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Chapter 55 — CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

Section 5504 — STORAGE

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.

5504.1 General. Storage of containers shall comply with this section.

5504.2 Indoor storage.

Indoor storage of containers shall be in accordance with Sections 5504.2.1 through 5504.2.2.3.

5504.2.1 Stationary containers. Stationary containers shall be installed in accordance with the provisions applicable to the type of fluid stored and this section.

5504.2.1.1 Containers. Stationary containers shall comply with Section 5503.1.

5504.2.1.2 Construction of indoor areas. Cryogenic fluids in stationary containers stored indoors shall be located in buildings, rooms or areas constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .

5504.2.1.3 Ventilation. Storage areas for stationary containers shall be ventilated in accordance with the California Mechani- cal Code .

5504.2.2 Portable containers. Indoor storage of portable containers shall comply with the provisions applicable to the type of fluid stored and Sections 5504.2.2.1 through 5504.2.2.3.

5504.2.2.1 Containers. Portable containers shall comply with Section 5503.1.

5504.2.2.2 Construction of indoor areas. Cryogenic fluids in portable containers stored indoors shall be stored in buildings, rooms or areas constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .

5504.2.2.3 Ventilation. Storage areas shall be ventilated in accordance with the California Mechanical Code .

5504.3 Outdoor storage.

Outdoor storage of containers shall be in accordance with Sections 5504.3.1 through 5504.3.1.2.3.

5504.3.1 Separation from hazardous conditions. Cryogenic containers and systems in outdoor storage shall be separated from materials and conditions that pose exposure hazards to or from each other in accordance with Sections 5504.3.1.1 through 5504.3.1.1.5.

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

CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

5504.3.1.1 Stationary containers. Stationary containers shall be separated from exposure hazards in accordance with the provisions applicable to the type of fluid contained and the minimum separation distances indicated in Table 5504.3.1.1.

TABLE 5504.3.1.1—SEPARATION OF STATIONARY CONTAINERS FROM EXPOSURE HAZARDS

EXPOSURE MINIMUM DISTANCE
(feet)
Air intakes 10
Building exits 10
Buildings, regardless of construction type 1
Combustible materials such as paper, leaves, weeds, dry grass or debris 15
Lot lines 5
Nonambulatory patient areas 50
Other hazardous materials In accordance with Chapter 50
Places of public assembly 50
Wall openings 1
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

5504.3.1.1.1 Point-of-fill connections. Remote transfer points and fill connection points shall not be positioned closer to exposures than the minimum distances required for stationary containers.

5504.3.1.1.2 Surfaces beneath containers. Containers shall be placed on surfaces that are compatible with the fluid in the container.

5504.3.1.1.3 Location. Containers of cryogenic fluids shall not be located within diked areas containing other hazardous materials.

5504.3.1.1.4 Areas subject to flooding. Stationary containers located in areas subject to flooding shall be securely anchored or elevated to prevent the containers from separating from foundations or supports.

5504.3.1.1.5 Drainage. The area surrounding stationary containers shall be provided with a means to prevent accidental discharge of fluids from endangering personnel, containers, equipment and adjacent structures or to enter enclosed spaces. The stationary container shall not be placed where spilled or discharged fluids will be retained around the container.

Exception: These provisions shall not apply where it is determined by the fire code official that the container does not constitute a hazard, after consideration of special features such as crushed rock utilized as a heat sink, topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, proximity to structures on the same or adjacent property, and the capacity and construction of containers and character of fluids to be stored.

5504.3.1.2 Outdoor storage of portable containers. Outdoor storage of portable containers shall comply with Section 5503 and Sections 5504.3.1.2.1 through 5504.3.1.2.3.

5504.3.1.2.1 Exposure hazard separation. Portable containers in outdoor storage shall be separated from exposure hazards in accordance with Table 5504.3.1.2.1.

TABLE 5504.3.1.2.1—SEPARATION OF PORTABLE CONTAINERS FROM EXPOSURE HAZARDS

EXPOSURE MINIMUM DISTANCE
(feet)
Air intakes 10
Building exits 10
Combustible materials such as paper, leaves, weeds, dry grass or debris 15
Lot lines 5
Other hazardous materials In accordance with Chapter 50
Wall openings 1
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

5504.3.1.2.2 Surfaces beneath containers. The surface of the area on which stationary containers are placed, including the surface of the area located below the point where connections are made for the purpose of filling such containers, shall be compatible with the fluid in the container.

55-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

5504.3.1.2.3 Drainage. The area surrounding portable containers shall be provided with a means to prevent accidental discharge of fluids from endangering adjacent containers, buildings, equipment or adjoining property.

Exception: These provisions shall not apply where it is determined by the fire code official that the container does not constitute a hazard.

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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
    Overview
    1. Section 5501 — GENERAL
    2. Section 5502 — DEFINITIONS
    3. Section 5503 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
    4. Section 5504 — STORAGE
    5. Section 5505 — USE AND HANDLING
  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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