Section 5003 General Requirements

The maximum allowable quantity per control area shall be as specified in Tables 5003.1.1(1) through 5003.1.1(4).

For retail and wholesale storage and display in Group M occupancies and Group S storage, see Section 5003.11.

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

1. 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.
2. Piping and tubing shall be identified in accordance with ASME A13.1 to indicate the material conveyed.

3. Readily accessible manual valves or automatic remotely activated fail-safe emergency shutoff valves shall be installed on supply piping and tubing at the following locations:

   1. 3.1. The point of use.
   2. 3.2. The tank, cylinder or bulk source.
4. Manual emergency shutoff valves and controls for remotely activated emergency shutoff valves shall be identified and the location shall be clearly visible, accessible and indicated by means of a sign.
5. 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.

6. Where gases or liquids having a hazard ranking of:

   • Health Class 3 or 4
   • Flammability Class 4
   • Instability Class 3 or 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 and 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:

1. Piping for inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
2. Piping for pressure relief devices.

Supply piping and tubing for gases and liquids having a health-hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 shall be in accordance with ASME B31.3 and the following:

1. Piping and tubing utilized for the transmission of highly toxic, toxic or highly volatile corrosive liquids and gases shall have welded, threaded or flanged connections throughout except for connections located within a ventilated 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.
2. 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.

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 415.11.6.4 of the California Building Code for Group H-5 occupancies.

Above-ground stationary tanks used for the storage of hazardous materials shall be located and protected in accordance with the requirements for outdoor storage of the particular material involved.

Exception: Above-ground tanks that are installed in vaults complying with Section 5303.16 or 5704.2.8 shall not be required to comply with location and protection requirements for outdoor storage.

The equipment, devices and systems listed in Section 5003.2.9.1 shall be tested at the time of installation and at one of the intervals listed in Section 5003.2.9.2. Records of the tests conducted or maintenance performed shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 107.2.1.

Exceptions:

1. Periodic testing shall not be required where approved written documentation is provided stating that testing will damage the equipment, device or system and the equipment, device or system is maintained as specified by the manufacturer.
2. Periodic testing shall not be required for equipment, devices and systems that fail in a fail-safe manner.
3. Periodic testing shall not be required for equipment, devices and systems that self-diagnose and report trouble. Records of the self-diagnosis and trouble reporting shall be made available to the fire code official.
4. Periodic testing shall not be required if system activation occurs during the required test cycle for the components activated during the test cycle.
5. Approved maintenance in accordance with Section 5003.2.6 that is performed not less than annually or in accordance with an approved schedule shall be allowed to meet the testing requirements set forth in Sections 5003.2.9.1 and 5003.2.9.2.

The following equipment, systems and devices shall be tested in accordance with Sections 5003.2.9 and 5003.2.9.2.

1. Gas detection systems, alarms and automatic emergency shutoff valves required by Section 6004.2.2.10 for highly toxic and toxic gases.
2. Limit control systems for liquid level, temperature and pressure required by Sections 5003.2.7, 5004.8 and 5005.1.4.
3. Emergency alarm systems and supervision required by Sections 5004.9 and 5005.4.4.
4. Monitoring and supervisory systems required by Sections 5004.10 and 5005.1.6.
5. Manually activated shutdown controls required by Section 6403.1.1.1 for compressed gas systems conveying pyrophoric gases.

The equipment, systems and devices listed in Section 5003.2.9.1 shall be tested at one of the frequencies listed below:

1. Not less than annually.
2. In accordance with the approved manufacturer’s requirements.
3. In accordance with approved recognized industry standards.
4. In accordance with an approved schedule.

Hazardous materials in any quantity shall not be released into a sewer, storm drain, ditch, drainage canal, creek, stream, river, lake or tidal waterway or on the ground, sidewalk, street, highway or into the atmosphere.

Exceptions:

1. The release or emission of hazardous materials is allowed where in compliance with federal, state or local governmental agencies, regulations or permits.
2. The release of pesticides is allowed where used in accordance with registered label directions.
3. The release of fertilizer and soil amendments is allowed where used in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) shall be readily available on the premises for hazardous materials regulated by this chapter. Where a hazardous substance is developed in a laboratory, available information shall be documented.

Exception: Designated hazardous waste.

Smoking shall be prohibited and “No Smoking” signs provided as follows:

1. In rooms or areas where hazardous materials are stored or dispensed or used in open systems in amounts requiring a permit in accordance with Section 5001.5.
2. Within 25 feet (7620 mm) of outdoor storage, dispensing or open use areas.
3. Facilities or areas within facilities that have been designated as totally “no smoking” shall have “No Smoking” signs placed at all entrances to the facility or area. Designated areas within such facilities where smoking is permitted either permanently or temporarily, shall be identified with signs designating that smoking is permitted in these areas only.
4. In rooms or areas where flammable or combustible hazardous materials are stored, dispensed or used.

Signs required by this section shall be in English as a primary language or in symbols allowed by this code and shall comply with Section 310.

Group H occupancies containing quantities of hazardous materials in excess of those set forth in Table 5003.8.2 shall be in detached buildings.

The percentage of maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materials per control area allowed at each floor level within a building shall be in accordance with Table 5003.8.3.2.

The required fire-resistance rating for fire barriers shall be in accordance with Table 5003.8.3.2. The floor assembly of the control area and the construction supporting the floor of the control area shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.

Exception: The floor assembly of the control area and the construction supporting the floor of the control area is allowed to be 1-hour fire-resistance rated in buildings of Type IIA, IIIA and VA construction, provided that both of the following conditions exist:

1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. The building is three stories or less above grade plane.

Gas cabinets shall be constructed in accordance with the following:

1. Constructed of not less than 0.097-inch (2.5 mm) (No. 12 gage) steel.
2. Be provided with self-closing limited access ports or noncombustible windows to give access to equipment controls.
3. Be provided with self-closing doors.
4. Gas cabinet interiors shall be treated, coated or constructed of materials that are compatible with the hazardous materials stored. Such treatment, coating or construction shall include the entire interior of the cabinet.

The interior of cabinets shall be treated, coated or constructed of materials that are nonreactive with the hazardous material stored. Such treatment, coating or construction shall include the entire interior of the cabinet. Cabinets shall either be listed in accordance with UL 1275 as suitable for the intended storage or constructed in accordance with the following:

1. Cabinets shall be of steel having a thickness of not less than 0.0478 inch (1.2 mm) (No. 18 gage). The cabinet, including the door, shall be double walled with a 1¹/₂-inch (38 mm) airspace between the walls. Joints shall be riveted or welded and shall be tight fitting. Doors shall be well fitted, self-closing and equipped with a self-latching device.
2. The bottoms of cabinets utilized for the storage of liquids shall be liquid tight to a minimum height of 2 inches (51 mm).

Electrical equipment and devices within cabinets used for the storage of hazardous gases or liquids shall be in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

Cabinets shall be clearly identified in an approved manner with red letters on a contrasting background to read:

HAZARDOUS—KEEP FIRE AWAY.

Incompatible materials in storage and storage of materials that are incompatible with materials in use shall be separated where the stored materials are in containers having a capacity of more than 5 pounds (2 kg) or 0.5 gallon (2 L). Separation shall be accomplished by:

1. Segregating incompatible materials in storage by a distance of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
2. Isolating incompatible materials in storage by a noncombustible partition extending not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above and to the sides of the stored material.
3. Storing liquid and solid materials in hazardous material storage cabinets.
4. Storing compressed gases in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures in accordance with Sections 5003.8.5 and 5003.8.6. Materials that are incompatible shall not be stored within the same cabinet or exhausted enclosure.

Shelving shall be of substantial construction, and shall be braced and anchored in accordance with the seismic design requirements of the California Building Code for the seismic zone in which the material is located. Shelving shall be treated, coated or constructed of materials that are compatible with the hazardous materials stored. Shelves shall be provided with a lip or guard where used for the storage of individual containers.

Exceptions:

1. Storage in hazardous material storage cabinets or laboratory furniture specifically designed for such use.
2. Storage of hazardous materials in amounts not requiring a permit in accordance with Section 5001.5.

Shelf storage of hazardous materials shall be maintained in an orderly manner.

Liquids in containers exceeding 5 gallons (19 L) in a corridor or exit enclosure for a stairway or ramp shall be transported on a cart or truck. Containers of hazardous materials having a hazard ranking of 3 or 4 in accordance with NFPA 704 and transported within corridors or interior exit stairways and ramps, shall be on a cart or truck. Where carts and trucks are required for transporting hazardous materials, they shall be in accordance with Section 5003.10.3. Exceptions 1 through 4 shall not apply where elevators are utilized.

Exceptions:

1. Two hazardous material liquid containers that are hand carried in acceptable safety carriers.
2. Not more than four drums not exceeding 55 gallons (208 L) each that are transported by suitable drum trucks.
3. Containers and cylinders of compressed gases that are transported by approved hand trucks, and containers and cylinders not exceeding 25 pounds (11 kg) that are hand carried.
4. Solid hazardous materials not exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg) that are transported by approved hand trucks, and a single container not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kg) that is hand carried.

Above the 10th story of any occupancy, all vertical handling and transportation of hazardous materials in the building shall be in approved carts.

The handling and transportation of hazardous materials above the 10th story shall be limited to 5 percent of the maximum allowable quantities of Tables 5003.1(1) and (2). Quantities are permitted to be increased by 100 percent in buildings with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Materials where footnote g applies shall not be increased.

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

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

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

Means shall be provided to prevent the elevator from being summoned to other floors.

The aggregate amount of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored and displayed within a single control area of a Group M occupancy or stored in a single control area of a Group S occupancy shall not exceed the amounts set forth in Table 5003.11.1.

Outdoor control areas for hazardous materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per outdoor control area shall be in accordance with the following:

1. Outdoor control areas shall be kept free from weeds, debris and common combustible materials not necessary to the storage. The area surrounding an outdoor control area shall be kept clear of such materials for not less than 15 feet (4572 mm).

2. Outdoor control areas shall be located not closer than 20 feet (6096 mm) from a lot line that can be built upon, public street, public alley or public way.

   Exceptions:

   1. For solid and liquid hazardous materials, a 2-hour fire-resistance-rated wall without openings extending not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above and to the sides of the storage area shall be allowed in lieu of such distance.
   2. For compressed gas hazardous materials, unless otherwise specified, the minimum required distances shall not apply where fire barriers without openings or penetrations having a minimum fire-resistance rating of 2 hours interrupt the line of sight between the storage and the exposure. The configuration of the fire barrier shall be designed to allow natural ventilation to prevent the accumulation of hazardous gas concentrations.
3. Where a property exceeds 10,000 square feet (929 m²), a group of two outdoor control areas is allowed where approved and where each control area is separated by a minimum distance of 50 feet (15 240 mm).
4. Where a property exceeds 35,000 square feet (3252 m²), additional groups of outdoor control areas are allowed where approved and where each group is separated by a minimum distance of 300 feet (91 440 mm).