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Chapter 1 — SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

Section 303

California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2022 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.

303.1 Transporting.

Asphalt (tar) kettles shall not be transported over any highway, road or street when the heat source for the kettle is operating.

Exception: Asphalt (tar) kettles in the process of patching road surfaces.

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303.2 Location. Asphalt (tar) kettles shall not be located

within 20 feet (6096 mm) of any combustible material, combustible building surface or any building opening and within a controlled area identified by the use of traffic cones, barriers or other approved means. Asphalt (tar) kettles and pots shall not be utilized inside or on the roof of a building or structure. Roofing kettles and operating asphalt (tar) kettles shall not block means of egress, gates, roadways or entrances.

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303.3 Location of fuel containers. Fuel containers shall be

located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the burner.

Exception: Containers properly insulated from heat or flame are allowed to be within 2 feet (610 mm) of the burner.

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303.4 Attendant. An operating kettle shall be attended by not

less than one employee knowledgeable of the operations and hazards. The employee shall be within 100 feet (30 480 mm) of the kettle and have the kettle within sight. Ladders or similar obstacles shall not form a part of the route between the attendant and the kettle.

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303.5 Fire extinguishers.

There shall be a portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 and with a minimum 40B:C rating within 25 feet (7620 mm) of each asphalt (tar) kettle during the period such kettle is being utilized. Additionally, there shall be one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 3-A:40-B:C rating on the roof being covered.

303.6 Lids. Asphalt (tar) kettles shall be equipped with tightfitting lids.

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303.7 Hi-boys.

Hi-boys shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Hi-boys shall be limited to a capacity of 55 gallons (208 L). Fuel sources or heating elements shall not be allowed as part of a hi-boy.

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303.8 Roofing kettles. Roofing kettles shall be constructed

of noncombustible materials.

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303.9 Fuel containers under air pressure. Fuel containers

that operate under air pressure shall not exceed 20 gallons (76 L) in capacity and shall be approved.

Exceptions & meaning →

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

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