SECTION 263.19. Hazardous Area Protection

(a) Areas used for general storage, boiler or furnace rooms, fuel storage, storage for chemicals or cleaning supplies, maintenance shops including woodworking and painting areas, laundries, and kitchens, shall be separated from other parts of the building with two hour fire resistive construction with openings protected with automatic or self-closing one-half hour fire rated assemblies. When the hazardous area is protected by automatic sprinkler protection, the separation may be of one hour fire resistive construction with openings protected with automatic or self closing 20 minute fire rated assemblies.

(b) Cooking facilities producing grease laden vapors shall have approved automatic fire extinguishing systems protecting cooking surfaces and hood and duct systems serving the cooking equipment in accordance with NFPA 96.

(c) Where hazardous processes or storage areas are of such a character as to introduce an explosion potential, explosion venting or an explosion suppression system specifically designed for the hazard shall be provided. The use of combustible supplies and permitting of hazardous material and trash to collect shall be minimized and avoided where possible.

Source Note: The provisions of this §263.19 adopted to be effective December 19, 1994, 19 TexReg 9526.