Page 416 - 2018_IFC

CHAPTER 53

COMPRESSED GASES

User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 53 regulates the storage, use and handling of all flammable and nonflammable compressed gases, such as
those that are used in medical facilities, air separation plants, industrial plants, agricultural equipment and similar occupancies. Also, this
chapter regulates inert gases, such as CO 2 used for enrichment and beverage dispensing, that although inert are considered asphyxiants and
in larger amounts pose a life safety hazard. Standards for the design, construction and marking of compressed gas cylinders and pressure
vessels are referenced. Compressed gases used in welding and cutting, cryogenic liquids and liquefied petroleum gases are also regulated
under Chapters 35, 55 and 61, respectively. Compressed gases that are classified as hazardous materials are also regulated in Chapter 50,
which includes general requirements.

SECTION 5301 SECTION 5302
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
5301.1 Scope. Storage, use and handling of compressed 5302.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chap-
gases in compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and sys- ter 2:
tems shall comply with this chapter and NFPA 55, including COMPRESSED GAS.
those gases regulated elsewhere in this code. Partially full
compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks containing COMPRESSED GAS CONTAINER.
residual gases shall be considered as full for the purposes of
the controls required. COMPRESSED GAS SYSTEM.
NESTING.
Liquefied natural gas for use as a vehicular fuel shall also
comply with NFPA 52 and NFPA 59A. TUBE TRAILER.
Compressed gases classified as hazardous materials shall
also comply with Chapter 50 for general requirements and SECTION 5303
chapters addressing specific hazards, including Chapters 58 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
(Flammable Gases), 60 (Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials),
63 (Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic 5303.1 Containers, cylinders and tanks. Compressed gas
Fluids) and 64 (Pyrophoric Materials). containers, cylinders and tanks shall comply with this section.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks that are not
Compressed hydrogen (CH ) shall also comply with the
2 designed for refillable use shall not be refilled after use of the
applicable portions of Chapters 23 and 58 of this code, the original contents.
International Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 2.
5303.2 Design and construction. Compressed gas contain-
Cutting and welding gases shall also comply with Chapter ers, cylinders and tanks shall be designed, fabricated, tested,
35. marked with the specifications of manufacture and main-
tained in accordance with the regulations of DOTn 49 CFR
Exceptions:
Parts 100-185 or the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
1. Gases used as refrigerants in refrigeration systems Code, Section VIII.
(see Section 606).
5303.3 Pressure relief devices. Pressure relief devices shall
2. Compressed natural gas (CNG) for use as a vehicu- be in accordance with Sections 5303.3.1 through 5303.3.5.
lar fuel shall comply with Chapter 23, NFPA 52 and 5303.3.1 Where required. Pressure relief devices shall be
the International Fuel Gas Code.
provided to protect containers, cylinders and tanks con-
3. Cryogenic fluids shall comply with Chapter 55. taining compressed gases from rupture in the event of
overpressure.
4. LP-gas shall comply with Chapter 61 and the Inter-
national Fuel Gas Code. Exception: Cylinders, containers and tanks where
exempt from the requirements for pressure relief
5301.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sec- devices specified by the standards of design listed in
tion 105.6. Section 5303.3.2.

2018 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE ® 383
Copyrighted © 2017 by, or licensed to, ICC (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to UL, LLC pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproductions authorized or distribution authorized.
ANY UNAUTHROIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT; AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.