§ 11-279. Hazardous chemicals and substances, generally.

(a)

Applicability of Section. This Section shall apply to chemicals or substances not otherwise covered in this Division which are highly flammable, or which may react to cause fires or explosions, or which by their presence create or augment a fire or explosion hazard, or which because of the toxicity, flammability, or liability to explosion render firefighting abnormally dangerous or difficult. This Section shall apply also to flammable or combustible liquids which are chemically unstable and which may spontaneously form explosive compounds or undergo spontaneous reactions of explosive violence or with sufficient evolution of heat to be a fire hazard.

(b)

Safeguards for manufacture, storage, handling, and use. The manufacture, storage, handling, and use of hazardous chemicals or substances shall be safeguarded by such protective facilities as public safety requires, including, but not limited to, the following:

(1)

The Fire Chief or authorized representative may require the separation or isolation of hazardous chemicals or substances or any chemical or substance that in combination with other substances may bring about a fire or explosion or may liberate a flammable or poisonous gas. The Fire Chief or authorized representative may require hazardous chemicals or substances to be separated from other storage, occupancies, or buildings when the quantity stored constitutes a danger to life or property.

(2)

Defective containers which permit leakage or spillage of hazardous chemicals or substances shall be disposed of or repaired in accordance with recognized safe practices; leakage or spillage of hazardous chemicals or substances shall not be allowed to accumulate on floors or shelves. For purposes of this Section, regulations developed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources shall constitute "recognized safe practices."

(3)

Where kept for retail sale in containers or packages usual to the retail trade, storage of hazardous chemicals or substances shall be neat and orderly and shelves used for such storage shall be of substantial construction.

(4)

Legible warning signs and/or placards stating the nature and location of the hazardous chemicals or substances shall be posted at all entrances to areas where such chemicals or substances are stored or used.

(CB-107-1979; CB-80-2006)