Los Angeles Municipal Code § 57.5403 General Requirements

Section 5403 of the CFC is hereby adopted in its entirety with the following exceptions, modifications, and additions.

Wherever corrosive materials are stored or processed, signs with letters not less than 3 inches high on contrasting background stating “WARNING – CORROSIVE MATERIALS” shall be posted at any location within a building and at any location within an area outside a building where such materials are processed or stored, and at such other locations as may be required by the Chief.

Tanks containing corrosive materials which react with water shall be of closed type, or shall be equipped with a lid which shall be kept closed during intervals of non-use and at the end of each working shift. A hood or shield shall be provided over open tanks containing corrosive materials which react with water, if located beneath automatic sprinklers.

Open tanks and vats shall comply with Sections 57.5403.5.1 through 57.5403.5.3.

Where steam is used to heat or agitate corrosive materials in tanks, vats or pans or where compressed air is used to agitate such liquids and such steam or air is supplied from a line in which the pressure is higher than that which may be safely used to heat or agitate the liquids, a spring- loaded relief valve or other effective means shall be provided in the line to prevent the delivery of excessive pressure of steam or air to the tanks.

Such tanks and vats in which corrosive materials are agitated by compressed air, steam or mechanical means, or are heated, shall have controls so located that any employee operating them will not be exposed to splashes or boil-overs. Where such location is impracticable, equivalent protection shall be provided by means of shelter, and safe means of escape from shelter shall be provided.

Tubular gauges on stationary tanks, vats, or containers which contain corrosive materials shall be shielded to prevent liquid spray from endangering employees should the gauge break. All such gauges shall be guarded when exposed to the hazard of being broken by accidental impact and in all cases when located less than 7 feet above or 3 feet laterally from working levels or passageways. All such gauges shall be provided with valves which can be readily closed in case of breakage. When practicable, ball-check or other self-closing valves shall be used.

Impounding basins or drainage facilities shall be provided where, in the opinion of the Chief, accidental spillage or rupture of the container might endanger lives or property.

Areas used for the storage or processing of corrosive materials shall be equipped with at least one of the following:

1. Water outlets, with attached hose, for adequate dilution and flushing of spills to a safe location.

2. A covered and labeled container of absorbent-neutralizer mixture suitable for the neutralization and absorption of corrosive materials spills. There shall not be less than one such container holding 50 pounds of an absorbent-neutralizer mixture.

A deluge water-shower and eye flusher, with the water piping carrying a pressure not exceeding 25 pounds, shall be provided near each area where corrosive materials which may burn, irritate, or otherwise be harmful to persons, are stored, processed, or used. Shower and eye flusher shall be connected to a potable water supply line.

Tank cars shall be unloaded as soon as possible after their arrival at point of delivery and shall not be used as storage tanks. Tank cars containing corrosive materials shall not be allowed to remain at point of delivery for more than 24 hours while being unloaded. A qualified person shall supervise the transfer operations.