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Chapter 51 — AEROSOLS

Section 5104 — INSIDE STORAGE OF AEROSOL PRODUCTS

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.

5104.1 General.

The inside storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products, aerosol cooking sprays and plastic aerosol 3 products shall comply with Sections 5104.2 through 5104.8 and NFPA 30B. Level 1 aerosol products and those aerosol products covered by Section 5104.1.1 shall be considered to be equivalent to a Class III commodity and shall comply with the requirements for palletized or rack storage in NFPA 13.

5104.1.1 Plastic aerosol 1 products. Aerosol products in plastic containers larger than 4 fluid ounces (118 ml), but not to exceed 33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml), shall be allowed only where in accordance with this section. The commodity classification shall be Class III commodities, as defined in NFPA 13 where any of the following conditions are met:

  1. Base product does not have a fire point where tested in accordance with ASTM D92, and nonflammable propellant.
  2. Base product does not sustain combustion as tested in accordance with DOTn 49 CFR Part 173, Appendix H, and nonflammable propellant.
  3. Base product contains up to 20 percent by volume (15.8 percent by weight) of ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or a combination thereof in an aqueous mix, and nonflammable propellant.
  4. Base product contains 4 percent by weight or less of an emulsified flammable liquefied gas propellant within an aqueous base. The propellant shall remain emulsified for the life of the product. Where such propellant is not permanently emulsified, the propellant shall be nonflammable.

5104.1.2 Plastic aerosol 3 products. Plastic aerosol 3 products shall be defined as those that meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Base product does not have a fire point where tested in accordance with ASTM D92, and there is not more than 10 percent by weight flammable propellant.
  2. Base product does not sustain combustion as tested in accordance with DOTn 49 CFR 173, Appendix H, and there is not more than 10 percent by weight flammable propellant.
  3. Base product contains 50 percent by volume or less of flammable or combustible water-miscible alcohols in an aqueous mix, and there is not more than 10 percent by weight of flammable propellant.

5104.1.3 Plastic aerosol X products. Plastic aerosol X products are those products, in containers larger than 4 fluid ounces (118 ml), that do not meet the criteria provided in Section 5104.1.1 or 5104.1.2.

5104.1.3.1 Storage, use or handling. The storage, use or handling of plastic aerosol X products shall be prohibited.

5104.2 Storage in Groups A, B, E, F, I and R.

Storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products in occupancies in Groups A, B, E, F, I and R shall be limited to the following maximum quantities:

  1. A net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 aerosol products.
  2. A net weight of 500 pounds (227 kg) of Level 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products.
  3. A combined net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products.

The maximum quantity shall be increased 100 percent where the excess quantity is stored in storage cabinets in accordance with Section 5704.3.2.

5104.2.1 Excess storage. Storage of quantities exceeding the maximum quantities indicated in Section 5104.2 shall be stored in separate inside flammable liquid storage rooms in accordance with Section 5104.5.

5104.2.2 Aerosol cooking spray products. Storage of aerosol cooking spray products in Group A, B, E, F, I and R occupancies shall not be more than 1,000 pounds (454 kg) net weight.

5104.3 Storage in general purpose warehouses.

Aerosol product storage in general purpose warehouses utilized only for warehousing-type operations involving mixed commodities shall comply with Section 5104.3.1, 5104.3.2. or 5104.3.3.

5104.3.1 Nonsegregated storage. Storage consisting of solid pile, palletized or rack storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products not segregated into areas utilized exclusively for the storage of aerosol products shall comply with Table 5104.3.1.

TABLE 5104.3.1—NONSEGREGATED STORAGE OF LEVEL 2 AND 3 AEROSOL
AND PLASTIC AEROSOL 3 PRODUCTS IN GENERAL PURPOSE WAREHOUSESb

AEROSOL LEVEL MAXIMUM NET WEIGHT PER FLOOR (pounds)b MAXIMUM NET WEIGHT PER FLOOR (pounds)b MAXIMUM NET WEIGHT PER FLOOR (pounds)b MAXIMUM NET WEIGHT PER FLOOR (pounds)b
AEROSOL LEVEL Palletized or solid-pile storage Palletized or solid-pile storage Rack storage Rack storage
AEROSOL LEVEL Unprotected Protecteda Unprotected Protecteda
2 2,500 12,000 2,500 24,000
3 1,000 12,000 1,000 24,000
Combination 2 and 3 2,500 12,000 2,500 24,000
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. Approved automatic sprinkler system protection and storage arrangements shall comply with NFPA 30B. Sprinkler system protection shall extend 20 feet beyond the storage
area containing the aerosol products.
b. Storage quantities indicated are the maximum permitted in any 50,000-square-foot area.

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5104.3.2 Segregated storage. Storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products segregated into areas utilized exclusively for the storage of aerosol products shall comply with Table 5104.3.2 and Sections 5104.3.2.1 and 5104.3.2.2.

TABLE 5104.3.2—SEGREGATED STORAGE OF LEVEL 2 AND 3 AEROSOL PRODUCTS
AND PLASTIC AEROSOL 3 PRODUCTS IN GENERAL PURPOSE WAREHOUSES

STORAGE SEPARATION MAXIMUM SEGREGATED STORAGE AREAa MAXIMUM SEGREGATED STORAGE AREAa AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
STORAGE SEPARATION Percentage of building area
(percent)		 Area limitation
(square feet)		 Area limitation
(square feet)
Separation areae, f 15 20,000 Notes b, c
Chain-link fence enclosured 20 20,000 Notes b, c
1-hour fire-resistance-rated interior walls 20 30,000 Note b
2-hour fire-resistance-rated interior walls 25 40,000 Note b
3-hour fire-resistance-rated interior walls 30 50,000 Note b
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. The maximum segregated storage area shall be limited to the smaller of the two areas resulting from the percentage of building area limitation and the area limitation.
b. Automatic sprinkler system protection in aerosol product storage areas shall comply with NFPA 30B and be approved. Building areas not containing aerosol product storage
shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
c. Automatic sprinkler system protection in aerosol product storage areas shall comply with NFPA 30B and be approved. Sprinkler system protection shall extend a minimum 20
feet beyond the aerosol storage area.
d. Chain-link fence enclosures shall comply with Section 5104.3.2.1.
e. A separation area shall be defined as an area extending outward from the periphery of the segregated aerosol product storage area as follows:
1. The limits of the aerosol product storage shall be clearly marked on the floor.
2. The separation distance shall be not less than 25 feet and maintained clear of all materials with a commodity classification greater than Class III in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1.
f. Separation areas shall only be permitted where approved.

5104.3.2.1 Chain-link fence enclosures. Chain-link fence enclosures required by Table 5104.3.2 shall comply with the following:

  1. The fence shall be not less than No. 9 gage steel wire, woven into a maximum 2-inch (51 mm) diamond mesh.
  2. The fence shall be installed from the floor to the underside of the roof or ceiling above.
  3. Class IV and high-hazard commodities shall be stored outside of the aerosol storage area and not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) from the fence.
  4. Access openings in the fence shall be provided with either self- or automatic-closing devices or a labyrinth opening arrangement preventing aerosol containers from rocketing through the access openings.
  5. Not less than two means of egress shall be provided from the fenced enclosure.

5104.3.2.2 Aisles. The minimum aisle requirements for segregated storage in general purpose warehouses shall comply with Table 5104.3.2.2.

TABLE 5104.3.2.2—SEGREGATED STORAGE AISLE WIDTHS AND DISTANCE TO AISLES IN GENERAL PURPOSE WAREHOUSES

STORAGE
CONDITION		 MINIMUM AISLE WIDTH
(feet)		 MAXIMUM DISTANCE
FROM STORAGE TO AISLE
(feet)
Solid pile or palletizeda 4 feet between piles 25
Racks with ESFR sprinklersa 4 feet between racks and adjacent Level 2 and 3 aerosol product storage 25
Racks without ESFR sprinklersa 8 feet between racks and adjacent Level 2 and 3 aerosol product storage 25
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Sprinklers shall comply with NFPA 30B.

5104.3.3 Aerosol cooking spray products. Solid pile, palletized or rack storage of aerosol cooking spray products in a general purpose warehouse shall not be more than 2,500 pounds (1135 kg) net weight, unless protected in accordance with NFPA 30B.

5104.4 Storage in aerosol product warehouses.

The total quantity of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products, aerosol cooking sprays and plastic aerosol 3 products in a warehouse utilized for the storage, shipping and receiving of aerosol products shall not be restricted in structures complying with Sections 5104.4.1 through 5104.4.4.

5104.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. Aerosol product warehouses shall be protected by an approved wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 30B. Sprinkler protection shall be designed based on the highest classification level of aerosol product present.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

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5104.4.2 Pile and palletized storage aisles. Solid pile and palletized storage shall be arranged so the maximum travel distance to an aisle is 25 feet (7620 mm). Aisles shall have a minimum width of 4 feet (1219 mm).

5104.4.3 Rack storage aisles. Rack storage shall be arranged with a minimum aisle width of 8 feet (2438 mm) between rows of racks and 8 feet (2438 mm) between racks and adjacent solid pile or palletized storage. Where early suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinklers provide automatic sprinkler protection, the minimum aisle width shall be 4 feet (1219 mm).

5104.4.4 Combustible commodities. Combustible commodities other than flammable and combustible liquids shall be permitted to be stored in an aerosol product warehouse.

Exception: Flammable and combustible liquids in 1-quart (946 ml) metal containers and smaller shall be permitted to be stored in an aerosol product warehouse.

5104.5 Storage in inside flammable liquid storage rooms.

Inside flammable liquid storage rooms shall comply with Section 5704.3.7. The maximum quantities of aerosol products shall comply with Section 5104.5.1 or 5104.5.2.

5104.5.1 Storage rooms of 500 square feet or less. The storage of aerosol products in flammable liquid storage rooms less than or equal to 500 square feet (46 m [2] ) in area shall not exceed the following quantities:

  1. A net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 aerosol products.
  2. A net weight of 500 pounds (227 kg) of Level 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products.
  3. A combined net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products.

5104.5.2 Storage rooms greater than 500 square feet. The storage of aerosol products in flammable liquid storage rooms greater than 500 square feet (46 m [2] ) in area shall not exceed the following quantities:

  1. A net weight of 2,500 pounds (1135 kg) of Level 2 aerosol products.
  2. A net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 3 aerosol products.
  3. A combined net weight of 2,500 pounds (1135 kg) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products.

The maximum aggregate storage quantity of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products permitted in separate inside storage rooms protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 30B shall be 5,000 pounds (2270 kg).

5104.6 Storage in liquid warehouses.

The storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products in liquid warehouses shall comply with NFPA 30B. The storage shall be located within segregated storage areas in accordance with Section 5104.3.2 and Sections 5104.6.1 through 5104.6.3.

5104.6.1 Containment. Spill control or drainage shall be provided to prevent the flow of liquid to within 8 feet (2438 mm) of the segregated storage area.

5104.6.2 Sprinkler design. Sprinkler protection shall be designed based on the highest level of aerosol product present.

5104.6.3 Opening protection into segregated storage areas. Fire doors or gates opening into the segregated storage area shall either be self-closing or provided with automatic-closing devices activated by sprinkler water flow or an approved fire detection system.

5104.7 Storage in Group M occupancies.

Storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products, aerosol cooking spray products and plastic aerosol 3 products in occupancies in Group M shall comply with Table 5104.7. Retail display shall comply with Section 5106.

TABLE 5104.7—MAXIMUM QUANTITIES OF LEVEL 2 AND 3 AEROSOL PRODUCTS,
AEROSOL COOKING SPRAY PRODUCTS AND PLASTIC AEROSOL 3 PRODUCTS IN RETAIL STORAGE AREAS
MAXIMUM NET WEIGHT PER FLOOR (pounds)
Floor Nonsegregated storagea, b Segregated storage Segregated storage
Floor Nonsegregated storagea, b Storage cabinetsb Separated from retail areac
Basement Not Permitted Not Permitted Not Permitted
Ground 2,500 5,000 Note d
Upper 500 1,000 Note d
For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. The total aggregate quantity on display and in storage shall not exceed the maximum retail display quantity indicated in Section 5106.3.
b. Storage quantities indicated are the maximum permitted in any 50,000-square-foot area.
c. The storage area shall be separated from the retail area with a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated assembly.
d. See Table 5104.3.2.

5104.8 Storage of aerosol cooking spray products.

Aerosol cooking spray products shall be permitted to be stored in a general purpose warehouse.

5104.8.1 Mixed storage. Where aerosol cooking spray products are mixed with other higher-hazard aerosol products, the provided isolation, storage height restrictions and protection shall be based on the highest-hazard aerosol product present.

5104.8.2 Storage conditions. The storage and handling of aerosol cooking spray products shall comply with this chapter and NFPA 30B.

51-6 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
    Overview
    1. Section 5101 — GENERAL
    2. Section 5102 — DEFINITIONS
    3. Section 5103 — CLASSIFICATION OF AEROSOL PRODUCTS
    4. Section 5104 — INSIDE STORAGE OF AEROSOL PRODUCTS
    5. Section 5105 — OUTSIDE STORAGE
    6. Section 5106 — RETAIL DISPLAY
    7. Section 5107 — MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
  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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