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Chapter 50 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 5005 — USE, DISPENSING AND HANDLING

2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

5005.1 General.

Use, dispensing and handling of hazardous materials in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 5005. Use, dispensing and handling of hazardous materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001 and 5003.

5005.1.1 Separation of incompatible materials. Separation of incompatible materials shall be in accordance with Section 5003.9.8.

5005.1.2 Noncombustible floor. Except for surfacing, floors of areas where liquid or solid hazardous materials are dispensed or used in open systems shall be of noncombustible, liquid-tight construction.

5005.1.3 Spill control and secondary containment for hazardous material liquids. Where required by other provisions of Section 5005, spill control and secondary containment shall be provided for hazardous material liquids in accordance with Section 5004.2.

5005.1.4 Limit controls. Limit controls shall be provided in accordance with Sections 5005.1.4.1 through 5005.1.4.4.

5005.1.4.1 High-liquid-level control. Open tanks in which liquid hazardous materials are used shall be equipped with a liquid-level limit control or other means to prevent overfilling of the tank.

5005.1.4.2 Low-liquid-level control. Approved safeguards shall be provided to prevent a low-liquid level in a tank from creating a hazardous condition, including but not limited to, overheating of a tank or its contents.

5005.1.4.3 Temperature control. Temperature control shall be provided in accordance with Section 5004.8.1.

5005.1.4.4 Pressure control. Pressure control shall be provided in accordance with Section 5004.8.2.

5005.1.5 Standby or emergency power. Where mechanical ventilation, treatment systems, temperature control, manual alarm, detection or other electrically operated systems are required by this code, such systems shall be provided with emergency or standby power in accordance with Section 1203.

5005.1.5.1 Exempt applications. Standby power for mechanical ventilation, treatment systems and temperature control systems shall not be required where an approved fail-safe engineered system is installed.

5005.1.6 Supervision and monitoring. Manual alarm, detection and automatic fire-extinguishing systems required by other provisions of Section 5005 shall be electrically supervised and monitored by an approved supervisory service or, where approved, shall initiate an audible and visual signal at a constantly attended on-site location.

5005.1.7 Lighting. Adequate lighting by natural or artificial means shall be provided.

5005.1.8 Fire protection systems. Indoor rooms or areas in which hazardous materials are dispensed or used shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Chapter 9. Sprinkler system design shall be not less than that required for Ordinary Hazard, Group 2, with a minimum design area of 3,000 square feet (279 m [2] ). Where the materials or storage arrangement are required by other regulations to be provided with a higher level of sprinkler system protection, the higher level of sprinkler system protection shall be provided.

5005.1.9 Ventilation. Indoor dispensing and use areas shall be provided with exhaust ventilation in accordance with Section 5004.3.

Exception: Ventilation is not required for dispensing and use of flammable solids other than finely divided particles.

5005.1.10 Liquid transfer. Liquids having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 shall be transferred by one of the following methods:

  1. From safety cans complying with UL 30.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

  1. Through an approved closed piping system.
  2. From containers or tanks by an approved pump taking suction through an opening in the top of the container or tank.
  3. From containers or tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing or automatic-closing valve where the container or tank and dispensing operations are provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2. Highly toxic liquids shall not be dispensed by gravity from tanks.
  4. Approved engineered liquid transfer systems.

Exceptions:

  1. Liquids having a hazard ranking of 4 where dispensed from approved containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).
  2. Liquids having a hazard ranking of 3 where dispensed from approved containers not exceeding 5.3 gallons (20 L).

5005.1.11 Design. Systems shall be suitable for the use intended and shall be designed by persons competent in such design. Controls shall be designed to prevent materials from entering or leaving the process or reaction system at other than the intended time, rate or path. Where failure of an automatic control could result in a dangerous condition or reaction, the automatic control shall be fail-safe.

5005.1.12 Emergency isolation. Where gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of Health Class 3 or 4, Flammability Class 4 or Instability Class 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103 kPa), an approved means of leak detection and emergency shutoff or excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping originates from within a hazardous material storage room or area, the excess flow control shall be located within the storage room or area. Where the piping originates from a bulk source, the excess flow control shall be located as close to the bulk source as practical.

Exceptions:

  1. Piping for inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
  2. Piping for pressure relief devices.

5005.2 Indoor dispensing and use.

Indoor dispensing and use of hazardous materials shall be in buildings complying with the Cali- fornia Building Code and in accordance with Section 5005.1 and Sections 5005.2.1 through 5005.2.2.4.

5005.2.1 Open systems. Dispensing and use of hazardous materials in open containers or systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5005.2.1.1 through 5005.2.1.4.

5005.2.1.1 Ventilation. Where gases, liquids or solids having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 are dispensed or used, mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided to capture gases, fumes, mists or vapors at the point of generation.

Exception: Gases, liquids or solids that can be demonstrated not to create harmful gases, fumes, mists or vapors.

5005.2.1.2 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided in accordance with Section 5004.6 where an explosive environment can occur because of the characteristics or nature of the hazardous materials dispensed or used, or as a result of the dispensing or use process.

5005.2.1.3 Spill control for hazardous material liquids. Buildings, rooms or areas where hazardous material liquids are dispensed into vessels exceeding a 1.3-gallon (5 L) capacity or used in open systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity shall be provided with spill control in accordance with Section 5004.2.1.

5005.2.1.4 Secondary containment for hazardous material liquids. Where required by Table 5005.2.1.4, buildings, rooms or areas where hazardous material liquids are dispensed or used in open systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.2 where the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following:

  1. Individual vessel or system: greater than 1.3 gallons (5 L).
  2. Multiple vessels or systems: greater than 5.3 gallons (20 L).

TABLE 5005.2.1.4—REQUIRED SECONDARY CONTAINMENT—HAZARDOUS MATERIAL LIQUIDS USE

MATERIAL INDOOR LIQUIDS USE OUTDOOR LIQUIDS USE OUTDOOR LIQUIDS USE
1. Physical-hazard materials 1. Physical-hazard materials 1. Physical-hazard materials 1. Physical-hazard materials
Combustible liquids Class II See Chapter 57 See Chapter 57
Combustible liquids Class IIIA See Chapter 57 See Chapter 57
Combustible liquids Class IIIB See Chapter 57 See Chapter 57
Cryogenic fluids Cryogenic fluids See Chapter 55 See Chapter 55
Explosives Explosives See Chapter 56 See Chapter 56
Flammable liquids Class IA See Chapter 57 See Chapter 57
Flammable liquids Class IB See Chapter 57 See Chapter 57
Flammable liquids Class IC See Chapter 57 See Chapter 57

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

TABLE 5005.2.1.4—REQUIRED SECONDARY CONTAINMENT—HAZARDOUS MATERIAL LIQUIDS USE—continued

MATERIAL INDOOR LIQUIDS USE OUTDOOR LIQUIDS USE OUTDOOR LIQUIDS USE
Flammable solids Flammable solids Not Applicable Not Applicable
Organic peroxides Unclassified Detonable Required Required
Organic peroxides Class I Required Required
Organic peroxides Class II Class II Class II
Organic peroxides Class III Class III Class III
Organic peroxides Class IV Class IV Class IV
Organic peroxides Class V Not Required Not Required
Oxidizers Class 4 Required Required
Oxidizers Class 3 Class 3 Class 3
Oxidizers Class 2 Class 2 Class 2
Oxidizers Class 1 Class 1 Class 1
Pyrophorics Pyrophorics Required Required
Unstable (reactives) Class 4 Required Required
Unstable (reactives) Class 3 Class 3 Class 3
Unstable (reactives) Class 2 Class 2 Class 2
Unstable (reactives) Class 1 Not Required Required
Water reactives Class 3 Required Required
Water reactives Class 2 Class 2 Class 2
Water reactives Class 1 Not Required Required
2. Health-hazard materials 2. Health-hazard materials 2. Health-hazard materials 2. Health-hazard materials
Corrosives Corrosives Required Required
Highly toxics Highly toxics Highly toxics Highly toxics
Toxics Toxics Toxics Toxics

5005.2.2 Closed systems. Use of hazardous materials in closed containers or systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5005.2.2.1 through 5005.2.2.4.

5005.2.2.1 Ventilation. Where closed systems are designed to be opened as part of normal operations, ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 5005.2.1.1.

5005.2.2.2 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided in accordance with Section 5004.6 where an explosive environment exists because of the hazardous materials dispensed or used, or as a result of the dispensing or use process.

Exception: Where process vessels are designed to contain fully the worst-case explosion anticipated within the vessel under process conditions based on the most likely failure.

5005.2.2.3 Spill control for hazardous material liquids. Buildings, rooms or areas where hazardous material liquids are used in individual vessels exceeding a 55-gallon (208 L) capacity shall be provided with spill control in accordance with Section 5004.2.1.

5005.2.2.4 Secondary containment for hazardous material liquids. Where required by Table 5005.2.1.4, buildings, rooms or areas where hazardous material liquids are used in vessels or systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.2 where the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following:

  1. Individual vessel or system: greater than 55 gallons (208 L).
  2. Multiple vessels or systems: greater than 1,000 gallons (3785 L).

5005.3 Outdoor dispensing and use.

Dispensing and use of hazardous materials outdoors shall be in accordance with Sections 5005.3.1 through 5005.3.9.

5005.3.1 Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. Outdoor dispensing or use of hazardous materials, in either closed or open containers or systems, in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(3) and 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 5005.1 and 5005.3.

5005.3.2 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. Outdoor dispensing or use of hazardous materials, in either closed or open containers or systems, in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(3) and 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001 and 5003.

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS

5005.3.3 Outdoor location. Outdoor dispensing and use areas for hazardous materials shall be located as required by Section 5003.12 except where material-specific requirements, including requirements in referenced standards, are provided in other chapters of this code.

5005.3.4 Spill control for hazardous material liquids in open systems. Outdoor areas where hazardous material liquids are dispensed in vessels exceeding a 1.3-gallon (5 L) capacity or used in open systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity shall be provided with spill control in accordance with Section 5004.2.1.

5005.3.5 Secondary containment for hazardous material liquids in open systems. Where required by Table 5005.2.1.4, outdoor areas where hazardous material liquids are dispensed or used in open systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.2 where the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following:

  1. Individual vessel or system: greater than 1.3 gallons (5 L).
  2. Multiple vessels or systems: greater than 5.3 gallons (20 L).

5005.3.6 Spill control for hazardous material liquids in closed systems. Outdoor areas where hazardous material liquids are used in closed systems exceeding 55 gallons (208 L) shall be provided with spill control in accordance with Section 5004.2.1.

5005.3.7 Secondary containment for hazardous material liquids in closed systems. Where required by Table 5005.2.1.4, outdoor areas where hazardous material liquids are dispensed or used in closed systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.2 where the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following:

  1. Individual vessel or system: greater than 55 gallons (208 L).
  2. Multiple vessels or systems: greater than 1,000 gallons (3785 L).

rdous material liquids are dispensed or used in closed systems shall be provided with secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.2 where the capacity of an individual vessel or system or the capacity of multiple vessels or systems exceeds the following:

  1. Individual vessel or system: greater than 55 gallons (208 L).
  2. Multiple vessels or systems: greater than 1,000 gallons (3785 L).

5005.3.8 Clearance from combustibles. The area surrounding an outdoor dispensing or use area shall be kept clear of combustible materials and vegetation for a minimum distance of 30 feet (9144 mm).

5005.3.9 Weather protection. Where overhead noncombustible construction is provided for sheltering outdoor hazardous material use areas, such use shall not be considered indoor use where the area is constructed in accordance with the requirements for weather protection as required in the California Building Code .

Exception: Use of explosive materials shall be considered as indoor use.

5005.4 Handling.

Handling of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with Sections 5005.4.1 through 5005.4.4.

5005.4.1 Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. Handling of hazardous materials in indoor and outdoor locations in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(1) through 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 5005.1 and 5005.4.

5005.4.2 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. Handling of hazardous materials in indoor locations in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(1) and 5003.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 5005.1. Handling of hazardous materials in outdoor locations in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Tables 5003.1.1(3) and 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001 and 5003.

5005.4.3 Outdoor location. Outdoor handling areas for hazardous materials shall be located as required by Section 5003.12 except where material-specific requirements, including requirements in referenced standards, are provided in other chapters of this code.

5005.4.4 Dispensing, use and handling. Where hazardous materials having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 are transported through corridors, interior exit stairways or ramps or exit passageways, there shall be an emergency telephone system, a local manual alarm station or an approved alarm-initiating device at not more than 150-foot (45 720 mm) intervals and at each exit and exit access doorway throughout the transport route. The signal shall be relayed to an approved central, proprietary or remote station service or constantly attended on-site location and shall initiate a local audible alarm.

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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 51 – AEROSOLS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CG
SFM HCD DSA OSHPD BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CG
T-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Adopt Entire Chapter X
Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)
Adopt only those sections that
are listed below
[California Code of Regulations,
Title 19, Division 1]
Chapter / Section
  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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51-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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Contents — 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)
2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)
  1. Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
  4. Chapter 4 — EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
  5. Chapter 5 — FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
  6. Chapter 6 — BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
  7. Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
  8. Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHI…
  9. Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
  10. Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
  11. Chapter 11 — CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
  12. Chapter 12 — ENERGY SYSTEMS
  13. Chapter 20 — AVIATION FACILITIES
  14. Chapter 21 — DRY CLEANING
  15. Chapter 22 — COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCING OPERATIONS
  16. Chapter 23 — MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES
  17. Chapter 24 — FLAMMABLE FINISHES
  18. Chapter 25 — FRUIT AND CROP RIPENING
  19. Chapter 26 — FUMIGATION AND INSECTICIDAL FOGGING
  20. Chapter 27 — SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION FACILITIES
  21. Chapter 28 — LUMBER YARDS AND AGRO-INDUSTRIAL, SOLID BIOMASS A…
  22. Chapter 29 — MANUFACTURE OF ORGANIC COATINGS
  23. Chapter 30 — INDUSTRIAL OVENS
  24. Chapter 31 — TENTS, TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT STRUCTURES AND OTH…
  25. Chapter 32 — HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
  26. Chapter 33 — FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
  27. Chapter 34 — TIRE REBUILDING AND TIRE STORAGE
  28. Chapter 35 — WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK
  29. Chapter 36 — MARINAS
  30. Chapter 37 — COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS
  31. Chapter 38 — RESERVED
  32. Chapter 39 — PROCESSING AND EXTRACTION FACILITIES
  33. Chapter 40 — STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES
  34. Chapter 41 — TEMPORARY HEATING AND COOKING OPERATIONS
  35. Chapter 48 — MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO S…
  36. Chapter 49 — REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AR…
  37. Chapter 50 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS
  38. Chapter 51 — AEROSOLS
  39. Chapter 52 — RESERVED
  40. Chapter 53 — COMPRESSED GASES
  41. Chapter 54 — CORROSIVE MATERIALS
  42. Chapter 55 — CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
  43. Chapter 56 — EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS
  44. Chapter 57 — FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
  45. Chapter 58 — FLAMMABLE GASES AND FLAMMABLE CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
  46. Chapter 59 — FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
  47. Chapter 60 — HIGHLY TOXIC AND TOXIC MATERIALS
  48. Chapter 61 — LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
  49. Chapter 62 — ORGANIC PEROXIDES
  50. Chapter 63 — OXIDIZERS, OXIDIZING GASES AND OXIDIZING CRYOGENI…
  51. Chapter 64 — PYROPHORIC MATERIALS
  52. Chapter 65 — PYROXYLIN (CELLULOSE NITRATE) PLASTICS
  53. Chapter 66 — UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIALS
  54. Chapter 67 — WATER-REACTIVE SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS
  55. Chapter 80 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  56. Appendix Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON US…
  57. Appendix A — BOARD OF APPEALS
  58. Appendix B — FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
  59. Appendix BB — FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
  60. Appendix C — FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION
  61. Appendix CC — FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION
  62. Appendix D — FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS
  63. Appendix E — HAZARD CATEGORIES
  64. Appendix F — HAZARD RANKING
  65. Appendix G — CRYOGENIC FLUIDS—WEIGHT AND VOLUME EQUIVALENTS
  66. Appendix H — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLANS AND HAZARDOU…
  67. Appendix I — FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS—NONCOMPLIANT CONDITIONS
  68. Appendix J — BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN
  69. Appendix K — CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY…
  70. Appendix L — REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER AIR REPLENISHMENT SY…
  71. Appendix M — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS—RETROACTIVE AUTOMATIC SPRINKL…
  72. Appendix N — INDOOR TRADE SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS
  73. Appendix O — VALET TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION IN GROUP R-2…
  74. Appendix P — TEMPORARY HAUNTED HOUSES, GHOST WALKS AND SIMILAR…
  75. Appendix Q — COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZ…

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