Section 5303 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2025 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · California
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5303.1 Containers, cylinders and tanks. ¶
5303.1 Containers, cylinders and tanks. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall comply with this section. Compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks that are not designed for refillable use shall not be refilled after use of the original contents.
5303.2 Design and construction. ¶
5303.2 Design and construction. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be designed, fabricated, tested, marked with the specifications of manufacture and maintained in accordance with the regulations of DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100–185 or the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII.
5303.3 Pressure relief devices. ¶
5303.3 Pressure relief devices. Pressure relief devices shall be in accordance with Sections 5303.3.1 through 5303.3.5. 5303.3.1 Where required. Pressure relief devices shall be provided to protect containers, cylinders and tanks containing compressed gases from rupture in the event of overpressure. Exception: Cylinders, containers and tanks where exempt from the requirements for pressure relief devices specified by the standards of design listed in Section 5303.3.2. 5303.3.2 Design. Pressure relief devices to protect containers shall be designed and provided in accordance with CGA S-1.1, CGA…
5303.4 Marking. ¶
5303.4 Marking. Stationary and portable compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall be marked in accordance with Sections 5303.4.1 through 5303.4.3. 5303.4.1 Stationary compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks. Stationary compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be marked with the name of the gas and in accordance with Sections 5003.5 and 5003.6. Markings shall be visible from any direction of approach. 5303.4.2 Portable containers, cylinders and tanks. Portable compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be marked in accordance with CGA C-7.…
5303.5 Security. ¶
5303.5 Security. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall be secured against accidental dislodgement and against access by unauthorized personnel in accordance with Sections 5303.5.1 through 5303.5.3. 5303.5.1 Security of areas. Areas used for the storage, use and handling of compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall be secured against unauthorized entry and safeguarded in an approved manner. 5303.5.2 Physical protection. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems that could be exposed to physical damage shall be protected. Guard posts or…
5303.6 Valve protection. ¶
5303.6 Valve protection. Compressed gas container, cylinder and tank valves shall be protected from physical damage by means of protective caps, collars or similar devices in accordance with Sections 5303.6.1 and 5303.6.2. 5303.6.1 Compressed gas container, cylinder or tank protective caps or collars. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks designed for protective caps, collars or other protective devices shall have the caps or devices in place except when the containers, cylinders or tanks are in use or are being serviced or filled. 5303.6.2 Caps and plugs. Compressed gas containers,…
5303.7 Separation from hazardous conditions. ¶
5303.7 Separation from hazardous conditions. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks and systems in storage or use shall be separated from materials and conditions that pose exposure hazards to or from each other. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems in storage or use shall be separated in accordance with Sections 5303.7.1 through 5303.7.11.2. 5303.7.1 Incompatible materials. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be separated from each other based on the hazard class of their contents. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be separated…
5303.8 Wiring and equipment. ¶
5303.8 Wiring and equipment. Electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with the California Electrical Code . Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall not be located where they could become part of an electrical circuit. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall not be used for electrical grounding. on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER. COMPRESSED GASES
5303.9 Service and repair. ¶
5303.9 Service and repair. Service, repair, modification or removal of valves, pressure-relief devices or other compressed gas container, cylinder or tank appurtenances shall be performed by trained personnel.
5303.10 Unauthorized use. ¶
5303.10 Unauthorized use. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall not be used for any purpose other than to serve as a vessel for containing the product that it is designed to contain.
5303.11 Exposure to fire. ¶
5303.11 Exposure to fire. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks that have been exposed to fire shall be removed from service. Containers, cylinders and tanks so removed shall be handled by approved, qualified persons.
5303.12 Leaks, damage or corrosion. ¶
5303.12 Leaks, damage or corrosion. Leaking, damaged or corroded compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be removed from service. Leaking, damaged or corroded compressed gas systems shall be replaced or repaired in accordance with the following: 1. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks that have been removed from service shall be handled in an approved manner. 2. Compressed gas systems that are determined to be leaking, damaged or corroded shall be repaired to a serviceable condition or removed from service.
5303.13 Surface of unprotected storage or use areas. ¶
5303.13 Surface of unprotected storage or use areas. Unless otherwise specified in Section 5303.14, compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks are allowed to be stored or used without being placed under overhead cover. To prevent bottom corrosion, containers, cylinders and tanks shall be protected from direct contact with soil or unimproved surfaces. The surface of the area on which the containers are placed shall be graded to prevent accumulation of water.
5303.14 Overhead cover. ¶
5303.14 Overhead cover. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks are allowed to be stored or used in the sun except in locations where extreme temperatures prevail. Where extreme temperatures prevail, overhead covers shall be provided.
5303.15 Lighting. Approved lighting by natural or artificial means shall be provided. ¶
5303.15 Lighting. Approved lighting by natural or artificial means shall be provided.
5303.16 Vaults. ¶
5303.16 Vaults. Generation, compression, storage and dispensing equipment for compressed gases shall be allowed to be located in either above- or below-grade vaults complying with Sections 5303.16.1 through 5303.16.14. 5303.16.1 Listing required. Vaults shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, below-grade vaults are allowed to be constructed on site, provided that the design is in accordance with the California Building Code and that special inspections are conducted to verify structural strength and compliance of the…