The only notable change in July 2014 to FM Global Data Sheet 7-32, Ignitable Liquid Operations, is additional information for arranging ignitable liquid processes, handling, and use operations to stop liquid flow automatically and isolate liquid hold-up in the event of a fire.
The new information includes making sure that a process safety review is conducted on existing equipment so that new hazards are not introduced, with an automatic shutdown and precautions to take if automatic shutdown is not possible, such as providing sprinkler or waterspray protection, emergency drainage, and structural steel protection.
The update to FM Global Data Sheet 7-29, Ignitable Liquid Storage in Portable Containers, included new protection options for Group 3 water-miscible liquid in 59 oz (1.75 L) plastic and glass bottles in both a palletized configuration and in rack storage.
The palletized options include palletized storage up to 5 ft. and 17 ft. in up to 30 ft. and 40 ft. buildings, using K-factor = 14.0 sprinklers. The rack storage arrangement allows unlimited storage height with the use of a new Scheme “E” in-rack automatic sprinkler (IRAS) arrangement. The IRAS does not require barriers and looks for IRAS at every flue at least every 20 ft. in height. Double-row and multiple-row racks also require face sprinklers in every flue.
The protection requirements for rack storage of Group 1 water-miscible liquids in 6.5 gal. to and including 60 gal. (230 l) plastic drums were also updated. The allowed storage height has been increased from 15 ft. to 30 ft. along with the increased allowable building height from 35 ft. to 45 ft.
More major changes occurred in 2012 when FM Global discontinued using the terminology flammable and combustible liquids and replaced these with the term ignitable liquids. This was done mainly because FM Global has used different definitions for combustible and flammable liquids than NFPA uses. This has led to confusion. Since FM Global’s terminology became different from NFPA’s in 2012, the chance of confusion has been reduced.
Please contact Risk Logic if you have questions regarding these changes or if you would like to know how these changes could affect your facility.