Unstable (Reactive) Materials

NYC Admin. Code tit. 29, ch. 2, ch. 66

in effect

NYC Fire Code § FC 6601 General

Section FC 6601: General 6601.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the manufacture, storage, handling and use of unstable (reactive) materials, except for the display and storage of unstable (reactive) materials in Group M and storage of unstable (reactive) materials in Group S occupancies complying with the requirements of FC 5003.11. 6601.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in FC 105.6. 6601.3 General. Unstable (reactive) materials shall be manufactured, stored, handled and used in accordance with this chapter. Unstable (reactive) materials that are compressed gases shall additionally comply with the requirements of FC Chapter 53. 6601.4 Prohibited manufacture, storage, handling and use. It shall be unlawful to manufacture, store, handle and/or use detonable unstable (reactive) materials except as specifically authorized by FC Chapter 56. 6601.5 Supervision. The handling and use of unstable (reactive) materials in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the personal supervision of a certificate of fitness holder. The storage of unstable (reactive) materials in quantities requiring a permit shall be under the general supervision of a certificate of fitness holder.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6602 Definitions

Section FC 6602: Definitions 6602.1 Definition. The following term shall, for the purposes of this chapter and as used elsewhere in this code, have the meanings set forth in FC 202. UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6603 General Requirements

Section FC 6603: General Requirements 6603.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage, handling and use of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in FC 5003.1 shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 6601, 6603 and 6606. 6603.1.1 Prohibited indoor storage, handling and use by occupancy. It shall be unlawful to store, handle or use: 1. Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials in Group A, E, I, R or U occupancies. 2. Class 3 and 4 unstable (reactive) materials in offices in Group B, F, M or S occupancies, or any other areas of such occupancies that are accessible to the public. 6603.2 Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage, handling and use of unstable (reactive) materials 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. 6603.3 Multiple hazard sign. Where two or more classes of unstable (reactive) materials are 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. 6603.4 Multiple class storage. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this code, where more than one class of unstable (reactive) materials is stored in the same control area, the maximum quantity allowed of each unstable (reactive) material shall be limited as follows: the maximum quantity shall be reduced by multiplying the maximum allowable quantity for each such material by the proportion that such material bears to the total quantity of unstable (reactive) material stored in the control area. The total of the proportional amounts shall not exceed 100 percent. 6603.5 Temperature-sensitive material. Where the required storage temperature range, as specified by the manufacturer, extends beyond normal ambient temperatures, high or low temperature limit switches, as applicable, shall be provided in addition to normal temperature controls. These limit switches shall activate an alarm in a supervised area to ensure reporting to the fire department.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6604 Storage

Section FC 6604: Storage 6604.1 Indoor storage. Indoor storage of unstable (reactive) materials 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. 6604.1.1 Detached storage. Storage of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in a detached building when required in FC 5003.8.2. 6604.1.2 Explosion control. Indoor storage rooms, areas and buildings containing Class 3 or 4 unstable (reactive) materials shall be provided with explosion control in accordance with FC 911 and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 6604.1.3 Liquid-tight floor. In addition to FC 5004.12, floors of storage areas for liquids and solids shall be of liquid-tight construction. 6604.1.4 Storage configuration. Unstable (reactive) materials stored in quantities greater than 500 cubic feet (14 m3) shall be separated into piles, each not larger than 500 cubic feet (14 m3). Aisle width shall not be less than the height of the piles or 4 feet (1219 mm), whichever is greater. Exception: Materials stored in tanks. 6604.1.5 Location. Unstable (reactive) materials shall not be stored in basements or other areas below grade. 6604.1.6 Smoke and heat venting. Smoke and heat venting shall be provided in accordance with FC 910 and the construction codes, including the Building Code. 6604.2 Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area indicated in FC Table 5003.1.1(3) shall be in accordance with FC 5001, 5003, 5004 and this chapter. 6604.2.1 Distance to exposures from Class 3 and 4 (detonable) material outdoor storage areas. Outdoor storage of Class 3 (detonable) or 4 unstable (reactive) material shall be in accordance with FC Table 5604.5.2(3). The number of pounds of material listed in the table shall be the net weight of the material present. Alternatively, the number of pounds of material shall be based on a trinitrotoluene (TNT) equivalent weight. 6604.2.2 Distance to exposures from Class 3 (deflagratable) material outdoor storage areas. Outdoor storage of deflagratable Class 3 unstable (reactive) materials shall be in accordance with FC Table 5604.5.2(4). The number of pounds of material listed shall be the net weight of the material present. 6604.2.3 Distance to exposures from Class 1 and 2 material outdoor storage areas. Outdoor storage of Class 1 or 2 unstable (reactive) materials shall not be within 20 feet (6096 mm) of buildings not associated with the manufacture or distribution of such materials, lot lines, public streets, private roads or means of egress. The minimum required distance shall not apply when fire barriers that have no openings or penetrations and have a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between the storage and the exposure. The fire barrier shall either be an independent structure, or the exterior wall of the building adjacent to the storage area. 6604.2.4 Storage configuration. Piles of unstable (reactive) materials shall not exceed 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3). 6604.2.5 Aisle widths. Aisle widths between piles shall not be less than one-half the height of the pile or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.

NYC Fire Code § FC 6605 Handling and Use

Section FC 6605: Handling and Use 6605.1 General. Unstable (reactive) materials 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 6606 Manufacturing Restrictions

Section FC 6606: Manufacturing Restrictions 6606.1 Unstable (reactive) material classified as a Class IV material. Unstable (reactive) material 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. 6606.1.1 Manufacture of unstable (reactive) material classified as a Class IV material. It is unlawful to manufacture unstable (reactive) material classified as a Class IV material as defined in Section 42-272 of the Zoning Resolution. 6606.1.2 Storage of unstable (reactive) materials classified as a Class IV material. It shall be unlawful to store unstable (reactive) material 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/0-0-0-153611Fetched: 10/24/2026