Building Code Question

[matt4]

I have a building code question for everyone. I am in Pennsylvania (using 2006 IBC). We are working on a school with a science lab in it. Does anyone know of where in the code book it points out any restrictions on a laboratory located within a Group E Occupancy?

Thanks ahead of time.

[pmiller]

I am assuming that this is a K-12 school if you are stating E occupancy (colleges would be B occupancy). You need to look at IBC chapters 3 and 4 regarding hazardous materials (which permits certain exempt quantities that do not trigger H occupancy). Regardless of quantities there are certain rules which must be followed - see IBC Section 414 as I recall. Also look at IFC (International Fire Code) where it is referenced by IBC. Also NFPA 45 Standard on Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals. It has specific sections on teaching labs and exemptions for labs containing less than 1 gal. of flammable or combustible liquids.