3903 Processing and Extraction — 2025 California Fire Code

Processing shall be located in a building complying with the California Building Code .

Extraction processes utilizing flammable gases or flammable cryogenic fluids shall not be located in any building containing a Group A, E, I or R occupancy.

The extraction equipment and extraction processes utilizing hydrocarbon solvents shall be located in a room or area dedicated to extraction.

Post-processing and winterization involving the heating or pressurizing of the miscella to other than normal pressure or temperature shall be approved and performed in an appliance listed for such use. Domestic or commercial cooking appliances shall not be used.

3903.4.1 Industrial ovens. The use of industrial ovens shall comply with Chapter 30.

The use of flammable and combustible liquids for liquid extraction processes where the liquid is boiled, distilled or evaporated shall be located within a hazardous exhaust fume hood, rated for exhausting flammable vapors. Electrical equipment used within the hazardous exhaust fume hood shall be rated for use in flammable atmospheres. Heating of flammable or combustible liquids over an open flame is prohibited.

Exception: The use of a heating element not rated for flammable atmospheres, where documentation from the manufacture, or approved testing laboratory indicates the element is rated for heating of flammable liquids.

Liquefied petroleum gases shall not be released to the atmosphere except where released in accordance with Section 7.3 of NFPA 58.

Exit and exit access doors from rooms or areas used for extraction shall swing in the direction of egress travel.

PROCESSING AND EXTRACTION FACILITIES