Article X — CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

BATTERY SYSTEM, STATIONARY STORAGE.

BATTERY TYPES.

CAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM.

CRITICAL CIRCUIT.

EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM.

ENERGY STORAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM (ESS).

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM, ELECTROCHEMICAL.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM, MOBILE.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM, WALK-IN UNIT.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM CABINET.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM COMMISSIONING.

ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM DECOMMISSIONING.

FUEL CELL POWER SYSTEM, STATIONARY.

LARGE-SCALE FIRE TESTING.

PORTABLE GENERATOR.

STANDBY POWER SYSTEM.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 1207.1.7 is amended to read as follows:

1207.1.7 Large-scale fire test. Where required elsewhere in Section 1207, large-scale fire testing shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 855 as amended, and UL 9540A. The testing shall be conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory and show that a fire involving one ESS will not propagate to an adjacent ESS, and where installed within buildings, enclosed areas and walk-in units will be contained within the room, enclosed area or walk-in unit for a duration equal to the fire-resistance rating of the room separation specified in Section 1207.7.4. The test report shall be provided to the Fire Code Official for review and approval in accordance with Section 104.2.2.

Section 1207.2.2.1 is amended to read as follows:

1207.2.2.1 Ongoing inspection and testing. Systems that monitor and protect the ESS installation shall be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the operation and maintenance manual. Inspection and testing records shall be maintained in the operation and maintenance manual and made available to the Fire Code Official upon request.

Section 1207.5.2 is amended to read as follows:

1207.5.2 Maximum allowable quantities. Fire areas within rooms, areas and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities in Table 1207.5. The allowable number of fire areas, maximum allowable quantity, and fire-resistance rating of fire-barriers shall comply with Table 1207.5.1.

Exceptions:

Where approved by the fire code official, rooms, areas and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS that exceed the amounts in Table 1207.5 shall be permitted based on a hazardous mitigation analysis in accordance with Section 1207.1.6 and large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7.

Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems installed in facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities and operating at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC in accordance with NFPA 76.

Dedicated-use buildings in compliance with Section 1207.7.1.

Below grade plan 1 100 4 3 2 50 2 3 Lower than 2 Not Allowed Not Allowed Not Allowed

Section 1207.5.5 is amended to read as follows:

1207.5.5 Fire suppression systems. Rooms and areas within buildings and walk-in units containing electrochemical ESS shall be protected by an automatic fire suppression system designed and installed in accordance with one of the following:

Automatic sprinkler systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 for ESS units (groups) with a maximum stored energy capacity of 50 kWh, as described in Section 1207.5.1, shall be designed with a minimum density of 0.3 gpm/ft2 (1.14 L/min) based over the area of the room or 2,500 square-foot (232 m2) design area, whichever is larger, unless a lower density is approved based on large- scale fire testing in accordance with Section 1207.1.7.

Automatic sprinkler systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 for ESS units (groups) exceeding 50 kWh shall use a density based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7.

The following alternative automatic fire-extinguishing systems designed and installed in accordance with Section 904, provided that the installation is approved by the Fire Code Official based on large-scale fire testing complying with Section 1207.1.7:

3.1.

NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.

3.2.

NFPA 15, Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection.

3.3.

NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems.

3.4.

NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire-Extinguishing Systems.

3.5.

NFPA 2010, Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems.

Exceptions:

Fire suppression systems for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium battery systems at facilities under the exclusive control of communications utilities that operate at less than 50 VAC and 60 VDC shall be provided where required by NFPA 76.

Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium systems that are used for DC power for control of substations and control or safe shutdown of generating stations under the exclusive control of the electric utility, and located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations, shall not be required to have a fire suppression system installed.

Lead-acid battery systems in uninterruptable power supplies listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1778, utilized for standby power applications, which is limited to not more than 10 percent of the floor area on the floor on which the ESS is located, shall not be required to have a fire suppression system. (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.)

Section 1207.11.3 is amended to read as follows:

1207.11.3 Location. ESS shall be installed only in the following locations:

Detached garages and detached accessory structures.

Attached garages separated from the dwelling unit living space and sleeping units in accordance with Section R302.6.

Outdoors or on the exterior side of the exterior walls not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from doors and windows directly entering the dwelling unit and not below or above any emergency escape and rescue openings.

Enclosed utility closets, basements, storage or utility spaces within dwelling units with finished or noncombustible walls and ceilings. Walls and ceilings of unfinished wood-framed construction shall be provided with not less than 5/8-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard.

ESS shall not be installed in sleeping rooms, or in closets or spaces opening directly into sleeping rooms or in habitable spaces of dwelling units.

Section 1207.11.6 is amended to read as follows:

1207.11.6 Fire detection. ESS installed in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall comply with the following:

Rooms and areas within dwellings units, sleeping units, basements and attached garages in which ESS are installed shall be protected by smoke alarms in accordance with Section 907.2.11.

A listed heat alarm interconnected to the smoke alarms shall be installed in locations within dwelling units, sleeping units and attached garages where smoke alarms cannot be installed based on their listing.

Exceptions:

A listed heat detector may be used in place of a heat alarm, so long as it is interconnected with devices that provide an audible alarm at all sleeping areas.

A fire sprinkler associated with an approved automatic sprinkler system that triggers an audible alarm upon activation of the waterflow switch, may be used in place of a heat alarm.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 3303.5 is amended to read as follows:

Where required by the Fire Code Official or the site safety plan established in

accordance with Section 3303.1, a fire watch shall be provided for building demolition and for building construction. Fire watch is not intended to facilitate occupancy during ongoing construction in a new building.

Section 3303.7 is added to read as follows:

When firewalls are required in combustible construction, the wall construction shall be

completed (with all openings protected) immediately after the building is sufficiently weather protected at the location of the wall(s).

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 3307.1.2 is amended to read as follows:

3307.1.2 Stairways Required. Each level above the first story in multi-story buildings that require two exit stairways shall be provided with at least two usable exit stairways after the floor decking is installed. The

stairways shall be continuous and discharge to grade level. Stairways serving more than two floor levels shall be enclosed (with openings adequately protected) after exterior walls/windows are in place. Exit stairs in new and in existing, occupied buildings shall be lighted and maintained clear of debris and construction materials at all times.

Exception: For multi-story buildings, one of the required exit stairs may be obstructed on not more than two contiguous floor levels for the purposes of stairway construction (i.e., installation of gypsum board, painting, flooring, etc.).

Section 3307.1.4 is added to read as follows:

3307.1.4 Required Means of Egress. All buildings under construction shall have at least one unobstructed means of egress. All means of egress shall be identified in the written site safety plan as required by Section 3303.1.

Section 3307.6 is added to read as follows:

All construction sites shall be accessible by fire department

apparatus by means of roadways having an all-weather driving service of not less than 20ft. of unobstructed width. The roads shall have the ability to withstand the live loads of fire apparatus, and have a minimum 13 ft. 6 in. of vertical clearance. Dead end fire access roads in excess of 150 ft. in length shall be provided with approved turnarounds. When approved by the Fire Code Official, temporary access roadways may be utilized until such time that the permanent roadways are installed. As a minimum, the roadway shall consist of a compacted subbase and six (6) inches of road base material (Class 2 aggregate base rock) both compacted to a minimum 95% and sealed. The perimeter edges of the roadway shall be contained and delineated by curb and gutter or other approved method. The use of geotextile reinforcing fabric underlayment or soils lime-treatment may be required if so determined by the project civil engineer. Provisions for surface drainage shall also be provided where necessary. The integrity of the roadway shall be maintained at all times.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 3313.1 is added to read as follows:

Section 3313.1 Completion Before Occupancy. In buildings where an automatic sprinkler system is required by this Code or the California Building Code, it shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the automatic sprinkler system installation has been tested and approved.

In new buildings of combustible construction where automatic fire sprinkler systems are required to be installed, the system shall be placed in service as soon as possible. Immediately upon the completion of sprinkler pipe installation on each floor level, the piping shall be hydrostatically tested and inspected. After inspection approval from the Fire Department, each floor level of sprinkler piping shall be connected to the system supply riser and placed into service with all sprinkler heads uncovered. Protective caps may be installed on the active sprinklers during the installation of drywall, texturing and painting, but shall be removed immediately after this work is completed. For system activation notification, an exterior audible

waterflow alarm shall be installed and connected to the sprinkler waterflow device prior to installation of the monitoring system.

For buildings equipped with fire sprinkler systems that are undergoing alterations, the sprinkler system(s) shall remain in service at all times except when system modifications are necessary. Fire sprinkler systems undergoing modifications shall be returned to service at the end of each workday unless otherwise approved by the Fire Department. The General contractor or his/her designee shall check the sprinkler control valve(s) at the end of each workday to confirm that the system has been restored to service.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 4103.1 is amended to read as follows:

Portable unvented fuel-fired heating equipment shall be prohibited in

occupancies in Groups A, B, E, I, R-1, R-2, R2.1, R2.2, R-3, R3.1 and R-4 and ambulatory care facilities.

Exceptions:

Portable unvented fuel-fired heaters listed and labeled in accordance with UL 647 are permitted to be used in one and two-family dwellings, where operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances in accordance with Section 4103.1.2.

Section 4103.1.2.1.1 is amended to read as follows:

4103.1.2.1.1 Prohibited locations. The storage or use of portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances is prohibited in any of the following locations:

Inside of any occupancy where connected to the fuel gas container.

Inside of tents, canopies and membrane structures.

On exterior balconies, and rooftops.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 4106.1 is added to read as follows:

All electrical immersion heaters used in dip tanks, sinks, vats and similar

operations shall be provided with approved over-temperature controls and low liquid level electrical disconnects. Manual reset of required protection devices shall be provided.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 5001.2.2.2 is amended to read as follows:

5001.2.2.2 Health Hazards. The material categories listed in this section are classified as health hazards. A material with a primary classification as a health hazard can also pose a physical hazard.

Highly toxic and toxic materials.

Corrosive materials.

Moderately toxic gas.

Health hazards - Other.

Section 5002.1 is amended to read as follows:

BOILING POINT.

CEILING LIMIT.

CHEMICAL.

CHEMICAL NAME.

CLOSED CONTAINER.

CONTAINER.

CONTROL AREA.

CORROSIVE LIQUIDS.

CYLINDER.

DAY BOX.

DEFLAGRATION.

DESIGN PRESSURE.

DETACHED BUILDING.

DISPENSING.

EXCESS FLOW CONTROL.

EXHAUSTED ENCLOSURE.

EXPLOSION.

FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR FUMES.

GAS CABINET.

GAS ROOM.

HANDLING.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

HEALTH HAZARD.

HEALTH HAZARD - OTHER.

IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE AND

HEALTH (IDLH).

INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS.

LIQUID.

LOWER EXPLOSIVE LIMIT (LEL).

LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL).

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA.

MODERATELY TOXIC GAS.

NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE (NTP).

OUTDOOR CONTROL AREA.

PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMIT (PEL).

PESTICIDE.

PHYSICAL HAZARD.

PRESSURE VESSEL.

SAFETY CAN.

SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS).

SECONDARY CONTAINMENT.

SEGREGATED.

SOLID.

SPILL CONTROL.

STORAGE, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

SYSTEM.

TANK, ATMOSPHERIC.

TANK, PORTABLE.

TANK, STATIONARY.

TANK VEHICLE.

UNAUTHORIZED DISCHARGE.

USE (MATERIAL).

VAPOR PRESSURE.

Section 5003.1.3.1 is added to read as follows:

5003.1.3.1 Toxic, Highly Toxic, Moderately Toxic Gases and Similarly Used or Handled Materials. The storage, use and handling of toxic, highly toxic and moderately toxic gases in amounts exceeding Table 6004.2.1.4 shall be in accordance with this chapter and Chapter 60. Any toxic, highly toxic or moderately toxic material that is used or handled as a gas or vapor shall be in accordance with the requirements for toxic, highly toxic or moderately toxic gases.

Section 5003.1.5 is added to read as follows:

5003.1.5 Health Hazards - Other. The storage, use and handling of materials classified as other health hazards including carcinogens, irritants and sensitizers in amounts exceeding 810 cubic feet for gases, 55 gallons for liquids and 5,000 pounds for solids shall be in accordance with Section 5003.

Section 5003.1.6 is added to read as follows:

5003.1.6 Additional Spill Control and Secondary Containment Requirements. In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 5004.2. An approved containment system is required for any quantity of hazardous materials that are liquids or solids at normal temperature, and pressure (NTP) where a spill is determined to be a plausible event and where such an event would endanger people, property or the environment. The approved containment system may be required to include a combination of spill control and secondary containment meeting the design and construction requirements set forth in Section 5004.2.

Section 5003.2.2.1 is amended to read as follows:

5003.2.2.1 Design and Construction. Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related components used for hazardous materials shall be in accordance with the following:

Piping, tubing, valves, fittings and related components shall be designed and fabricated from materials that are compatible with the material to be contained and shall be of adequate strength and durability to withstand the pressure, structural and seismic stress, and exposure to which they are subject.

Piping and tubing shall be identified in accordance with ASME A13.1 and the Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs Marking Requirements and Guidelines for Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste to indicate the material conveyed.

Manual valves or automatic remotely activated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves shall be installed on supply piping and tubing and provided with ready access at the following locations:

3.1.

The point of use.

3.2.

The tank, cylinder or bulk source.

Manual emergency shutoff valves and controls for remotely activated emergency shutoff valves shall be clearly visible, provided with ready access and identified in an approved manner.

Backflow prevention or check valves shall be provided where the backflow of hazardous materials could create a hazardous condition or cause the unauthorized discharge of hazardous materials.

Where gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of:

Health hazard Class 3 or 4

Flammability Class 4

Reactivity Class 4

In accordance with NFPA 704 are carried in pressurized piping above 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig)(103 Kpa), an approved means of leak detection, emergency shutoff or excess flow control shall be provided. Where the piping originates from within a hazardous material storage room or area, the excess flow control shall be located within the storage room or area. Where the piping originates from a bulk source, the excess flow control shall be located as close to the bulk source as practical.

Exceptions:

Piping for inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.

Piping for pressure relief devices.

Secondary containment or equivalent protection from spills or leaks shall be provided for piping for liquid hazardous materials and for highly toxic and toxic corrosive gases above threshold quantities listed in Table 6004.2.1.4. Secondary containment includes, but is not limited to, double-walled piping.

Exceptions:

Secondary containment is not required for toxic corrosive gases if the piping is constructed of inert materials.

Piping under sub-atmospheric conditions if the piping is equipped with an alarm and fail-safe-to-close valve activated by a loss of vacuum.

Expansion chambers shall be provided between valves whenever the regulated gas may be subjected to thermal expansion. Chambers shall be sized to provide protection for piping and instrumentation and to accommodate the expansion of regulated materials.

Section 5003.2.2.2 is amended to read as follows:

5003.2.2.2 Additional Regulation for Supply Piping for Health Hazard Materials. Supply piping and tubing for gases and liquids having a health hazard ranking of 3 or 4 shall be in accordance with ASME B31.3 and the following:

Piping and tubing utilized for the transmission of highly toxic, toxic, or highly volatile corrosive liquids and gases shall have welded or brazed connections throughout except for connections within an exhausted enclosure if the material is a gas, or an approved method of drainage or containment is provided for connections if the material is a liquid.

Piping and tubing shall not be located within corridors, within any portion of a means of egress required to be enclosed in fire-resistance-rated construction or in concealed spaces in areas not classified as Group H Occupancies.

All primary piping for toxic, highly toxic and moderately toxic gases shall pass a helium leak test of 1x10-9 cubic centimeters/second where practical, or shall pass testing in accordance with an approved, nationally recognized standard. Tests shall be conducted by a qualified "third party" not involved with the construction of the piping and control systems.

Exception: Piping and tubing within the space defined by the walls of corridors and the floor or roof above or in concealed spaces above other occupancies where installed in accordance with Section 415.11.7.4 of the California Building Code for Group H-5 occupancies.

Section 5003.5.2 is added to read as follows:

5003.5.2 Ventilation Ducting. Ducts venting hazardous materials operations shall be labeled with the hazard class of the material being vented and the direction of flow.

Section 5003.5.3 is added to read as follows:

5003.5.3 "H" Occupancies. In "H" occupancies, all piping and tubing may be required to be identified when there is any possibility of confusion with hazardous materials transport tubing or piping. Flow direction indicators are required.

Section 5003.10.4 is amended to read as follows:

5003.10.4 Elevators utilized to transport hazardous materials.

5003.10.4.1 When transporting hazardous materials, elevators shall have no other passengers other than the individual(s) handling the chemical transport cart.

5003.10.4.1.1 When transporting cryogenic or liquefied compressed gases, there shall be no occupants in the elevator.

5003.10.4.2 Hazardous materials liquid containers shall have a maximum capacity of 20 liters (5.28 gal).

5003.10.4.3 Toxic, moderately toxic, and highly-toxic gases shall be limited to a container of a maximum water capacity of 1 pound.

5003.10.4.4 When transporting cryogenic or liquefied compressed gases, means shall be provided to prevent the elevator from being summoned to other floors.

Section 5004.2.1 is amended to read as follows:

5004.2.1 Spill Control for Hazardous Material Liquids. Rooms, buildings or areas used for storage of hazardous material shall be provided with spill control to prevent the flow of liquids to adjoining areas. Floors in indoor locations and similar surfaces in outdoor locations shall be constructed to contain a spill from the largest single vessel by one of the following methods:

Liquid-tight sloped or recessed floors in indoor locations or similar areas in outdoor locations.

Liquid-tight floors in indoor and outdoor locations or similar areas provided with liquid-tight raised or recessed sills or dikes.

Sumps and collection systems

Other approved engineered systems.

Except for surfacing, the floors, sills, dikes, sumps and collection systems shall be constructed of noncombustible material, and the liquid-tight seal shall be compatible with the material stored. When liquid-tight sills or dikes are provided, they are not required at perimeter openings having an open-grate trench across the opening that connects to an approved collection system.

Section 5004.2.2.2 is amended to read as follows:

5004.2.2.2 Incompatible Materials. Incompatible materials shall be separated from each other in independent secondary containment systems.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 5402.1 is amended to read as follows:

CORROSIVE.

CORROSIVE LIQUIDS.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 5601.1.3 is amended to read as follows:

5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks, including those fireworks classified as Safe and Sane by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, are prohibited.

Exceptions:

Storage and handling of fireworks as allowed in Section 5604.

The use of fireworks for fireworks displays pyrotechnics before a proximate audience and pyrotechnic special effects in motion pictures, television, theatrical or group entertainment productions as allowed in Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 Fireworks reprinted in Section 5608 and Health and Safety Code Division 11.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 5704.2.7.5.8 is amended to read as follows:

5704.2.7.5.8 Overfill Prevention. An approved means or method in accordance with Section 5704.2.9.7.5 shall be provided to prevent the overfill of all Class I, II and IIIA liquid storage tanks. Storage tanks in refineries, bulk plants or terminals regulated by Section 5706.4 or 5706.7 shall have overfill protection in accordance with API 2350.

Exception: Outside aboveground tanks with a capacity of 1320 gallons (5000 L) or less need only comply with Section 5704.2.9.7.5 (Item 1, Sub-item 1.1).

An approved means or method in accordance with Section 5704.2.9.7.5 shall be provided to prevent the overfilling of Class IIIB liquid storage tanks connected to fuel-burning equipment inside buildings.

Exception: Outside aboveground tanks with a capacity of 1320 gallons (5000 L) or less need only comply with Section 5704.2.9.7.5 (Item 1, Sub-item 1.1).

Section 5704.2.7.5.9 is added to read as follows:

5704.2.7.5.9 Automatic and/or Remote Filling of Tanks. Systems that automatically fill flammable or combustible liquid tanks shall be equipped with overfill protection, approved by the Fire Code Official that sends an alarm signal to a constantly attended location and immediately stops the filling of the tank. The alarm signal and automatic shutoff shall be tested on an annual basis and records of such testing shall be maintained on-site for a period of five (5) years.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 5707 is amended to read as follows:

5707.3.3 Site plan. A site plan shall be developed for each location or area at which mobile fueling occurs. The site plan shall be in sufficient detail to indicate the following:

All buildings and structures.

Lot lines or property lines.

Electric car chargers.

Solar photovoltaic parking lot canopies.

Appurtenances on-site and their use or function.

All uses adjacent to the lot lines of the site.

Fueling locations.

Locations of all storm drain openings and adjacent waterways or wetlands.

Information regarding slope, natural drainage, curbing and impounding.

How a spill will be kept on the site property.

Scale of the site plan.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Section 5809.3.4 is amended to read as follows:

5809.3.4 Site plan. For other than emergency roadside service, a site plan shall be developed for each location at which mobile gaseous hydrogen fueling occurs. The site plan shall be in sufficient detail to indicate: all buildings, structures, lot lines, property lines and appurtenances on site and their use and function, and the scale of the site plan.

(2380, § 2, 12-2-25)

Chapter 60 title is amended to read as follows: