Scrap metal businesses must plan for fires and limit pile heights

Scrap metal businesses must make a written fire plan, limit pile height, and take other fire safety steps. The rules cover New Jersey scrap metal businesses. Heat detectors are required only at sites larger than one acre or sites running a scrap grinder, crusher, hammer mill, or shredder. Businesses must develop the plan with a fire official or fire marshal and share it on request. Heat detectors must spot early fires or hot spots. Businesses must make retained records available to fire code officials investigating a fire at the site. These requirements take effect July 1, 2027.

Businesses with large piles of unprepared metal must install a remotely operated fire suppression system. This applies when one unprepared metal shredder feedstock pile holds more than 200 tons for any 24-hour period. A fire protection engineer must design the system, which must include overhead water equipment. Piles of at least 500 tons need monitored heat detectors. The local enforcing agency must certify the system each year for a nominal fee. Installation is due July 1, 2028, for piles over 500 tons, and July 1, 2030, for piles over 200 tons.

The local enforcing agency must confirm a scrap metal business meets the fire safety requirements in writing. This applies to New Jersey scrap metal businesses and their local enforcing agencies. The check also covers the fire system requirements when they apply. The business must display the written confirmation in its office or on its website. This requirement takes effect July 1, 2027.