TEXAS STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE FIRE SAFETY CONSULTATION REPORT FACILITY INSPECTION # DATE OF INSPECTION INSPECTOR RRO12510A March 7, 2014 James Scott McAnallen County: Hopkins Occupancy Type: Industrial Buildings Inspected: One The City of Sulphur Springs does have a certified fire inspection program, and adopted fire code and therefore the State Fire Marshal’s Office is not the authority having jurisdiction; no follow-up examination is necessary by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The facility’s safety manager was present during the life safety consultation. Ammonium Nitrate Inventory: The average amount of ammonium nitrate stored in the building is 50 tons. Currently, there is 45 tons of ammonium nitrate remaining, which the facility plans to restock in the future. Site Security Plan: Yes, the building is locked when not in use. Tier Two Report: The facility does submit Tier Two reports for all reportable materials to the Texas Department of State Health Services and local emergency response agencies. NFPA 704 Warning Placard: The building is not equipped with a posted NFPA 704 Warning Placard. SYNOPSIS OF FINDINGS Hazard Findings Pertaining to the Best Practices of NFPA 1: General Safety Requirements Hazards Inspection # RRO12510A Revised 3.12.14 Page 1 of 4 TEXAS STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE FIRE SAFETY CONSULTATION REPORT The building is in several levels of collapse or decay. It is recommended that a technical analysis of the building be prepared to determine if repairs are necessary to restore structural integrity. [Ch. 10.1.4.1] The building does not have “No Smoking” signs posted. [Ch. 10.10.1] The room adjacent to the ammonium nitrate bin is used for repairing mechanical equipment used in the operation. Welding equipment is present. [Ch. 10.11.9.1] There are uncut weeds, grass, vines and other vegetation around the building. [Ch. 10.14.10.1] Combustible materials are stored with in the path of egress throughout the building. [Ch. 10.19.4] Building Services Hazards The wiring throughout the building appears to be in different levels of decay. [Ch. 11.1.3] Extension cords are being used a permanent wiring or extend through walls. [Ch. 11.1.7.5 and 11.1.7.6] Features of Fire Protection The exit enclosures do not meet class A or B requirements for interior finish. [Ch. 12.5] Fire Protection Systems Hazard The fire extinguisher near the main entrance is covered in rust and shows to have been discharged. [Ch. 13.6.8.1.2] Means of Egress Hazards The building does not have two remotely located side-hinged swinging egress doors. [Ch. 14.5.1.1 and 14.5.1.2] The building lacks emergency lighting due to the inadequate natural lighting. [Ch. 14.13.1.1 (1)] The building lack exit signs. [Ch. 14.14.1] Ammonium Nitrate Hazard Several hazards identified in NFPA 400, Hazardous Materials Code, see below. [Ch. 74.1] The 2012 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association, Fire Code, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14 and Chapter 74 are referenced for the consultative hazards. Hazard Findings Pertaining to the Best Practices of NFPA 400: Fundamental Requirement Hazards Inspection # RRO12510A Revised 3.12.14 Page 2 of 4 TEXAS STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE FIRE SAFETY CONSULTATION REPORT There is not NFPA 704 placards posted on the building. [Ch. 6.1.8.2.1] There is not a “NO SMOKING” sign posted on the building. [Ch. 6.1.8.3] The building is not equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system. [Ch. 5.3.3.1 and 6.2.1.1] The building lacks two approved means of egress, equipped with panic hardware. [Ch. 6.2.1.4.3 and 6.2.1.4.5] The structure separation does not meet the distance requirement for Table 34.3.3.3 of NFPA 5000. [Ch. 6.2.1.6] Ammonium Nitrate Solids and Liquids Hazards There is a gasoline container near the front door. [Ch. 11.2.12.2.1] The bulk ammonium nitrate is stored in a bay constructed of wood and shows signs of product impregnation. [Ch.11.3.2.3.3.5 and 11.3.2.3.3.3] Ammonium nitrate was stored within 3 feet of the roof or the supporting overhead structure. [Ch. 11.3.2.2.4] The ammonium nitrate storage bins are not identified by signs reading AMMONIUM NITRATE with letters at least 2 inches high. [Ch. 11.3.2.3.3.6] The 2010 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association, Hazardous Materials Code, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, and Chapter 11 are referenced for the consultative hazards. Hazards pertaining to NFPA 101 that were identified on July 18, 2013 and remain unresolved: Means of Egress Hazard Exit doors are not equipped with panic hardware. [Ch. 40.2.1.1 and 7.11.6] Protection Hazards The building is not equipped with a fire alarm system. [Ch. 40.3.2 and 9.7] The building is not equipped with a fire sprinkler system. [Ch. 40.3.4.1 and 9.6] Vegetation is grown up against the combustible building siding. [Ch. 4.6.1.2] The 2012 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association, Life Safety Code, Chapter 4, Chapter 7, Chapter 9 and Chapter 40 are referenced for the consultative hazards Additional Products On-site: Diesel fuel, Potassium Chloride and Potassium Magnesium Sulfate. Areas of Interest: Neighborhoods are within two miles of the location. This facility is located next to a under separate ownership, which has sustained two large fires in the last year. Vegetation between the two facilities could sustain a fire spreading Inspection # RRO12510A Revised 3.12.14 Page 3 of 4 TEXAS STATE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE FIRE SAFETY CONSULTATION REPORT from the to the combustible wood fertilizer building and lead to a fire that could cause substantial property damage and evacuations. If you have additional questions or concerns please feel free to contact me by phone or email or you may contact the Chief Inspector Susan Jarvis, at 512-305-7943 or by email at susan.jarvis@tdi.texas.gov. James Scott McAnallen Deputy State Fire Marshal Fire Safety Inspection Services Texas Department of Insurance (512) 627-2611 CC: Hoyt Henry, DSHS Timothy Herrman, OTSC Chuck Phinney, TDEM - chuck.phinney@dps.texas.gov Eric Hill, Fire Chief e.hill@sulphersprings.tx.org Attachments: References Related to Best Practices - Storage of Ammonium Nitrate NFPA 704 Warning Placard Requirements Inspection # RRO12510A Revised 3.12.14 Page 4 of 4