Page 12 - College Planning & Management, September 2018

Fire & Life Safety FOCUS ON PREPARATION AND PREVENTION
Stationary Energy Storage Systems
A look at the safety concerns of renewable energy storage.
BY MIKE HALLIGAN
AS MORE OF OUR SCHOOLS “go green” and we add energy storage systems to our buildings, there are additional fire safety considerations we must be aware of. Specifically, the battery systems used to store energy come with risks. In order to mitigate these risks, codes and standards are now defining how we construct
locations where batteries are located. This will also add to our facilities inspection, testing, and maintenance responsibilities.
What to Look For
In order to create a preventive maintenance and inspection program, you should be able to review construction documents submitted for permitting. Newly constructed locations for station- ary storage battery systems are evaluated according to the Interna- tional Code Council Fire Code Section 608 (2018 ed.). Construction documents should include:
• Location and a layout diagram for the room containing batteries.
• Details on hourly fire-resistive wall, floor, and ceiling assemblies,
including protected openings.
• Quantities and types of storage batteries and battery systems.
• Manufacturers’ specifications, ratings, and listings of storage
batteries.
• Location and content of required signage.
• Details on fire suppression, smoke detectors, and ventilation
systems.
• Rack storage arrangement, including seismic support criteria.
Hazard Mitigation Analysis
Electrical shops should be familiar with the Hazard Mitigation Analysis for battery systems. Specifically, they should be familiar with locations where more than one stationary storage battery system is provided and the potential for adverse interactions between systems. In addition, your staff should be reviewing or inspecting for: thermal runaway conditions; voltage surges on
the primary supply; short circuits on the load side; failure of the smoke detection, fire suppression, or gas detection systems; spill neutralization materials; and secondary containment systems.
Review Placement and Signage
Facilities staff should also review locations to ensure that battery systems are not located more than 75 feet above fire
department vehicle access, and that combustible materials are not stored in battery rooms, cabinets, or enclosures. In rooms, work desks need to be a minimum of 3 feet away from battery cabinets.
Signage is required on all doors or locations near entrances to battery storage rooms. The following information must be included on signage:
• The room contains energized battery systems.
• The room contains energized electrical circuits.
• Information that is specific to the types of storage batteries
in the room.
The locations of electrical disconnects must be marked as well. Electricians should be able to have main disconnects within sight if in the same room, or there needs to be placards or directories identifying the location.
If battery storage locations are situated outside, the following items must be reviewed:
• If battery systems are subject to vehicle impact, vehicle impact
protection must be provided and maintained.
• Systems must be separated a minimum of 5 feet from: lot lines,
public ways (part of egress system requires 10 feet of separation), buildings, stored combustible materials, hazardous materials, high-piled storage, and other exposure hazards.
Outdoor Locations and Other Systems
Outdoor locations must be secured against unauthorized entry. If battery systems are in an outdoor walk-in enclosure, the unit may only be entered for inspection, maintenance, and repair. The enclosure may not be used for any other purposes.
There are additional requirements for suppression and ventilation systems. Consult with fire protection and mechanical engineers for the specifics of these systems.
As you can see, as your buildings “go green” there will be many more portions of the battery storage system location you will need to inspect and maintain in order to keep a high level of fire safety on your campus. CPM
Mike Halligan is the president of the Halligan Group, a consult- ing firm specializing in fire prevention program audits, strategic planning, training and education programs focused on changing unsafe behaviors and creating effective public education safety programs. Mike can be reached at mikeh@halligangroup.org.
12 COLLEGE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / SEPTEMBER 2018
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