Aerosol products are widely used by consumers and in industrial applications. Common aerosol products we encounter daily include deodorants, lubricant sprays, pesticide sprays, and even cooking oil sprays. However, a manufacturer or distributor who stores larger quantities of aerosol products faces significant risks and challenges in protecting the product and property. One such challenge is the risk of rocketing aerosol cans during a fire, which can spread the fire to other parts of the building or harm people, including emergency responders. Following the requirements of the applicable codes and standards ensures the safe management of aerosol storage hazards.
Various research and fire tests conducted in the 1970s and 80s provided information on the fire characteristics of aerosol products, which were treated as Class IA flammable liquids until then. It was determined that some aerosol products posed fire hazards more severe than those of Class IA flammable liquids. This led to the development of a classification for aerosol product fire hazards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) then developed NFPA 30B, Code for the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products. This code is now widely referenced in building and fire codes for requirements related to aerosol products.
NFPA 30B classifies aerosol products into three levels based on their chemical heat of combustion. Typically, the manufacturer would have information on the product’s chemical heat of combustion and include the aerosol classification levels in their Safety Data Sheet (SDS). However, suppose the aerosol product’s classification is not defined in the SDS. In that case, the table below provides the classification requirements based on NFPA 30B.
Aerosol Cooking Spray Products is an exception to the above classification of aerosol products based on the Chemical Heat of Combustion. These are products designed to deliver a vegetable oil or a solid or nonflammable liquid to reduce sticking on cooking and baking surfaces, as defined by NFPA 30B.
It is crucial not to confuse the flammability hazard symbol on aerosol products with the aerosol classification. The flammability hazard symbol indicates the aerosol spray’s susceptibility to ignition and is essential for conveying to consumers the potential for fire when using the product. Therefore, the protection of aerosol product storage hazards should always be based on the appropriate classification level of the aerosol product.
Approaches to protecting aerosol product storage include limiting the quantities stored in a general storage area, keeping aerosol products in flammable liquid cabinets, or constructing a dedicated storage area or room.
For an entity located in Ontario and required to comply with the Ontario Fire Code, the code does not specify requirements for the storage of aerosol products. However, it directs the user to the National Fire Code of Canada (NFCC). The NFCC also provides requirements for the indoor storage of aerosol products.
In accordance with NFPA 30B, the NFCC allows Level 1 aerosol products to be treated as Class III commodities. Class III commodities include wood, paper, natural fiber, cloth, or Group C plastics, with or without combustible pallets. Examples of Level 1 aerosol products include shaving cream, window cleaners, and rug shampoos. The storage arrangement for Level 1 aerosol products is regulated based on the size of the storage area and the height of the storage. In addition, storage quantities can be increased when the storage is protected with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. It should be noted that the requirements for the storage of Aerosol Cooking Spray Products are defined separately in NFPA 30B.
The requirements for the storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products are more restrictive than those for Level 1. Examples of Level 2 aerosols include personal care products such as deodorants and hair sprays, antiseptics, and furniture polishes. Level 2 aerosol products are water-miscible, flammable base products. Examples of Level 3 aerosols include automotive products such as engine and carburetor cleaners, lubricants, and paints and lacquers. The quantity of Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol product storage is determined based on the storage area and arrangement. In addition, the NFCC requires aisles at least 2.4 m wide separating racks, shelves, or piles of packaged Level 2 or 3 aerosol products.
Under the NFCC, up to 1000 kg (one pallet load) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products can be stored in a general-purpose storage area. In addition, limits are imposed on the height of storage. The storage mentioned above can be in a building not protected with an automatic sprinkler system. For quantities larger than 1000 kg, the following additional requirements are applicable:
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- Using a dedicated storage area separated from the remainder of the building by chain-link fencing or a noncombustible partition, or
- Using a dedicated storage area separated from the rest of the building by partitions having a minimum fire-resistance rating of 1-hour.
When constructing a dedicated storage area to accommodate larger quantities, the wall partitions must be capable of withstanding the impact of rocketing cans. In addition, the walls should extend to the underside of the roof or the ceiling. The storage capacity for Level 2 and Level 3 aerosol products can be considerably increased when the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. In addition, sprinkler protection for aerosol product storage must conform to NFPA 30B. NFPA 30B also provides options for protecting the storage of cartoned or uncartoned Level 2 and 3 aerosol products in either solid-piled or rack storage.
We have helped industrial customers determine the requirements for protecting their aerosol storage facilities. We also explored alternative approaches to meet the intent of the codes and standards. Please contact us should you require help with managing aerosol storage hazards.