Section 5504
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.
5504.1 General. Storage of containers shall comply with this¶
section.
5504.2 Indoor storage. Indoor storage of containers shall¶
be in accordance with Sections 5504.2.1 through 5504.2.2.3.
5504.2.1 Stationary containers. Stationary containers shall be installed in accordance with the provisions applicable to the type of fluid stored and this section.
5504.2.1.1 Containers. Stationary containers shall comply with Section 5503.1.
5504.2.1.2 Construction of indoor areas. Cryogenic fluids in stationary containers stored indoors shall be located in buildings, rooms or areas constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .
5504.2.1.3 Ventilation. Storage areas for stationary containers shall be ventilated in accordance with the California Mechanical Code .
5504.2.2 Portable containers. Indoor storage of portable containers shall comply with the provisions applicable to the type of fluid stored and Sections 5504.2.2.1 through 5504.2.2.3.
5504.2.2.1 Containers. Portable containers shall comply with Section 5503.1.
5504.2.2.2 Construction of indoor areas. Cryogenic fluids in portable containers stored indoors shall be stored in buildings, rooms or areas constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .
5504.2.2.3 Ventilation. Storage areas shall be ventilated in accordance with the California Mechanical Code .
5504.3 Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage of containers¶
shall be in accordance with Sections 5504.3.1 through 5504.3.1.2.3.
5504.3.1 Separation from hazardous conditions. Cryogenic containers and systems in outdoor storage shall be separated from materials and conditions that pose exposure hazards to or from each other in accordance with Sections 5504.3.1.1 through 5504.3.1.1.5.
5504.3.1.1 Stationary containers. Stationary containers shall be separated from exposure hazards in accordance with the provisions applicable to the type of fluid contained and the minimum separation distances indicated in Table 5504.3.1.1.
5504.3.1.1.1 Point-of-fill connections. Remote transfer points and fill connection points shall not be positioned closer to exposures than the minimum distances required for stationary containers.
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CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
TABLE 5504.3.1.1 SEPARATION OF STATIONARY CONTAINERS
FROM EXPOSURE HAZARDS
| EXPOSURE | MINIMUM DISTANCE (feet) |
|---|---|
| Air intakes | 10 |
| Building exits | 10 |
| Buildings, regardless of construction type | 1 |
| Combustible materials such as paper, leaves, weeds, dry grass or debris |
15 |
| Lot lines | 5 |
| Nonambulatory patient areas | 50 |
| Other hazardous materials | In accordance with Chapter 50 |
| Places of public assembly | 50 |
| Wall openings | 1 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
5504.3.1.1.2 Surfaces beneath containers. Containers shall be placed on surfaces that are compatible with the fluid in the container.
5504.3.1.1.3 Location. Containers of cryogenic fluids shall not be located within diked areas containing other hazardous materials.
5504.3.1.1.4 Areas subject to flooding. Stationary containers located in areas subject to flooding shall be securely anchored or elevated to prevent the containers from separating from foundations or supports.
5504.3.1.1.5 Drainage. The area surrounding stationary containers shall be provided with a means to prevent accidental discharge of fluids from endangering personnel, containers, equipment and adjacent structures or to enter enclosed spaces. The stationary container shall not be placed where spilled or discharged fluids will be retained around the container.
Exception: These provisions shall not apply where it is determined by the fire code official that the container does not constitute a hazard, after consideration of special features such as crushed rock utilized as a heat sink, topographical conditions, nature of occupancy, proximity to structures on the same or adjacent property, and the capacity and construction of containers and character of fluids to be stored.
5504.3.1.2 Outdoor storage of portable containers. Outdoor storage of portable containers shall comply with Section 5503 and Sections 5504.3.1.2.1 through 5504.3.1.2.3.
5504.3.1.2.1 Exposure hazard separation. Portable containers in outdoor storage shall be separated from exposure hazards in accordance with Table 5504.3.1.2.1.
TABLE 5504.3.1.2.1 SEPARATION OF PORTABLE CONTAINERS
FROM EXPOSURE HAZARDS
| EXPOSURE | MINIMUM DISTANCE (feet) |
|---|---|
| Air intakes | 10 |
| Building exits | 10 |
| Combustible materials such as paper, leaves, weeds, dry grass or debris |
15 |
| Lot lines | 5 |
| Other hazardous materials | In accordance with Chapter 50 |
| Wall openings | 1 |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
5504.3.1.2.2 Surfaces beneath containers. The surface of the area on which stationary containers are placed, including the surface of the area located below the point where connections are made for the purpose of filling such containers, shall be compatible with the fluid in the container.
5504.3.1.2.3 Drainage. The area surrounding portable containers shall be provided with a means to prevent accidental discharge of fluids from endangering adjacent containers, buildings, equipment or adjoining property.
Exception: These provisions shall not apply where it is determined by the fire code official that the container does not constitute a hazard.
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