The International Code Council’s Fire Code Action Committee (FCAC) will meet on March 13 and 14 in Chicago to consider substantive changes to the IFC that address the storage of “used and off-spec” and new lithium ion batteries at retail locations and industrial facilities (e.g., battery recyclers and sorters). PRBA will participate in the meeting and comment on proposals associated with lithium ion batteries.
The IFC currently lacks guidance on the protection levels necessary for the storage of lithium ion batteries. One proposal on the FCAC’s agenda would classify lithium ion batteries as a “high-hazard commodity.” If approved by FCAC, the new commodity classification would provide guidance to IFC enforcement officials on general fire protection and life safety systems required where lithium ion batteries are stored.
For more information, contact George Kerchner at 202.719.4109 or [email protected]