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.
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.
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.
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, when such floor plates are electrically connected to the fill stem; or
- Where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling by means of a bond wire.
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.
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.
TABLE 5705.3.4(1)
| PROCESSING VESSELS WITH EMERGENCY RELIEF VENTING | LOCATIONa | |
| 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.
- 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.
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 WHICH IS OR CAN BE BUILT UPON, 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.
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.
Exception: Cleaning with Class I, II and IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with Section 5705.3.6.
Use of hazardous production material flammable and combustible liquids in Group H-5 occupancies shall be in accordance with Chapter 27.
The following limits for quantities of flammable and combustible liquids used, dispensed or mixed based on occupancy classification shall not be exceeded:
Exception: Cleaning with Class I, II, or IIIA liquids shall be in accordance with Section 5705.3.6.
- 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).
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.
- 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.
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 21.
- Spray-nozzle cleaning shall be in accordance with Section 2403.3.5.
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 in accordance with Section 5705.3.7; or
- In a parts cleaner listed, labeled and approved for the purpose in accordance with 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.
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.
Continuous mechanical ventilation shall be provided at a rate of not less than 1 cfm per square foot [0.00508 m3/(s • m2)] 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.
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.
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.
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 OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS IN OUTDOOR CONTROL AREASa, 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.
- For definition of “Outdoor Control Area,” see Section 5002.1.
- 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.
- Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control area of each individual class.
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.
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 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.
Class I, II and IIIA liquids that are also classified as unstable (reactive) shall not be processed in solvent distillation units.
Exception: Appliances listed for the distillation of unstable (reactive) solvents.
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).
- 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.
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.
- 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.