6306 Liquid Oxygen in Home Health Care — 2025 California Fire Code

The storage and use of liquid oxygen (LOX) in home health care in Group I-1, I-4 and R occupancies shall comply with Sections 6306.2 through 6306.6, or shall be stored and used in accordance with Chapter 50.

The seller of liquid oxygen shall provide the user with information in written form that includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Manufacturer’s instructions and labeling for safe storage and use of the containers.

2. Locating containers away from ignition sources, exits, electrical hazards and high-temperature devices in accordance with Section 6306.3.3.

3. Restraint of containers to prevent falling in accordance with Section 6306.3.4.

4. Requirements for handling containers in accordance with Section 6306.3.5.

5. Safeguards for refilling containers in accordance with Section 6306.3.6.

6. Signage requirements in accordance with Section 6306.6.

Containers of liquid oxygen in home health care shall be in accordance with Sections 6306.3.1 through 6306.3.6.3.

6306.3.1 Maximum individual container capacity. Liquid oxygen home care containers shall not exceed an individual capacity of 15.8 gallons (60 L) in Group I-1, I-4 and R occupancies. Liquid oxygen ambulatory containers are allowed in Group I-1, I-4 and R

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OXIDIZERS, OXIDIZING GASES AND OXIDIZING CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

occupancies. Containers of liquid oxygen in home health care shall also be stored, used and filled in accordance with Section 6306 and Sections 5503.1 and 5503.2.

6306.3.2 Manufacturer’s instructions and labeling. Containers shall be stored, used and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and labeling.

6306.3.3 Locating containers. Containers shall not be located in areas where any of the following conditions exist:

1. They can be overturned due to operation of a door.
2. They are in the direct path of egress.
3. They are subject to falling objects.
4. They can become part of an electrical circuit.
5. Open flames and high-temperature devices can cause a hazard.

6306.3.4 Restraining containers. Liquid oxygen home care containers shall be restrained while in storage or use to prevent falling caused by contact, vibration or seismic activity. Containers shall be restrained by one of the following methods:

1. Restraining containers to a fixed object with one or more restraints.
2. Restraining containers within a framework, stand or assembly designed to secure the container.
3. Restraining containers by locating a container against two points of contact such as the walls of a corner of a room or a wall and a secure furnishing or object such as a desk.

6306.3.5 Container handling. Containers shall be handled by use of a cart or hand truck designed for such use.

Exceptions:

1. Liquid oxygen home care containers equipped with a roller base.
2. Liquid oxygen ambulatory containers are allowed to be hand carried.

6306.3.6 Filling of containers. The filling of containers shall be in accordance with Sections 6306.3.6.1 through 6306.3.6.3.

6306.3.6.1 Filling location. Liquid oxygen home care containers and ambulatory containers shall be filled outdoors.

Exception: Liquid oxygen ambulatory containers are allowed to be filled indoors where the supply container is specifically designed for filling such containers and written instructions are provided by the container manufacturer.

6306.3.6.2 Incompatible surfaces. A drip pan compatible with liquid oxygen shall be provided under home care container fill and vent connections during the filling process in order to protect against liquid oxygen spillage from coming into contact with combustible surfaces, including asphalt.

6306.3.6.3 Open flames and high-temperature devices. The use of open flames and high-temperature devices shall be in accordance with Section 5003.7.2.

The maximum aggregate quantity of liquid oxygen allowed in storage and in use in each dwelling unit shall be 31.6 gallons (120 L).

Exceptions:

1. The maximum aggregate quantity of liquid oxygen allowed in Group I-4 occupancies shall be limited by the maximum allowable quantity set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).
2. Where individual sleeping rooms are separated from the remainder of the dwelling unit by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code, and horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both, having a minimum fire-resistance rating of 1 hour, the maximum aggregate quantity per dwelling unit shall be increased to allow not more than 31.6 gallons (120 L) of liquid oxygen per sleeping room.

Smoking shall be prohibited in rooms or areas where liquid oxygen is in use.

Warning signs for occupancies using home health care liquid oxygen shall be in accordance with Sections 6306.6.1 and 6306.6.2.

6306.6.1 No smoking sign. A sign stating “OXYGEN— NO SMOKING” shall be posted in each room or area where liquid oxygen containers are stored, used or filled.

6306.6.2 Premises signage. Where required by the fire code official, each dwelling unit or sleeping unit shall have an approved sign indicating that the unit contains liquid oxygen home care containers.

Where required by the fire code official, the liquid oxygen seller shall notify the fire department of the locations of liquid oxygen home care containers.

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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 64 – PYROPHORIC MATERIALS

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

• 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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