scope:

This standard shall apply to laboratory buildings, laboratory units, and laboratory work areas whether located above or below grade in which chemicals, as defined, are handled or stored.

Exception No. 1: This standard shall not apply to laboratory units with less than or equal to 4 L (1.1 gal) of flammable or combustible liquid and less than 2.2 standard m³ (75 scf) of flammable gas.

Exception No. 2: It does not apply to laboratories that are pilot plants.

Exception No. 3: It does not apply to laboratories that handle only chemicals with a hazard rating of zero or one, as defined by NFPA 704, Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response, for all of the following: health, flammability, and instability.

Exception No. 4: It does not apply to laboratories that are primarily manufacturing plants.

Exception No. 5: It does not apply to incidental testing facilities.

Exception No. 6: It does not apply to physical, electronic, instrument, laser, or similar laboratories that use chemicals only for incidental purposes, such as cleaning.

Exception No. 7: It does not apply to laboratories that work only with radioactive materials, as covered by NFPA 801, Standard for Fire Protection for Facilities Handling Radioactive Materials.

Exception No. 8: It does not apply to laboratories that work only with explosive material, as covered by NFPA 495, Explosive Materials Code.

This standard contains requirements, but not all-inclusive requirements, for handling and storage of chemicals where laboratory-scale operations are conducted.

Exception No. 1: It does not cover the special fire protection required when handling explosive materials. (See NFPA 495, Explosive Materials Code.)

Exception No. 2: It does not cover the special fire protection required when handling radioactive materials.

Applicability. The provisions of this document are considered necessary to provide a reasonable level of protection from loss of life and property from fire and explosion. They reflect situations and the state of the art prevalent at the time the standard was issued.

Unless otherwise noted, it is not intended that the provisions of this document be applied to facilities, equipment, structures, or installations that were existing or approved for construction or installation prior to the effective date of the document, except in those cases where it is determined by the authority having jurisdiction that the existing situation involves a distinct hazard to life or property.

Equivalency. Nothing in this standard is intended to prevent the use of systems, methods, or devices of equivalent or superior quality, strength, fire resistance, effectiveness, durability, and safety over those prescribed by this standard. Technical documentation shall be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction to demonstrate equivalency. The system, method, or device shall be approved for the intended purpose by the authority having jurisdiction.