2018 Spring Meeting and 14th Global Congress on Process Safety

(154b) Composite Intermediate Bulk Containers (CIBCs): Understanding Risks & Emerging Fire Code Issues

Author

Snyder, M. - Presenter, DEKRA Process Safety
The use of Composite IBCs (CIBCs) for the storage and handling of Combustible Liquids has introduced significant fire risks into storage and handling operations. Beginning with the sentinel research work conducted by the UK Health & Safety Executive in the mid-2000s, continued research and educational efforts have resulted in improved understanding of the fire risk controls required to manage these risks. Unfortunately, several large loss fires involving CIBCs demonstrate the continued challenges faced by industry with adequately managing this hazard.

The presentation will provide a brief overview of the fire risks presented by combustible liquid storage in CIBCs. Significant changes in container and building design technology, along with significant changes to the regulatory landscape, will be reviewed that highlight available options to improve the management of pool fire risks presented by rapid failure of CIBCs in fire scenarios.

NFPA 30 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code) serves as the foundation for flammable and combustible liquid regulation in the US. The presentation will conclude with an overview of new requirements in NFPA 30 (2018) for using listed and labeled composite IBCs with Class II and IIIA liquids. Simple evaluation flowcharts will be shared to easily identify allowable storage configurations that are permitted by NFPA 30 for CIBC storage.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will understand the fire risks presented by combustible liquid storage in composite IBCs, including an overview of several large loss incidents.
  2. Participants will become aware of the development and current status of fire testing standards for listing and labeling of composite IBCs, including UL 2368 and FM Approval Standard 6020
  3. Participants will become aware of new building design features that are being used to improve the management of pool fire risks presented by Composite IBCs.
  4. Participants will be able to use a simple flow chart and checklist to accurately determine when composite IBCs may be used in conformance with NFPA 30 (2018), and in what configurations.