SUBCODE "F" (THE PHILADELPHIA FIRE CODE)


CHAPTER 34 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

F-3403.3 Site assessment. In the event of a spill, leak or discharge from a tank system, a site assessment shall be completed by the owner or operator of such tank system if the fire code official determines that a potential fire or explosion hazard exists. Such site assessments shall be conducted to ascertain potential fire and environmental hazards and shall be completed and submitted to the [fire department] Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections within a time period established by [the fire code official] that unit, not to exceed 60 days.

F-3403.3.1 Contamination remediation. Soil and ground water contamination resulting from spills or leaks from storage tank systems or containers shall be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources and clean-up procedures established by that agency shall be followed. After remediation is completed a copy of the closure report documenting satisfactory remediation shall be sent to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
F-3404.2.9.5.1 Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. Storage of Class I, [and] II and IIIA liquids in above-ground tanks outside of buildings is prohibited on premises accessible by the public [within the limits established by law in the adopting ordinance as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited].
F-3404.2.11 Underground tanks. Underground storage of flammable and combustible liquids in tanks shall comply with Section F-3404.2 and Sections F-3404.2.11.1 through F-3404.2.11.5.2. Underground storage tanks newly installed or repaired shall be inspected by the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections prior to the tank being covered. An inspection shall be made within 48 hours, exclusive of weekends and holidays, of the receipt of a written request for inspection.
F-3404.2.11.2 Location. Flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks located underground, either outside or under buildings, shall be in accordance with all of the following:
4. Underground storage tanks and piping newly installed within 100 feet (30,480 mm) of a subway or below-grade concourse shall be double wall with interstitial space monitoring to detect leaks.
F-3404.2.12 Testing. Tank testing shall comply with Sections F-3404.2.12.1 [and] through F-3404.2.12.3[2]. Test results shall be sent to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
F-3404.2.12.3 Periodic tank testing. Every five years underground storage tanks and piping shall be tested for tightness in accordance with NFPA 329.

Exception: Underground storage tank systems having automatic tank gauging, inventory reconciliation analysis or secondary containment with interstitial monitoring. Documentation from these monitoring systems indicating the tightness of a tank shall be provided every five years as required by Section F-3404.2.12.
F-3404.2.13.1.4 Tanks abandoned in place. Tanks abandoned in place shall be abandoned as follows:
6. A site assessment, to determine if there is any soil or ground water contamination, shall be conducted in accordance with requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The assessment shall be performed for all abandoned tanks, including those not regulated by PADEP. Upon completion of the assessment and any necessary site remediation, a closure report shall be sent to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
F-3404.2.14.1 Removal. Removal of above-ground and underground tanks shall be in accordance with all of the following:
6. A site assessment, to determine if there is any soil or ground water contamination, shall be conducted in accordance with requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). The assessment shall be performed for all tanks removed, including those not regulated by PADEP. Upon completion of the assessment and any necessary site remediation, a closure report shall be sent to the Commercial and Industrial Fire Inspection Unit of the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
F-3405.3.3 Heating, lighting and cooking appliances. Heating, lighting and cooking appliances which utilize Class I liquids shall not be operated within a building or structure.

Exception: [Operation in single-family dwellings.] Where approved by the Fire Department after a review to ensure an appropriate level of fire safety.
F-3406.2.4.4 Locations where above-ground tanks are prohibited. The storage of Class I, [and] II and IIIA liquids in above-ground tanks is prohibited on premises accessible by the public [within the limits established by law in the adopting ordinance as the limits of districts in which such storage is prohibited]. The storage of Class I, II and IIIA liquids in above-ground tanks on farms and at construction sites shall be approved by the Fire Department if, after a review of the fire hazards at the location and the capacity of the tank, the Fire Department determines that it is safe to install an above-ground tank.
F-3406.2.5.2 Tanks for gravity discharge. Tanks with a connection in the bottom or the end for gravity-dispensing liquids shall be mounted and equipped as follows:

1. Supports (tank brackets, etc.) and harnesses to elevate the tank for gravity discharge shall be designed to carry all required loads and provide stability. Documentation from the tank manufacturer, an authorized representative of the tank manufacturer or a professional engineer shall be provided to verify compliance with these requirements.