to operate, and shall remain operational.

4.5.1 Multiple Safeguards. The design of every building or structure intended for human occupancy shall be such that reliance for safety to life does not depend solely on any single safeguard. An additional safeguard(s) shall be provided for life safety in case any single safeguard is ineffective due to inappropriate human actions or system failure.

9.6.1.7 For the purpose of this code, a complete fire alarm system shall provide functions for the initiation, notification and control, which shall perform as follows:
(1) The initiation function provides the input signal to the system.
(2) The notification function is the means by which the system advises that human action is required in response to a particular condition.
(3) The control function provides outputs to control building equipment to enhance protection of life.

9.6.6 Location of Controls. Operator controls, alarm indicators, and manual communications capability shall be installed at a convenient location acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

NFPA 45 – Standard on Fire Protection For Laboratories Using Chemicals, 2011 Edition

6.6 Fire Prevention

6.6.1 Fire prevention procedures.

6.6.1.1 Fire prevention procedures shall be established.

6.6.3* Emergency Plans

6.6.3.1 Plans for laboratory emergencies shall be developed, which shall include the following:
(1) Alarm activation
(2) Evacuation and building re-entry procedures
(3) Shutdown procedures or applicable emergency operations for equipment, processes, ventilation devices, and enclosures
(4) Fire fighting operations
(5)* Non-fire hazards
(6) Information as required by the AHJ to allow the emergency responders to develop response tactics

7.1 Explosion Hazard Protection

7.12 Protection shall be provided by one or more of the following:
(4) Remote control of equipment to minimize personnel exposure

12 Laboratory Operations and Apparatus.

12.1.1.6 Unattended or automatic laboratory operations involving hazardous chemicals shall be provided with regular surveillance for abnormal conditions. (see 12.1.2.4 and 12.2.4.1) 

12.1.2.4 Unattended operations shall be provided with over-ride control and automatic shutdown to prevent systems failure that can result in fire explosion.

12.2.1.2 Operating controls shall be accessible under normal and emergency conditions.

NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, 2012 Edition

6.6.2 Those areas, including buildings, where a potential exists for a flammable liquid spill shall be monitored as appropriate. The following methods shall be permitted to be used:

(1) Personnel observation or patrol
(2) Process-monitoring equipment that would indicate a spill or leak could have occurred
(3) Provision of gas detectors to continuously monitor the area where facilities are unattended

NFPA 1 Fire Code 2018 Edition

4.4.1 Multiple Safeguards
4.4.1.1 The design of every building or structure intended for human occupancy shall be such that reliance on property protection and safety to life does depend solely on any single safeguard.

4.4.1.2 Additional safeguard(s) shall be provided for property protection and life safety in the event that any single safeguard is ineffective due to inappropriate human actions, building failure or system failure.

4.4.2 Appropriateness of Safeguards.  Every building or structure shall be provided with means of egress and other safeguards of the kinds, numbers, locations, and capacities appropriate to the individual building or structure, with due regard to the following:

(1) Characteristics of the occupancy
(2) Capabilities of the occupants
(3) Number of persons exposed
(4) Fire protection available
(5) Capabilities of response personnel
(6) Height and type of construction of the building or structure
(7) Other factors necessary to provide occupants with a reasonable degree of safety
(8) Other factors necessary to protect the building and contents from danger

4.5.3 Provisions in Excess of Code Requirements.  Nothing in this code shall be construed to prohibit a better type of building construction, an additional means of egress, or an otherwise more safe condition than that specified by the minimum requirements of this code.

NFPA 54 – National Fuel Gas Code

5.12 Shutoff Valves. Shutoff valves shall be approved and shall be selected giving consideration to pressure drop, service involved, emergency use, and reliability of operation. Shutoff valves of 1 in. (25mm) National Pipe Thread and smaller shall be listed.

7.9.2.4 Shutoff Valves for Laboratories. Each laboratory space containing two or more gas outlets installed on tables, benches, or in hoods in educational, research, commercial, and industrial occupancies shall have a single shutoff valve through which all such gas outlets are supplied. The shutoff valve shall be accessible, located within the laboratory or adjacent to the laboratory’s egress door, and identified.

NSTA – Electricity P34

“Manual shut-off switches should be located so that the teacher can easily access them and shut off the electricity, gas or water in different zones when not needed for science activities”

“Emergency shut-off controls for electrical or gas service should be highly visible, clearly labeled, and available to the teacher, but not easily accessible to the students. They are normally located near the teacher’s station and not far from the hallway exit, but not immediately adjacent to the hall door. The placement should be such so that the students are not able to hit the switch as they exit the class each period causing repetitive problems.”

NSTA Heat Sources P34

“The clearly labeled emergency gas shut-off valve should be activated by pushing a highly visible button, with a keyed reset mechanism to turn the gas supply back on when the emergency is over. The keyed reset feature can also be used by the teacher to shut off the gas when it is not needed in lieu of the control valve mentioned above. Models that have red shut off buttons recessed into a metal frame minimize the possibility of an inadvertent shutoff. All emergency controls in the laboratory / classroom should be in a location that is readily accessible by the teacher, but not easily reached by students.”

NSTA Utilities P63

Designing Facilities for the Middle School (6-8)

“If central gas is used, it should be located at the perimeter, near the sinks. The room should have a button-activated emergency shut-off valve.”

“Place emergency shut-off controls for electrical service, and gas near the teacher’s station, not far from the door, and not too easily accessible to students.”

NSTA Utilities P81

Designing Facilities for the High School (9-12)

“When gas is provided by a central system, an emergency shut-off valve, activated by pushing a highly visible visible button, will be needed. A central control valve can enable the teacher to shut off the gas in the room when not in use. Emergency shut-off controls for electrical service and gas should be near the teacher’s station, not far from the door, and not easily accessible to students.”

409.6 Shutoff valve for laboratories.
Where provided with two or more fuel gas outlets, including table-, bench- and hood-mounted outlets, each laboratory space in educational, research, commercial and industrial occupancies shall be provided with a single dedicated shutoff valve through which all such gas outlets shall be supplied. The dedicated shutoff valve shall be readily accessible, located within the laboratory space served, located adjacent to the egress door from the space and shall be identified by approved signage stating “Gas Shutoff.”

[F] 907.2.3 Group E.
A manual fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group E occupancies. When automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

404.3.1 Fire evacuation plans.
Fire evacuation plans shall include the following:
2. Procedures for employees who must remain to operate critical equipment before evacuating.
6. The preferred and any alternative means of notifying occupants of a fire or emergency.

‘(b) A manually operated remote shutdown switch or circuit breaker shall be located just outside the boiler room door and marked for easy identification.

(1) Consideration should be given to the type and locations of remote shutdown switch to safeguard against tampering. If the boiler room door is on the building exterior, the switch should be located just inside the door. If there is more than one door to the boiler room, there should be a remote shutdown switch located at each door.
(2) Activation of the remote switch or circuit breaker shall immediately shut off the fuel or energy supply.’

NFPA (96) Code 4.1.4 (2021)

‘All airflows shall be maintained.’

NFPA (96) Code 8.2.3.3 (2021)

‘The exhaust fan shall be provided with a means so that the fan is activated when any heat-producing cooking appliances under the hood is turned on.’

NFPA (96) Code 9.3.7 (2021)

‘If the heat source is non-electric and open flames are used, a carbon monoxide detector shall be installed in both the kitchen and dining areas’.

NFPA (96) Code 12.1.1 (2021)

‘Exhaust systems shall be operated whenever cooking equipment is turned on.’

The Merlin range of Ventilation Interlocking Systems ensures ventilation is operational or dampers are 100% open by monitoring the air flow through an air pressure differential switch. In the event of ventilation failure or if the exhaust fans are not in operation, the Merlin range will automatically shutdown the gas supply thru a gas solenoid valve and will require a manual reset after the method of ventilation is functioning.

NFPA (54) Code 10.3.5.1 & 10.3.5.2 (2002)

‘Ventilating hoods and exhaust systems shall be permitted to vent gas-fired equipment installed in commercial applications. However, certain requirements must be met, including:
• These same requirements apply for systems with standing or electronic pilot ignitions.
• A valve shall be located on the main gas line feeding the appliances served by the gas hood and shall stop the flow of gas to the appliances upon loss of draft. No by-pass of the gas solenoid valve is allowed.
• Where automatically operated gas utilization equipment is vented through a ventilating hood or exhaust system equipped with a damper or with a power means of exhaust, provisions shall be made to allow the flow of gas to the main burners only when the damper is open to a position to properly vent the equipment and when the power means of exhaust is in operation.
• The gas valve must be controlled by a draft proving switch measuring draft within the hood. The gas valve is allowed to be open only when the fan is operational or the damper is 100% open.
• The gas valve shall be equipped with a manual reset (integral or otherwise). The valve must be manually reset only when the lock-out condition is corrected. The reset cannot be automatic.’

NFPA (54) Code 10.12.8 (2018)

‘Means shall be provided to properly ventilation the space in which a food service appliance is installed to permit proper combustion of the gas.’

NFPA (54) Code 12.4.4.1 (2021)

‘Where automatically operated appliances, other than food service appliances, are vented through a ventilation hood or exhaust system equipped with a damper or with a power means of exhaust, provisions shall be made to allow the flow of gas to the main burners only when the damper is open to a position to properly vent the appliance and when the power means of exhaust is in operation.’

The Merlin range of Ventilation Interlocking Systems ensures ventilation is operational or dampers are 100% open by monitoring the air flow through an air pressure differential switch. In the event of ventilation failure or if the exhaust fans are not in operation, the Merlin range will automatically shutdown the gas supply thru a gas solenoid valve and will require a manual reset after the method of ventilation is functioning.

8.9 Refrgierating Machinery Room, General Requirements.

When a refrigerating system is located indoors and a machinery room is required by section 7.4, the machinery room shall be in accordance with the following provisions.

8.9.5 Each refrigerating machinery room shall contain a detector, located in an area where refrigerant from a leak will concentrate, that actuates an alarm and mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 8.9.7 at a set point not greater than the occupational exposure limit (OEL) value as published in ASHRAE 34. For refrigerants that do not have a published OEL value in Standard 34, a set point determine in accordance with OEL as designed by Standard 34 shall be approved by the AHJ. The alarm shall annunciate visual and audible alarms inside the refrigerating machineryr room and outside each entrance to the refrigerating machinery room. The alarms required in this section shall be of the manual reset type with the reset located inside hte refrigeranting machinery room. Alarms set at other levels (such as IDLH) and automatic reset alarms are permitted in addition to those required by this section. The meaning of each alarm shall be clearly marked by signage near the annunciators.

608.9

Machinery rooms shall be provided with a refrigerant detector with an audible and visual alarm. Where ammonia used as the refrigerant, detection shall comply with IIAR 2. For refrigerants other than ammonia, refrigerant detection shall comply with Section 608.9.1.

608.9.1 Refrigerants other than ammonia.

A detector, or a sampling tube that draws air to a detector, shall be provided at an approved location where refrigerant from a leak is expected to accumulate. The system shall be designed to initiate audible and visible alarms inside of and outside each entrance to the refrigerating machinery room and transmit a signal to an approved location where the concentration of refrigerant detected exceeds the lesser of the following:

1) The corresponding TLV-TWA values shown in the International Mechanical Code for the refrigerant classification.
2) Twenty-give percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL)
Detection of a refrigerant concentration exceeding the upper detection limit or 25 percent of the lower flammable limit (LFL), which is lower, shall stop refrigerant equipment in the machinery room in accordance with Section 608.10.1.

608.9

Machinery rooms shall be provided with a refrigerant detector with an audible and visual alarm. Where ammonia used as the refrigerant, detection shall comply with IIAR 2. For refrigerants other than ammonia, refrigerant detection shall comply with Section 608.9.1.

608.9.1 Refrigerants other than ammonia.

A detector, or a sampling tube that draws air to a detector, shall be provided at an approved location where refrigerant from a leak is expected to accumulate. The system shall be designed to initiate audible and visible alarms inside of and outside each entrance to the refrigerating machinery room and transmit a signal to an approved location where the concentration of refrigerant detected exceeds the lesser of the following:

608.10.1 Refrigeration system emergency shutoff.

A clearly identified switch of the break-glass type or with an approved tamper-resistant cover shall provide off-only control of refrigerant compressors, refrigerant pumps and normally closed automatic refrigerant valves located in the machinery room. Additionally, this equipment shall be automatically shut off when the refrigerant vapor concentration in the machinery room exceeds the vapor detector’s upper detection limit or 25 percent of the LEL, whichever is lower.

608.10.2 Ventilation System

A clearly identified switch of the break-glass type or with an approved tamper-resistant cover shall provide on-only control of the machinery room ventilation fans.

• Refrigerant Detection Systems:
  • Required in machinery rooms and areas where refrigerants are likely to accumulate.
  • Must trigger alarms and mechanical ventilation when refrigerant levels exceed safety thresholds.
• Alarm Systems:
  • Both audible and visual alarms are required to notify personnel of refrigerant leaks.
  • Systems must be capable of activating mechanical ventilation to disperse leaked refrigerant.
• Ventilation Systems:
  • Must be designed to dilute and remove leaked refrigerant to maintain concentrations below hazardous levels.
• Compliance and Installation:
  • All detection and alarm systems must comply with relevant standards and be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and local code requirements.
  • Regular inspections and maintenance are required to ensure system functionality and compliance with EPA regulations.

• Section 52.3.6.8 (Ventilation):
  • Battery storage and charging areas must have adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hydrogen gas.
  • The ventilation system should be designed to maintain hydrogen concentration below 1% by volume in air.
• Section 52.3.6.10 (Hydrogen Detection):
  • Hydrogen gas detection systems must be installed in battery charging areas.
  • Detection systems should monitor hydrogen gas levels and activate alarms and ventilation systems if concentrations approach 1% by volume.

• Article 480 (Storage Batteries):
  • Requires ventilation to prevent hydrogen gas accumulation in areas where stationary storage batteries are used.
  • Ventilation systems should ensure hydrogen gas levels do not exceed 1% by volume.
• Article 706 (Energy Storage Systems):
  • Requires that energy storage systems (ESS) have ventilation to manage hydrogen emissions.
  • Hydrogen detection systems are necessary to monitor gas levels and provide automatic responses to high concentrations.

• Section 4.3.1.6 (Monitoring and Control):
  • ESS installations must monitor and control hydrogen gas emissions.
  • Systems must be designed to prevent hydrogen concentrations from reaching hazardous levels.
• Section 6.5.1.1 (Ventilation):
  • Requires ventilation in ESS installations to prevent hydrogen gas buildup.
  • Ventilation systems must be capable of maintaining hydrogen levels below 1% by volume.
• Section 9.4.2 (Hydrogen Gas Detectors):
  • Mandates hydrogen gas detectors in ESS installations using vented (flooded) lead-acid batteries.
  • Detectors should trigger alarms and ventilation systems when hydrogen levels reach a preset threshold (typically around 1% by volume).

• Additional Notes

  • Alarm Systems: In all relevant NFPA codes, the detection systems must include both audible and visual alarms to alert personnel of high hydrogen levels.
  • UL Standards: Equipment for hydrogen detection and ventilation must comply with relevant UL standards.
  • Hazardous Location Classification: Depending on the battery type and hydrogen generation potential, battery charging areas might be classified as hazardous locations, requiring appropriate rating for electrical equipment.

  Summary

  1. Ventilation: Essential across NFPA 1, NFPA 70, and NFPA 855 to keep hydrogen levels below 1% by volume.
  2. Hydrogen Detection Systems: Required in battery charging and storage areas to monitor hydrogen levels and activate alarms and ventilation systems automatically.
  3. Alarm Systems: Both audible and visual alarms must be installed.
  4. Compliance: All systems must comply with relevant UL standards and be installed according to manufacturer’s guidelines and applicable codes.