Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user.

See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

This state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol:
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same.

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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.

CHAPTER 8

INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

User note:

About this chapter: Chapter 8 provides requirements for interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing build- ings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards in buildings. The provisions tend to focus on occupancies with specific risk characteristics, such as vulnerability of occupants, density of occupants, lack of familiarity with the building and societal expectations of importance. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the California Building Code , which regulates the interior finishes and decorative materials of new buildings.

requirements in Sections 805.3.1 through 805.3.2 shall apply to detention and correction facilities classified in Group I-3.

INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

For Group I-3 areas occupied by inmates or Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.3.3.3.

804.3.3.3 Group I-2 and Group I-3 floor surfaces. Inte- rior floor finish and floor coverings occupied by inmates or patients whose personal liberties are restrained shall be noncombustible. Carpet or other floor covering mate- rials may be used in areas protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Carpet or other floor coverings shall comply with the requirements of ASTM Standard E648; the minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I and the specific optical density smoke rating shall not exceed 450 per ASTM E662. Carpeting and carpet padding shall be tested as a unit in accordance with floor covering radiant panel test meeting Class 1 and has a critical radiant flux limit of not less than 0.45 watt per centimeter square. The carpeting and padding shall be identified by a hang-tag or other suitable method as to manufacturer and style and shall indicate the classification of the material based on the limits set forth above.

is 6 inches (152 mm) or less in height shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 and shall be not less than Class II. Where a Class I floor finish is required, the floor-wall base shall be Class I. The classification referred to herein corresponds to the classifications determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 as follows: Class I, 0.45 watt/cm ²

or greater; Class II, 0.22 watts/cm ² or greater.

Exception: Interior trim materials that comply with Section 804.1.

of any portion of a means of egress shall not be obstructed by decorative vegetation. Natural cut trees shall not be located within an exit, corridor, or a lobby or vestibule.

used on or near decorative vegetation. Natural cut trees shall be kept a distance from heat vents and any open flame or heat-producing devices not less than the height of the tree.

electrical wiring and lighting on natural vegetation, including natural cut trees, shall be prohibited.

E, I, M and R-1 and in dormitories in Group R-2, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and other similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall comply with Section 807.3 and shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which such materials are attached.

Fixed or movable walls and partitions, paneling, wall pads and crash pads applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical correction, surface insulation or other purposes shall be considered to be interior finish, shall comply with Section 803 and shall not be considered decorative materials or furnishings.

Exceptions:

1. In auditoriums in Group A, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative material suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 75 percent of the aggregate wall area where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and where the material is installed in accordance with Section 803.15 of the California Building Code.

2. In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 50 percent of the aggregate wall areas where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.

3. In Group B and M occupancies, the amount of combustible fabric partitions suspended from the ceiling and not supported by the floor shall comply with Section 807.3 and shall not be limited.

4. The 10-percent limit shall not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.08]. Decorative Materials.

In every Group A, E, I, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occu- pancy, all drapes, hangings, curtains, drops and all other decorative material, including Christmas trees, that would tend to increase the fire and panic hazard shall be made from a nonflammable material, or shall be treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition by means of a flame-retardant solution or process approved by the State Fire Marshal, as set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8. Exits, exit lights, fire alarm sending stations, wet standpipe hose cabinets and fire extinguisher locations shall not be concealed, in whole or in part, by any decorative material.

Exceptions:

(a) Cubical curtains and individual patient room window curtains and drapes in Group I, R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies.

INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

(b) Window curtains and drapes within dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies.

(c) Christmas trees within dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1273.1] Fabrics for Interior Use.

Fabrics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1272(c) intended for interior use shall be tested in their original condition only and shall meet the requirements for fire resistance outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1273.3.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1273.2] Fabrics for Exterior Use.

Fabrics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1272(c) intended for exterior use shall meet the requirements for fire resistance outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1273.3, and, in addition, they shall meet the requirements for fire resistance outlined in Cali- fornia Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1237, both in their original state and after accelerated weathering.

exhibit improved fire performance, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and other similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings ( shall be flame resistant in accordance with the provisions set forth in CCR, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8.) shall be tested by an approved agency and meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701 or exhibit a maximum rate of heat release of 100 kW when tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source. Reports of test results shall be prepared in accordance with the test method used and furnished to the fire code official upon request.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1321.1] Fabric and Material Certification.

All concerns in whose name an approved flame-resistant fabric or material is registered shall issue approved certifi- cates of flame resistance covering all such products sold for use in occupancies governed by the statutes. Copies shall be furnished to the buyer as well as the State Fire Marshal and the local fire authority of the customer’s city. These certifi- cates shall be delivered within 10 days after the product is shipped and shall be completely filled out and signed by an authorized representative of the concern.

In addition to the required description on the reverse side of the certificate as to yardage or quantity, color and kind, notation should be made of the manufacturer’s production or lot control number, the purchase order or invoice number, and, where possible, the ultimate location and use.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1324] Job Labeling.

To every article that is treated and to every roll or package of registered approved fabric or material, a small label or tag shall be securely affixed, bearing the following information:

(a) The Seal of Registration of the State Fire Marshal of California.

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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

(b) Name and registration number of the concern respon- sible for the job or production.

(c) Name of the registered chemical used or the registered fabric or material.

(d) Date the chemical was applied, or the fabric or mate- rial was produced.

(e) The statement, “This article must be re-treated after washing or dry cleaning by systems with soap and water added” (if treated with a “Type II” chemical).

This information may be stamped, printed or stenciled on the article if so desired.

Concerns which treat or manufacture yardage goods may print or stencil their name, or the name of their fabric if registered, on the salvage (at least once every three yards) instead of affixing the label or tag as above.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1325] Labeling Required .

No drape, hanging, curtain, drop or similar decorative mate- rial or exterior fabric which has been treated by a registered flame-retardant application concern, either as yardage or after fabrication, or which is made from a registered approved fabric shall be installed after the effective date of these rules and regulations [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8] in any place or under any condition governed by Sections 13115 and 13119 of the Health and Safety Code unless such drape, hanging, curtain, drop, or similar decorative material or exterior fabric shall be labeled as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1324.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1326] Retreatment.

In cases where instructions are issued by the State Fire Marshal requiring retreatment or replacement of fabrics or materials previously treated with a flame-retardant chemical or registered as an approved fabric or material, the retreat- ment or replacement shall be made within ten (10) days after date of the order so requiring. A new certificate of flame resistance covering each such retreatment shall be delivered as for an original job as is provided for by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1321. A new sample of the retreated fabric or material shall be attached to the certificate of flame resistance submitted to the State Fire Marshal.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1327] Installation.

The standard fire-resistance tests presume installation of approved registered fabrics in a normal vertical position. Some decorative materials installed otherwise, such as in narrow strips or suspended overhead in a horizontal position, may exhibit different burning characteristics. Since it is not feasible to devise tests for all such installations differing from normal, they must be judged on an individual basis. Where indicated, the State Fire Marshal may perform such addi- tional tests as he deems necessary to ensure adequate fire resistance of materials as installed.

vegetation shall comply with this section and the requirements of Sections 807.2 and 807.3. Natural decorative vegetation shall comply with Section 806.

Exception: Testing of artificial vegetation is not required in Group I-2; Group R-2; Group R-3; or Group R-4 occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1, where such artificial vegetation complies with the following:

1. Wreaths and other decorative items on doors shall not obstruct the door operation and shall not exceed 50 percent of the surface area of the door.

2. Decorative artificial vegetation shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which it is attached.

3. Decorative artificial vegetation not on doors or walls shall not exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in any dimension.

807.4.1 Flammability. Artificial decorative vegetation shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701. Meeting such criteria shall be documented and certified by the manufacturer in an approved manner. Alternatively, the artificial decorative vegetation shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source, and shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW.

807.4.2 Electrical fixtures and wiring on artificial vege- tation. The use of unlisted electrical wiring and lighting on artificial decorative vegetation shall be prohibited. The use of electrical wiring and lighting on artificial trees constructed entirely of metal shall be prohibited.

comply with Sections 807.5.1 through 807.5.6.

807.5.1 Group A. In Group A occupancies, the requirements in Sections 807.5.1.1 through 807.5.1.4 shall apply.

807.5.1.1 Foam plastics. Exposed foam plastic materials and unprotected materials containing foam plastic used for decorative purposes or stage scenery or exhibit booths shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW when tested in accordance with UL 1975, or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20 kW ignition source.

Exceptions:

1. Individual foam plastic items or items containing foam plastic where the foam plastic does not exceed 1 pound (0.45 kg) in weight.

2. Cellular or foam plastic shall be allowed for trim in accordance with Section 804.2.

807.5.1.2 Motion picture screens. The screens on which motion pictures are projected in new and existing buildings of Group A shall either meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701 or shall comply with the requirements for a Class B interior

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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.

finish in accordance with Section 803 of the California Building Code.

807.5.1.2.1 Motion picture and television produc- tion studio sound stages. Approved production facilities and production locations with live audiences.

807.5.1.2.2 Foam plastics, decorations, textile and film materials. Foam plastics, textile and film mate- rials and other decorative materials and materials containing foam plastics shall be in accordance with the following:

1. Exhibit booth construction shall have a maxi- mum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

2. Decorative objects, including but not limited to mannequins, murals and signs, shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

Exception: When the aggregate area of murals, signs or similar decorative objects occupies less than 10 percent of the floor or wall area, this requirement may be waived by the fire chief.

3. Theater, motion picture and television stage settings with or without horizontal projections and simulated caves or caverns shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

807.5.1.3 Wood use in places of religious worship. In places of religious worship, wood used for ornamental purposes, trusses, paneling or chancel furnishing shall not be limited.

807.5.1.4 Pyroxylin plastic. Imitation leather or other material consisting of or coated with a pyroxylin or similarly hazardous base shall not be used.

807.5.2 Group E. Group E occupancies shall comply with Sections 807.5.2.1 through 807.5.2.3.

807.5.2.1 Storage in corridors and lobbies. Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.

Exceptions:

1. Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

2. Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section

4. Storage in metal lockers, provided the minimum required egress width is maintained.

807.5.2.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

807.5.2.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3 Groups I-2, I-2.1 and R-2.1. In Group I-2, I-2.1 and R-2.1 occupancies, combustible decorative materials shall comply with Sections 807.5.3.1 through 807.5.3.4.

807.5.3.1 Group R-2.1 within units. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, within sleeping units and dwelling units, combustible decorative materials placed on walls shall be limited to not more than 50 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.2 In Group R-2.1 for areas other than within units. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, combustible decorative materials placed on walls in areas other than within dwelling and sleeping units shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.3 In Group s I-2, I-2.1 and R-2.1 . In Group s I2, I-2.1 and R-2.1 occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, combustible decorative materials placed on walls shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.4 Other areas in Groups I-2, I-2.1 and R-2.1 . In Group s I-2, I-2.1 and R-2.1 occupancies, in areas not equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, combustible decorative materials shall be of such limited quantities that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.

807.5.4 Group I-3. In Group I-3, combustible decorative materials are prohibited.

807.5.5 Group I-4. Group I-4 occupancies shall comply with the requirements in Sections 807.5.5.1 through 807.5.5.3.

807.5.5.1 Storage in corridors and lobbies. Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.

Exceptions:

1. Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

2. Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section

4. Storage in metal lockers, provided that the minimum required egress width is maintained.

807.5.5.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

807.5.5.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to

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.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.19(b) and (c) Housekeeping.

Every building or portion of a building governed by Califor- nia Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in a neat orderly manner, free from any condition that would create a fire or life hazard or a condi- tion which would add to or contribute to the rapid spread of fire. Provisions shall be made for the proper storage and disposal of waste materials and rubbish consistent with the following:

(b) All combustible waste material and rubbish shall be stored in approved containers or shall be stored in a manner approved by the enforcing agency as being consis- tent with standard fire prevention practices until such waste material and rubbish is removed from the premises or otherwise disposed of in a proper manner.

(1) Containers with a capacity exceeding 5.33 cubic feet (40 gallons) (0.15 m ³ ) shall comply with the provi- sions of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, Section 304.3.

(2) Wastebaskets and linen containers in Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies shall comply with the provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, Section 808.

(c) Approved self-closing metal containers or listed disposal containers by an approved testing or listing agency shall be provided and maintained in all rooms or locations where oily rags, oily waste, paint rags or similar materials subject to spontaneous ignition are used, or are stored temporarily. Such containers shall be emptied daily.

808.1.1 Capacity density. The average capacity density of containers located in an individual room or space, other than waste and linen collection rooms, shall not be greater than 0.5 gal/ft ² (20.4 L/m ² ).

808.1.2 Recycling clean waste containers. Recycling clean waste containers, including their lids, shall not exceed an individual capacity of 96 gallons (363 L).

more in Group R-2 college and university dormitories. Waste containers, including their lids, located in Group R-2 college and university dormitories, and with a capacity of 20 gallons (75.7 L) or more, shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or of materials that meet a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m ² when tested in accordance with ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m ² in the horizontal orientation. Metal wastebaskets and other metal waste containers with a capacity of 20 gallons (75.7 L) or more shall be listed in accordance with UL 1315 and shall be provided with a noncombustible lid. Portable containers exceeding 32 gallons (121 L) shall be stored in an area classified as a waste and linen collection room constructed in accordance with Table 509.1 of the California Building Code.

building surfaces shall have a maximum heat release rate of 150 kW when tested in accordance with UL 1975, or when not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.6 Dormitories in Group R-2. In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the combustible decorative materials shall be of limited quantities such that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.

807.5.7 Group F-1 motion picture and television produc- tion studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations without live audiences.

807.5.7.1 Foam plastics, decorations, textile and film materials. Foam plastics, textile and film materials and other decorative materials and materials containing foam plastics shall be in accordance with the following:

1. Exhibit booth construction shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

2. Decorative objects, including but not limited to mannequins, murals and signs, shall have a max- imum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

Exception: When the aggregate area of murals, signs or similar decorative objects occupies less than 10 percent of the floor or wall area, this requirement may be waived by the fire chief.

3. Theater, motion picture and television stage set- tings with or without horizontal projections and simulated caves or caverns shall have a maxi- mum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.