Question:

I have a door from my garage that opens into my house. Is it safe to store chemicals in my garage?

Answer:

Typically, the wall and door between your garage and dwelling form a fire-rated assembly. The fire-rated wall is designed to withstand a fire in the garage and protect the occupants in the house.

The fire-rated door is designed to withstand fire for up to 20 minutes. The door is also equipped with hardware that closes the door by itself. This construction is required because typically the garage is where flammable liquids are stored (i.e. gasoline in your car or lawnmower). To maintain the fire resistance, be sure to repair any holes or breeches in the wall and maintain the door so it self-closes.

In older homes, doors may have been installed between the garage and sleeping rooms. This design is now prohibited. If you have this arrangement in your home, contact your Building Department for direction on upgrading.

As far as chemical storage goes, the International Fire Code limits the type and amounts of chemicals you can store in a residential occupancy. Generally, it is safe to store chemical products sold in consumer-packaged containers that are designed for use at home. Examples of these can be paints, stains, thinners, insecticides, fertilizers, pool and spa chemicals, cleaners, soap, and bleach. Industrial strength, non-consumer-packed chemicals or chemicals related to the operation of a business are prohibited.

Keep your chemicals in a cool and dry location, secure from children and pets, and away from any natural gas appliances. Flammable vapors are typically heavier than air; that is why water heaters and forced-air heaters are required to sit on platforms at least 18 inches high. This keeps the pilot flame above any possible flammable vapor accumulation.

Finally, be sure to refer to the manufacturer's product label for directions on the storage and use of the chemical.

If you have a specific question, contact the Fire Prevention Division at
(541) 673-4459 ext. 12