Section 5001 — GENERAL

Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, dispensing, use and handling of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this chapter.

This chapter shall apply to all hazardous materials, including those materials regulated elsewhere in this code, except that where specific requirements are provided in other chapters, those specific requirements shall apply in accordance with the applicable chapter. Where a material has multiple hazards, all hazards shall be addressed.

Exceptions:

1. In retail or wholesale sales occupancies, medicines, foodstuff, cosmetics and commercial or institutional products containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).

2. Alcoholic beverages in retail or wholesale sales occupancies, provided that the liquids are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).

3. Application and release of pesticide and agricultural products and materials intended for use in weed abatement, erosion control, soil amendment or similar applications where applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and label directions.

4. The off-site transportation of hazardous materials where in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOTn) regulations.

5. Building materials not otherwise regulated by this code.

6. Refrigeration systems (see Section 608).

7. Stationary storage battery systems regulated by Section 1207.

8. The display, storage, sale or use of fireworks and explosives in accordance with Chapter 56.

9. Corrosives utilized in personal and household products in the manufacturer’s original consumer packaging in Group M occupancies.

10. The storage of beer, distilled spirits and wines in barrels and casks.

11. The use, storage or both of dispensers containing alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II liquids where in accordance with Section 5705.5.

losives in accordance with Chapter 56. 9. Corrosives utilized in personal and household products in the manufacturer’s original consumer packaging in Group M occupancies. 10. The storage of beer, distilled spirits and wines in barrels and casks. 11. The use, storage or both of dispensers containing alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II liquids where in accordance with Section 5705.5.

12. Specific provisions for flammable liquids in motor fuel-dispensing facilities, repair garages, airports and marinas in Chapter 23.
13. Storage and use of fuel oil in tanks and containers connected to oil-burning equipment. Such storage and use shall be in accordance with Section 605. For abandonment of fuel oil tanks, Chapter 57 applies.
14. Storage and display of aerosol products complying with Chapter 51.
15. Storage and use of flammable or combustible liquids that do not have a fire point when tested in accordance with ASTM D92, not otherwise regulated by this code.
16. Flammable or combustible liquids with a flash point greater than 95°F (35°C) in a water-miscible solution or dispersion with a water and inert (noncombustible) solids content of more than 80 percent by weight, which do not sustain combustion, not otherwise regulated by this code.
17. Commercial cooking oil storage tank systems located within a building and designed and installed in accordance with Section 607 and NFPA 30.

5001.1.1 Waiver. The provisions of this chapter are waived where the fire code official determines that such enforcement is preempted by other codes, statutes or ordinances. The details of any action granting such a waiver shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.

Hazardous materials are those chemicals or substances defined as such in this code. Definitions of hazardous materials shall apply to all hazardous materials, including those materials regulated elsewhere in this code.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

5001.2.1 Mixtures. Mixtures shall be classified in accordance with hazards of the mixture as a whole. Mixtures of hazardous materials shall be classified in accordance with nationally recognized reference standards; by an approved qualified organization, individual, or Safety Data Sheet (SDS); or by other approved methods.

5001.2.2 Hazard categories. Hazardous materials shall be classified according to hazard categories. The categories include materials regulated by this chapter and materials regulated elsewhere in this code.

5001.2.2.1 Physical hazards. The material categories listed in this section are classified as physical hazards. A material with a primary classification as a physical hazard can also pose a health hazard.

1. Explosives and blasting agents.
2. Combustible liquids.
3. Flammable solids, liquids and gases.
4. Organic peroxide solids or liquids.
5. Oxidizer, solids or liquids.
6. Oxidizing gases.
7. Pyrophoric solids, liquids or gases.
8. Unstable (reactive) solids, liquids or gases.
9. Water-reactive materials solids or liquids.
10. Cryogenic fluids.

5001.2.2.2 Health hazards. The material categories listed in this section are classified as health hazards. A material with a primary classification as a health hazard can also pose a physical hazard.

1. Highly toxic and toxic materials.

2. Corrosive materials.

Where approved by the fire code official, buildings and facilities where hazardous materials are stored, used or handled shall be permitted to comply with this section as an alternative to compliance with the other requirements set forth in this chapter and Chapters 51 through 67.

5001.3.1 Objective. The objective of Section 5001.3 is to protect people and property from the consequences of unauthorized discharge, fires or explosions involving hazardous materials.

5001.3.2 Functional statements. Performance-based design alternatives are based on the following functional statements:

1. Provide safeguards to minimize the risk of unwanted releases, fires or explosions involving hazardous materials.
2. Provide safeguards to minimize the consequences of an unsafe condition involving hazardous materials during normal operations and in the event of an abnormal condition.

5001.3.3 Performance requirements. Where safeguards, systems, documentation, written plans or procedures, audits, process hazards analysis, mitigation measures, engineering controls or construction features are required by Sections 5001.3.3.1 through 5001.3.3.18, the details of the design alternative shall be subject to approval by the fire code official. The details of actions granting the use of the design alternatives shall be recorded and entered in the files of the jurisdiction.

5001.3.3.1 Properties of hazardous materials. The physical- and health-hazard properties of hazardous materials on-site shall be known and shall be made readily available to employees, neighbors and the fire code official.

5001.3.3.2 Reliability of equipment and operations. Equipment and operations involving hazardous materials shall be designed, installed and maintained to ensure that they reliably operate as intended.

5001.3.3.3 Prevention of unintentional reaction or release. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of an unintentional reaction or release that could endanger people or property.

5001.3.3.4 Spill mitigation. Spill containment systems or means to render a spill harmless to people or property shall be provided where a spill is determined to be a plausible event and where such an event would endanger people or property.

5001.3.3.5 Ignition hazards. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of exposing combustible hazardous materials to unintended sources of ignition.

5001.3.3.6 Protection of hazardous materials. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of exposing hazardous materials to a fire or physical damage whereby such exposure could endanger or lead to the endangerment of people or property.

5001.3.3.7 Exposure hazards. Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of and limit damage from a fire or explosion involving explosive hazardous materials whereby such fire or explosion could endanger or lead to the endangerment of people or property.

5001.3.3.8 Detection of gas or vapor release. Where a release of hazardous materials gas or vapor would cause immediate harm to persons or property, means of mitigating the dangerous effects of a release shall be provided.

5001.3.3.9 Reliable power source. Where a power supply is relied on to prevent or control an emergency condition that could endanger people or property, the power supply shall be from a reliable source.

5001.3.3.10 Ventilation. Where ventilation is necessary to limit the risk of creating an emergency condition resulting from normal or abnormal operations, means of ventilation shall be provided.

50-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

5001.3.3.11 Process hazard analyses. Process hazard analyses shall be conducted to ensure reasonably the protection of people and property from dangerous conditions involving hazardous materials.

5001.3.3.12 Prestartup safety review. Written documentation of prestartup safety review procedures shall be developed and enforced to ensure that operations are initiated in a safe manner. The process of developing and updating such procedures shall involve the participation of affected employees.

5001.3.3.13 Operating and emergency procedures. Written documentation of operating procedures and procedures for emergency shutdown shall be developed and enforced to ensure that operations are conducted in a safe manner. The process of developing and updating such procedures shall involve the participation of affected employees.

5001.3.3.14 Management of change. A written plan for management of change shall be developed and enforced. The process of developing and updating the plan shall involve the participation of affected employees.

5001.3.3.15 Emergency plan. A written emergency plan shall be developed to ensure that proper actions are taken in the event of an emergency, and the plan shall be followed if an emergency condition occurs. The process of developing and updating the plan shall involve the participation of affected employees.

5001.3.3.16 Accident procedures. Written procedures for investigation and documentation of accidents shall be developed, and accidents shall be investigated and documented in accordance with these procedures.

5001.3.3.17 Consequence analysis. Where an accidental release of hazardous materials could endanger people or property, either on- or off-site, an analysis of the expected consequences of a plausible release shall be performed and utilized in the analysis and selection of active and passive hazard mitigation controls.

5001.3.3.18 Safety audits. Safety audits shall be conducted on a periodic basis to verify compliance with the requirements of this section.

For retail and wholesale storage and display of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials in Group M occupancies and storage in Group S occupancies, see Section 5003.11.

Where required by the fire code official, permittees shall apply for approval to permanently close a storage, use or handling facility. Such application shall be submitted not less than 30 days prior to the termination of the storage, use or handling of hazardous materials. The fire code official is authorized to require that the application be accompanied by an approved facility closure plan in accordance with Section 5001.6.3.

5001.5.1 Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) . Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include a Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP). The HMMP shall include a facility site plan designating the following:

1. Access to each storage and use area.

2. Location of emergency equipment.

3. Location where liaison will meet emergency responders.

4. Facility evacuation meeting point locations.

5. The general purpose of other areas within the building.

6. Location of all above-ground and underground tanks and their appurtenances including, but not limited to, sumps, vaults, below-grade treatment systems and piping.

7. The hazard classes in each area.

8. Locations of all control areas and Group H occupancies.

9. Emergency exits.

[For SFM] The HMMP shall comply with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.

5001.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS). Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include an HMIS, such as Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA) Title III, Tier II Report or other approved statement. The HMIS shall include the following information:

1. Product name.

2. Component.

3. Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number.

4. Location where stored or used.

5. Container size.

6. Hazard classification.

7. Amount in storage.

8. Amount in use-closed systems.

9. Amount in use-open systems.

[For SFM] The HMIS shall comply with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.

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Facilities shall be placed out of service in accordance with Sections 5001.6.1 through 5001.6.3.

5001.6.1 Temporarily out-of-service facilities. Facilities that are temporarily out of service shall continue to maintain a permit and be monitored and inspected.

5001.6.2 Permanently out-of-service facilities. Facilities for which a permit is not kept current or is not monitored and inspected on a regular basis shall be deemed to be permanently out of service and shall be closed in an approved manner. Where required by the fire code official, permittees shall apply for approval to close permanently storage, use or handling facilities. The fire code official is authorized to require that such application be accompanied by an approved facility closure plan in accordance with Section 5001.6.3.

5001.6.3 Facility closure plan. Where a facility closure plan is required in accordance with Section 5001.5 to terminate storage, dispensing, handling or use of hazardous materials, it shall be submitted to the fire code official not less than 30 days prior to facility closure. The plan shall demonstrate that hazardous materials that are stored, dispensed, handled or used in the facility will be transported, disposed of or reused in a manner that eliminates the need for further maintenance and any threat to public health and safety.