CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE — MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 53 — COMPRESSED GASES
CHAPTER 53 — COMPRESSED GASES
| Adopting Agency | BSC | BSC-
CG
|
SFM | HCD | DSA | OSHPD | BSCC | DPH | AGR | DWR | CEC | CA | SL | SLC | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-24 | T-19* | 1 | 2 | 1/AC | AC | SS | 1 | 1R | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |||||||||||
| Adopt Entire Chapter | X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended
sections listed below)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adopt only those
sections that are
listed below
|
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| [California Code of
Regulations, Title 19,
Division 1]
|
X | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chapter / Section | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| [T-19 §3.18 (a)(b)] | 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.
User note:
About this chapter: 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 and similar occupancies. Also, this chapter regulates inert gases, such as CO2 used for enrichment and beverage dispensing, that although inert are considered asphyxiants and in larger amounts pose a life safety hazard. Standards for the design, construction and marking of compressed gas cylinders and pressure vessels are referenced. Compressed gases used in welding and cutting, cryogenic liquids and liquefied petroleum gases are also regulated under Chapters 35, 55 and 61, respectively. Compressed gases that are classified as hazardous materials are also regulated in Chapter 50, which includes general requirements.
Storage, use and handling of compressed gases in compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall comply with this chapter and NFPA 55, including those gases regulated elsewhere in this code. Partially full compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks containing residual gases shall be considered as full for the purposes of the controls required.
Liquefied natural gas for use as a vehicular fuel shall also comply with NFPA 52 and NFPA 59A.
Compressed gases classified as hazardous materials shall also comply with Chapter 50 for general requirements and chapters addressing specific hazards, including Chapters 58 (Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids), 60 (Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials), 63 (Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids) and 64 (Pyrophoric Materials).
Compressed hydrogen (CH2) shall also comply with the applicable portions of Chapters 23 and 58 of this code, the International Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 2.
Cutting and welding gases shall also comply with Chapter 35.
Exceptions:
- Gases used as refrigerants in refrigeration systems (see Section 605).
- Compressed natural gas (CNG) for use as a vehicular fuel shall comply with Chapter 23, the International Fuel Gas Code and NFPA 52.
- Cryogenic fluids shall comply with Chapter 55.
- LP-gas shall comply with Chapter 61 and the International Fuel Gas Code.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.18(a) and (b)] Hazardous Areas.
- General. Occupancies or portions thereof used or intended to be used as operating rooms, surgeries, delivery rooms, storage rooms and similar hazardous locations in which flammable or nonflammable mixtures of gases are used or stored shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 99-2005 Inhalation Anesthetics, NFPA 99-2005 Laboratories, NFPA 99-2005 Hyperbaric Facilities, NFPA 55-2010 Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer Sites, and this section.
- Containers. Cylinders and fittings for compressed gases shall conform to the regulations of the Federal Department of Transportation.Compressed gas cylinders shall be clearly marked with the name of the gas contained therein. Cylinders shall bear color makings and labels conforming to the following:
Gas Color (1) Oxygen Green (2) Carbon Dioxide Gray (3) Nitrous Oxide Light Blue (4) Cyclopropan Orange (5) Helium Brown (6) Ethlene Red (7) Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen Gray and Green (8) Helium and Oxygen Brown and Green Note: Polished metal or chrome-plated cylinders shall have color tags in addition to color labels.When deemed necessary by the enforcing agency, compressed gas cylinders shall be secured by chains, metal straps or other approved materials to prevent overturning.
Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall comply with this section. Compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks that are not designed for refillable use shall not be refilled after use of the original contents.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be designed, fabricated, tested, marked with the specifications of manufacture and maintained in accordance with the regulations of DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100—185 or the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII.
Pressure relief devices shall be provided to protect containers, cylinders and tanks containing compressed gases from rupture in the event of overpressure.
Exception: Cylinders, containers and tanks where exempt from the requirements for pressure relief devices specified by the standards of design listed in Section 5303.3.2.
Pressure relief devices to protect containers shall be designed and provided in accordance with CGA S-1.1, CGA S-1.2, CGA S-1.3 or the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, as applicable.
Pressure relief devices shall be sized in accordance with the specifications to which the container was fabricated and to material-specific requirements as applicable.
Pressure relief devices shall be arranged to discharge upward and unobstructed to the open air in such a manner as to prevent any impingement of escaping gas upon the container, adjacent structures or personnel.
Exception: DOTn specification containers having an internal volume of 30 cubic feet (0.855 m3) or less.
Pressure relief devices or vent piping shall be designed or located so that moisture cannot collect and freeze in a manner that would interfere with the operation of the device.
Stationary compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be marked with the name of the gas and in accordance with Sections 5003.5 and 5003.6. Markings shall be visible from any direction of approach.
Piping systems shall be marked in accordance with ASME A13.1. Markings used for piping systems shall consist of the content's name and include a direction-of-flow arrow. Markings shall be provided at each valve; at wall, floor or ceiling penetrations; at each change of direction; and at not less than every 20 feet (6096 mm) or fraction thereof throughout the piping run.
Exceptions:
- Piping that is designed or intended to carry more than one gas at various times shall have appropriate signs or markings posted at the manifold, along the piping and at each point of use to provide clear identification and warning.
- Piping within gas manufacturing plants, gas processing plants, refineries and similar occupancies shall be marked in an approved manner.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems that could be exposed to physical damage shall be protected. Guard posts or other approved means shall be provided to protect compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems indoors and outdoors from vehicular damage and shall comply with Section 312.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be secured to prevent falling caused by contact, vibration or seismic activity. Securing of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be by one of the following methods:
- Securing containers, cylinders and tanks to a fixed object with one or more restraints.
- Securing containers, cylinders and tanks on a cart or other mobile device designed for the movement of compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks.
- Nesting of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks at container filling or servicing facilities or in sellers' warehouses not open to the public. Nesting shall be allowed provided that the nested containers, cylinders or tanks, if dislodged, do not obstruct the required means of egress.
- Securing of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks to or within a rack, framework, cabinet or similar assembly designed for such use.Exception: Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks in the process of examination, filling, transport or servicing.
Compressed gas container, cylinder and tank valves shall be protected from physical damage by means of protective caps, collars or similar devices in accordance with Sections 5303.6.1 and 5303.6.2.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks designed for protective caps, collars or other protective devices shall have the caps or devices in place except when the containers, cylinders or tanks are in use or are being serviced or filled.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks designed for valve protection caps or other protective devices shall have the caps or devices in place. When outlet caps or plugs are installed, they shall be in place.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks and systems in storage or use shall be separated from materials and conditions that pose exposure hazards to or from each other. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems in storage or use shall be separated in accordance with Sections 5303.7.1 through 5303.7.11.2.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be separated from each other based on the hazard class of their contents. Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be separated from incompatible materials in accordance with Section 5003.9.8.
Combustible waste, vegetation and similar materials shall be kept not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems. A noncombustible partition, without openings or penetrations and extending not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above and to the sides of the storage area is allowed in lieu of such distance. The wall shall either be an independent structure, or the exterior wall of the building adjacent to the storage area.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall not be placed near elevators, unprotected platform ledges or other areas where falling would result in compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks being allowed to drop distances exceeding one-half the height of the container, cylinder or tank.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks, whether full or partially full, shall not be exposed to artificially created high temperatures exceeding 125°F (52°C) or subambient (low) temperatures unless designed for use under the exposed conditions.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall not be placed in areas where they are capable of being damaged by falling objects.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks, whether full or partially full, shall not be heated by devices that could raise the surface temperature of the container, cylinder or tank to above 125°F (52°C). Heating devices shall comply with the California Mechanical Code and the California Electrical Code. Approved heating methods involving temperatures of less than 125°F (52°C) are allowed to be used by trained personnel. Devices designed to maintain individual compressed gas containers, cylinders or tanks at constant temperature shall be approved and shall be designed to be fail-safe.
Open flames and high-temperature devices shall not be used in a manner that creates a hazardous condition.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall not be exposed to corrosive chemicals or fumes that could damage containers, cylinders, tanks, valves or valve-protective caps.
Where exhausted enclosures are provided as a means to segregate compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks from exposure hazards, such enclosures shall comply with the requirements of Section 5003.8.5.
Where gas cabinets are provided as a means to separate compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks from exposure hazards, such gas cabinets shall comply with the requirements of Section 5003.8.6.
Tube trailers, including those containing compatible compressed gases, shall be surrounded by a clear space of not less than 3 feet (914 mm) to allow for maintenance, access and inspection.
Increased separation distances between individual tube trailers containing incompatible gases shall be provided where required by Section 5303.7.1.
Piping systems used to connect tube trailers to a user piping system shall not be viewed as an encroachment into the 3-foot (914 mm) clear space.
Electrical wiring and equipment shall comply with the California Electrical Code. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall not be located where they could become part of an electrical circuit. Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall not be used for electrical grounding.
Service, repair, modification or removal of valves, pressure-relief devices or other compressed gas container, cylinder or tank appurtenances shall be performed by trained personnel.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders, tanks and systems shall not be used for any purpose other than to serve as a vessel for containing the product that it is designed to contain.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks that have been exposed to fire shall be removed from service. Containers, cylinders and tanks so removed shall be handled by approved, qualified persons.
Leaking, damaged or corroded compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be removed from service. Leaking, damaged or corroded compressed gas systems shall be replaced or repaired in accordance with the following:
- Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks that have been removed from service shall be handled in an approved manner.
- Compressed gas systems that are determined to be leaking, damaged or corroded shall be repaired to a serviceable condition or removed from service.
Unless otherwise specified in Section 5303.14, compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks are allowed to be stored or used without being placed under overhead cover. To prevent bottom corrosion, containers, cylinders and tanks shall be protected from direct contact with soil or unimproved surfaces. The surface of the area on which the containers are placed shall be graded to prevent accumulation of water.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks are allowed to be stored or used in the sun except in locations where extreme temperatures prevail. Where extreme temperatures prevail, overhead covers shall be provided.
Approved lighting by natural or artificial means shall be provided.
Generation, compression, storage and dispensing equipment for compressed gases shall be allowed to be located in either above- or below-grade vaults complying with Sections 5303.16.1 through 5303.16.14.
Vaults shall be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, below-grade vaults are allowed to be constructed on site, provided that the design is in accordance with the California Building Code and that special inspections are conducted to verify structural strength and compliance of the installation with the approved design in accordance with Section 1707 of the California Building Code. Installation plans for below-grade vaults that are constructed on site shall be prepared by, and the design shall bear the stamp of, a professional engineer. Consideration shall be given to soil and hydrostatic loading on the floors, walls and lid; anticipated seismic forces; uplifting by ground water or flooding; and to loads imposed from above, such as traffic and equipment loading on the vault lid.
The vault shall completely enclose generation, compression, storage or dispensing equipment located in the vault. There shall not be openings in the vault enclosure except those necessary for vault ventilation and access, inspection, filling, emptying or venting of equipment in the vault. The walls and floor of the vault shall be constructed of reinforced concrete not less than 6 inches (152 mm) thick. The top of an above-grade vault shall be constructed of noncombustible material and shall be designed to be weaker than the walls of the vault to ensure that the thrust of any explosion occurring inside the vault is directed upward.
The top of an at- or below-grade vault shall be designed to relieve safely or contain the force of an explosion occurring inside the vault. The top and floor of the vault and the tank foundation shall be designed to withstand the anticipated loading, including loading from vehicular traffic, where applicable. The walls and floor of a vault installed below grade shall be designed to withstand anticipated soil and hydrostatic loading. Vaults shall be designed to be wind and earthquake resistant, in accordance with the California Building Code.
Vaults shall be substantially liquid-tight and there shall not be backfill within the vault. The vault floor shall drain to a sump. For premanufactured vaults, liquid tightness shall be certified as part of the listing provided by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. For field-erected vaults, liquid tightness shall be certified in an approved manner.
There shall be sufficient clearance within the vault to allow for visual inspection and maintenance of equipment in the vault.
Vaults and equipment contained therein shall be suitably anchored to withstand uplifting by groundwater or flooding. The design shall verify that uplifting is prevented even where equipment within the vault is empty.
Vaults shall be resistant to damage from the impact of a motor vehicle, or vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.
Upcodes Diagrams
Equipment in vaults shall be listed or approved for above-ground use. Where multiple vaults are provided, adjacent vaults shall be allowed to share a common wall. The common wall shall be liquid and vapor tight and shall be designed to withstand the load imposed when the vault on either side of the wall is filled with water.
Connections shall be provided to permit the venting of each vault to dilute, disperse and remove vapors prior to personnel entering the vault.
Vaults shall be provided with an exhaust ventilation system installed in accordance with Section 5004.3. The ventilation system shall operate continuously or be designed to operate upon activation of the vapor or liquid detection system. The system shall provide ventilation at a rate of not less than 1 cubic foot per minute (cfm) per square foot [0.00508 m3/(s Ă— m2)] of floor area, but not less than 150 cfm (4 m3/min). The exhaust system shall be designed to provide air movement across all parts of the vault floor for gases having a density greater than air and across all parts of the vault ceiling for gases having a density less than air. Supply ducts shall extend to within 3 inches (76 mm), but not more than 12 inches (305 mm), of the floor. Exhaust ducts shall extend to within 3 inches (76 mm), but not more than 12 inches (305 mm) of the floor or ceiling, for heavier-than-air or lighter-than-air gases, respectively. The exhaust system shall be installed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code.
Vaults shall be provided with approved vapor and liquid detection systems and equipped with on-site audible and visual warning devices with battery backup. Vapor detection systems shall sound an alarm when the system detects vapors that reach or exceed 25 percent of the lower explosive limit (LEL) or one-half the immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH) concentration for the gas in the vault. Vapor detectors shall be located not higher than 12 inches (305 mm) above the lowest point in the vault for heavier-than-air gases and not lower than 12 inches (305 mm) below the highest point in the vault for lighter-than-air gases. Liquid detection systems shall sound an alarm upon detection of any liquid, including water. Liquid detectors shall be located in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Activation of either vapor or liquid detection systems shall cause a signal to be sounded at an approved, constantly attended location within the facility served by the tanks or at an approved location. Activation of vapor detection systems shall shut off gas-handling equipment in the vault and dispensers.
Vent pipes for equipment in the vault shall terminate not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) above ground level.
Vaults shall be provided with an approved personnel accessway with a minimum dimension of 30 inches (762 mm) and with a permanently affixed, nonferrous ladder. Accessways shall be designed to be nonsparking. Travel distance from any point inside a vault to an accessway shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm). At each entry point, a warning sign indicating the need for procedures for safe entry into confined spaces shall be posted. Entry points shall be secured against unauthorized entry and vandalism.
The interior of a vault containing a flammable gas shall be designated a Class I, Division 1, location, as defined in the California Electrical Code.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks, except those designed for use in a horizontal position, and all compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks containing nonliquefied gases, shall be stored in an upright position with the valve end up. An upright position shall include conditions where the container, cylinder or tank axis is inclined as much as 45 degrees (0.80 rad) from the vertical.
Exceptions:
- Compressed gas containers with a water volume less than 1.3 gallons (5 L) are allowed to be stored in a horizontal position.
- Cylinders, containers and tanks containing nonflammable gases, or cylinders, containers and tanks containing nonliquefied flammable gases that have been secured to a pallet for transportation purposes.
Compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the use intended and shall be designed by persons competent in such design. Compressed gas equipment, machinery and processes shall be listed or approved.
Compressed gas system controls shall be designed to prevent materials from entering or leaving process or reaction systems at other than the intended time, rate or path. Automatic controls shall be designed to be fail-safe.
Piping, including tubing, valves, fittings and pressure regulators, shall comply with this section and Chapter 50. Piping, tubing, pressure regulators, valves and other apparatus shall be kept gas tight to prevent leakage.
Valves utilized on compressed gas systems shall be suitable for the use intended. Access to such valves shall be provided and maintained. Valve handles or operators for required shutoff valves shall not be removed or otherwise altered to prevent access.
Venting of gases shall be directed to an approved location. Venting shall comply with the California Mechanical Code.
Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks, except those designed for use in a horizontal position, and all compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks containing nonliquefied gases, shall be used in an upright position with the valve end up. An upright position shall include conditions where the container, cylinder or tank axis is inclined as much as 45 degrees (0.80 rad) from the vertical. Use of nonflammable liquefied gases in the inverted position where the liquid phase is used shall not be prohibited provided that the container, cylinder or tank is properly secured and the dispensing apparatus is designed for liquefied gas use.
Exception: Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks with a water volume less than 1.3 gallons (5 L) are allowed to be used in a horizontal position.
Transfer of gases between containers, cylinders and tanks shall be performed by qualified personnel using equipment and operating procedures in accordance with CGA P-1.
Exception: The fueling of vehicles with CNG or CH2, conducted in accordance with Chapter 23.
Inflatable equipment, devices or balloons shall only be pressurized or filled with compressed air or inert gases.
Containers, cylinders and tanks shall be moved using an approved method. Where containers, cylinders or tanks are moved by hand cart, hand truck or other mobile device, such carts, trucks or devices shall be designed for the secure movement of containers, cylinders or tanks. Carts and trucks utilized for transport of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks within buildings shall comply with Section 5003.10. Carts and trucks utilized for transport of compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks exterior to buildings shall be designed so that the containers, cylinders and tanks will be secured against dropping or otherwise striking against each other or other surfaces.
Medical gases at health care-related facilities intended for patient or veterinary care shall comply with Sections 5306.2 through 5306.5 in addition to other requirements of this chapter and Section 427 of the California Building Code.
Medical gases shall be located in areas dedicated to the storage of such gases without other storage or uses. Where containers of medical gases in quantities greater than the permit amount are located inside buildings, they shall be in a 1-hour exterior room, a 1-hour interior room or a gas cabinet in accordance with Section 5306.2.1, 5306.2.2 or 5306.2.3, respectively. Rooms or areas where medical gases are stored or used in quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area as set forth in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with the California Building Code for high-hazard Group H occupancies.
A 1-hour exterior room shall be a room or enclosure separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both, with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings between the room or enclosure and interior spaces shall be self-closing smoke- and draft-control assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour. Rooms shall have not less than one exterior wall that is provided with not less than two vents. Each vent shall have a minimum free opening area of 36 square inches (232 cm2) for each 1,000 cubic feet (28 m3) at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of gas stored in the room and shall be not less than 72 square inches (465 cm2) in aggregate free opening area. One vent shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the floor and one shall be within 6 inches (152 mm) of the ceiling. Rooms shall be provided with not less than one automatic sprinkler to provide container cooling in case of fire.
Where an exterior wall cannot be provided for the room, a 1-hour interior room shall be provided and shall be a room or enclosure separated from the remainder of the building by fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both, with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings between the room or enclosure and interior spaces shall be provided with self-closing, smoke- and draft-control assemblies having a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed within the room. The room shall be exhausted through a duct to the exterior. Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a 1-hour-rated shaft enclosure from the room to the exterior. Approved mechanical ventilation shall comply with the California Mechanical Code and be provided at a minimum rate of 1 cfm per square foot [0.00508 m3/(s Ă— m2)] of the area of the room.
Gas cabinets shall be constructed in accordance with Section 5003.8.6 and shall comply with the following:
- Exhausted to the exterior through dedicated exhaust duct system installed in accordance with Chapter 5 of the California Mechanical Code.
- Supply and exhaust ducts shall be enclosed in a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated shaft enclosure from the cabinet to the exterior. The average velocity of ventilation at the face of access ports or windows shall be not less than 200 feet per minute (1.02 m/s) with not less than 150 feet per minute (0.76 m/s) at any point of the access port or window.
- Provided with an automatic sprinkler system internal to the cabinet.
Oxidizer medical gas systems located on the exterior of a building with quantities greater than the permit amount shall be located in accordance with Section 6304.2.1.
Transfilling areas and operations including, but not limited to, ventilation and separation, shall comply with NFPA 99.
Medical gas systems and equipment shall be installed, tested and labeled in accordance with NFPA 99 and the general provisions of this chapter. Existing medical gas systems and equipment shall be used and maintained in accordance with the use, maintenance, inspection and testing provisions of NFPA 99 for medical gas systems and equipment.
Indoor storage and use areas and storage buildings shall be provided with ventilation in accordance with Section 5004.3. Where mechanical ventilation is provided, the systems shall be operational during such time as the building or space is occupied.
Exceptions:
- A gas detection system complying with Section 5307.2.1 shall be permitted in lieu of mechanical ventilation.
- Areas containing insulated liquid carbon dioxide systems used in beverage dispensing applications shall comply with Section 5307.3.
In rooms or areas not provided with ventilation in accordance with Section 5307.2, a gas detection system complying with Section 916 or, where approved, an oxygen depletion alarm system, either of which initiates audible and visible alarm signals in the room or area where sensors are installed, shall be provided.
Insulated liquid carbon dioxide systems with more than 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of carbon dioxide used in beverage dispensing applications shall comply with Section 5307.3.1.
Where insulated liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks, cylinders, piping and equipment are located indoors, rooms or areas containing storage tanks, cylinders, piping and equipment, and other areas where a leak of carbon dioxide is expected to accumulate, shall be provided with mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section 5004.3 and designed to maintain the room containing carbon dioxide at a negative pressure in relation to the surrounding area.
Exception: A gas detection system complying with Section 5307.3.2 shall be permitted in lieu of mechanical ventilation.
Where ventilation is not provided in accordance with Section 5307.3.1, a gas detection system shall be provided in rooms or indoor areas and in below-grade outdoor locations with insulated carbon dioxide systems. Carbon dioxide sensors shall be provided within 12 inches (305 mm) of the floor in the area where the gas is expected to accumulate or other approved locations. The system shall be designed as follows:
- Activates an audible and visible supervisory alarm at a normally attended location upon detection of a carbon dioxide concentration of 5,000 ppm (9000 mg/m3).
- Activates an audible and visible alarm within the room or immediate area where the system is installed upon detection of a carbon dioxide concentration of 30,000 ppm (54 000 mg/m3).
The design, installation and maintenance of carbon dioxide enrichment systems with more than 100 pounds (45.4 kg) of carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide enrichment systems with any quantity of carbon dioxide having a remote fill connection, shall comply with Sections 5307.4.1 through 5307.4.7.
The following information shall be provided with the application for permit:
- Total aggregate quantity of liquid carbon dioxide in pounds or cubic feet at normal temperature and pressure.
- Location and total volume of the room where the carbon dioxide enrichment operation will be conducted. Identify whether the room is at grade or below grade.
- Location of containers relative to equipment, building openings and means of egress.
- Manufacturer's specifications and pressure rating, including cut sheets, of all piping and tubing to be used.
- A piping and instrumentation diagram that shows piping support and remote fill connections.
- Details of container venting, including but not limited to vent line size, material and termination location.
- Alarm and detection system and equipment, if applicable.
- Seismic support for containers.
Pressure relief, vent piping, fill indicators, fill connections, vent terminations, piping systems and the storage, use and handling of the carbon dioxide shall be in accordance with Chapter 53 and NFPA 55.
A gas detection system complying with Section 916 shall be provided in rooms or indoor areas in which the carbon dioxide enrichment process is located, in rooms or indoor areas in which container systems are located, and in other areas where carbon dioxide is expected to accumulate. Carbon dioxide sensors shall be provided within 12 inches (305 mm) of the floor in the area where the gas is expected to accumulate or leaks are most likely to occur. The system shall be designed as follows:
- Activates a low-level alarm upon detection of a carbon dioxide concentration of 5,000 ppm (9000 mg/m3).
- Activates a high-level alarm upon detection of a carbon dioxide concentration of 30,000 ppm (54 000 mg/m3).
Activation of the lowlevel gas detection system alarm shall automatically:
- Stop the flow of carbon dioxide to the piping system.
- Activate the mechanical exhaust ventilation system.
- Activate an audible and visible supervisory alarm signal at an approved location within the building.
Activation of the high-level gas detection system alarm shall automatically:
- Stop the flow of carbon dioxide to the piping system.
- Activate the mechanical exhaust ventilation system.
- Activate an audible and visible evacuation alarm both inside and outside of the carbon dioxide enrichment area, and the area in which the carbon dioxide containers are located.
Rooms or indoor areas in which carbon dioxide enrichment is provided shall be maintained at a negative pressure in relation to the surrounding areas in the building. A mechanical ventilation system shall be provided in accordance with the California Mechanical Code that complies with all of the following:
- Mechanical ventilation in the room or area shall be at a rate of not less than 1 cfm per square foot [0.00508 m3/(s Ă— m2)].
- When activated by the gas detection system, the mechanical ventilation system shall remain on until manually reset.
- The exhaust system intakes shall be taken from points within 12 inches (305 mm) of the floor.
- The ventilation system shall discharge to the outdoors in an approved location.
Hazard identification signs shall be posted at the entrance to the room and indoor areas where the carbon dioxide enrichment process is located, and at the entrance to the room or indoor area where the carbon dioxide containers are located. The sign shall be not less than 8 inches (200 mm) in width and 6 inches (150 mm) in height and indicate:
CAUTION—CARBON DIOXIDE GAS
VENTILATE THE AREA BEFORE ENTERING.
A HIGH CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
GAS CONCENTRATION
IN THIS AREA
CAN CAUSE ASPHYXIATION.
VENTILATE THE AREA BEFORE ENTERING.
A HIGH CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
GAS CONCENTRATION
IN THIS AREA
CAN CAUSE ASPHYXIATION.
Carbon dioxide system containers and piping shall comply with the seismic design requirements in Chapter 16 of the California Building Code and shall not exceed the floor loading limitation of the building.
Carbon dioxide containers located indoors shall not be refilled unless filled from a remote connection located outdoors.