The Code Word

By David Saddler

Trade associations like the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) create quite a bit of programming, benefits and discounts designed specifically for our members. In almost everything AOCA does, we define how that service, program or activity provides a direct positive impact for our members. This increases our value to our members.

However, the truth is that many activities funded by AOCA have direct and indirect benefits for all lube shop owners and operators, even those who are not members. Usually these activities are in the areas of government affairs, industry affairs and public relations.

I want to highlight one particular AOCA activity which many of you — even members — may not be aware of. AOCA has a consultant who works tirelessly on your (read “members” and “non-members”) behalf in the building and fire code arena. Since 1999, AOCA has been represented by Marshall Klein, a registered professional engineer. He has been involved in representing the interests of the quick lube industry since the early 1980s.

Marshall monitors codes and standards that affect the economical and safe construction and operational practices of the quick lube industry, before their publication, to determine if they’re meeting our industry’s needs in a reasonable and safe manner. These include:

• NFPA 30A, “Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages.”

• NFPA 70 National Electrical Code (Commonly known as the NEC).

• NFPA 5000 Building Code.

• NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.

• ICC Codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC).

Marshall is a principal member of the NFPA 30A Committee, representing AOCA. Issues relating to “quick lube service centers” that were addressed by the 2008 edition of NFPA 30A were:

• Increasing the maximum amount of Class II combustible liquid storage (i.e. diluted windshield washer fluid of maximum 29 percent methanol/minimum 71 percent water) to 240 gallons inside a quick lube, when no Class I flammable liquids are stored in the quick lube.

• A tentative interim amendment (issued on August 6, 2009) clarified the Electrical Equipment Classified Areas to include the new European zone classifications, and further clarified that a properly ventilated lower level of a quick lube (minimum 1 cfm/sq. ft.) would not require explosion-proof wiring or fixtures.

The NEC is the only electrical code used throughout the United States. It addresses electrical wiring and equipment requirements for repair garages (i.e. quick lube service centers) under Article 511, “Commercial Garages, Repair and Storage.” The changes to this article of the NEC and NFPA 30A that AOCA was involved in through the years helped resolve many of the inconsistent interpretations by electrical inspection authorities. The electrical design requirements covering classified versus non-classified electrical locations are now clearly delineated in the NEC.

Through AOCA’s active representation, the NFPA 5000 and NFPA 101 codes directly referred all issues dealing with sprinklers and fire protection design, construction and operation for “quick lubes” over to compliance with NFPA 30A. Therefore, there are no conflicts in code requirements for “quick lubes” between the NFPA 5000 Building Code, NFPA 101 and NFPA 30A. This favorable incorporation of code requirements relating to “quick lubes” into NFPA 5000 and NFPA 101 was made possible through AOCA’s active representation on the technical committee.

For 2010, AOCA and Marshall Klein plan to:

• Attend and participate as a committee member in the NFPA 30A committee meetings for the next edition (2011) of the NFPA 30A code.

• Attend and participate as a committee member in the NFPA 101/NFPA 5000 committee meetings for the next edition (2012) of these two codes.

• Attend, monitor and testify at the ICC final code development hearings for the development of the 2012 editions of the ICC codes.

Any AOCA member who has concerns about building or fire code issues, or has any recommendations for code changes that need to be resolved on a national basis, should alert the organization.

Now that you have the word on codes, if you are still unconvinced about AOCA’s role, contact our staff or board members. Joining AOCA is an effective way to improve and protect your bottom line, as well as the environment in which you operate.

DAVID SADDLER is executive director of the Automotive Oil Change Association. For more information on membership in AOCA, call 800.331.0329 or visit: www.aoca.org