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The design and construction requirements for various USE Groups and their building permittable systems as per 780 CMR. It also references additional applicable design and construction requirements of the IFC and IMC. topics such as architectural access, environmental protection, electrical, elevator, fire prevention, gas, and sanitary code requirements.
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8/22/08 (Effective 9/1/08) 780 CMR - Seventh Edition 45
301.1 Scope. The provisions of 780 CMR 3. shall control the classification of all buildings and structures as to use and occupancy.
301.1.1 The ICC International Fire Code (IFC), the ICC International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the Specific Specialized Code - The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations (527 CMR). 780 CMR contains design and construction requirements for all USE Group buildings and their building permittable systems and also references additional applicable design and construction requirements of the IFC and the IMC for the various USE Groups and industrial processes within such USE Groups, including H- USES. It is the intention in referencing the IFC and the IMC that only the IFC and IMC requirements narrow to Building Code matters; i.e., USE Group classification, general building limitations of height and area, fireresistant materials and construction, interior finishes, required fire protection systems (otherwise not specifically regulated by 527 CMR), means of egress, interior environment, energy conservation, exterior wall coverings, roof and roof coverings, structural loads, structural tests and inspections, foundations and retaining walls, construction materials, glass and glazing, plastics, mechanical systems, special construction, site work, demolition and construction in the public right-of- way, building permittable work in existing buildings and control of manufactured buildings and manufactured components, etc., as historically addressed in the Massachusetts State Building Code are regulated by 780 CMR. Exception : The design and construction requirements of bunkers and magazines for the storage of explosive materials, flammable/ combustible liquids and chemical process safety, shall default to the specific requirements of 527 CMR and are not enforceable by Building Officials but rather by the Head of the Fire Department or his/her designee. Note that the IFC and the IMC are not only building and building permittable systems design and construction documents but also include fire prevention requirements and the fire prevention requirements of the IFC and IMC are not requirements regulated by 780 CMR nor enforceable by Building Officials. For fire prevention requirements do not refer to the IFC or IMC but rather to The Massachusetts Board of Fire Prevention
Regulations (527 CMR). If there is conflict between 780 CMR and 527 CMR, the more stringent standard shall apply. 301.1.2 The ICC International Fire Code (IFC), the ICC International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the Family of Massachusetts Specialized Codes (refer to 780 CMR, 101.5). 780 CMR contains design and construction requirements for all USE Group buildings and their building permittable systems and also references additional applicable design and construction requirements of the IFC and the IMC for the various USE Groups and industrial processes within such USE Groups, including H-USES. It is the intention in referencing the IFC and the IMC that only the IFC and IMC requirements narrow to Building Code matters (see 780 CMR 301.1.1) are regulated by 780 CMR. Where the IFC and IMC reference requirements related to: architectural access; environmental protection; electrical; elevator; fire prevention (otherwise not specifically regulated by 527 CMR); gas; or sanitary code requirements, such requirements are not regulated by 780 CMR nor enforceable by Building Officials (Building Officials do enforce architectural access requirements set forth in 521 CMR). For Specialized Code requirements do not refer to the IFC or IMC but rather to the appropriate Specialized Code requirements of Massachusetts (refer to 780 CMR, 101.5).
302.1 General. Structures or portions of structures shall be classified with respect to occupancy in one or more of the groups listed below. Structures with multiple uses shall be classified according to 780 CMR 302.3. Where a structure is proposed for a purpose which is not specifically provided for in 780 CMR, such structure shall be classified in the group which the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved.
46 780 CMR - Seventh Edition 8/22/08 (Effective 9/1/08)
ROOM OR AREA SEPARATIONa Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400, Btu per hour input
1 hour or provide automatic fire-extinguishing system
Rooms with any boiler over 15 psi and 10 horsepower
1 hour or provide automatic fire-extinguishing system Refrigerant machinery rooms 1 hour or provide automaticsprinkler system
Parking garage (Section 406.2)
2 hours; or 1 hour and p r o v id e auto matic fire - extinguishing system Hydrogen cut-off rooms 1 -h o u r fire b a r r ie r s a n d floor/ceiling assemblies in Group B, F, H, M , S and U occupancies. 2-hour fire barriers and floor/ceiling assemblies in Group A, E, I and R occupancies. Incinerator rooms 2 h o u rs a n d a u to m a tic sprinkler system Paint shops, not classified as G r o u p H , l o c a t e d i n occupancies other than Group F
2 hours; or 1 hour and p r o v i d e a u t o m a t i c fire-extinguishing system
Laboratories and vocational shops, not classified as Group H, located in Group E or I- occupancies
1 hour or provide automatic fire-extinguishing system
Laundry rooms over 100 square feet
1 hour or provide automatic fire-extinguishing system Storage rooms over 100 square feet
1 hour or provide automatic fire-extinguishing system Group I-3 cells equipped with padded surfaces
1 hour
Group I-2 waste and linen collection rooms
1 hour
W aste and linen collection rooms over 100 square feet
1 hour or provide automatic fire-extinguishing system Stationary lead-acid battery system s having a liquid capacity of more than 100 gallons used for facility standby power, emergency power or uninterrupted power supplies
1-hour fire barriers and floor/ceiling assemblies in Group B, F, H, M, S and U occupancies. 2-hour fire barriers and floor/ceiling assemblies in Group A, E, I and R occupancies For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m , 1 pound per^2 square inch = 6.9 kPa, 1 British thermal unit per hour = 0.293 watts, 1 horsepower = 746 watts, 1 gallon = 3.785 L. a. Where an automatic fire-extinguishing system is provided, it need only be provided in the incidental use room or area
302.2 Accessory Use Areas. A fire barrier shall be required to separate accessory use areas classified as Group H in accordance with 780 CMR 302.3.2, and incidental use areas in accordance with 780 CMR 302.1.1. Any other accessory use area shall not be required to be separated by a fire barrier provided the accessory use area occupies an area not more than 10% of the area of the story in which it is located and does not exceed the tabular values in Table 503 for the allowable height or area for such use.
48 780 CMR - Seventh Edition 8/22/08 (Effective 9/1/08)
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303.1 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering together of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions, recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation. A room or space used for assembly purposes by less than 50 persons and accessory to another occupancy shall be included as a part of that occupancy. Assembly areas with less than 750 square feet (69. m ) and which are accessory to another occupancy^2 according to 780 CMR 302.2.1 are not assembly occupancies. Assembly occupancies which are accessory to Group E in accordance with 780 CMR 302.2 are not considered assembly occupancies. Religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums which are accessory to churches in accordance with 780 CMR 302.2 and which have occupant loads of less than 100 shall be classified as A-3. Assembly occupancies shall include the following: (1) A-1 Assembly uses, usually with fixed seating, intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts or motion pictures including, but not limited to: (a) Motion picture theaters (b) Symphony and concert halls (c) Television and radio studios admitting an audience (d) Theaters (2) A-2 Assembly uses intended for food and/or drink consumption shall be further categorized as A-2r and A-2nc (where A-2nc is the Assembly USE designation narrow to night clubs and A-2r is the USE designation for A-2 USES other than night clubs); A-2 USES include but are not limited to: (a) Banquet halls (b) Night clubs (c) Restaurants (d) Taverns and bars Note: independent of the “A-2” USE Classification set forth in 780 CMR 303.1(2), requirements associated with M.G.L. c. 148, § 26G.5, M.G.L. c. 148A, M.G.L. c. 143, § 97A – all such General Laws related to St. 2004, c. 304 - could ultimately result in an A-2r USE being reclassified as an A-2nc USE. (3) A-3 Assembly uses intended for worship, recreation or amusement and other assembly uses not classified elsewhere in Group A including, but not limited to: (a) Amusement arcades (b) Art galleries (c) Bowling alleys (d) Churches (e) Community halls (f) Courtrooms
(g) Dance halls (not including food or drink consumption) (h) Exhibition halls (i) Funeral parlors (j) Gymnasiums (without spectator seating) (k) Indoor swimming pools (without spectator seating) (l) Indoor tennis courts (without spectator seating) (m) Lecture halls (n) Libraries (o) Museums (p) Waiting areas in transportation terminals (q) Pool and billiard parlors (4) A-4 Assembly uses intended for viewing of indoor sporting events and activities with spectator seating including, but not limited to: (a) Arenas (b) Skating rinks (c) Swimming pools (d) Tennis courts (5) A-5 Assembly uses intended for participation in or viewing outdoor activities including, but not limited to: (a) Amusement park structures (b) Bleachers (c) Grandstands (d) Stadiums 303.1.1 Nonaccessory Assembly Use. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes by less than 50 persons shall be considered a Group B occupancy.
304.1 Business Group B. Business Group B occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for office, professional or service-type transactions, including storage of records and accounts. Business occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Airport traffic control towers (2) Animal hospitals, kennels and pounds (3) Banks (4) Barber and beauty shops (5) Car wash (6) Civic administration (7) Clinic—outpatient (8) Dry cleaning and laundries; pick-up and delivery stations and self-service (9) Educational occupancies above the 12th grade (10) Electronic data processing (11) Laboratories; testing and research (12) Motor vehicle showrooms (13) Post offices (14) Print shops (15) Professional services (architects, attorneys, dentists, physicians, engineers, etc.)
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Aerosol products shall be classified by means of the calculation of their chemical heats of combustion and shall be designated Level 1, 2 or 3. Level 1 Aerosol Products. Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is less than or equal to 8,600 British thermal units per pound (Btu/lb) (20 kJ/g). Level 2 Aerosol Products. Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 8,600 Btu/lb (20 kJ/g), but less than or equal to 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g). Level 3 Aerosol Products. Those with a total chemical heat combustion that is greater than 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).
AEROSOL CONTAINER. A metal can or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal cans shall be limited to a maximum size of 33.8 fluid ounces (1,000 ml). Glass or plastic bottles shall be limited to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118 ml).
BARRICADE. A structure that consists of a combination of walls, floor and roof, which is designed to withstand the rapid release of energy in an explosion and which is fully confined, partially vented or fully vented; or other effective method of shielding from explosive materials by a natural or artificial barrier. Artificial Barricade. An artificial mound or revetment a minimum thickness of 3 feet ( mm). Natural Barricade. Natural features of the ground, such as hills, or timber of sufficient density that the surrounding exposures that require protection cannot be seen from the magazine or building containing explosives when the trees are bare of leaves.
BOILING POINT. The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) ( kPa) gage or 760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a
constant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the 20% evaporated point of a distillation performed in accordance with ASTM D 86 shall be used as the boiling point of the liquid.
CLOSED SYSTEM. The use of a solid or liquid hazardous material involving a closed vessel or system that remains closed during normal operations where vapors emitted by the product are not liberated outside of the vessel or system and the product is not exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations; and all uses of compressed gases. Examples of closed systems for solids and liquids include product conveyed through a piping system into a closed vessel, system or piece of equipment.
COMBUSTIBLE DUST. Finely divided solid material that is 420 microns or less in diameter and which, when dispersed in air in the proper proportions, could be ignited by a flame, spark or other source of ignition. Combustible dust will pass through a U.S. No. 40 standard sieve.
COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS. Readily ignitable and free-burning fibers, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle, jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. A liquid having a closed cup flash point at or above 100°F (38°C). Combustible liquids shall be subdivided as follows: Class II. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C). Class IIIA. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93°C). Class IIIB. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at or above 200°F (93°C). The category of combustible liquids does not include compressed gases or cryogenic fluids.
52 780 CMR - Seventh Edition 8/22/08 (Effective 9/1/08)
54 780 CMR - Seventh Edition 8/22/08 (Effective 9/1/08)
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A HEALTH HAZARDa, b, c, j
M ATERIAL
STORAGE d^ USE-CLOSED SYSTEM S d^ USE-OPEN SYSTEM Sd
Solid poundse, f
Liquid gallons (pounds)e,f
Gas (cubic feet at NTP)e
Solid poundse
Liquid gallons (pounds)e
Gas (cubic feet at NTP)e
Solid poundse
Liquid gallons (pounds)e
Corrosive 5000 500 810f, g^5000 500 810f, g 1000 100 Highly toxic 10 (10) i^20 h^10 (10) i^20 h^3 (3)i Toxic 500 (500) i^810 f^500 (500) i^810 f 125 (125)i For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m , 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.^3 a. For use of control areas, see 780 CMR 414.2. b. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics, containing not more than 50% by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons. c. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with 780 CMR 414.2.4, see Table 414.2.4. d. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage. e. Quantities shall be increased 100%t in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 780CMR 903 .3.1.1. Where Note f also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively. f. Quantities shall be increased 100% when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the International Fire Code. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively. g. A single cylinder containing 150 pounds or less of anhydrous ammonia in a single control area in a nonsprinklered building shall be considered a maximum allow able quantity. Two cylinders, each containing 150 pounds or less in a single control area, shall be considered a maximum allowable quantity provided the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 780 CMR 903.3.1.1. h. Allowed only when stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the International Fire Code. i. Quantities in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at the head of each column. j. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by ten in accordance with Section 2703.1.2 of the International Fire Code.
COMPRESSED GAS. A material, or mixture of materials which:
packaging, the hazard properties of which are represented by the properties of the mixture as a whole. CONTROL AREA. Spaces within a building that are enclosed and bounded by exterior walls, fire walls, fire barriers and roofs, or a combination thereof, where quantities of hazardous materials not exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area are stored, dispensed, used or handled.
CORROSIVE. A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR, Part 173.137, such a chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the structure of the tissue at the point of contact following an exposure period of 4 hours. This term does not refer to action on inanimate surfaces.
CRYOGENIC FLUID. A liquid having a boiling point lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).
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DEFLAGRATION. An exothermic reaction, such as the extremely rapid oxidation of a flammable dust or vapor in air, in which the reaction progresses through the unburned material at a rate less than the velocity of sound. A deflagration can have an explosive effect.
DETACHED BUILDING. A separate single-story building, without a basement or crawl space, used for the storage or use of hazardous materials and located an approved distance from all structures.
DETONATION. An exothermic reaction characterized by the presence of a shock wave in the material which establishes and maintains the reaction. The reaction zone progresses through the material at a rate greater than the velocity of sound. The principal heating mechanism is one of shock compression. Detonations have an explosive effect.
DISPENSING. The pouring or transferring of any material from a container, tank or similar vessel, whereby vapors, dusts, fumes, mists or gases are liberated to the atmosphere.
EXPLOSIVE. Any chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, igniters and display fireworks, 1.3G (Class B, Special). The term “explosive” includes any material determined to be within the scope of USC Title 18: Chapter 40 and also includes any material classified as an explosive other than consumer fireworks, 1.4G (Class C, Common) by the hazardous materials regulations of DOTn 49 CFR. High Explosive. Explosive material, such as dynamite, which can be caused to detonate by means of a No. 8 test blasting cap when unconfined. Low Explosive. Explosive material that will burn or deflagrate when ignited. It is characterized by a rate of reaction that is less than the speed of sound. Examples of low explosives include, but are not limited to, black powder; safety fuse; igniters; igniter cord; fuse lighters; fireworks, 1.3G (Class B, Special) and propellants, 1.3C. Mass-detonating Explosives. Division 1.1, 1. and 1.5 explosives alone or in combination, or loaded into various types of ammunition or containers, most of which can be expected to explode virtually instantaneously when a small portion is subjected to fire, severe concussion, impact, the impulse of an initiating agent or the effect of a considerable discharge of energy from without. Materials that react in this manner represent a mass explosion hazard. Such an explosive will normally cause severe structural damage to adjacent objects. Explosive propagation could occur immediately to other
items of ammunition and explosives stored sufficiently close to and not adequately protected from the initially exploding pile with a time interval short enough so that two or more quantities must be considered as one for quantity- distance purposes.
UN/DOTn CLASS 1 EXPLOSIVES. The former classification system used by DOTn included the terms “high” and “low” explosives as defined herein. The following terms further define explosives under the current system applied by DOTn for all explosive materials defined as hazard Class 1 materials. Compatibility group letters are used in concert with the division to specify further limitations on each division noted (i.e., the letter G identifies the material as a pyrotechnic substance or article containing a pyrotechnic substance and similar materials). Division 1.1. Explosives that have a mass explosion hazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almost the entire load instantaneously. Division 1.2. Explosives that have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard. Division 1.3. Explosives that have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both, but not a mass explosion hazard. Division 1.4. Explosives that pose a minor explosion hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to the package and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is to be expected. An external fire must not cause virtually instantaneous explosion of almost the entire contents of the package. Division 1.5. Very insensitive explosives. This division is comprised of substances that have a mass explosion hazard, but that are so insensitive there is very little probability of initiation or of transition from burning to detonation under normal conditions of transport. Division 1.6. Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard. This division is comprised of articles that contain only extremely insensitive detonating substances and which demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation. FIREWORKS. Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration or detonation that meets the definition of 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks as set forth herein. FIREWORKS, 1.3G. (Formerly Class B, Special Fireworks.) Large fireworks devices, which are explosive materials, intended for use in fireworks displays and designed to produce audible or visible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation. Such 1.3G fireworks include, but are not limited to, firecrackers containing more than 130 milligrams (two grains) of explosive composition, aerial shells
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INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS. Materials that, when mixed, have the potential to react in a manner that generates heat, fumes, gases or byproducts which are hazardous to life or property.
OPEN SYSTEM. The use of a solid or liquid hazardous material involving a vessel or system that is continuously open to the atmosphere during normal operations and where vapors are liberated, or the product is exposed to the atmosphere during normal operations. Examples of open systems for solids and liquids include dispensing from or into open beakers or containers, dip tank and plating tank operations.
OPERATING BUILDING. A building occupied in conjunction with the manufacture, transportation or use of explosive materials. Operating buildings are separated from one another with the use of intraplant or intraline distances.
ORGANIC PEROXIDE. An organic compound that contains the bivalent -O-O- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be shock sensitive. They can also decompose into various unstable compounds over an extended period of time. Class I. Those formulations that are capable of deflagration but not detonation. Class II. Those formulations that burn very rapidly and that pose a moderate reactivity hazard. Class III. Those formulations that burn rapidly and that pose a moderate reactivity hazard. Class IV. Those formulations that burn in the same manner as ordinary combustibles and that pose a minimal reactivity hazard. Class V. Those formulations that burn with less intensity than ordinary combustibles or do not sustain combustion and that pose no reactivity hazard. Unclassified Detonable. Organic peroxides that are capable of detonation. These peroxides pose an extremely high explosion hazard through rapid explosive decomposition.
OXIDIZER. A material that readily yields oxygen or other oxidizing gas, or that readily reacts to promote or initiate combustion of combustible materials. Examples of other oxidizing gases include bromine, chlorine and fluorine. Class 4. An oxidizer that can undergo an explosive reaction due to contamination or exposure to thermal or physical shock. Additionally, the oxidizer will enhance the burning rate and can cause spontaneous ignition of combustibles. Class 3. An oxidizer that will cause a severe increase in the burning rate of combustible
materials with which it comes in contact or that will undergo vigorous self-sustained decomposition due to contamination or exposure to heat. Class 2. An oxidizer that will cause a moderate increase in the burning rate or that causes spontaneous ignition of combustible materials with which it comes in contact. Class 1. An oxidizer whose primary hazard is that it slightly increases the burning rate but which does not cause spontaneous ignition when it comes in contact with combustible materials.
OXIDIZING GAS. A gas that can support and accelerate combustion of other materials. PHYSICAL HAZARD. A chemical for which there is evidence that it is a combustible liquid, compressed gas, cryogenic, explosive, flammable gas, flammable liquid, flammable solid, organic peroxide, oxidizer, pyrophoric or unstable (reactive) or water-reactive material. PYROPHORIC. A chemical with an autoignition temperature in air, at or below a temperature of 130°F (54.4°C). PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITION. A chemical mixture that produces visible light displays or sounds through a self-propagating, heat-releasing chemical reaction which is initiated by ignition. TOXIC. A chemical falling within any of the following categories:
58 780 CMR - Seventh Edition 8/22/08 (Effective 9/1/08)
or shock, or in the absence of an inhibitor, or in the presence of contaminants, or in contact with incompatible materials. Unstable (reactive) materials are subdivided as follows: Class 4. Materials that in themselves are readily capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction at normal temperatures and pressures. This class includes materials that are sensitive to mechanical or localized thermal shock at normal temperatures and pressures. Class 3. Materials that in themselves are capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but which require a strong initiating source or which must be heated under confinement before initiation. This class includes materials that are sensitive to thermal or mechanical shock at elevated temperatures and pressures. Class 2. Materials that in themselves are normally unstable and readily undergo violent chemical change but do not detonate. This class includes materials that can undergo chemical change with rapid release of energy at normal temperatures and pressures, and that can undergo violent chemical change at elevated temperatures and pressures. Class 1. Materials that in themselves are normally stable but which can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressure.
WATER-REACTIVE MATERIAL. A material that explodes; violently reacts; produces flammable, toxic or other hazardous gases; or evolves enough heat to cause self-ignition or ignition of nearby combustibles upon exposure to water or moisture. Water-reactive materials are subdivided as follows: Class 3. Materials that react explosively with water without requiring heat or confinement. Class 2. Materials that may form potentially explosive mixtures with water. Class 1. Materials that may react with water with some release of energy, but not violently.
[F] 307.3 High-Hazard Group H-1. Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a detonation hazard shall be classified as Group H-1. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Explosives: (a) Division 1. (b) Division 1. (c) Division 1. Exception : Materials that are used and maintained in a form where either confinement or configuration will not elevate the hazard from a mass fire to mass explosion hazard shall be allowed in H- occupancies. (d) Division 1. Exception : Articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated
as an explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms regulations, or unpackaged articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles shall be allowed in H-3 occupancies. (e) Division 1. (f) Division 1. (2) Organic peroxides, unclassified detonable (3) Oxidizers, Class 4 (4) Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3 detonable and Class 4 (5) Detonable pyrophoric materials [F] 307.4 High-Hazard Group H-2. Buildings and structures containing materials that pose a deflagration hazard or a hazard from accelerated burning shall be classified as Group H-2. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids which are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than 15 psi (103. kPa) gage. (2) Combustible dusts (3) Cryogenic fluids, flammable (4) Flammable gases (5) Organic peroxides, Class I (6) Oxidizers, Class 3, that are used or stored in normally open containers or systems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized at more than 15 psi (103.3 kPa) gage (7) Pyrophoric liquids, solids and gases, nondetonable (8) Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3, nondetonable (9) Water-reactive materials, Class 3 [F] 307.5 High-Hazard Group H-3. Buildings and structures containing materials that readily support combustion or that pose a physical hazard shall be classified as Group H-3. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids whichare used or stored in normally closed containers or systemspressurized at less than 15 psi (103.4 kPa) gage. (2) Combustible fibers (3) Consumer fireworks, 1.4G (Class C Common) (4) Cryogenic fluids, oxidizing (5) Flammable solids (6) Organic peroxides, Classes II and III (7) Oxidizers, Classes 1 and 2 (8) Oxidizing gases (9) Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 2 (10) Water-reactive materials, Class 2
[F] 307.6 High-Hazard Group H-4. Buildings and structures which contain materials that are health hazards shall be classified as Group H-4. Such
60 780 CMR - Seventh Edition 8/22/08 (Effective 9/1/08)
occupancy shall include buildings, structures or parts thereof housing more than 16 persons, on a 24-hour basis, who because of age, mental disability or other reasons, live in a supervised residential environment that provides personal care services. The occupants are capable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from staff, except as modified by the provisions of 780 CMR 4.00, Specialized Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Residential board and care facilities (2) Halfway houses (3) Group homes except as otherwise identified (4) Congregate care facilities (5) Social rehabilitation facilities (6) Alcohol and drug centers (7) Convalescent facilities
Except as modified by the provisions of 780 CMR 4.00, Specialized Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy, a facility such as the above with five or fewer persons shall otherwise be classified as a Residential Use Group and appropriately classified, in accordance with 780 CMR.
308.3 Group I-2. Except as modified by the provisions of 780 CMR Chapter 4, Specialized Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy, this occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or custodial care on a 24-hour basis of more than five persons who are not capable of self-preservation. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(1) Hospitals (2) Nursing homes (both intermediate-care facilities and skilled nursing facilities) (3) Mental hospitals (4) Detoxification facilities
Except as modified by the provisions of 780 CMR 4.00, Specialized Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy, a facility such as the above with five or fewer persons shall be classified as a Residential Use Group and appropriately classified, in accordance with 780 CMR.
308.3.1 Child Care Facility. A child care facility (not a Day Care Center) that provides care on a 24-hour basis to more than five children two years and nine months of age or less shall be classified as Group I-2. Note however, that the express Special Use and Occupancy requirements of 780 CMR 422.0, for Day Care Center occupancies shall override the general requirements and limitations of E and I USE
308.4 Group I-3. This occupancy shall include buildings and structures that are inhabited by more than five persons who are under restraint or security. An I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are
generally incapable of self-preservation due to security measures not under the occupants’ control. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Prisons (2) Jails (3) Reformatories (4) Detention centers (5) Correctional centers (6) Prerelease centers Buildings of Group I-3 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions indicated in 780 CMR 308.4.1 through 308.4.5 ( See 780 CMR 408.1). 308.4.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas, and other spaces where access or occupancy is permitted, to the exterior via means of egress without restraint. A Condition 1 facility is permitted to be constructed as Group R. 308.4.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas and any other occupied smoke compartment to one or more other smoke compartments. Egress to the exterior is impeded by locked exits. 308.4.3 Condition 3. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed within individual smoke compartments, such as within a residential unit comprised of individual sleeping units and group activity spaces, where egress is impeded by remote- controlled release of means of egress from such a smoke compartment to another smoke compartment. 308.4.4 Condition 4. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is restricted from an occupied space. Remote- controlled release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments. 308.4.5 Condition 5. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is restricted from an occupied space. Staff- controlled manual release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments. 308.5 Group I-4, Day Care Center. This group shall include buildings and structures occupied by persons of two years none months or younger who receive custodial care for less than 24 hours by individuals other than parents or guardians, relatives by blood, marriage or adoption, and in a place other than the home of the person cared for. Places of worship during religious functions are not included. Note, that the express Special Use and Occupancy requirements of 780 CMR 422.0, for
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Day care occupancies shall override the general requirements and limitations of E and I USE.
308.5.1 Adult Care Facility. A facility that provides accommodations for less than 24 hours for more than five unrelated adults and provides supervision and personal care services shall be classified as Group I-4. Exception: A facility where occupants are capable of responding to an emergency situation and evacuating in no more than three minutes, without direct physical assistance from the staff, shall be classified as Group A-3.
308.5.2 Child Day Care Facility. A facility that provides supervision and personal care on less than a 24-hour basis for children two years and nine months of age or less shall be classified as Group I-4.
309.1 Mercantile Group M. Mercantile Group M occupancy includes, among others, buildings and structures or a portion thereof, for the display and sale of merchandise, and involves stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such purposes and accessible to the public. Mercantile occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Department stores (2) Drug stores (3) Markets (4) Motor fuel-dispensing facilities (5) Retail or wholesale stores (6) Sales rooms
309.2 Quantity of Hazardous Materials. The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored or displayed in a single control area of a Group M occupancy shall not exceed the quantities in Table 414.2.4. Note: also see 780 CMR 424.0 for Bulk Merchandising Retail Buildings.
310.1 Residential Group R. Residential Group R includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for sleeping purposes when not classified as an Institutional Group I. Residential occupancies shall include the following (also see 780 CMR 310.1: General Note): (1) R-1 Residential occupancies where the occupants are primarily transient in nature, including: (a) Boarding houses (transient) (b) Hotels (transient) (c) Motels (transient) (2) R-2 Residential occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature, including: (a) Apartment houses
(b) Boarding houses (not transient) (c) Convents (d) Dormitories (e) Fraternities and sororities (f) Monasteries (g) Vacation timeshare properties (h) Hotels (nontransient) (i) Motels (nontransient) (3) R-3 Residential occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature and not classified as R-1, R-2, R-4 or I and where buildings do not contain more than two dwelling units as applicable in 780 CMR 101.2, or are adult and child care facilities that provide accommodations for five or fewer persons of any age for less than 24 hours. Adult and child care facilities within a single-family home that are not otherwise controlled by the Day Care or various Group home requirements of 780 CMR 4.00, are permitted to comply with 780 CMR 51.00 through 99.00: Massachusetts Building Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 7th Edition (plus Referenced Standards, Regulations, Appendices and Index) in accordance with 780 CMR 101.2. (4) R-4 Residential occupancies shall include buildings arranged for occupancy as residential care including more than five but not more than 16 occupants, excluding staff. Group R- occupancies shall meet the requirements for construction as defined for Group R-3 except as otherwise provided for in 780 CMR (i.e., seismic provisions of 780 CMR are imposed on other than one- and two-family houses, etc.). General Note: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 19D, Assisted Living Residences which are certified as such by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, shall be classified in the residential use group R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-4 as applicable. For Building Code purposes, however, portions of Assisted Living Residences which are used for any use other than residential shall be classified and designed and constructed in accordance with the intended use. 310.2 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of 780 CMR 310.0 and as used elsewhere in 780 CMR, have the meanings shown in 780CMR 310. ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE. A residence certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs pursuant to M.G.L. c. 19D BOARDING HOUSE. A building arranged or used for lodging for compensation, with or without meals, and not occupied as a single-family unit. DORMITORY. A space in a building where group sleeping accommodations are provided in one room, or in a series of closely associated rooms, for persons not members of the same family group, under joint
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312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessory character and miscellaneous structures not classified in any specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and maintained to conform to the requirements of 780 CMR commensurate with the fire and life hazard incidental to their occupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) Agricultural buildings (2) Aircraft hangars, accessory to a one- or two- family residence ( See 780 CMR 412.3) (3) Barns
(4) Carports (5) Fences more than six feet (1829 mm) high (6) Grain silos, accessory to a residential occupancy (7) Greenhouses (8) Livestock shelters (9) Private garages (10) Retaining walls (11) Sheds (12) Stables (13) Tanks (14) Towers
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