2903 General Precautions — 2025 California Fire Code

Manufacturing of organic coatings shall be done only in buildings that do not have pits or basements.

Organic coating manufacturing operations and operations incidental to or connected with organic coating manufacturing shall not be located in buildings having other occupancies.

The fire department shall be able to access the organic coating manufacturing operations from not less than one side for the purpose of fire control. Approved aisles shall be maintained for the unobstructed movement of personnel and fire suppression equipment.

Fire protection systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with Chapter 9.

Not less than one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 for extra hazard shall be provided in organic coating areas.

Open flames and direct-fired heating devices shall be prohibited in areas where flammable vapor-air mixtures exist.

Smoking shall be prohibited in accordance with Section 310.

Power-operated equipment and industrial trucks shall be of a type approved for the location.

The cleaning of tanks and vessels that have contained flammable or combustible liquids shall be performed under the supervision of persons knowledgeable of the fire and explosion potential.

2903.9.1 Repairs. Where necessary to make repairs involving hot work, the work shall be authorized by the responsible individual before the work begins.

2903.9.2 Empty containers. Empty flammable or combustible liquid containers shall be removed to a detached, outside location and, if not cleaned on the premises, the empty containers shall be removed from the plant as soon as practical.

Drainage facilities shall be provided to direct flammable and combustible liquid leakage and fire protection water to an approved location away from the building, any other structure, storage area or adjoining premises.

An approved fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.