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Chapter 55 — CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

Section 5505 — USE 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.

5505.1 General.

Use and handling of cryogenic fluid containers and systems shall comply with Sections 5505.1.1 through 5505.5.2.

5505.1.1 Cryogenic fluid systems. Cryogenic fluid systems shall be suitable for the use intended and designed by persons competent in such design. Equipment, machinery and processes shall be listed or approved.

5505.1.2 Piping systems. Piping, tubing, valves and joints and fittings conveying cryogenic fluids shall be installed in accordance with the material-specific provisions of Section 5501.1 and Sections 5505.1.2.1 through 5505.1.2.6.

5505.1.2.1 Design and construction. Piping systems shall be suitable for the use intended through the full range of pressure and temperature to which they will be subjected. Piping systems shall be designed and constructed to provide adequate allowance for expansion, contraction, vibration, settlement and fire exposure.

5505.1.2.2 Joints. Joints on container piping and tubing shall be threaded, welded, silver brazed or flanged.

5505.1.2.3 Valves and accessory equipment. Valves and accessory equipment shall be suitable for the intended use at the temperatures of the application and shall be designed and constructed to withstand the maximum pressure at the minimum temperature to which they will be subjected.

5505.1.2.3.1 Shutoff valves on containers. Shutoff valves shall be provided on all container connections except for pressure relief devices. Shutoff valves shall be provided with access thereto and located as close as practical to the container.

5505.1.2.3.2 Shutoff valves on piping. Shutoff valves shall be installed in piping containing cryogenic fluids where needed to limit the volume of liquid discharged in the event of piping or equipment failure. Pressure relief valves shall be installed where liquid is capable of being trapped between shutoff valves in the piping system (see Section 5503.2).

5505.1.2.4 Physical protection and support. Piping systems shall be supported and protected from physical damage. Piping passing through walls shall be protected from mechanical damage.

5505.1.2.5 Corrosion protection. Above-ground piping that is subject to corrosion because of exposure to corrosive atmospheres, shall be constructed of materials to resist the corrosive environment or otherwise protected against corrosion. Belowground piping shall be protected against corrosion.

5505.1.2.6 Testing. Piping systems shall be tested and proven free of leaks after installation as required by the standards to which they were designed and constructed. Test pressures shall be not less than 150 percent of the maximum allowable working pressure where hydraulic testing is conducted or 110 percent where testing is conducted pneumatically.

5505.2 Indoor use.

Indoor use of cryogenic fluids shall comply with the material-specific provisions of Section 5501.1.

5505.3 Outdoor use.

Outdoor use of cryogenic fluids shall comply with the material specific provisions of Sections 5501.1, 5505.3.1 and 5505.3.2.

5505.3.1 Separation. Distances from lot lines, buildings and exposure hazards shall comply with Section 5504.3 and the materialspecific provisions of Section 5501.1.

5505.3.2 Emergency shutoff valves. Manual or automatic emergency shutoff valves shall be provided to shut off the cryogenic fluid supply in case of emergency. An emergency shutoff valve shall be located at the source of supply and at the point where the system enters the building.

5505.4 Filling and dispensing.

Filling and dispensing of cryogenic fluids shall comply with Sections 5505.4.1 through 5505.4.3.

5505.4.1 Dispensing areas. Dispensing of cryogenic fluids with physical or health hazards shall be conducted in approved locations. Dispensing indoors shall be conducted in areas constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .

5505.4.1.1 Ventilation. Indoor areas where cryogenic fluids are dispensed shall be ventilated in accordance with the requirements of the California Mechanical Code in a manner that captures any vapor at the point of generation.

Exception: Cryogenic fluids that can be demonstrated not to create harmful vapors.

5505.4.1.2 Piping systems. Piping systems utilized for filling or dispensing of cryogenic fluids shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 5505.1.2.

5505.4.2 Vehicle loading and unloading areas. Loading or unloading areas shall be conducted in an approved manner in accordance with the standards referenced in Section 5501.1.

5505.4.3 Limit controls. Limit controls shall be provided to prevent overfilling of stationary containers during filling operations.

5505.5 Handling.

Handling of cryogenic containers shall comply with Sections 5505.5.1 and 5505.5.2.

5505.5.1 Carts and trucks. Cryogenic containers shall be moved using an approved method. Where cryogenic containers are moved by hand cart, hand truck or other mobile device, such carts, trucks or devices shall be designed for the secure movement of the container.

Carts and trucks used to transport cryogenic containers shall be designed to provide a stable base for the commodities to be transported and shall have a means of restraining containers to prevent accidental dislodgement.

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

CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

5505.5.2 Closed containers. Pressurized containers shall be transported in a closed condition. Containers designed for use at atmospheric conditions shall be transported with appropriate loose-fitting covers in place to prevent spillage.

55-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 56 – EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS

(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
Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)		 X
Adopt only those sections that
are listed below
[California Code of Regulations,
Title 19, Division 1]		 X
Chapter / Section
5601.1 X
5601.1.3 X
5601.1.4 X
5601.2.2 X
5601.2.3 X
5601.2.4 X
5601.3.1 X
5602.1 X
[T-19 §1559.3] X
[T-19 §1559.9] X
[T-19 §1559.16] X
[T-19 §1559.18] X
[T-19 §1559.20] X
[T-19 §1559.21] X
5603.2 X
Table 5604.3 X
Table 5604.5.2(1) X
5604.7.5.4 X
5604.7.8 X
5604.7.10 X
5604.8.4 X
5604.10.3 X
5604.11 X
[T-19 §1571] X
[T-19 §1571.1] X
[T-19 §1571.2] X
[T-19 §1571.3] X
[T-19 §1571.4] X
[T-19 §1571.5] X
[T-19 §1571.6] X
[T-19 §1571.7] X
5606.6 X
[T-19 §1574.1] X
[T-19 §1574.2] X
[T-19 §1574.3] X
[T-19 §1574.4] X

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

CHAPTER 56 – EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS—continued

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
Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)		 X
Adopt only those sections that
are listed below
[California Code of Regulations,
Title 19, Division 1]		 X
Chapter / Section
[T-19 §1574.5] X
[T-19 §1575] X
[T-19 §1575.1] X
[T-19 §1575.2] X
5607.1 X
5607.9.1 X
5607.9.2 X
5608.1 X
5608.1.1 X
[T-19 §980 - §1006] X
5610 X
[T-19 §1010 - §1015] X
5611 X
[T-19 §1020 - §1028] X
5612 X
[T-19 §1030 - §1039] X
5613 X
[T-19 §1045 - §1046] X
  • 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.

56-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

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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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