Md. Code Regs. 11.03.01.03

Current through Register Vol. 52, No. 1, January 10, 2025

Section 11.03.01.03 - Fire Hazards

A. Cleaning of Equipment. The use of flammable or combustible liquids in the cleaning of aircraft, aircraft engines, propellers, or other appliances, equipment, or parts of aircraft is prohibited, unless those cleaning operations are conducted in facilities specifically approved by the Administration for that purpose and are performed in accordance with COMAR 29.06.01.

B. Cleaning Fluids. All cleaning fluids of a vaporizing nature shall be stored or transported in containers with dispensing devices which comply with the applicable sections of COMAR 29.06.01.

C. Open Flame Operations. Open flame operations may be conducted on the Airport only after obtaining either a Welding and Burning permit or a Special Use permit through the Airport Fire Marshal's Office.

D. Storage of Material.

(1) The storage of combustible materials in hangars at the Airport shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 1 Uniform Fire Code, Chapter 10 and Chapter 34.

(2) The height of stored material may not exceed that of the lower or bottom side of roof trusses or of a point 18 inches below sprinkler lines or heads, whichever is lower. Storage areas shall have spaces between them as well as aisles throughout the areas of sufficient size to allow passage of fire department personnel and equipment. Sufficient spaces for aisles shall be determined through inspection by the fire marshal in compliance with COMAR 29.06.01.

E. Storage of Hazardous Material.

(1) Flammable and combustible liquids, gases, explosives, signal flares, or other hazardous materials shall be stored and kept in containers and receptacles and in structures and areas specifically approved by the fire marshal in accordance with COMAR 29.06.01.

(2) Tenants and concessionaires shall ensure that drums and containers are properly marked in accordance with 29 CFR § 1910.1200.

(3) In addition to the labeling requirements of 29 CFR § 1910.1200, each tenant and concessionaire shall mark its drums and containers with its company name and date of initial receipt of the item on the Airport premises.

(4) Tenants and concessionaires shall properly store drums and containers and shall ensure proper disposal of materials in accordance with COMAR 26.13.03.

(5) Tenants and concessionaires shall provide adequate documentation regarding the contents of drums and containers to inspectors of the Administration, the Maryland Department of the Environment, or other law enforcement agency.

(6) If as a result of a routine inspection of the Airport premises an improperly marked or stored drum or container is found, the tenant or concessionaire shall be cited. The tenant or concessionaire shall correct the deficiency within 1 working day. This inspection may be conducted by the fire marshal or representatives of the Administration, the Maryland Department of the Environment, or the Maryland Division of Labor and Industry.

(7) If the tenant or concessionaire fails to correct the noted deficiency, the Administration may correct the deficiency or cause it to be corrected by a private contractor at the expense of the responsible party.

(8) Owners of containers which have been apparently abandoned and consequently collected by the Administration and placed in storage shall be charged for all costs incurred by the Administration in connection with them, including:

(a) Removal to storage;

(b) Storage fees;

(c) Chemical analysis;

(d) Disposal;

(e) Record keeping; and

(f) Any actions required by federal and State statute or regulation.

F. Airport Hazardous Material Spill Decontamination Procedures.

(1) Spills involving flammable materials, regardless of size, shall be reported immediately to the Administration.

(2) The tenant or agency responsible for causing the spill shall provide for cleanup of the spill by either calling in a commercial organization which is licensed through the Maryland Department of the Environment to clean up and remove the spilled material or by accomplishing the cleanup itself.

(3) If the tenant or agency accomplishes the cleanup, all contaminated absorbents, fuel-soaked rags, or other materials shall be placed in approved containers and removed by a licensed handler as specified in §F(2) of this regulation.

(4) If, in the event of a spill, a determination is made by the Administration that outside assistance must be obtained for removal of spilled materials, the tenant or agency responsible for the spill shall call a commercial organization as specified in §F(2) of this regulation. If the tenant or agency fails to call for this additional assistance, the Administration shall request assistance from the Maryland Department of the Environment or a commercial organization. The tenant or agency shall be charged for the cost of this service.

(5) The tenant or agency shall file a report of the spill in accordance with COMAR 26.10.08.04B.

(6) The tenant or agency shall furnish the Administration with a list of names and telephone numbers of persons to be contacted in the event of a hazardous material spill.

(7) The Administration shall maintain a current list of commercial organizations which can be called upon to accomplish cleanup and removal of a hazardous material spill at the Airport.

(8) In the event of a sewage spill, the tenant or agency shall decontaminate all affected equipment. A sewage spill may not be flushed so as to contaminate storm drains, surface waters, or streams.

(9) Disposal of all contaminated materials shall be conducted in accordance with §F(2)-4), above.

(10) Other spills shall be handled by the tenant or agency in the same manner as the procedures for hazardous material spills and sewage spills.

(11) The tenant or agency shall be charged by the Administration standard rates and fees for all labor, equipment, and materials that the Administration may provide in support of these activities.

G. Lubricating Oils.

(1) Lubricating oils shall be stored, kept, or transported in containers and receptacles, and in structures and areas, specifically approved by the fire marshal for these purposes in compliance with the applicable sections of COMAR 29.06.01.

(2) The storage of empty lubricating oil drums or cans on the Airport is prohibited, except in approved areas designated by the Administration in compliance with the applicable sections of COMAR 26.13.03.

(3) Petroleum products or objectionable industrial waste matter shall be discharged only into pans or containers provided for that purpose in compliance with applicable sections of COMAR 29.06.01 and shall be disposed of in a manner approved by the Administration.

(4) A company transporting oil on the Airport shall possess a valid Oil Operations Permit issued by the Waste Management Administration in accordance with COMAR 26.10.01.16B.

H. Waste. The storage of oily waste, rags, and other rubbish and trash at the Airport is prohibited unless they are in suitable metal receptacles with operating self-closing covers as approved by COMAR 29.06.01. All waste within this general classification shall be removed daily from the Airport premises.

I. Smoking.

(1) Smoking is prohibited within the fuel farm, except in an area outside and designated by the Administration.

(2) Smoking or carrying lighted cigars, cigarettes, pipes, matches, or any open flame within the air operations area or any building owned or leased by the Administration is prohibited.

J. Floor Care. The accumulation of oil, grease, or other flammable material on the floors of the Airport is prohibited. The floors of hangars and other buildings shall be cleaned daily and continuously kept free of rags, waste material, or other trash or rubbish.

K. Care of Aircraft Ramp, Apron, and Parking Areas.

(1) Any person, including the operator of an aircraft, who causes overflowing or spilling of oil, grease, fuel, or any similar material anywhere on the Airport, is responsible for the immediate cleanup of the area. If that person fails to clean the area, the Airport Director may provide the necessary cleaning and charge the responsible person for the expense. The cleaning of aircraft ramp areas, aprons, and parking areas shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 410 Aircraft Maintenance.

(2) Any person who observes any unsafe conditions on the ramp is required to notify the Airport Director.

L. Doping, Spray Painting, and Paint Stripping.

(1) Doping processes, spray painting, or paint stripping operations are permitted only in properly designed, ventilated buildings or areas that are approved by COMAR 29.06.01.

(2) Only persons who are properly clothed for safety and self-protection are permitted to enter or work in a doping or spray painting room while doping and spray painting operations are being conducted.

M. Fire Extinguishers. All fire extinguishing equipment shall be maintained in accordance with COMAR 29.06.01.

N. Eye Hazards. The use of any material, such as an oil absorbent or similar material, that creates an eye hazard when picked up, swirled, or blown about by the blast from an aircraft engine is prohibited in any passenger loading area or other public area of the Airport.

O. Operating Motor Vehicles in Hangars. Operating a tractor, tug, or other motor vehicle without protective screens or baffles to prevent the escape of sparks or flames in any hangar or other building used for aircraft maintenance when an aircraft is present is prohibited, except in an emergency. Storage/parking/maintenance of motor vehicles in any hangar is prohibited.

P. Grounding or Bonding of Aircraft. Aircraft in hangars shall be grounded or bonded for removal and control of static electrical accumulations on aircraft while aircraft are undergoing service or repair in accordance with NFPA 409, Aircraft Hangars. Aircraft being serviced on the Airport ramp or other designated area shall be grounded or bonded for removal and control of static electrical accumulations in accordance with NFPA 407, Aircraft Fuel Servicing.

Q. Motorized Ground Equipment Near Aircraft or Hangars. In parking motorized ground equipment, the operator shall position it so that it can be readily driven or towed away from the aircraft or hangars in case of an emergency.

R. Repairing of Aircraft. Except for minor adjustments, an aircraft may be repaired only in an area specifically designated by the Administration.

S. Operating Aircraft Engines in Hangars. Except for the air rotation of jet aircraft without ignition, starting or operating aircraft engines inside any hangar is prohibited.

T. Heating Systems in Hangars. The installation and operation of any heating system or device is prohibited in any hangar at the Airport other than systems or devices listed or labeled by an independent testing laboratory or facility as suitable for use in heating aircraft hangars. Those systems and devices shall be installed in the manner prescribed by and standards set forth in NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, and NFPA 409, Aircraft Hangars. The use of portable aircraft engine heating equipment is prohibited inside any aircraft hangar. Only listed or labeled, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved, equipment shall be used.

U. Electrical Equipment and Lighting Systems.

(1) All electrical equipment shall be in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical

(2) The use of a portable lamp without a protective guard or shield in any maintenance shelter or hangar is prohibited.

(3) Power-operated equipment or electrical devices shall be turned off while not in actual use.

(4) New or additional electrical equipment or wiring installed in any aircraft hangar shall be in accordance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, and NFPA 409, Aircraft Hangars.

Md. Code Regs. 11.03.01.03

Regulation .03W amended effective April 3, 1989 (16:6 Md. R. 728)
Regulation .03 amended effective January 12, 2009 (36:1 Md. R. 22)
Regulations .03C, G, J, U amended effective May 30, 1980 (7:11 Md. R. 1037)