CFC · California Fire Code
Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
Chapters 50–67 of the California Fire Code set the statewide rules for safe storage, use and handling of hazardous materials, with Chapter 50 providing general provisions and Chapters 51–67 addressing material‑specific hazards.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This part of the California Fire Code establishes the prevention, control and mitigation requirements for hazardous materials during storage, dispensing, use and handling. Chapter 50 contains the general provisions and scope for all hazardous materials; see §5001.1 for the chapter scope and applicability of these companion provisions to the material‑specific chapters .
Chapters 51–67 then apply material‑specific controls — for example, aerosols (Ch. 51), compressed gases (Ch. 53), cryogenic fluids (Ch. 55), flammable/combustible liquids (Ch. 57), oxidizers and peroxides (Chs. 62–63), pyrophorics and unstable/reactive and water‑reactive materials (Chs. 64–67) — with Chapter 50’s general rules applying alongside each specific chapter as needed . Cross‑application is explicit in the code (for example, compressed gases comply with Chapter 53 and Chapter 50 as applicable §5301.1; cryogenic fluids follow Chapter 55 and Chapter 50 §5501.1) .
Key enforcement topics you’ll find across Chapters 50–67 include maximum allowable quantities and control areas (see §5003 and Tables 5003.1.1…), design and installation requirements for containers, piping and valves (§5003.2 and following), storage and spill‑control requirements (§5004.1–§5004.2), rooftop and outdoor storage limits (§5003.13), and permit/plan submittal triggers — all intended to coordinate hazard classification, occupancy, and mitigation measures across the Part V chapters .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 2025 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 50 Hazardous Materials—General Provisions
Chapter 50 contains the general requirements for all hazardous chemicals in all occupancies. The general provisions of this chapter are intended to be companion provisions with the specific requirements of Chapters 51 through 67 regarding a given classification of hazardous material.
Chapter 51 Aerosols
Chapter 51 addresses the prevention, control and extinguishment of fires and explosions in facilities where retail aerosol products are displayed or stored. Requirements for storing aerosol products are dependent on the level of aerosol product, level of sprinkler protection, type of storage condition and quantity of aerosol products.
Chapter 52 Reserved for future use.
Chapter 53 Compressed Gases
Chapter 53 regulates the storage, use and handling of all flammable and nonflammable compressed gases, such as those that are used in medical facilities, air separation plants, industrial plants, agricultural equipment facilities and in systems such as carbon dioxide beverage dispensing and carbon dioxide enrichment. Where classified as a hazardous material, Chapter 50 would apply along with specific applications such as those used in welding and cutting (Chapter 35), cryogenic liquids (Chapter 55) and liquefied petroleum gases (Chapter 61).
Chapter 54 Corrosive Materials
Chapter 54 addresses materials whose primary hazard is corrosivity; that is, the ability to destroy or irreparably damage living tissue on contact. Although corrosive gases exist, most corrosive materials are solid or liquid and classified as either acids or bases (alkalis). These materials may pose a wide range of hazards other than corrosivity, such as combustibility, reactivity or oxidizing hazards, and must conform to the requirements of this code with respect to all known hazards.
Chapter 55 Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 55 regulates the hazards associated with the storage, use and handling of cryogenic fluids through regulation of such things as pressure relief mechanisms and proper container storage. These hazards are in addition to the code requirements that address the other hazards of cryogenic fluids, such as flammability and toxicity (Chapters 50, 58 and 60).
Chapter 56 Explosives and Fireworks
Chapter 56 prescribes minimum requirements for the safe manufacture, storage, handling and use of explosives, ammunition and blasting agents for commercial and industrial occupancies. These provisions are intended to protect the general public, emergency responders and individuals who handle explosives. Chapter 56 also regulates the manufacturing, retail sale, display and wholesale distribution of fireworks.
Chapter 57 Flammable and Combustible Liquids
The requirements of Chapter 57 are intended to reduce the likelihood of fires involving the storage, handling, use or transportation of flammable and combustible liquids. The danger associated with flammable and combustible liquids is that the vapors from these liquids, when combined with air in their flammable range, will burn or explode at temperatures near normal living and working environment.
Chapter 58 Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 58 sets requirements for the storage and use of flammable gases. For safety purposes, there is a limit on the quantities of flammable gas allowed per control area. Exceeding these limitations increases the possibility of damage to both property and indi
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CFC § 50-1 High relevance — show source text
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PART V— HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
50 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 50 contains the general requirements for all hazardous materials in all occupancies. Hazardous materials are defined as those that pose an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of operating or emergency personnel, the public and the environment if not properly controlled during handling, storage, manufacture, processing, packaging, use, disposal or transportation. The general provisions of this chapter are intended to be companion provisions with the specific requirements of Chapters 51 through 67 regarding a given hazardous material. Also, Sections 414 and 415 of the California Building Code contain construction requirements related to the storage and use of such materials.
SECTION 5001—GENERAL
5001.1 Scope. Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, dispensing, use and handling of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this chapter.
This chapter shall apply to all hazardous materials, including those materials regulated elsewhere in this code, except that where specific requirements are provided in other chapters, those specific requirements shall apply in accordance with the applicable chapter. Where a material has multiple hazards, all hazards shall be addressed.
Exceptions:
In retail or wholesale sales occupancies, medicines, foodstuff, cosmetics and commercial or institutional products containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).
Alcoholic beverages in retail or wholesale sales occupancies, provided that the liquids are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).
Application and release of pesticide and agricultural products and materials intended for use in weed abatement, erosion control, soil amendment or similar applications where applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and label directions.
The off-site transportation of hazardous materials where in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOTn) regulations.
Building materials not otherwise regulated by this code.
Refrigeration systems (see Section 608).
Stationary storage battery systems regulated by Section 1207.
The display, storage, sale or use of fireworks and explosives in accordance with Chapter 56.
Corrosives utilized in personal and household products in the manufacturer’s original consumer packaging in Group M occupancies.
The storage of beer, distilled spirits and wines in barrels and casks.
The use, storage or both of dispensers containing alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II liquids where in accordance with Section 5705.5.
Specific provisions for flammable liquids in motor fuel-dispensing facilities, repair garages, airports and marinas in Chapter 23.
Storage and use of fuel oil in tanks and containers connected to oil-burning equipment. Such storage and use shall be in accordance with Section 605. For abandonment of fuel oil tanks, Chapter 57 applies.
Storage and display of aerosol products complying with Chapter 51.
CFC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
- 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. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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55 CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 55 regulates the hazards associated with the storage, use and handling of cryogenic fluids through regulation of such things as pressure relief mechanisms and proper container storage. These hazards are in addition to the code requirements that address the other hazards of cryogenic fluids such as flammability and toxicity. These other characteristics are dealt with in Chapter 50 and other chapters, such as Chapter 58 and its content about flammable gases. Cryogens are hazardous because they are held at extremely low temperatures and high pressures. Many cryogenic fluids, however, are actually inert gases and would not be regulated elsewhere in this code. Cryogens are used for many applications but specifically have had widespread use in the biomedical field and in space programs.
SECTION 5501—GENERAL
5501.1 Scope. Storage, use and handling of cryogenic fluids shall comply with this chapter and NFPA 55. Cryogenic fluids classified as hazardous materials shall also comply with the general requirements of Chapter 50. Partially full containers containing residual cryogenic fluids shall be considered as full for the purposes of the controls required.
Exceptions:
- Fluids used as refrigerants in refrigeration systems (see Section 608).
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG), which shall comply with NFPA 59A.
Oxidizing cryogenic fluids, including oxygen, shall comply with Chapter 63, as applicable.
Flammable cryogenic fluids, including hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide, shall comply with Chapters 23 and 58, as applicable.
Inert cryogenic fluids, including argon, helium and nitrogen, shall comply with ANSI/CGA P-18.
5501.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
SECTION 5502—DEFINITIONS
5502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2.
CRYOGENIC CONTAINER.
CRYOGENIC FLUID.
CRYOGENIC VESSEL.
FLAMMABLE CRYOGENIC FLUID.
LOW-PRESSURE TANK.
SECTION 5503—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
5503.1 Containers. Containers employed for storage or use of cryogenic fluids shall comply with Sections 5503.1.1 through 5503.1.3.2 and Chapter 50.
5503.1.1 Nonstandard containers. Containers, equipment and devices that are not in compliance with recognized standards for design and construction shall be approved upon presentation of satisfactory evidence that they are designed and constructed for safe operation.
CFC § 1203 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 PARTS AND CHAPTERS SUBJECTS Part I—Chapters 1 and 2 Administrative and definitions Part II—Chapters 3 and 4 General safety provisions Part III—Chapters 5 through 12 Building and equipment design features Part III—Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use Part IV—Chapters 20 through 41_; 48 and 49_ Special occupancies and operations Part IV—Chapters 42 through_47_ Reserved for future use Part V—Chapters 50, 51 and 53 through 67 Hazardous materials Part V—Chapters_ 52,_ 68 through 79 Reserved for future use Part VI—Chapter 80 Referenced standards Part VII—Appendices A through Q Adoptable and informational appendices 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xiii
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California Building Code Correlated Topics
The CFC requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress and construction safeguards are directly correlated to the chapters containing parallel requirements in the CBC as follows:
CFC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CFC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire and smoke protection features (Fire-resistance-rated construction in the CBC) Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection and life safety systems Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress Section 1203 Chapter 27 Emergency and standby power Chapter 31 Section 3103 Temporary structures Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Construction fire safety Chapters 50–67 Sections 307, 414, 415 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
Chapter 3 General Requirements
General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.
PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
CWUIC § 2025 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 41 Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations
Chapter 41 provides all requirements relative to temporary heating and cooking operations in a single chapter. Some of these provisions were originally found in Chapters 3, 6 and 31. This chapter is intended to facilitate consistent enforcement of temporary heating and cooking operations by making the requirements more straightforward. Temporary heating on construction sites is addressed in Chapter 33.
Chapters 42 through 47 Reserved for future use.
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Chapter 48 Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Stages, Approved Production Facilities and Production Locations
On July 23, 1982, a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter crashed at Indian Dunes in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California, during the making of Twilight Zone: The Movie. The crash killed three people on the ground and injured the six helicopter passengers. Those killed were actor Vic Morrow and child actors Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen. The incident led to years of civil and criminal action and was responsi- ble for the introduction of new procedures and safety standards in the filmmaking industry.
Chapter 49 Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas
Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Areas are now located in Part 7 of Title 24, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code. The provisions of Part 7, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code shall apply to buildings and structures located in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) or Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
PART V—HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Chapter 50 Hazardous Materials—General Provisions
Chapter 50 contains the general requirements for all hazardous chemicals in all occupancies. The general provisions of this chapter are intended to be companion provisions with the specific requirements of Chapters 51 through 67 regarding a given classification of hazardous material.
Chapter 51 Aerosols
Chapter 51 addresses the prevention, control and extinguishment of fires and explosions in facilities where retail aerosol products are displayed or stored. Requirements for storing aerosol products are dependent on the level of aerosol product, level of sprinkler protection, type of storage condition and quantity of aerosol products.
Chapter 52 Reserved for future use.
Chapter 53 Compressed Gases
Chapter 53 regulates the storage, use and handling of all flammable and nonflammable compressed gases, such as those that are used in medical facilities, air separation plants, industrial plants, agricultural equipment facilities and in systems such as carbon dioxide beverage dispensing and carbon dioxide enrichment. Where classified as a hazardous material, Chapter 50 would apply along with specific applications such as those used in welding and cutting (Chapter 35), cryogenic liquids (Chapter 55) and liquefied petroleum gases (Chapter 61).
Chapter 54 Corrosive Materials
Chapter 54 addresses materials whose primary hazard is corrosivity; that is, the ability to destroy or irreparably damage living tissue on contact. Although corrosive gases exist, most corrosive materials are solid or liquid and classified as either acids or bases (alkalis). These materials may pose a wide range of hazards other than corrosivity, such as combustibility, reactivity or oxidizing hazards, and must conform to the requirements of this code with respect to all known hazards.
Chapter 55 Cryogenic Fluids
CFC § 65-3 Medium relevance — show source text
6503 General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65-3 6504 Storage and Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65-3
CHAPTER 66 UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIALS . . . . . . 66-3
6601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-3
6602 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-3
6603 General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-3 6604 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-4
6605 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-4
CHAPTER 67 WATER-REACTIVE SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS . . 67-3
6701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67-3
6702 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67-3
6703 General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67-3
6704 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67-3
6705 Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67-4
CHAPTERS 68–79 RESERVED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68-1
CHAPTER 80 REFERENCED STANDARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-5
APPENDIX CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX 4-3
CFC § 5001.5.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |5001.5.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5001.5.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.1.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Table 5003.1.1(1)|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |Table 5003.1.1(2)|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.4.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.4.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.4.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.4.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.10.5 – 5003.10.6.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5003.11|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |5004.3.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||- 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. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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PART V— HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
50 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 50 contains the general requirements for all hazardous materials in all occupancies. Hazardous materials are defined as those that pose an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of operating or emergency personnel, the public and the environment if not properly controlled during handling, storage, manufacture, processing, packaging, use, disposal or transportation. The general provisions of this chapter are intended to be companion provisions with the specific requirements of Chapters 51 through 67 regarding a given hazardous material. Also, Sections 414 and 415 of the California Building Code contain construction requirements related to the storage and use of such materials.
SECTION 5001—GENERAL
5001.1 Scope. Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, dispensing, use and handling of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this chapter.
CFC § 507.5. Medium relevance — show source text
Appendix BB Fire-flow Requirements for Buildings
The procedures determining fire-flow requirements for any school buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed for which review and approval is required under Subdivision(a) of Section 17280 of the Government Code shall be in accordance with this appendix as amended by the state fire marshal.
Appendix C Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution
Appendix C focuses on the location and spacing of fire hydrants, which is important to the success of firefighting operations. This particular appendix gives one methodology based on the required fire flow that fire departments can work with to set a policy for hydrant distribution around new buildings and facilities in conjunction with Section 507.5.
Appendix CC Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution
Fire hydrants shall be provided in accordance with this appendix for the protection of any school buildings, or portions thereof, hereafter constructed for which review and approval are required under Subdivision(a) of Section 17280 of the Government Code.
Appendix D Fire Apparatus Access Roads
Appendix D contains more detailed elements for use with the basic access requirements found in Section 503. This appendix, like Appendices B and C, is a tool for jurisdictions looking for guidance in establishing access requirements and includes criteria for multiple-family residential developments, large one- and two-family subdivisions, specific examples for various types of turnarounds for fire department apparatus and parking regulatory signage.
Appendix E Hazard Categories
Appendix E contains guidance in the classifying of hazardous materials so that proposed designs can be evaluated intelligently and accurately. The descriptive materials and explanations of hazardous materials and how to report and evaluate them on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are intended to be instructional as well as informative.
Appendix F Hazard Ranking
The information in Appendix F is intended to be a companion to the specific requirements of Chapters 51 through 67, which regulate the storage, handling and use of all hazardous materials classified as either physical or health hazards. This appendix lists the various hazardous materials categories that are defined in this code, along with the NFPA 704 hazard ranking for each.
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Appendix G Cryogenic Fluids—Weight and Volume Equivalents
Appendix G gives the fire code official and design professional a ready reference tool for the conversion of the liquid weight and volume of cryogenic fluid to their corresponding volume of gas and vice versa and is a companion to the provisions of Chapter 55 of this code. Note that this appendix is for information purposes and is not intended for adoption.
Appendix H Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) Instructions
Appendix H is intended to assist businesses in establishing a Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) based on the classification and quantities of materials that would be found on-site, in storage or in use. The sample forms and available Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide the basis for the evaluations. It is also a companion to CFC Sections 407.5 and 407.6, which provide the requirement that the HMIS and HMMP be submitted when required by the fire code official.
Appendix I Fire Protection Systems—Noncompliant Conditions
CFC § 48-4 Medium relevance — show source text
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-4_ 4810 Design Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-5 4811 Production Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-5
CHAPTER 49 REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDLAND-URBAN INTER- FACE AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49-1
CHAPTER 50 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL
PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50-3
5001 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-3
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5002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-6
5003 General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-7 5004 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-21 5005 Use, Dispensing and Handling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-25
CHAPTER 51 AEROSOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51-3
5101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51-3
5102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51-3
5103 Classification of Aerosol Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51-3
CFC § 5104.1.3 Medium relevance — show source text
5104.1.3 Plastic aerosol X products. Plastic aerosol X products are those products, in containers larger than 4 fluid ounces (118 ml), that do not meet the criteria provided in Section 5104.1.1 or 5104.1.2.
5104.1.3.1 Storage, use or handling. The storage, use or handling of plastic aerosol X products shall be prohibited.
5104.2 Storage in Groups A, B, E, F, I and R. Storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products in occupancies in Groups A, B, E, F, I and R shall be limited to the following maximum quantities:
- A net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 aerosol products.
- A net weight of 500 pounds (227 kg) of Level 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products.
- A combined net weight of 1,000 pounds (454 kg) of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products.
The maximum quantity shall be increased 100 percent where the excess quantity is stored in storage cabinets in accordance with Section 5704.3.2.
5104.2.1 Excess storage. Storage of quantities exceeding the maximum quantities indicated in Section 5104.2 shall be stored in separate inside flammable liquid storage rooms in accordance with Section 5104.5.
5104.2.2 Aerosol cooking spray products. Storage of aerosol cooking spray products in Group A, B, E, F, I and R occupancies shall not be more than 1,000 pounds (454 kg) net weight.
5104.3 Storage in general purpose warehouses. Aerosol product storage in general purpose warehouses utilized only for warehousing-type operations involving mixed commodities shall comply with Section 5104.3.1, 5104.3.2. or 5104.3.3.
5104.3.1 Nonsegregated storage. Storage consisting of solid pile, palletized or rack storage of Level 2 and 3 aerosol and plastic aerosol 3 products not segregated into areas utilized exclusively for the storage of aerosol products shall comply with Table 5104.3.1.
Frequently asked questions
What section sets the maximum allowable quantities (MAQs) for hazardous materials?
MAQs and control‑area limits are set out in Section 5003 and the accompanying Tables 5003.1.1(1)–(4); quantities not exceeding the MAQ follow the general provisions in §§5001 and 5003, while quantities over those limits require the storage/use provisions throughout Chapter 50 and the applicable material chapter .
If a material has multiple hazards, which chapter applies?
When a material presents multiple hazards it must comply with Chapter 50’s general requirements plus any specific chapter(s) that address its hazards (for example, compressed or cryogenic gases reference both the specific chapter and Chapter 50 in §5301.1 and §5501.1) .
When are permits required for hazardous materials?
Permits are required as indicated in the code’s permit provisions (see Section 105.5) and specific chapters reinforce permit triggers; several material chapters (for example §5501.2 for cryogens and §6601.2 for unstable/reactive materials) call out permits in accordance with Section 105.5 .
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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Administration and Definitions
General Requirements and Emergency Planning
Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
California Fire Code