Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids

NYC Admin. Code tit. 29, ch. 2, ch. 63

in effect

NYC Fire Code § FC 6301 General

Section FC 6301: General 6301.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the manufacture, storage, handling and use of solid and liquid oxidizers, oxidizing gases and oxidizing cryogenic fluids. Exceptions: 1. Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies in accordance with FC 5003.11. 2. Storage, handling and use of liquid oxygen in a residential or residential health care setting in a Group I-1, I-4 or R occupancy in accordance with FC 6306. 6301.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in FC 105.6. 6301.3 General. Oxidizers shall be manufactured, stored, handled and used in accordance with this chapter and FC Chapter 50. 6301.3.1 Oxidizing gases. Oxidizing gases shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 53. 6301.3.2 Ammonium nitrate. Oxidizers containing ammonium nitrate shall additionally comply with the requirements of NFPA 400. 6301.3.3 Bulk oxygen systems. Bulk oxygen systems at industrial and institutional consumer sites shall additionally comply with the requirements of NFPA 55. 6301.3.4 Bulk nitrous oxide systems. Bulk nitrous oxide systems at industrial and institutional consumer sites shall additionally comply with the requirements of CGA G-8.1. 6301.3.5 Oxidizing cryogenic fluids. Oxidizing cryogenic fluids shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 55. 6301.4 Supervision. The handling and use of oxidizers in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder. The storage of oxidizers in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the general supervision of a certificate of fitness holder.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6302 Definitions

Section FC 6302: Definitions 6302.1 Definitions. The following terms shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings set forth in FC 202. BULK NITROUS OXIDE SYSTEM. BULK OXYGEN SYSTEM. LIQUID OXYGEN AMBULATORY CONTAINER. LIQUID OXYGEN HOME CARE CONTAINER. OXIDIZER. Class 1. Class 2. Class 3. Class 4. OXIDIZING CRYOGENIC FLUID. OXIDIZING GAS.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6303 General Requirements

Section FC 6303: General Requirements 6303.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage, handling and use of oxidizers in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in FC 5003.1 shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 6301, 6303, and 6307 and with FC Chapters 53 and 55, as applicable. 6303.1.1 Prohibited indoor storage, handling and use by occupancy. It shall be unlawful to store, handle or use: 1. Class 4 oxidizers in Group A, E, I, R or U occupancies. 2. Class 4 liquid and solid oxidizers in offices in Group B, F, M or S occupancies, and any areas of such occupancies that are accessible to the public. 3. Oxidizing gases in portable containers exceeding an individual capacity of 250 SCF (7 m3) for maintenance purposes, patient care or operation of equipment in Group A and E occupancies; Group B occupancy offices; and Group I and R occupancies, except as authorized by FC 6306.* * Editor's note: "FC" prefix added at the discretion of the editor. 6303.1.2 Emergency shutoff. Oxidizing gas piping systems shall be provided with approved manual or automatic emergency shutoff valves that can be activated at each point of use and each source. 6303.1.2.1 Shutoff at source. A manual or automatic fail-safe emergency shutoff valve shall be installed on supply piping at the container or other source of supply. Manual or automatic valves on the containers supplying the oxidizing gas may serve as the emergency shutoff valve when the containers are the sole source of supply and are not manifolded. 6303.1.2.2 Shutoff at point of use. A manual or automatic emergency shutoff valve shall be installed on the supply piping at the point of use or at a point where the equipment using the gas is connected to the supply system. 6303.1.3 Ignition source control. Ignition sources in areas containing oxidizing gases shall be controlled in accordance with FC 5003.7. 6303.2 Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage, handling and use of oxidizers in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in FC 5003.1 shall be in accordance with FC Chapter 50 and this chapter. 6303.3 Multiple hazard sign. Where more than one class of oxidizer is stored in immediate proximity to one another, such area shall be provided with hazard identification signs pursuant to FC Chapter 50 for the most severe class present. 6303.4 Multiple class storage. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, where more than one class of oxidizer is stored in the same control area, the maximum quantity allowed of each oxidizer shall be limited as follows: the maximum quantity shall be reduced by multiplying the maximum allowable quantity for each such material by the proportional amount that such material bears to the total quantity of oxidizer stored in the control area. The total of the proportional amounts shall not exceed 100 percent. 6303.5 Filling of portable containers. Portable containers of oxidizing gases shall be filled at a compressed gas dispensing facility, except that: 1. liquid oxygen home care containers alternatively may be filled outdoors from a cargo tank designed to supply such containers. When a liquid oxygen home care container is filled from a cargo tank on an asphalt or combustible surface, a drip pan compatible with liquid oxygen shall be provided under home care container fill and vent connections during the filling process to minimize the risk of ignition of the combustible surface; and 2. liquid oxygen ambulatory containers alternatively may be filled in the residence or residential health care setting from the liquid oxygen home care container designed for such purpose, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 6303.5.1 Smoking prohibited. Smoking shall be prohibited in rooms or areas where liquid oxygen containers are filled.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6304 Storage

Section FC 6304: Storage 6304.1 Indoor storage. Indoor storage of oxidizers in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in FC Table 5003.1.1(1) shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 5004 and this chapter. 6304.1.1 Detached storage. Storage of liquid and solid oxidizers shall be in a detached building when required by FC 5003.8.2. 6304.1.2 Distance from detached storage buildings to exposures. In addition to the requirements of the construction codes, including the Building Code, detached storage buildings shall be located in accordance with FC Table 6304.1.2. FC Table 6304.1.2 Oxidizer (Liquids and Solids) – Distance from Detached Storage Buildings and Outdoor Storage Areas to Exposures Oxidizer Class Weight (pounds) Minimum Distance to Buildings, Lot Lines, Public Streets, Private Roads or Building Exits (feet) 1 Note a Not Required 2 Note a 35 3 Note a 50 4 Up to 10 50 greater than 10 up to 100 75 greater than 100 up to 500 100 greater than 500 up to 1,000 125 greater than 1,000 up to 3,000 200 greater than 3,000 up to 5,000 300 greater than 5,000 up to 10,000 400 over 10,000 As required by the commissioner For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg. a. Any quantity over the amount required for detached storage in accordance with FC 5003.8.2, or over the outdoor maximum allowable quantity for outdoor control areas. 6304.1.3 Explosion control. Any room or other area in which Class 4 liquid or solid oxidizers are stored shall be provided with explosion control in accordance with FC 911 and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 6304.1.4 Sprinkler system. Solid and liquid oxidizer storage areas shall be protected by a sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 400. 6304.1.5 Liquid-tight floor. In addition to FC 5004.12, floors of storage areas for liquid and solid oxidizers shall be of liquid-tight construction. 6304.1.6 Smoke detection. An approved supervised smoke detection system in accordance with the construction codes, including the Building Code shall be installed in liquid and solid oxidizer storage areas. Such smoke detection system shall be monitored by an approved central station. Exception: Detached storage buildings protected by a fire extinguishing system. 6304.1.6.1 Smoke and heat venting. Smoke and heat venting shall be provided in accordance with FC 910 and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 6304.1.7 Storage conditions. The maximum quantity of oxidizers that may be stored in a detached storage building shall not exceed the quantities set forth in FC Tables 6304.1.7(1) through 6304.1.7(4). FC Table 6304.1.7(1) Storage Requirements for Class 1 Oxidizer (Liquids and Solids) in Combustible Containers a Storage Configuration Limits (feet) Piles Maximum length Maximum width Maximum height Minimum distance to next pile Minimum distance to walls No Limit 50 20 3 2 Maximum quantity per pile No Limit Maximum quantity per building No Limit For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Storage in noncombustible containers or in bulk in detached storage buildings is not limited as to quantity or arrangement. FC Table 6304.1.7(2) Storage Requirements for Class 2 Oxidizer (Liquids and Solids) a, b Storage Configuration Limits Segregated storage Cutoff storage rooms c Detached building Piles Maximum width Maximum height Minimum distance to next pile Minimum distance to walls 16 feet 10 feet Note d 2 feet 25 feet 12 feet Note d 2 feet 25 feet 12 feet Note d 2 feet Maximum quantity per pile 20 tons 50 tons 200 tons Maximum quantity per building 200 tons 500 tons No Limit For SI: 1 foot = 204.8 mm, 1 ton = 0.907185 metric ton. a. Storage in noncombustible containers is not limited as to quantity or arrangement, except that piles shall be at least 2 feet from walls in buildings protected throughout by a sprinkler system and 4 feet from walls in buildings not protected throughout by a sprinkler system; the distance between piles shall not be less than the pile height. b. Quantity limits shall be reduced by 50 percent in buildings or portions of buildings used for retail sales. c. Cutoff storage rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by 2-hour fire barriers. d. Aisle width shall not be less than the pile height. FC Table 6304.1.7(3) Storage Requirements for Class 3 Oxidizer (Liquids and Solids) a, b Storage Configuration Limits Segregated storage Cutoff storage rooms c Detached building Piles Maximum width Maximum height Minimum distance to next pile Minimum distance to walls 12 feet 8 feet Note d 4 feet 16 feet 10 feet Note d 4 feet 20 feet 10 feet Note d 4 feet Maximum quantity per pile 20 tons 30 tons 150 tons Maximum quantity per building 100 tons 500 tons No Limit For SI: 1 foot = 204.8 mm, 1 ton = 0.907185 metric ton. a. Storage in noncombustible containers is not limited as to quantity or arrangement, except that piles shall be at least 2 feet from walls in sprinklered buildings and 4 feet from walls in nonsprinklered buildings; the distance between piles shall not be less than the pile height. b. Quantity limits shall be reduced by 50 percent in buildings or portions of buildings used for retail sales. c. Cutoff storage rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by 2-hour fire barriers. d. Aisle width shall not be less than the pile height. FC Table 6304.1.7(4) Storage Requirements for Class 4 Oxidizer (Liquids and Solids) Storage Configuration Limits (feet) Piles Maximum length Maximum width Maximum height Minimum distance to next pile 10 4 8 8 Maximum quantity per building No Limit For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. 6304.1.7.1 Liquid and solid oxidizers. The storage configuration for liquid and solid oxidizers shall be as set forth in FC Tables 6304.1.7(1) through 6304.1.7(4). 6304.1.7.2 Class 2 oxidizers. Class 2 oxidizers shall not be stored in basements, cellars or other areas below grade, except when such storage is in stationary tanks. 6304.1.7.3 Class 3 and 4 oxidizers. Class 3 and 4 oxidizers in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in FC 5003.1 shall be stored on the ground floor only. 6304.1.8 Separation of Class 4 oxidizers from other materials. In addition to the requirements in FC 5003.9.8, Class 4 oxidizer liquids and solids shall be separated from other hazardous materials by not less than a 1-hour fire barrier or stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets. Detached storage buildings for Class 4 oxidizer liquids and solids shall be located a minimum of 50 feet (15 240 mm) from other hazardous materials storage. 6304.1.9 Contamination. Liquid and solid oxidizers shall not be stored on or against combustible surfaces. Liquid and solid oxidizers shall be stored in a manner to prevent contamination. 6304.2 Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage of oxidizers in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area set forth in FC Table 5003.1.1(3) shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 5004 and this chapter. 6304.2.1 Distance from storage to exposures for liquid and solid oxidizers. Outdoor storage areas for liquid and solid oxidizers shall be located in accordance with FC Table 6304.1.2. 6304.2.2 Distance from storage to exposures for oxidizing gases. Outdoor storage areas for oxidizing gases shall be located in accordance with FC Table 6304.2.2. FC Table 6304.2.2 Oxidizing Gases – Distance from Storage to Exposures a Quantity of Gas Stored SCF Distance to a Building Not Associated with the Manufacture or Distribution of Oxidizing Gases or Public Street, Private Road or Lot Line (feet) Distance Between Storage Areas (feet) greater than 3,000 up to 50,000 5 5 greater than 50,000 up to 100,000 10 10 greater than 100,000 15 15 For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3. a. The distances do not apply when protective structures having a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between the storage container and the exposure. The protective structure shall be at least 5 feet from the exposure. The configuration of the protective structure shall be designed to allow natural ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gas concentrations. 6304.2.2.1 Oxidizing cryogenic fluids. Outdoor storage areas for oxidizing cryogenic fluids shall be located in accordance with FC Chapter 55. 6304.2.3 Storage configuration for liquid and solid oxidizers. Storage configuration for liquid and solid oxidizers shall be in accordance with FC Tables 6304.1.7(1) through 6304.1.7(4). 6304.2.4 Storage configuration for oxidizing gases. Storage configuration for oxidizing gases shall be in accordance with FC Table 6304.2.2.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6305 Handling and Use

Section FC 6305: Handling and Use 6305.1 Scope. Oxidizers in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in FC Table 5003.1.1(1) or 5003.1.1(3) shall be handled and used in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 5005 and this chapter.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6306 Liquid Oxygen for Residential Health Care Use

Section FC 6306: Liquid Oxygen for Residential Health Care Use 6306.1 General. Liquid oxygen home care containers and liquid oxygen ambulatory containers used for medical purposes in residential health care settings in Group I-1, I-4 and R occupancies shall be stored, handled and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and labeling and in compliance with the requirements of this section. Storage, handling and use of liquid oxygen, including liquid oxygen home care containers and liquid oxygen ambulatory containers, in Group I-1, I-4 and R occupancies, other than in dwelling units and sleeping rooms, shall be in accordance with FC 6301 through 6305 and FC Chapter 50. 6306.2 Supplier requirements. Persons engaged in the business of supplying liquid oxygen home care containers and liquid oxygen ambulatory containers shall provide to the person who will be using the liquid oxygen: 1. the manufacturer's instructions, and informational materials detailing the safe storage, handling and use of the containers in accordance with this section, including the prohibition set forth in FC 6306.3.4 relating to LPG storage, handling and use; 2. unless the person who will be using the liquid oxygen is already in possession of such a device suitable for the container being supplied, a base, hand truck or other device or devices designed to support the container in an upright or other approved position, to secure the container from movement, and to enable the container to be safely handled; and 3. two signs that read, "OXYGEN – NO SMOKING", and instruct the person who will be using the liquid oxygen to conspicuously post one sign in the living area of the dwelling unit and one in the person's sleeping room, to remind all occupants of the dwelling unit and all visitors of the danger of fire associated with smoking near an oxygen supply. 6306.3 Storage, handling and use requirements. Liquid oxygen home care containers and liquid oxygen ambulatory containers shall be stored, handled and used in residential dwelling units and residential health care dwelling units or sleeping rooms in Group I-1, I-4 and R occupancies in compliance with the requirements of FC 6306.3.1 through 6306.3.4. 6306.3.1 Quantity limits. The maximum aggregate quantity of liquid oxygen that may be stored, handled and used in a residential dwelling unit or residential health care dwelling unit or sleeping room shall be limited to 31.6 gallons (120 L). 6306.3.2 Storage and use locations. Containers shall not be stored or used in any location in the dwelling unit or sleeping room where they obstruct egress from the room; can be struck by a door or falling object; are exposed to a heat source, including a radiator, baseboard heater, steam pipe, portable electric heater, or halogen lamp; or are exposed to any open flame or other ignition source, including a stove or torch. 6306.3.3 Securing and handling containers. Liquid oxygen home care containers and liquid oxygen ambulatory containers shall be kept in an upright or other approved position, secured from movement, and handled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, using the base, hand truck or other device or devices supplied for such purpose or other suitable device. Liquid oxygen ambulatory containers may be hand carried. 6306.3.4 Prohibition. LPG containers shall not be stored, handled or used in any room in the dwelling unit or sleeping room in which liquid oxygen home care containers and liquid oxygen ambulatory containers are being stored or are in use. 6306.4 Filling of containers. Liquid oxygen home care containers and liquid oxygen ambulatory containers shall be filled in accordance with FC 6303.5. 6306.5 Smoking prohibited. Smoking shall be prohibited in rooms or areas where liquid oxygen is in use. 6306.6 Signage. Where required by the department, an approved sign shall be affixed to a lower quadrant of the public corridor side of the door, within 12 inches (305 mm) from the bottom of the door, indicating the presence of liquid oxygen home care containers within the dwelling unit or sleeping room.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6307 Manufacturing Restrictions

Section FC 6307: Manufacturing Restrictions 6307.1 Oxidizers classified as a Class IV material. Oxidizers classified as a Class IV material as defined in Section 42-272 of the Zoning Resolution may be utilized in manufacturing processes or other production in manufacturing districts only when authorized by a special permit pursuant to Section 42-276 of the Zoning Resolution. 6307.1.1 Manufacture of oxidizers classified as a Class IV material. It shall be unlawful to manufacture oxidizers classified as a Class IV material as defined in Section 42-272 of the Zoning Resolution. 6307.1.2 Storage of oxidizers classified as a Class IV material. It shall be unlawful to store oxidizers classified as a Class IV material as defined in Section 42-272 of the Zoning Resolution, except that accessory storage authorized by a special permit pursuant to Section 42-276 of the Zoning Resolution shall be allowed.

Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-153313Fetched: 10/24/2026