Construction / Life-Safety Requirements
Fire Separation Requirements
The 2009 IBC defines the printing process as an F-1 occupancy and defines the storage arrangement as an S-1 occupancy. Based on these occupancy classifications, Table 508.4 of the IBC does not require a fire resistance separation.
Because the storage and printing process areas are accessory to each other, the 2011 edition of NFPA 34 does not require separation between these two occupancies. However, Section 5.2.1 of NFPA 34 does require dipping and coating equipment to be constructed of steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, or other non-combustible materials. Furthermore, NFPA 34 requires supports for coating tanks that exceed 500 gallons or 10 square feet be provided with a 1-hour fire resistance rating.
Fire resistance separation is not required between the storage and printing process within the building at 1000 Business Park Road, and supports for the coating tanks are not required to have a fire resistance rating, but the coating equipment shall be constructed of a non-combustible material, as specified above.