BCAB #1507 - Occupancy Classification of Tire Storage, Article 3.1.2.1

May 17, 2000

BCAB #1507

Re: Occupancy Classification of Tire Storage, Article 3.1.2.1

Project Description

A two storey suite of a two storey multi tenant sprinklered industrial building will be used for storage of rubber tires. The tenant intends to store tires in piles on the floors to a height of about 2.4 meters, occupying an aggregate area of about 550 square meters, with walking isles between the tire piles. The suite will also have facilities for the installation of tires on vehicles.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.1.2.1(1) requires this portion of the building be classified according to its major occupancy.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends this occupancy should be classified as a Group F, Division 2, with the appropriate requirements of the BC Fire Code applied for "Indoor Tire Storage" (Section 3.2.4.). The BC Building Code defines a Group F, Division 1 as "… an industrial occupancy containing sufficient quantities of highly combustible or explosive materials, which because of their inherent characteristics, constitute a special fire hazard." Rubber tires are not considered highly combustible or explosive, although they do require specific additional fire sprinkler protection.

Building Official's Position

The Building Official considers the storage of rubber tires to be a special fire hazard, therefore the appropriate building classification should be Group F, Division 1.

Appeal Board Decision #1507

It is the determination of the Board that the occupancy in question is Group F Division 2. Although tire storage constitutes a special hazard, it does not constitute high hazard Group F Division 1 occupancy and is dealt with by special sprinkler requirements in the NFPA standards.

George R. Humphrey, Chair