Section 5301
California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2019 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
5301.1 Scope. Storage, use and handling of compressed gases¶
in compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall comply with this chapter and NFPA 55, including those gases regulated elsewhere in this code. Partially full compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks containing residual gases shall be considered as full for the purposes of the controls required.
Liquefied natural gas for use as a vehicular fuel shall also comply with NFPA 52 and NFPA 59A.
Compressed gases classified as hazardous materials shall also comply with Chapter 50 for general requirements and chapters addressing specific hazards, including Chapters 58 (Flammable Gases), 60 (Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials), 63 (Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids) and 64 (Pyrophoric Materials).
Compressed hydrogen (CH2) shall also comply with the applicable portions of Chapters 23 and 58 of this code, the California Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 2.
Cutting and welding gases shall also comply with Chapter 35.
Exceptions:
Gases used as refrigerants in refrigeration systems (see Section 606).
Compressed natural gas (CNG) for use as a vehicular fuel shall comply with Chapter 23, NFPA 52 and the California Fuel Gas Code .
Cryogenic fluids shall comply with Chapter 55.
LP-gas shall comply with Chapter 61 and the Cali- fornia Fuel Gas Code .
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.18(a) and (b)] Hazardous Areas.
(a) General. Occupancies or portions thereof used or intended to be used as operating rooms, surgeries, deliv- ery rooms, storage rooms and similar hazardous locations in which flammable or nonflammable mixtures of gases are used or stored shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 99-2005 Inhalation Anesthetics,
NFPA 99-2005 Laboratories, NFPA 99-2005 Hyperbaric Facilities, NFPA 55-2010 Bulk Oxygen Systems at Con- sumer Sites, and this section.
(b) Containers. Cylinders and fittings for compressed gases shall conform to the regulations of the Federal Department of Transportation.
Compressed gas cylinders shall be clearly marked with the name of the gas contained therein. Cylinders shall bear color makings and labels conforming to the following:
Gas Color
| (1) | Oxygen ...............................................................Green |
|---|---|
| _(2) _ | Carbon Dioxide....................................................Gray |
| _(3) _ | Nitrous Oxide.............................................. Light Blue |
| _(4) _ | Cyclopropan.....................................................Orange |
| _(5) _ | Helium............................................................... Brown |
| _(6) _ | Ethlene ...................................................................Red |
(7) Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen .............Gray and Green
(8) Helium and Oxygen......................... Brown and Green
Note: Polished metal or chrome-plated cylinders shall have color tags in addition to color labels.
When deemed necessary by the enforcing agency, com- pressed gas cylinders shall be secured by chains, metal straps, or other approved materials to prevent overturn- ing.
5301.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.6.¶
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