Section 5104
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.
5104.1 General. The inside storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol¶
products shall comply with Sections 5104.2 through 5104.8 and NFPA 30B. Level 1 aerosol products and those aerosol products covered by Section 5104.1.1 shall be considered to be equivalent to a Class III commodity and shall comply with the requirements for palletized or rack storage in NFPA 13.
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. 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.
AEROSOLS
5104.1.1 Plastic aerosol products. Aerosol products in plastic containers larger than 4 fluid ounces (118 ml), but not to exceed 33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml), shall be allowed only where in accordance with this section. The commodity classification shall be Class III commodities, as defined in NFPA 13 where any of the following conditions are met:
Base product does not have a fire point where tested in accordance with ASTM D92, and nonflammable propellant.
Base product does not sustain combustion as tested in accordance with DOTn 49 CFR Part 173, Appendix H, and nonflammable propellant.
Base product contains up to 20 percent by volume (15.8 percent by weight) of ethanol, isopropyl alcohol or a combination thereof in an aqueous mix, and nonflammable propellant.
Base product contains 4 percent by weight or less of an emulsified flammable liquefied gas propellant within an aqueous base. The propellant shall remain emulsified for the life of the product. Where such propellant is not permanently emulsified, the propellant shall be nonflammable.
5104.1.2 Plastic aerosol 3 products. Plastic aerosol 3 products shall be defined as those that meet one of the following criteria:
Base product does not have a fire point where tested in accordance with ASTM D92, and there is not more than 10 percent by weight flammable propellant.
Base product does not sustain combustion as tested in accordance with DOTn 49 CFR 173, Appendix H, and there is not more than 10 percent by weight flammable propellant.
Base product contains 50 percent by volume or less of flammable or combustible water-miscible alcohols in an aqueous mix, and there is not more than 10 percent by weight of flammable propellant.
5104.1.3 Plastic aerosol X products. Plastic aerosol X products are those products, in containers larger than 4 fluid ounces (118 ml), that do not meet the criteria provided in Section 5104.1.1 or 5104.1.2.
5104.1.3.1 Storage, use or handling. The storage, use or handling of plastic aerosol X products shall be prohibited.
5104.2 Storage in Groups A, B, E, F, I and R. Storage of¶
Level 2 and 3 aerosol products in occupancies in Groups A, B, E, F, I and R shall be limited to the following maximum quantities:
A net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 aerosol products.
A net weight of 500 pounds (227 kg) of Level 3 aerosol products.
A combined net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products.
The maximum quantity shall be increased 100 percent where the excess quantity is stored in storage cabinets in accordance with Section 5704.3.2.
5104.2.1 Excess storage. Storage of quantities exceeding the maximum quantities indicated in Section 5104.2 shall be stored in separate inside flammable liquid storage rooms in accordance with Section 5104.5.
5104.2.2 Aerosol cooking spray products. Storage of aerosol cooking spray products in Group A, B, E, F, I and R occupancies shall not be more than 1,000 pounds (454 kg) net weight.
5104.3 Storage in general purpose warehouses. Aerosol¶
product storage in general purpose warehouses utilized only for warehousing-type operations involving mixed commodities shall comply with Section 5104.3.1, 5104.3.2. or 5104.3.3.
5104.3.1 Nonsegregated storage. Storage consisting of solid pile, palletized or rack storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products not segregated into areas utilized exclusively for the storage of aerosol products shall comply with Table 5104.3.1.
TABLE 5104.3.1 NONSEGREGATED STORAGE OF LEVEL 2 AND 3 AEROSOL
PRODUCTS IN GENERAL PURPOSE WAREHOUSES b
| AEROSOL LEVEL |
MAXIMUM NET WEIGHT PER FLOOR (pounds)b | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AEROSOL LEVEL |
Palletized or solid-pile storage |
Palletized or solid-pile storage |
Rack storage | Rack storage |
| AEROSOL LEVEL |
Unprotected | Protecteda | Unprotected | Protecteda |
| 2 | 2,500 | 12,000 | 2,500 | 24,000 |
| 3 | 1,000 | 12,000 | 1,000 | 24,000 |
| Combination 2 and 3 |
2,500 | 12,000 | 2,500 | 24,000 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2 . a. Approved automatic sprinkler system protection and storage arrangements
shall comply with NFPA 30B. Sprinkler system protection shall extend 20 feet beyond the storage area containing the aerosol products. b. Storage quantities indicated are the maximum permitted in any 50,000 square-foot area.
5104.3.2 Segregated storage. Storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products segregated into areas utilized exclusively for the storage of aerosol products shall comply with Table 5104.3.2 and Sections 5104.3.2.1 and 5104.3.2.2.
5104.3.2.1 Chain-link fence enclosures. Chain-link fence enclosures required by Table 5104.3.2 shall comply with the following:
The fence shall be not less than No. 9 gage steel wire, woven into a maximum 2-inch (51 mm) diamond mesh.
The fence shall be installed from the floor to the underside of the roof or ceiling above.
51-4 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. 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.
Class IV and high-hazard commodities shall be stored outside of the aerosol storage area and not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) from the fence.
Access openings in the fence shall be provided with either self- or automatic-closing devices or a labyrinth opening arrangement preventing aerosol containers from rocketing through the access openings.
Not less than two means of egress shall be provided from the fenced enclosure.
TABLE 5104.3.2 SEGREGATED STORAGE OF LEVEL 2 AND 3 AEROSOL
PRODUCTS AND PLASTIC AEROSOL 3 PRODUCTS IN
GENERAL PURPOSE WAREHOUSES
AEROSOLS
TABLE 5104.3.2.2 SEGREGATED STORAGE AISLE WIDTHS AND DISTANCE
TO AISLES IN GENERAL PURPOSE WAREHOUSES
| STORAGE CONDITION | MINIMUM AISLE WIDTH (feet) |
MAXIMUM DISTANCE FROM STORAGE TO AISLE (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Solid pile or palletizeda |
4 feet between piles | 25 |
| Racks with ESFR sprinklersa |
4 feet between racks and adjacent Level 2 and 3 aerosol product storage |
25 |
| Racks without ESFR sprinklersa |
8 feet between racks and adjacent Level 2 and 3 aerosol product storage |
25 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. Sprinklers shall comply with NFPA 30B.
5104.4 Storage in aerosol product warehouses. The total¶
quantity of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products in a warehouse utilized for the storage, shipping and receiving of aerosol products shall not be restricted in structures complying with Sections 5104.4.1 through 5104.4.4.
5104.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. Aerosol product warehouses shall be protected by an approved wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 30B. Sprinkler protection shall be designed based on the highest classification level of aerosol product present.
5104.4.2 Pile and palletized storage aisles. Solid pile and palletized storage shall be arranged so the maximum travel distance to an aisle is 25 feet (7620 mm). Aisles shall have a minimum width of 4 feet (1219 mm).
5104.4.3 Rack storage aisles. Rack storage shall be arranged with a minimum aisle width of 8 feet (2438 mm) between rows of racks and 8 feet (2438 mm) between racks and adjacent solid pile or palletized storage. Where early suppression fast-response (ESFR) sprinklers provide automatic sprinkler protection, the minimum aisle width shall be 4 feet (1219 mm).
5104.4.4 Combustible commodities. Combustible commodities other than flammable and combustible liquids shall be permitted to be stored in an aerosol product warehouse.
Exception: Flammable and combustible liquids in 1quart (946 ml) metal containers and smaller shall be permitted to be stored in an aerosol product warehouse.
5104.5 Storage in inside flammable liquid storage rooms.¶
Inside flammable liquid storage rooms shall comply with Section 5704.3.7. The maximum quantities of aerosol products shall comply with Section 5104.5.1 or 5104.5.2.
5104.5.1 Storage rooms of 500 square feet or less. The storage of aerosol products in flammable liquid storage rooms less than or equal to 500 square feet (46 m 2 ) in area shall not exceed the following quantities:
A net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 aerosol products.
A net weight of 500 pounds (227 kg) of Level 3 aerosol products.
| STORAGE SEPARATION | MAXIMUM SEGREGATED STORAGE AREAa |
SPRINKLER REQUIREMENTS |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| STORAGE SEPARATION | Percentage of building area (percent) |
Area limitation (square feet) |
Area limitation (square feet) |
| Separation areae, f | 15 | 20,000 | Notes b, c |
| Chain-link fence enclosured |
20 | 20,000 | Notes b, c |
| 1-hour fire-resistance- rated interior walls |
20 | 30,000 | Note b |
| 2-hour fire-resistance- rated interior walls |
25 | 40,000 | Note b |
| 3-hour fire-resistance- rated interior walls |
30 | 50,000 | Note b |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2 . a. The maximum segregated storage area shall be limited to the smaller of
the two areas resulting from the percentage of building area limitation and the area limitation. b. Automatic sprinkler system protection in aerosol product storage areas
shall comply with NFPA 30B and be approved. Building areas not containing aerosol product storage shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. c. Automatic sprinkler system protection in aerosol product storage areas
shall comply with NFPA 30B and be approved. Sprinkler system protection shall extend a minimum 20 feet beyond the aerosol storage area. d. Chain-link fence enclosures shall comply with Section 5104.3.2.1. e. A separation area shall be defined as an area extending outward from the
periphery of the segregated aerosol product storage area as follows:
- The limits of the aerosol product storage shall be clearly marked on the floor.
- The separation distance shall be not less than 25 feet and maintained clear of all materials with a commodity classification greater than Class III in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. f. Separation areas shall only be permitted where approved.
5104.3.2.2 Aisles. The minimum aisle requirements for segregated storage in general purpose warehouses shall comply with Table 5104.3.2.2.
5104.3.3 Aerosol cooking spray products. Solid pile, palletized or rack storage of aerosol cooking spray products in a general purpose warehouse shall not be more than 2,500 pounds (1135 kg) net weight, unless protected in accordance with NFPA 30B.
Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. 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.
AEROSOLS
- A combined net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products.
5104.5.2 Storage rooms greater than 500 square feet. The storage of aerosol products in flammable liquid storage rooms greater than 500 square feet (46 m 2 ) in area shall not exceed the following quantities:
A net weight of 2,500 pounds (1135 kg) of Level 2 aerosol products.
A net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 3 aerosol products.
A combined net weight of 2,500 pounds (1135 kg) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products.
The maximum aggregate storage quantity of Level 2 and 3 aerosol products permitted in separate inside storage rooms protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 30B shall be 5,000 pounds (2270 kg).
5104.6 Storage in liquid warehouses. The storage of Level¶
2 and 3 aerosol products in liquid warehouses shall comply with NFPA 30B. The storage shall be located within segregated storage areas in accordance with Section 5104.3.2 and Sections 5104.6.1 through 5104.6.3.
5104.6.1 Containment. Spill control or drainage shall be provided to prevent the flow of liquid to within 8 feet (2438 mm) of the segregated storage area.
5104.6.2 Sprinkler design. Sprinkler protection shall be designed based on the highest level of aerosol product present.
5104.6.3 Opening protection into segregated storage areas. Fire doors or gates opening into the segregated storage area shall either be self-closing or provided with automatic-closing devices activated by sprinkler water flow or an approved fire detection system.
5104.7 Storage in Group M occupancies. Storage of Level¶
2 and 3 aerosol products, aerosol cooking spray products and plastic aerosol 3 products in occupancies in Group M shall comply with Table 5104.7. Retail display shall comply with Section 5106.
| EXPOSURE | MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM AEROSOL STORAGE (feet)a |
|---|---|
| Buildings | 50 |
| Exit discharge to a public way | 50 |
| Lot lines | 20 |
| Other outside storage | 50 |
| Public alleys, public ways, public streets |
20 |
| TABLE 5104.7 MAXIMUM QUANTITIES OF LEVEL 2 AND 3 AEROSOL PROD- UCTS, AEROSOL COOKING SPRAY PRODUCTS AND PLASTIC AEROSOL 3 PRODUCTS IN RETAIL STORAGE AREAS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| MAXIMUM NET WEIGHT PER FLOOR (pounds) | |||
| Floor | Nonsegregated storagea, b |
Segregated storage | Segregated storage |
| Floor | Nonsegregated storagea, b |
Storage cabinetsb | Separated from retail areac |
| Basement | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Not Permitted |
| Ground | 2,500 | 5,000 | Note d |
| Upper | 500 | 1,000 | Note d |
For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2 . a. The total aggregate quantity on display and in storage shall not exceed the
maximum retail display quantity indicated in Section 5106.3. b. Storage quantities indicated are the maximum permitted in any 50,000 square-foot area. c. The storage area shall be separated from the retail area with a 1-hour fire resistance-rated assembly. d. See Table 5104.3.2.
5104.8 Storage of aerosol cooking spray products. Aerosol¶
cooking spray products shall be permitted to be stored in a general purpose warehouse.
5104.8.1 Mixed storage. Where aerosol cooking spray products are mixed with other higher-hazard aerosol products, the provided isolation, storage height restrictions and protection shall be based on the highest-hazard aerosol product present.
5104.8.2 Storage conditions. The storage and handling of aerosol cooking spray products shall comply with this chapter and NFPA 30B.
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