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Chapter 56 — EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS

Section 5604

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.

EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS STORAGE AND HANDLING

5604.1 General.

Storage of explosives and explosive materials, small arms ammunition, small arms primers, propellantactuated cartridges and smokeless propellants in magazines shall comply with the provisions of this section.

5604.2 Magazine required.

Explosives and explosive materials, and Division 1.3G fireworks shall be stored in magazines constructed, located, operated and maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 5604 and NFPA 495 or NFPA 1124.

Exceptions:

  1. Storage of fireworks at display sites in accordance with Section 5608.5.

  2. Portable or mobile magazines not exceeding 120 square feet (11 m 2 ) in area shall not be required to comply with the requirements of the California Building Code.

5604.3 Magazines. The storage of explosives and explosive

materials in magazines shall comply with Table 5604.3.

5604.3.1 High explosives. Explosive materials classified as Division 1.1 or 1.2 or formerly classified as Class A by the U.S. Department of Transportation shall be stored in Type 1, 2 or 3 magazines.

Exceptions:

  1. Black powder shall be stored in a Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 magazine.

  2. Cap-sensitive explosive material that is demonstrated not to be bullet sensitive shall be stored in a Type 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 magazine.

5604.3.2 Low explosives. Explosive materials that are not cap sensitive shall be stored in a Type 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 magazine.

5604.3.3 Detonating cord. For quantity and distance purposes, detonating cord of 50 grains per foot shall be calculated as equivalent to 8 pounds (4 kg) of high explosives per 1,000 feet (305 m). Heavier or lighter core loads shall be rated proportionally.

Exceptions & meaning →

5604.4 Prohibited storage. Detonators shall be stored in a

separate magazine for blasting supplies and shall not be stored in a magazine with other explosive materials.

TABLE 5604.3 STORAGE AMOUNTS AND MAGAZINE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPLOSIVES, EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND FIREWORKS, 1.3G MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA

NEW UN/
DOTn
DIVISION
OLD DOTn
CLASS
ATF/OSHA
CLASS
INDOORa (pounds) OUTDOOR
(pounds)
MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED
NEW UN/
DOTn
DIVISION
OLD DOTn
CLASS
ATF/OSHA
CLASS
Unprotected Cabinet **Sprinklers ** Sprinklers
& cabinet
Sprinklers
& cabinet
1 2 3 4 5
1.1b A High 0 0 1 2 1 X X X — —
1.2 A High 0 0 1 2 1 X X X — —
1.2 B Low 0 0 1 1 1 X X X X —
1.3 B Low 0 0 10 20 1 X X X X —
1.4 B Low 0 0 50 100 1 X X X X —
1.5 C Low 0 0 1 2 1 X X X X —
1.5 Blasting
Agent
Blasting
Agent
0 0 1 2 1 X X X X X
1.6 Not
Applicable
Not
Applicable
0 0 1 2 1 X X X X X

¬

For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 pound per gallon = 0.12 kg per liter, 1 ounce = 28.35 g. a. A factor of 10 pounds per gallon shall be used for converting pounds (solid) to gallons (liquid) in accordance with Section 5003.1.2. b. Black powder shall be stored in a Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 magazine as provided for in Section 5604.3.1.

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Exceptions & meaning →

5604.5 Location.

The use of magazines for storage of explosives and explosive materials shall comply with Sections 5604.5.1 through 5604.5.3.3.

5604.5.1 Indoor magazines. The use of indoor magazines for storage of explosives and explosive materials shall comply with the requirements of Sections 5604.5.1.1 through 5604.5.1.7.

5604.5.1.1 Use. The use of indoor magazines for storage of explosives and explosive materials shall be limited to occupancies of Group F, H, M or S, and research and development laboratories.

5604.5.1.2 Construction. Indoor magazines shall comply with the following construction requirements:

  1. Construction shall be fire resistant and theft resistant.

  2. Exterior shall be painted red.

  3. Base shall be fitted with wheels, casters or rollers to facilitate removal from the building in an emergency.

  4. Lid or door shall be marked with conspicuous white lettering not less than 3 inches (76 mm) high and minimum 1 /2 inch (12.7 mm) stroke, reading EXPLOSIVES—KEEP FIRE AWAY.

  5. The least horizontal dimension shall not exceed the clear width of the entrance door.

5604.5.1.3 Quantity limit. Not more than 50 pounds (23 kg) of explosives or explosive materials shall be stored within an indoor magazine.

Exception: Day boxes used for the storage of inprocess material in accordance with Section 5605.6.4.1.

5604.5.1.4 Prohibited use. Indoor magazines shall not be used within buildings containing Group R occupancies.

5604.5.1.5 Location. Indoor magazines shall be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of an entrance and only on floors at or having ramp access to the exterior grade level.

5604.5.1.6 Number. Not more than two indoor magazines shall be located in the same building. Where two such magazines are located in the same building, one magazine shall be used solely for the storage of not more than 5,000 detonators.

5604.5.1.7 Separation distance. Where two magazines are located in the same building, they shall be separated by a distance of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).

5604.5.2 Outdoor magazines. Outdoor magazines other than Type 3 shall be located so as to comply with Table 5604.5.2(2) or 5604.5.2(3) as set forth in Tables 5601.8.1(1) through 5601.8.1(3). Where a magazine or group of magazines, as described in Section 5604.5.2.2, contains different classes of explosive materials, and Division 1.1 materials are present, the required separations for the magazine or magazine group as a whole shall comply with Table 5604.5.2(2).

5604.5.2.1 Separation. Where two or more storage magazines are located on the same property, each magazine shall comply with the minimum distances specified from inhabited buildings, public transportation routes and operating buildings. Magazines shall be separated from each other by not less than the intermagazine distances (IMD) shown for the separation of magazines.

5604.5.2.2 Grouped magazines. Where two or more magazines are separated from each other by less than the intermagazine distances (IMD), such magazines as a group shall be considered as one magazine and the total quantity of explosive materials stored in the group shall be treated as if stored in a single magazine. The location of the group of magazines shall comply with the intermagazine distances (IMD) specified from other magazines or magazine groups, inhabited buildings (IBD), public transportation routes (PTR) and operating buildings (ILD or IPD) as required.

5604.5.3 Special requirements for Type 3 magazines. Type 3 magazines shall comply with Sections 5604.5.3.1 through 5604.5.3.3.

5604.5.3.1 Location. Wherever practicable, Type 3 magazines shall be located away from neighboring inhabited buildings, railways, highways and other magazines in accordance with Table 5604.5.2(2) or 5604.5.2(3), as applicable.

5604.5.3.2 Supervision. Type 3 magazines shall be attended when explosive materials are stored within. Explosive materials shall be removed to appropriate storage magazines for unattended storage at the end of the workday.

5604.5.3.3 Use. Not more than two Type 3 magazines shall be located at the same blasting site. Where two Type 3 magazines are located at the same blasting site, one magazine shall used solely for the storage of detonators.

Exceptions & meaning →

5604.6 Construction. Magazines shall be constructed in

accordance with Sections 5604.6.1 through 5604.6.5.2.

5604.6.1 Drainage. The ground around a magazine shall be graded so that water drains away from the magazine.

5604.6.2 Heating. Magazines requiring heat shall be heated as prescribed in NFPA 495 by either hot water radiant heating within the magazine or by indirect warm air heating.

5604.6.3 Lighting. Where lighting is necessary within a magazine, electric safety flashlights or electric safety lanterns shall be used, except as provided in NFPA 495.

5604.6.4 Nonsparking materials. In other than Type 5 magazines, there shall not be exposed ferrous metal on the interior of a magazine containing packages of explosives.

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

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TABLE 5604.5.2(1) AMERICAN TABLE OF DISTANCES FOR STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES AS APPROVED BY THE INSTITUTE OF MAKERS OF EXPLOSIVES AND REVISED JUNE 1991 a

QUANTITY OF
EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc
DISTANCES IN FEET
QUANTITY OF
EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc
QUANTITY OF
EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc
Inhabited buildings Inhabited buildings Public highways with traffic
volume less than 3,000
vehicles per day
Public highways with traffic
volume less than 3,000
vehicles per day
Public highways with traffic
volume greater than 3,000 vehicles
per day and passenger railways
Public highways with traffic
volume greater than 3,000 vehicles
per day and passenger railways
Separation of magazinesd Separation of magazinesd
Pounds
over
Pounds not
over
Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded
0 5 70 140 30 60 51 102 6 12
5 10 90 180 35 70 64 128 8 16
10 20 110 220 45 90 81 162 10 20
20 30 125 250 50 100 93 186 11 22
30 40 140 280 55 110 103 206 12 24
40 50 150 300 60 120 110 220 14 28
50 75 170 340 70 140 127 254 15 30
75 100 190 380 75 150 139 278 16 32
100 125 200 400 80 160 150 300 18 36
125 150 215 430 85 170 159 318 19 38
150 200 235 470 95 190 175 350 21 42
200 250 255 510 105 210 189 378 23 46
250 300 270 540 110 220 201 402 24 48
300 400 295 590 120 240 221 442 27 54
400 500 320 640 130 260 238 476 29 58
500 600 340 680 135 270 253 506 31 62
600 700 355 710 145 290 266 532 32 64
700 800 375 750 150 300 278 556 33 66
800 900 390 780 155 310 289 578 35 70
900 1,000 400 800 160 320 300 600 36 72
1,000 1,200 425 850 165 330 318 636 39 78
1,200 1,400 450 900 170 340 336 672 41 82
1,400 1,600 470 940 175 350 351 702 43 86
1,600 1,800 490 980 180 360 366 732 44 88
1,800 2,000 505 1,010 185 370 378 756 45 90
2,000 2,500 545 1,090 190 380 408 816 49 98
2,500 3,000 580 1,160 195 390 432 864 52 104
3,000 4,000 635 1,270 210 420 474 948 58 116
4,000 5,000 685 1,370 225 450 513 1,026 61 122
5,000 6,000 730 1,460 235 470 546 1,092 65 130
6,000 7,000 770 1,540 245 490 573 1,146 68 136
7,000 8,000 800 1,600 250 500 600 1,200 72 144
8,000 9,000 835 1,670 255 510 624 1,248 75 150
9,000 10,000 865 1,730 260 520 645 1,290 78 156
10,000 12,000 875 1,750 270 540 687 1,374 82 164
12,000 14,000 885 1,770 275 550 723 1,446 87 174
14,000 16,000 900 1,800 280 560 756 1,512 90 180
16,000 18,000 940 1,880 285 570 786 1,572 94 188
18,000 20,000 975 1,950 290 580 813 1,626 98 196
20,000 25,000 1,055 2,000 315 630 876 1,752 105 210

(continued)

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Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

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TABLE 5604.5.2(1)—continued AMERICAN TABLE OF DISTANCES FOR STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES AS APPROVED BY THE INSTITUTE OF MAKERS OF EXPLOSIVES AND REVISED JUNE 1991 a

QUANTITY OF
EXPLOSIVE
MATERIALSc
DISTANCES IN FEET
QUANTITY OF
EXPLOSIVE
MATERIALSc
QUANTITY OF
EXPLOSIVE
MATERIALSc
Inhabited buildings Inhabited buildings Public highways with traffic
volume less than 3,000
vehicles per day
Public highways with traffic
volume less than 3,000
vehicles per day
Public highways with traffic
volume greater than 3,000 vehicles
per day and passenger railways
Public highways with traffic
volume greater than 3,000 vehicles
per day and passenger railways
Separation of magazinesd Separation of magazinesd
Pounds
over
Pounds not
over
Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded Barricaded Unbarricaded
25,000 30,000 1,130 2,000 340 680 933 1,866 112 224
30,000 35,000 1,205 2,000 360 720 981 1,962 119 238
35,000 40,000 1,275 2,000 380 760 1,026 2,000 124 248
40,000 45,000 1,340 2,000 400 800 1,068 2,000 129 258
45,000 50,000 1,400 2,000 420 840 1,104 2,000 135 270
50,000 55,000 1,460 2,000 440 880 1,140 2,000 140 280
55,000 60,000 1,515 2,000 455 910 1,173 2,000 145 290
60,000 65,000 1,565 2,000 470 940 1,206 2,000 150 300
65,000 70,000 1,610 2,000 485 970 1,236 2,000 155 310
70,000 75,000 1,655 2,000 500 1,000 1,263 2,000 160 320
75,000 80,000 1,695 2,000 510 1,020 1,293 2,000 165 330
80,000 85,000 1,730 2,000 520 1,040 1,317 2,000 170 340
85,000 90,000 1,760 2,000 530 1,060 1,344 2,000 175 350
90,000 95,000 1,790 2,000 540 1,080 1,368 2,000 180 360
95,000 100,000 1,815 2,000 545 1,090 1,392 2,000 185 370
100,000 110,000 1,835 2,000 550 1,100 1,437 2,000 195 390
110,000 120,000 1,855 2,000 555 1,110 1,479 2,000 205 410
120,000 130,000 1,875 2,000 560 1,120 1,521 2,000 215 430
130,000 140,000 1,890 2,000 565 1,130 1,557 2,000 225 450
140,000 150,000 1,900 2,000 570 1,140 1,593 2,000 235 470
150,000 160,000 1,935 2,000 580 1,160 1,629 2,000 245 490
160,000 170,000 1,965 2,000 590 1,180 1,662 2,000 255 510
170,000 180,000 1,990 2,000 600 1,200 1,695 2,000 265 530
180,000 190,000 2,010 2,010 605 1,210 1,725 2,000 275 550
190,000 200,000 2,030 2,030 610 1,220 1,755 2,000 285 570
200,000 210,000 2,055 2,055 620 1,240 1,782 2,000 295 590
210,000 230,000 2,100 2,100 635 1,270 1,836 2,000 315 630
230,000 250,000 2,155 2,155 650 1,300 1,890 2,000 335 670
250,000 275,000 2,215 2,215 670 1,340 1,950 2,000 360 720
275,000 300,000b 2,275 2,275 690 1,380 2,000 2,000 385 770

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg. a. This table applies only to the manufacture and permanent storage of commercial explosive materials. It is not applicable to transportation of explosives or any

handling or temporary storage necessary or incident thereto. It is not intended to apply to bombs, projectiles or other heavily encased explosives. b. Storage in excess of 300,000 pounds of explosive materials in one magazine is not allowed. c. Where a manufacturing building on an explosive materials plant site is designed to contain explosive materials, such building shall be located with respect to

its proximity to inhabited buildings, public highways and passenger railways based on the maximum quantity of explosive materials permitted to be in the building at one time. d. Where two or more storage magazines are located on the same property, each magazine shall comply with the minimum distances specified from inhabited

buildings, railways and highways, and, in addition, they should be separated from each other by not less than the distances shown for separation of magazines, except that the quantity of explosives in detonator magazines shall govern in regard to the spacing of said detonator magazines from magazines containing other explosive materials. Where any two or more magazines are separated from each other by less than the specified separation of magazines distances, then two or more such magazines, as a group, shall be considered as one magazine, and the total quantity of explosive materials stored in such group shall be treated as if stored in a single magazine located on the site of any magazine in the group and shall comply with the minimum distances specified from other magazines, inhabited buildings, railways and highways. e. All types of blasting caps in strengths through No. 8 cap shall be rated at 1 1 /2 pounds of explosives per 1,000 caps. For strengths higher than No. 8 cap,

consult the chief having jurisdiction. f. For quantity and distance purposes, detonating fuse up to 60 grains per foot, shall be calculated as equivalent to nine (9) pounds of high explosives per 1000

feet. Heavier cord loads shall be rated proportionally.

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

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TABLE 5604.5.2(2) TABLE OF DISTANCES (Q-D) FOR BUILDINGS AND MAGAZINES CONTAINING EXPLOSIVES—DIVISION 1.3 MASS-FIRE HAZARD a, b, c

QUANTITY OF DIVISION 1.3 EXPLOSIVES
(NET EXPLOSIVES WEIGHT)
DISTANCES IN FEET
Pounds over Pounds not over Inhabited Building
Distance (IBD)
Distance to Public Traffic
Route (PTR)
Intermagazine Distance
(IMD)
Intraline Distance (ILD)
or Intraplant Distance
(IPD)
0 1,000 75 75 50 50
1,000 5,000 115 115 75 75
5,000 10,000 150 150 100 100
10,000 20,000 190 190 125 125
20,000 30,000 215 215 145 145
30,000 40,000 235 235 155 155
40,000 50,000 250 250 165 165
50,000 60,000 260 260 175 175
60,000 70,000 270 270 185 185
70,000 80,000 280 280 190 190
80,000 90,000 295 295 195 195
90,000 100,000 300 300 200 200
100,000 200,000 375 375 250 250
200,000 300,000 450 450 300 300

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg a. Black powder, where stored in magazines, is defined as low explosive by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). b. For quantities less than 1,000 pounds, the required distances are those specified for 1,000 pounds. The use of lesser distances is allowed where supported by

approved test data or analysis. c. Linear interpolation of explosive quantities between table entries is allowed.

TABLE 5604.5.2(3) TABLE OF DISTANCES (Q-D) FOR BUILDINGS AND MAGAZINES CONTAINING EXPLOSIVES—DIVISION 1.4 c

QUANTITY OF DIVISION 1.4 EXPLOSIVES
(NET EXPLOSIVES WEIGHT)
DISTANCES IN FEET
Pounds over Pounds not over Inhabited Building
Distance (IBD)
Distance to Public
Traffic Route (PTR)
Intermagazine
Distancea, b(IMD)
Intraline Distance (ILD)
or Intraplant Distancea
(IPD)
50 Not Limited 100 100 50 50

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg. a. A separation distance of 100 feet is required for buildings of other than Type I or Type II construction as defined in the California Building Code. b. For earth-covered magazines, specific separation is not required.

  1. Earth cover material used for magazines shall be relatively cohesive. Solid or wet clay and similar types of soil are too cohesive and shall not be used. Soil shall be free from unsanitary organic matter, trash, debris and stones heavier than 10 pounds or larger than 6 inches in diameter. Compaction and surface preparation shall be provided, as necessary, to maintain structural integrity and avoid erosion. Where cohesive material cannot be used, as in sandy soil, the earth cover over magazines shall be finished with a suitable material to ensure structural integrity.
  2. The earth fill or earth cover between earth-covered magazines shall be either solid or sloped, in accordance with the requirements of other construction features, but not less than 2 feet of earth cover shall be maintained over the top of each magazines. To reduce erosion and facilitate maintenance operations, the cover shall have a slope of 2 horizontal to 1 vertical. c. Restricted to articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as an explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and

Explosives regulations, or unpacked articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles.

5604.6.5 Signs and placards. Property on which Type 1 magazines and outdoor magazines of Types 2, 4 and 5 are located shall be posted with signs stating: EXPLOSIVES—KEEP OFF. These signs shall be of contrasting colors with a minimum letter height of 3 inches (76 mm) with a minimum brush stroke of 1 /2 inch (12.7 mm). The signs shall be located to minimize the possibility of a bullet shot at the sign hitting the magazine.

5604.6.5.1 Access road signs. At the entrance to explosive material manufacturing and storage sites, all access

roads shall be posted with the following warning sign or other approved sign:

DANGER! NEVER FIGHT EXPLOSIVE FIRES. EXPLOSIVES ARE STORED ON THIS SITE

CALL _______.

The sign shall be weather-resistant with a reflective surface and have lettering not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high.

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Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

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5604.6.5.2 Placards. Type 5 magazines containing Division 1.5 blasting agents shall be prominently placarded as required during transportation by DOTn 49 CFR Part 172 and DOTy 27 CFR Part 55.

Exceptions & meaning →

5604.7 Operation.

Magazines shall be operated in accordance with Sections 5604.7.1 through 5604.7.9.

5604.7.1 Security. Magazines shall be kept locked in the manner prescribed in NFPA 495 at all times except during placement or removal of explosives or inspection.

5604.7.2 Open flames and lights. Smoking, matches, flame-producing devices, open flames, firearms and firearms cartridges shall not be allowed inside of or within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of magazines.

5604.7.3 Brush. The area located around a magazine shall be kept clear of brush, dried grass, leaves, trash, debris and similar combustible materials for a distance of 25 feet (7620 mm).

5604.7.4 Combustible storage. Combustible materials shall not be stored within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of magazines.

5604.7.5 Unpacking and repacking explosive materials. Containers of explosive materials, except fiberboard containers, and packages of damaged or deteriorated explosive materials or fireworks shall not be unpacked or repacked inside or within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a magazine or in close proximity to other explosive materials.

5604.7.5.1 Storage of opened packages. Packages of explosive materials that have been opened shall be closed before being placed in a magazine.

5604.7.5.2 Nonsparking tools. Tools used for the opening and closing of packages of explosive materials, other than metal slitters for opening paper, plastic or fiberboard containers, shall be made of nonsparking materials.

5604.7.5.3 Disposal of packaging. Empty containers and paper and fiber packaging materials that previously contained explosive materials shall be disposed of or reused in a approved manner.

5604.7.5.4 Packaging of Plosophoric Compounds. No provisions of these regulations nor the standards refer- enced herein shall allow any person to repackage any compound from the original manufacturer's packaging unit. The manufacturer of plosophoric compounds shall package and ship only in units which have been deter- mined to meet the standards for shipping of hazardous materials.

5604.7.6 Tools and equipment. Metal tools, other than nonferrous transfer conveyors and ferrous metal conveyor stands protected by a coat of paint, shall not be stored in a magazine containing explosive materials or detonators.

5604.7.7 Contents. Magazines shall be used exclusively for the storage of explosive materials, blasting materials and blasting accessories.

5604.7.8 Methods of storage. Packages of explosives shall be laid flat with top side up. Black powder, when stored in magazines with other explosives, shall be stored in separate piles. Corresponding grades and brands shall be stored

EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS

together in such a manner so that brands and grade marks are visible. All stocks shall be stored so as to be easily counted and checked. Packages of explosives shall be piled in a stable manner. When any kind of explosive is removed from a magazine for use, the oldest explosive of that partic- ular kind shall always be taken first. The use of storage pal- lets is mandatory. Packages of explosive materials shall be stacked in a stable manner not exceeding 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.

5604.7.9 Stock rotation. When explosive material is removed from a magazine for use, the oldest usable stocks shall be removed first.

5604.7.10 Flooding. Magazine contents shall be protected from flooding.

Exceptions & meaning →

5604.8 Maintenance.

Maintenance of magazines shall comply with Sections 5604.8.1 through 5604.8.3.

5604.8.1 Housekeeping. Magazine floors shall be regularly swept and be kept clean, dry and free of grit, paper, empty packages and rubbish. Brooms and other cleaning utensils shall not have any spark-producing metal parts. Sweepings from magazine floors shall be disposed of in accordance with the manufacturers’ approved instructions.

5604.8.2 Repairs. Explosive materials shall be removed from the magazine before making repairs to the interior of a magazine. Explosive materials shall be removed from the magazine before making repairs to the exterior of the magazine where there is a possibility of causing a fire. Explosive materials removed from a magazine under repair shall either be placed in another magazine or placed a safe distance from the magazine, where they shall be properly guarded and protected until repairs have been completed. Upon completion of repairs, the explosive materials shall be promptly returned to the magazine. Floors shall be cleaned before and after repairs.

5604.8.3 Floors. Magazine floors stained with liquid shall be dealt with in accordance with instructions obtained from the manufacturer of the explosive material stored in the magazine.

5604.8.4 Piling of stocks. Provisions shall be made to pre- vent the piling of stocks of explosives directly against the walls of Class I magazines. Such protection, however, shall not in any way interfere with proper ventilation or the required ventilation openings.

Exceptions & meaning →

5604.9 Inspection.

Magazines containing explosive materials shall be opened and inspected at maximum seven-day intervals. The inspection shall determine whether there has been an unauthorized or attempted entry into a magazine or an unauthorized removal of a magazine or its contents.

Exceptions & meaning →

5604.10 Disposal of explosive materials.

Explosive materials shall be disposed of in accordance with Sections 5604.10.1 through 5604.10.7.

5604.10.1 Notification. The fire code official shall be notified immediately where deteriorated or leaking explosive materials are determined to be dangerous or unstable and in need of disposal.

5604.10.2 Deteriorated materials. Where an explosive material has deteriorated to an extent that it is in an unsta

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

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ble or dangerous condition, or when a liquid has leaked from an explosive material, the person in possession of such material shall immediately contact the material’s manufacturer to obtain disposal and handling instructions.

5604.10.3 Qualified person. The work of destroying explosive materials shall be directed by persons experienced in the destruction of explosive materials. Only com- petent experienced persons, at least 21 years of age, shall do the work of destroying explosives.

5604.10.4 Storage of misfires. Explosive materials and fireworks recovered from blasting or display misfires shall be placed in a magazine until an experienced person has determined the proper method for disposal.

5604.10.5 Disposal sites. Sites for the destruction of explosive materials and fireworks shall be approved and located at the maximum practicable safe distance from inhabited buildings, public highways, operating buildings and all other exposures to ensure keeping air blast and ground vibration to a minimum. The location of disposal sites shall not be closer to magazines, inhabited buildings, railways, highways and other rights-of-way than is allowed by Tables 5604.5.2(1), 5604.5.2(2) and 5604.5.2(3). Where possible, barricades shall be utilized between the destruction site and inhabited buildings. Areas where explosives are detonated or burned shall be posted with adequate warning signs.

5604.10.6 Reuse of site. Unless an approved burning site has been thoroughly saturated with water and has passed a safety inspection, 48 hours shall elapse between the completion of a burn and the placement of scrap explosive materials for a subsequent burn.

5604.10.7 Personnel safeguards. Once an explosive burn operation has been started, personnel shall relocate to a safe location where adequate protection from air blast and flying debris is provided. Personnel shall not return to the burn area until the person in charge has inspected the burn site and determined that it is safe for personnel to return.

Exceptions & meaning →

5604.11 Explosives at Piers, Railway Stations and Cars or

Vessels Not Otherwise Specified in These Rules and Regu- lations .

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571. General]

§1571. General. Except in an emergency and with permission of the “Chief” having jurisdiction, no person shall have or keep explosives in a railway car unless said car and contents and methods of loading are in accordance with the U.S.D.O.T. Regulations for the Transportation of Explosives.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.1 Cargo Delivery].

§1571.1 Cargo Delivery. No person shall deliver any explo- sive to any person who does not possess and present a valid permit, or copy thereof, to receive and transport from the “Chief” having jurisdiction and/or the California Highway Patrol. In addition to the permit requirements, rail or truck terminal personnel shall not deliver any explosive to any per- son unless such explosive conforms in all respects, including

marking and packing, to the Regulations for the Transporta- tion of Explosives.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.2 Placarding at Destination]

§1571.2 Placarding at Destination. Every railway car con- taining explosives which has reached its destination, or is stopped in transit so as no longer to be in interstate com- merce, shall remain placarded as required until completely unloaded. After unloading, such placards shall be removed.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.3 Explosives Location]

§1571.3 Explosives Location. Any explosives at a railway facility, truck terminal, pier, wharf, harbor facility, or airport terminal, within any city, city and county, county, fire protec- tion district, or the state, whether for delivery to a consignee, or forwarded to some other destination, shall be kept in a safe place which has been approved by the “Chief” having jurisdiction. In approving such location it is the intent that the explosives shall be isolated as far as practicable and in such manner that they can be easily and quickly removed.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.4 Cargo Delivery Times]

§1571.4 Cargo Delivery Times. Explosives shall not be deliv- ered to or received from any railway station, truck terminal, pier, wharf, harbor facility, or airport terminal within a city, city and county, county, fire protection district, or the state between the hours of sunset and sunrise, except by special permit from the “Chief” having jurisdiction.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.5 Fire Department Notification]

§1571.5 Fire Department Notification. When explosives are brought into any city, city and county, county, fire protection district, or the state, by any means of transportation, for delivery to an intermediate receiver, consignee's agent or consignee, or to be forwarded to some other destination, the carrier performing the shipment shall immediately notify the consignee and when required, the “Chief” having jurisdic- tion of the arrival of the explosives, and if said consignee does not receive and remove the said explosives from the pos- session of the carrier within 48-hours (Sundays and holidays excluded), after such notification, then the railway, trucking firm, vessel agent, or airline shall remove the said explosives from the city, city and county, county, fire protection district, or state or to a permitted magazine or make a report to the “Chief” having jurisdiction, who shall see that the said explosives are moved to a place of safety.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.6 Cargo Removal]

§1571.6 Cargo Removal. Any person having been notified, as consignee, of a shipment of explosives being in the hands of any carrier, within any city, city and county, county, fire pro- tection district, or the state, shall remove the said explosives within 48-hours (Sundays and holidays excluded), after receiving such notification to a place meeting the require- ments of these rules and regulations.

574 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

Copyright © 2019 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Day (kevin.day@dgs.ca.gov), (California Building Standards Commission) Order Number #100735044 on Jul 24, 2019 03:54 PM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with ICC. No further reproduction or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.

100735044

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.7 Facility Designation]

§1571.7 Facility Designation. The “Chief” having jurisdic- tion has the authority to and may designate the location for, and limit the quantity of, explosives which may be loaded, unloaded, or temporarily retained at any facility within his jurisdiction.

Exceptions & meaning →

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▸Contents — California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

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