Section 5705 — California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

DISPENSING, USE, MIXING AND HANDLING

5705.1 Scope.¶

Dispensing, use, mixing and handling of flammable liquids shall be in accordance with Section 5703 and this section. Tank vehicle and tank car loading and unloading and other special operations shall be in accordance with Section 5706.

Exception: Containers of organic coatings having no fire point and which are opened for pigmentation are not required to comply with this section.

Exceptions & meaning →

5705.2 Liquid transfer. Liquid transfer equipment and¶

methods for transfer of Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall be approved and be in accordance with Sections 5705.2.1 through 5705.2.6.

5705.2.1 Pumps. Where positive-displacement pumps are used, they shall be provided with pressure relief discharging back to the tank, pump suction or other approved location, or shall be provided with interlocks to prevent over-pressure.

5705.2.2 Pressured systems. Where gases are introduced to provide for transfer of Class I liquids, or Class II and III liquids transferred at temperatures at or above their flash points by pressure, only inert gases shall be used. Controls, including pressure relief devices, shall be provided to limit the pressure so that the maximum working pressure of tanks, containers and piping systems cannot be exceeded. Where devices operating through pressure within a tank or container are used, the tank or container shall be a pressure vessel approved for the intended use. Air or oxygen shall not be used for pressurization.

Exception: Air transfer of Class II and III liquids at temperatures below their flash points.

57-28 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.

5705.2.3 Piping, hoses and valves. Piping, hoses and valves used in liquid transfer operations shall be approved or listed for the intended use.

5705.2.4 Class I, II and III liquids. Class I liquids or, when heated to or above their flash points, Class II and Class III liquids, shall be transferred by one of the following methods:

From safety cans complying with UL 30.
Through an approved closed piping system.
From containers or tanks by an approved pump taking suction through an opening in the top of the container or tank.
For Class IB, IC, II and III liquids, from containers or tanks by gravity through an approved self-closing or automatic-closing valve where the container or tank and dispensing operations are provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with Section 5703.4. Class IA liquids shall not be dispensed by gravity from tanks.
Approved engineered liquid transfer systems.

Exception: Liquids in original shipping containers not exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity.

5705.2.5 Manual container filling operations. Class I liquids or Class II and Class III liquids that are heated up to or above their flash points shall not be transferred into containers unless the nozzle and containers are electrically interconnected. Acceptable methods of electrical interconnection include either of the following:

Metallic floor plates on which containers stand while filling, where such floor plates are electrically connected to the fill stem.
Where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling by means of a bond wire.

5705.2.6 Automatic container-filling operations for Class I liquids. Container-filling operations for Class I liquids involving conveyor belts or other automatic-feeding operations shall be designed to prevent static accumulations.

Exceptions & meaning →

5705.3 Use, dispensing and mixing inside of buildings.¶

Indoor use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Section 5705.2 and Sections 5705.3.1 through 5705.3.5.3.

5705.3.1 Closure of mixing or blending vessels. Vessels used for mixing or blending of Class I liquids and Class II or III liquids heated up to or above their flash points shall be provided with self-closing, tight-fitting, noncombustible lids that will control a fire within such vessel.

Exception: Where such devices are impractical, approved automatic or manually controlled fire-extinguishing devices shall be provided.

5705.3.2 Bonding of vessels. Where differences of potential could be created, vessels containing Class I liquids or liquids handled at or above their flash points shall be electrically connected by bond wires, ground cables, piping or similar means to a static grounding system to maintain equipment at the same electrical potential to prevent sparking.

5705.3.3 Heating, lighting and cooking appliances. Heating, lighting and cooking appliances that utilize Class I liquids shall not be operated within a building or structure.

Exception: Operation in single-family dwellings.

5705.3.4 Location of processing vessels. Processing vessels shall be located with respect to distances to lot lines of adjoining property that can be built on, in accordance with Tables 5705.3.4(1) and 5705.3.4(2).

Exception: Where the exterior wall facing the adjoining lot line is a blank wall having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 4 hours, the fire code official is authorized to modify the distances. The distance shall be not less than that set forth in the California Building Code, and where Class IA or unstable liquids are involved, explosion control shall be provided in accordance with Section 911.

5705.3.5 Quantity limits for use. Liquid use quantity limitations shall comply with Sections 5705.3.5.1 through 5705.3.5.3.

5705.3.5.1 Maximum allowable quantity per control area. Indoor use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 5003.1.1(1) and shall not exceed the additional limitations set forth in Section 5705.3.5.

Use of hazardous production material flammable and combustible liquids in Group H-5 occupancies shall be in accordance with Chapter 27.

Exception: Cleaning with Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with Section 5705.3.6.

TABLE 5705.3.4(1) SEPARATION OF PROCESSING VESSELS FROM LOT LINES

PROCESSING VESSELS WITH EMERGENCY RELIEF VENTING	LOCATIONa
PROCESSING VESSELS WITH EMERGENCY RELIEF VENTING	Stable liquids	Unstable liquids
Not in excess of 2.5 psig	Table 5705.3.4(2)	2.5 times Table 5705.3.4(2)
Over 2.5 psig	1.5 times Table 5705.3.4(2)	4 times Table 5705.3.4(2)

For SI: 1 pound per square inch gauge = 6.895 kPa. a. Where protection of exposures by a public fire department or private fire brigade capable of providing cooling water streams on structures is not provided,

distances shall be doubled.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

TABLE 5705.3.4(2) REFERENCE TABLE FOR USE WITH TABLE 5705.3.4(1)

TANK CAPACITY (gallons)	MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM LOT LINE OF A LOT THAT IS OR CAN BE BUILT ON, INCLUDING THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF A PUBLIC WAY (feet)	MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM NEAREST SIDE OF ANY PUBLIC WAY OR FROM NEAREST IMPORTANT BUILDING ON THE SAME PROPERTY (feet)
275 or less	5	5
276 to 750	10	5
751 to 12,000	15	5
12,001 to 30,000	20	5
30,001 to 50,000	30	10
50,001 to 100,000	50	15
100,001 to 500,000	80	25
500,001 to 1,000,000	100	35
1,000,001 to 2,000,000	135	45
2,000,001 to 3,000,000	165	55
3,000,001 or more	175	60

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

5705.3.5.2 Occupancy quantity limits. The following limits for quantities of flammable and combustible liquids used, dispensed or mixed based on occupancy classification shall not be exceeded:

Group A occupancies: Quantities in Group A occupancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstration, treatment, laboratory work, maintenance purposes and operation of equipment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).
Group B occupancies: Quantities in drinking, dining, office and school uses within Group B occupancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstration, treatment, laboratory work, maintenance purposes and operation of equipment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).
Group E occupancies: Quantities in Group E occupancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstration, treatment, laboratory work, maintenance purposes and operation of equipment and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).
Group F occupancies: Quantities in dining, office and school uses within Group F occupancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstration, laboratory work, maintenance purposes and operation of equipment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).
Group I occupancies: Quantities in Group I occupancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstration, laboratory work, maintenance purposes and operation of equipment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).
Group M occupancies: Quantities in dining, office and school uses within Group M occupancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstration, laboratory work, maintenance purposes and operation of equipment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).
Group R occupancies: Quantities in Group R occupancies shall not exceed that necessary for maintenance purposes and operation of equipment, and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).
Group S occupancies: Quantities in dining and office uses within Group S occupancies shall not exceed that necessary for demonstration, laboratory work, maintenance purposes and operation of equipment and shall not exceed quantities set forth in Table 5003.1.1(1).

Exception: Cleaning with Class I, II, or IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with Section 5705.3.6.

5705.3.5.3 Quantities exceeding limits for control areas. Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Sections 5705.3.5.1 and 5705.3.5.2 shall be in accordance with the following:

For open systems, indoor use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids shall be within a room or building complying with the California Building Code and Sections 5705.3.7.1 through 5705.3.7.5.3.
For closed systems, indoor use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids shall be within a room or building complying with the California Building Code and Sections 5705.3.7 through 5705.3.7.4 and Section 5705.3.7.6.

57-30 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

5705.3.6 Cleaning with flammable and combustible liquids. Cleaning with Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.6.1 through 5705.3.6.2.7. Exceptions:

Dry cleaning shall be in accordance with Chapter
Spray-nozzle cleaning shall be in accordance with Section 2403.3.5. 5705.3.6.1 Cleaning operations. Class IA liquids shall not be used for cleaning. Cleaning with Class IB, IC or II liquids shall be conducted as follows:
In a room or building, Section 5705.3.7; or
In a parts cleaner listed, labeled and approved for the purpose, Section 5705.3.6.2. Exception: Materials used in commercial and industrial process-related cleaning operations in accordance with other provisions of this code and not involving facilities maintenance cleaning operations. 5705.3.6.2 Listed and approved machines. Parts cleaning and degreasing conducted in listed and approved machines in accordance with Section 5705.3.6.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.6.2.1 through 5705.3.6.2.7. 5705.3.6.2.1 Solvents. Solvents shall be classified and shall be compatible with the machines within which they are used. 5705.3.6.2.2 Machine capacities. The quantity of solvent shall not exceed the listed design capacity of the machine for the solvent being used with the machine. 5705.3.6.2.3 Solvent quantity limits. Solvent quantities shall be limited as follows:
Machines without remote solvent reservoirs shall be limited to quantities set forth in Section 5705.3.5.
Machines with remote solvent reservoirs using Class I liquids shall be limited to quantities set forth in Section 5705.3.5.
Machines with remote solvent reservoirs using Class II liquids shall be limited to 35 gallons (132 L) per machine. The total quantities shall not exceed an aggregate of 240 gallons (908 L) per control area in buildings not equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system and an aggregate of 480 gallons (1817 L) per control area in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Machines with remote solvent reservoirs using Class IIIA liquids shall be limited to 80 gallons (303 L) per machine.

5705.3.6.2.4 Immersion soaking of parts. Work areas of machines with remote solvent reservoirs shall not be used for immersion soaking of parts.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

5705.3.6.2.5 Separation. Multiple machines shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or by a fire barrier with a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating.

5705.3.6.2.6 Ventilation. Machines shall be located in areas adequately ventilated to prevent accumulation of vapors.

5705.3.6.2.7 Installation. Machines shall be installed in accordance with their listings.

5705.3.7 Rooms or buildings for quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. Where required by Section 5705.3.5.3 or 5705.3.6.1, rooms or buildings used for the use, dispensing or mixing of flammable and combustible liquids in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.7.1 through 5705.3.7.6.3.

5705.3.7.1 Construction, location and fire protec- tion. Rooms or buildings classified in accordance with the California Building Code as Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies based on use, dispensing or mixing of flammable or combustible liquids shall be constructed in accordance with the California Building Code .

5705.3.7.2 Basements. In rooms or buildings classified in accordance with the California Building Code as Group H-2 or H-3, dispensing or mixing of flammable or combustible liquids shall not be conducted in basements.

5705.3.7.3 Fire protection. Rooms or buildings classified in accordance with the California Building Code as Group H-2 or H-3 occupancies shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Chapter 9.

5705.3.7.4 Doors. Interior doors to rooms or portions of such buildings shall be self-closing fire doors in accordance with the California Building Code .

5705.3.7.5 Open systems. Use, dispensing and mixing of flammable and combustible liquids in open systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.7.5.1 through 5705.3.7.5.3.

5705.3.7.5.1 Ventilation. Continuous mechanical ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cfm per square foot [0.00508 m ³ /(s × m ² )] of floor area over the design area. Provisions shall be made for introduction of makeup air in such a manner to include all floor areas or pits where vapors can collect. Local or spot ventilation shall be provided where needed to prevent the accumulation of hazardous vapors. Ventilation system design shall comply with the California Building Code and California Mechanical Code .

Exception: Where natural ventilation can be shown to be effective for the materials used, dispensed or mixed.

5705.3.7.5.2 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided in accordance with Section 911.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

5705.3.7.5.3 Spill control and secondary contain- ment. Spill control shall be provided in accordance with Section 5703.4 where Class I, II or IIIA liquids are dispensed into containers exceeding a 1.3-gallon (5 L) capacity or mixed or used in open containers or systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity. Spill control and secondary containment shall be provided in accordance with Section 5703.4 where the capacity of an individual container exceeds 55 gallons (208 L) or the aggregate capacity of multiple containers or tanks exceeds 100 gallons (378.5 L).

5705.3.7.6 Closed systems. Use or mixing of flammable or combustible liquids in closed systems shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.7.6.1 through 5705.3.7.6.3.

5705.3.7.6.1 Ventilation. Closed systems designed to be opened as part of normal operations shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Section 5705.3.7.5.1.

5705.3.7.6.2 Explosion control. Explosion control shall be provided where an explosive environment can occur as a result of the mixing or use process. Explosion control shall be designed in accordance with Section 911.

Exception: Where process vessels are designed to contain fully the worst-case explosion anticipated within the vessel under process conditions considering the most likely failure.

5705.3.7.6.3 Spill control and secondary contain- ment. Spill control shall be provided in accordance with Section 5703.4 where flammable or combustible liquids are dispensed into containers exceeding a 1.3gallon (5 L) capacity or mixed or used in open containers or systems exceeding a 5.3-gallon (20 L) capacity. Spill control and secondary containment shall be provided in accordance with Section 5703.4 where the capacity of an individual container exceeds 55 gallons (208 L) or the aggregate capacity of multiple containers or tanks exceeds 1,000 gallons (3785 L).

5705.3.8 Use, dispensing and handling outside of build- ings. Outside use, dispensing and handling shall be in accordance with Sections 5705.3.8.1 through 5705.3.8.4.

Dispensing of liquids into motor vehicle fuel tanks at motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be in accordance with Chapter 23.

5705.3.8.1 Spill control. Outside use, dispensing and handling areas shall be provided with spill control as set forth in Section 5703.4.

5705.3.8.2 Location on property. Dispensing activities that exceed the quantities set forth in Table 5705.3.8.2 shall not be conducted within 15 feet (4572 mm) of buildings or combustible materials or within 25 feet (7620 mm) of building openings, lot lines, public streets, public alleys or public ways. Dispensing activities that exceed the quantities set forth in Table 5705.3.8.2 shall not be conducted within 15 feet (4572 mm) of storage of Class I, II or III liquids unless such

liquids are stored in tanks that are listed and labeled as 2-hour protected tank assemblies in accordance with UL 2085.

Exceptions:

The requirements shall not apply to areas where only the following are dispensed: Class III liquids; liquids that are heavier than water; water-miscible liquids; and liquids with viscosities greater than 10,000 centipoise (cp) (10 Pa × s).
Flammable and combustible liquid dispensing in refineries, chemical plants, process facilities, gas and crude oil production facilities and oil-blending and packaging facilities, terminals and bulk plants.

TABLE 5705.3.8.2 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITIES FOR DISPENSING FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE

LIQUIDS IN OUTDOOR CONTROL AREAS ^{a, b}

CLASS OF LIQUID	QUANTITY (gallons)
Flammable
Class IA	10
Class IB	15
Class IC	20
Combination Class IA, IB and IC	30c
Combustible
Class II	30
Class IIIA	80
Class IIIB	3,300

For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785 L. a. For definition of “Outdoor Control Area,” see Section 202. b. The fire code official is authorized to impose special conditions regarding

locations, types of containers, dispensing units, fire control measures and other factors involving fire safety. c. Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control

area of each individual class.

5705.3.8.3 Location of processing vessels. Processing vessels shall be located with respect to distances to lot lines that can be built on in accordance with Table 5705.3.4(1).

Exception: In refineries and distilleries.

5705.3.8.4 Weather protection. Weather protection for outdoor use shall be in accordance with Section 5005.3.9.

Exceptions & meaning →

5705.4 Solvent distillation units. Solvent distillation units¶

shall comply with Sections 5705.4.1 through 5705.4.9.

5705.4.1 Unit with a capacity of 60 gallons or less. Solvent distillation units used to recycle Class I, II or IIIA liquids having a distillation chamber capacity of 60 gallons (227 L) or less shall be listed, labeled and installed in accordance with Section 5705.4 and UL 2208.

Exceptions:

Solvent distillation units used in continuous through-put industrial processes where the source

57-32 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

of heat is remotely supplied using steam, hot water, oil or other heat transfer fluids, the temperature of which is below the auto-ignition point of the solvent.

Approved research, testing and experimental processes.

5705.4.2 Units with a capacity exceeding 60 gallons. Solvent distillation units used to recycle Class I, II or IIIA liquids, having a distillation chamber capacity exceeding 60 gallons (227 L) shall be used in locations that comply with the use and mixing requirements of Section 5705 and other applicable provisions in this chapter.

5705.4.3 Prohibited processing. Class I, II and IIIA liquids that are classified as unstable (reactive) shall not be processed in solvent distillation units.

Exception: Appliances listed for the distillation of unstable (reactive) solvents.

5705.4.4 Labeling. A permanent label shall be affixed to the unit by the manufacturer. The label shall indicate the capacity of the distillation chamber, and the distance the unit shall be placed away from sources of ignition. The label shall indicate the products for which the unit has been listed for use or refer to the instruction manual for a list of the products.

5705.4.5 Manufacturer’s instruction manual. An instruction manual shall be provided. The manual shall be readily available for the user and the fire code official. The manual shall include installation, use and servicing instructions. It shall identify the liquids for which the unit has been listed for distillation purposes along with each liquid’s flash point and auto-ignition temperature. For units with adjustable controls, the manual shall include directions for setting the heater temperature for each liquid to be instilled.

5705.4.6 Location. Solvent distillation units shall be used in locations in accordance with the listing. Solvent distillation units shall not be used in basements.

5705.4.7 Storage of liquids. Distilled liquids and liquids awaiting distillation shall be stored in accordance with Section 5704.

5705.4.8 Storage of residues. Hazardous residue from the distillation process shall be stored in accordance with Section 5704 and Chapter 50.

5705.4.9 Portable fire extinguishers. Approved portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with Section 906. Not less than one portable fire extinguisher having a rating of not less than 40-B shall be located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) or more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from any solvent distillation unit.

Exceptions & meaning →

5705.5 Alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II¶

liquids. The use of wall-mounted dispensers containing alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II liquids shall be in accordance with all of the following:

The maximum capacity of each dispenser shall be 68 ounces (2 L).

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

The minimum separation between dispensers shall be 48 inches (1219 mm).
The dispensers shall not be installed above, below, or closer than 1 inch (25 mm) to an electrical receptacle, switch, appliance, device or other ignition source. The wall space between the dispenser and the floor or intervening counter top shall be free of electrical receptacles, switches, appliances, devices or other ignition sources.
Dispensers shall be mounted so that the bottom of the dispenser is not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) and not more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor.
Dispensers shall not release their contents except when the dispenser is manually activated. Facilities shall be permitted to install and use automatically activated “touch free” alcohol-based hand-rub dispensing devices with the following requirements:

5.1. The facility or persons responsible for the dispensers shall test the dispensers each time a new refill is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s care and use instructions. 5.2. Dispensers shall be designed and must operate in a manner that ensures accidental or malicious activations of the dispensing device are minimized. At a minimum, all devices subject to or used in accordance with this section shall have the following safety features:

5.2.1. Any activations of the dispenser shall only occur when an object is placed within 4 inches (98 mm) of the sensing device. 5.2.2. The dispenser shall not dispense more than the amount required for hand hygiene consistent with label instructions as regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). 5.2.3. An object placed within the activation zone and left in place will cause only one activation.

Storage and use of alcohol-based hand rubs shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 5704 and 5705.
Dispensers installed in occupancies with carpeted floors shall only be allowed in smoke compartments or fire areas equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

5705.5.1 Corridor installations. In addition to the provisions of Section 5705.5, where wall-mounted dispensers containing alcohol-based hand rubs are installed in corridors or rooms and areas open to the corridor, they shall be in accordance with all of the following:

Level 2 and 3 aerosol containers shall not be allowed in corridors.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

The maximum capacity of each Class I or II liquid dispenser shall be 41 ounces (1.21 L) and the maximum capacity of each Level 1 aerosol dispenser shall be 18 ounces (0.51 kg).
The maximum quantity allowed in a corridor within a control area shall be 10 gallons (37.85 L) of Class I or II liquids or 1135 ounces (32.2 kg) of Level 1 aerosols, or a combination of Class I or II liquids and Level 1 aerosols not to exceed, in total, the equivalent of 10 gallons (37.85 L) or 1,135 ounces (32.2 kg) such that the sum of the ratios of the liquid and aerosol quantities divided by the allowable quantity of liquids and aerosols, respectively, shall not exceed one.
The minimum corridor width shall be 72 inches (1829 mm).
Projections into a corridor shall be in accordance with Section 1003.3.3.

Exceptions & meaning →