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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE — MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
CHAPTER 60 — HIGHLY TOXIC AND TOXIC MATERIALS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user.
See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
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
                                             
[California Code of
Regulations, Title 19,
Division 1]
                                             
Chapter / Section                                              
* 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 60 provides requirements to protect occupants, emergency responders and those in the immediate area of the building and facility from short-term, acute hazards associated with a release of, or general exposure to, toxic and highly toxic materials. This chapter deals with all three states of toxic and highly toxic materials: solids, liquids and gases. This code does not address long-term exposure effects of these materials, which are addressed by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The storage and use of highly toxic and toxic materials shall comply with this chapter. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter 53.
Exceptions:
  1. Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies complying with Section 5003.11.
  2. Conditions involving pesticides or agricultural products as follows:
    2.1.  Application and release of pesticide, agricultural products and materials intended for use in weed abatement, erosion control, soil amendment or similar applications when applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction and label directions.
    2.2.  Transportation of pesticides in compliance with the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and regulations thereunder.
    2.3.  Storage in dwellings or private garages of pesticides registered by the US Environmental Protection Agency to be utilized in and around the home, garden, pool, spa and patio.
Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
The indoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic materials shall comply with Sections 6003.1.1 through 6003.1.5.3.
The indoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic solids or liquids in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 5003.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 6001.
The indoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic solids or liquids in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 5003.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Section 6001, Sections 6003.1.3 through 6003.1.5.3 and Chapter 50.
Exhaust scrubbers or other systems for processing vapors of highly toxic liquids shall be provided where a spill or accidental release of such liquids can be expected to release highly toxic vapors at normal temperature and pressure (NTP). Treatment systems and other processing systems shall be installed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code.
Indoor storage of highly toxic and toxic solids and liquids shall comply with Sections 6003.1.4.1 and 6003.1.4.2.
In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 5004.12, floors of storage areas where highly toxic and toxic liquids are stored shall be of liquid-tight construction.
In addition to the requirements set forth in Section 5003.9.8, highly toxic solids and liquids in storage shall be located in approved hazardous material storage cabinets or isolated from other hazardous material storage by construction in accordance with the California Building Code.
Indoor use of highly toxic and toxic solids and liquids shall comply with Sections 6003.1.5.1 through 6003.1.5.3.
Highly toxic and toxic liquids shall be transferred in accordance with Section 5005.1.10.
Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided for highly toxic and toxic liquids used in open systems in accordance with Section 5005.2.1.1.
Exception: Liquids that do not generate highly toxic or toxic fumes, mists or vapors.
Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided for highly toxic and toxic liquids used in closed systems in accordance with Section 5005.2.2.1.
Exception: Liquids that do not generate highly toxic or toxic fumes, mists or vapors.
Outdoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic materials shall comply with Sections 6003.2.1 through 6003.2.6.
The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic solids or liquids in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 6001.
The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic solids or liquids in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 6001 and 6003.2 and Chapter 50.
The general requirements applicable to the outdoor storage of highly toxic or toxic solids and liquids shall be in accordance with Sections 6003.2.3.1 and 6003.2.3.2.
Outdoor storage or use of highly toxic or toxic solids and liquids shall not be located within 20 feet (6096 mm) of lot lines, public streets, public alleys, public ways, exit discharges or exterior wall openings. A 2-hour fire barrier without openings or penetrations extending not less than 30 inches (762 mm) above and to the sides of the storage 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.
Exhaust scrubbers or other systems for processing vapors of highly toxic liquid shall be provided where a spill or accidental release of such liquids can be expected to release highly toxic vapors at normal temperature and pressure (NTP). Treatment systems and other processing systems shall be installed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code.
Outdoor storage piles of highly toxic and toxic solids and liquids shall be separated into piles not larger than 2,500 cubic feet (71 m3). Aisle widths between piles shall be not less than one-half the height of the pile or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.
Where overhead weather protection is provided for outdoor storage or use of highly toxic liquids or solids, and the weather protection is attached to a building, the storage or use area shall either be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, or storage or use vessels shall be fire resistive. Weather protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 5004.13 for storage and Section 5005.3.9 for use.
The storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall comply with this section.
The indoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases in certain occupancies shall be subject to the limitations contained in Sections 6004.1.1.1 through 6004.1.1.3.
Toxic and highly toxic compressed gases shall not be stored or used within Group A, E, I or U occupancies.
Exception: Cylinders not exceeding 20 cubic feet (0.566 m3) at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) are allowed within gas cabinets or fume hoods.
Toxic and highly toxic compressed gases shall not be stored or used in Group R occupancies.
Toxic and highly toxic compressed gases shall not be stored or used in offices, retail sales or classroom portions of Group B, F, M or S occupancies.
Exception: In classrooms of Group B occupancies, cylinders with a capacity not exceeding 20 cubic feet (0.566 m3) at NTP are allowed in gas cabinets or fume hoods.
Gas cabinets containing highly toxic or toxic compressed gases shall comply with Section 5003.8.6 and the following requirements:
  1. The average ventilation velocity at the face of gas cabinet 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.
  2. Gas cabinets shall be connected to an exhaust system.
  3. Gas cabinets shall not be used as the sole means of exhaust for any room or area.
  4. The maximum number of cylinders located in a single gas cabinet shall not exceed three, except that cabinets containing cylinders not exceeding 1 pound (0.454 kg) net contents are allowed to contain up to 100 cylinders.
  5. Gas cabinets required by Section 6004.2 or 6004.3 shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Alternative fire-extinguishing systems shall not be used.
Exhausted enclosures containing highly toxic or toxic compressed gases shall comply with Section 5003.8.5 and the following requirements:
  1. The average ventilation velocity at the face of the enclosure 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).
  2. Exhausted enclosures shall be connected to an exhaust system.
  3. Exhausted enclosures shall not be used as the sole means of exhaust for any room or area.
  4. Exhausted enclosures required by Section 6004.2 or 6004.3 shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Alternative fire-extinguishing systems shall not be used.
The indoor storage and use of highly toxic or toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.2.1 through 6004.2.2.10.3.
The applicability of regulations governing the indoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall be as set forth in Sections 6004.2.1.1 through 6004.2.1.3.
The indoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic gases in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 5003.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 6001 and 6004.1.
The indoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic gases in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 5003.1.1(2) shall be in accordance with Sections 6001, 6004.1, 6004.2 and Chapter 50.
The indoor use of ozone gas-generating equipment shall be in accordance with Section 6005.
The general requirements applicable to the indoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.2.2.1 through 6004.2.2.10.3.
The room or area in which gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures are located shall be provided with exhaust ventilation. Gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures shall not be used as the sole means of exhaust for any room or area.
One or more gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures shall be provided to handle leaking cylinders, containers or tanks.
Exceptions:
  1. Where cylinders, containers or tanks are located within gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures.
  2. Where approved containment vessels or containment systems are provided in accordance with all of the following:
    2.1.  Containment vessels or containment systems shall be capable of fully containing or terminating a release.
    2.2.  Trained personnel shall be available at an approved location.
    2.3.  Containment vessels or containment systems shall be capable of being transported to the leaking cylinder, container or tank.
Gas cabinets and exhausted enclosures shall be located in gas rooms and connected to an exhaust system.
A means of local exhaust shall be provided to capture leaks from portable tanks. The local exhaust shall consist of portable ducts or collection systems designed to be applied to the site of a leak in a valve or fitting on the tank. The local exhaust system shall be located in a gas room. Exhaust shall be directed to a treatment system in accordance with Section 6004.2.2.7.
In addition to the requirements of Section 5003.2.2, piping and controls on stationary tanks shall comply with the following requirements:
  1. Pressure relief devices shall be vented to a treatment system designed in accordance with Section 6004.2.2.7.
    Exception: Pressure relief devices on outdoor tanks provided exclusively for relieving pressure due to fire exposure are not required to be vented to a treatment system provided that:
    1. The material in the tank is not flammable.
    2. The tank is not located in a diked area with other tanks containing combustible materials.
    3. The tank is located not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from combustible materials or structures or is shielded by a fire barrier complying with Section 6004.3.2.1.1.
  2. Filling or dispensing connections shall be provided with a means of local exhaust. Such exhaust shall be designed to capture fumes and vapors. The exhaust shall be directed to a treatment system in accordance with Section 6004.2.2.7.
  3. Stationary tanks shall be provided with a means of excess flow control on all tank inlet or outlet connections.
    Exceptions:
    1. Inlet connections designed to prevent backflow.
    2. Pressure relief devices.
Gas rooms shall comply with Section 5003.8.4 and both of the following requirements:
  1. The exhaust ventilation from gas rooms shall be directed to an exhaust system.
  2. Gas rooms shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system. Alternative fire-extinguishing systems shall not be used.
The exhaust ventilation from gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures and gas rooms, and local exhaust systems required in Sections 6004.2.2.4 and 6004.2.2.5 shall be directed to a treatment system. The treatment system shall be utilized to handle the accidental release of gas and to process exhaust ventilation. The treatment system shall be designed in accordance with Sections 6004.2.2.7.1 through 6004.2.2.7.5 and Section 510 of the California Mechanical Code.
Exceptions:
  1. Highly toxic and toxic gases—storage. A treatment system is not required for cylinders, containers and tanks in storage where all of the following controls are provided:
    1.1.  Valve outlets are equipped with gastight outlet plugs or caps.
    1.2.  Handwheel-operated valves have handles secured to prevent movement.
    1.3.  Approved containment vessels or containment systems are provided in accordance with Section 6004.2.2.3.
  2. Toxic gases—use. Treatment systems are not required for toxic gases supplied by cylinders or portable tanks not exceeding 1,700 pounds (772 kg) water capacity where a gas detection system complying with Section 6004.2.2.10 and listed or approved automatic-closing failsafe valves are provided. The gas detection system shall have a sensing interval not exceeding 5 minutes. Automatic-closing failsafe valves shall be located immediately adjacent to cylinder valves and shall close when gas is detected at the permissible exposure limit (PEL) by a gas sensor monitoring the exhaust system at the point of discharge from the gas cabinet, exhausted enclosure, ventilated enclosure or gas room.
Treatment systems shall be capable of diluting, adsorbing, absorbing, containing, neutralizing, burning or otherwise processing the contents of the largest single vessel of compressed gas. Where a total containment system is used, the system shall be designed to handle the maximum anticipated pressure of release to the system when it reaches equilibrium.
Treatment systems shall be designed to reduce the maximum allowable discharge concentrations of the gas to one-half immediate by dangerous to life and health (IDLH) at the point of discharge to the atmosphere. Where more than one gas is emitted to the treatment system, the treatment system shall be designed to handle the worst-case release based on the release rate, the quantity and the IDLH for all compressed gases stored or used.
Treatment systems shall be sized to process the maximum worst-case release of gas based on the maximum flow rate of release from the largest vessel utilized. The entire contents of the largest compressed gas vessel shall be considered.
Stationary tanks shall be labeled with the maximum rate of release for the compressed gas contained based on valves or fittings that are inserted directly into the tank. Where multiple valves or fittings are provided, the maximum flow rate of release for valves or fittings with the highest flow rate shall be indicated. Where liquefied compressed gases are in contact with valves or fittings, the liquid flow rate shall be utilized for computation purposes. Flow rates indicated on the label shall be converted to cubic feet per minute (cfm/min) (m3/s) of gas at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
The maximum flow rate of release for portable tanks and cylinders shall be calculated based on the total release from the cylinder or tank within the time specified in Table 6004.2.2.7.5. Where portable tanks or cylinders are equipped with approved excess flow or reduced flow valves, the worst-case release shall be determined by the maximum achievable flow from the valve as determined by the valve manufacturer or compressed gas supplier. Reduced flow and excess flow valves shall be permanently marked by the valve manufacturer to indicate the maximum design flow rate. Such markings shall indicate the flow rate for air under normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
TABLE 6004.2.2.7.5
RATE OF RELEASE FOR CYLINDERS AND PORTABLE TANKS
VESSEL TYPE NONLIQUEFIED
(minutes)
LIQUEFIED
(minutes)
Containers 5 30
Portable tanks 40 240
Emergency power shall be provided for the following systems in accordance with Section 603:
  1. Exhaust ventilation system.
  2. Treatment system.
  3. Gas detection system.
  4. Smoke detection system.
  5. Temperature control system.
  6. Fire alarm system.
  7. Emergency alarm system.
Emergency power shall not be required for mechanical exhaust ventilation, treatment systems and temperature control systems where approved fail-safe engineered systems are installed.
An approved automatic fire detection system shall be installed in rooms or areas where highly toxic compressed gases are stored or used. Activation of the detection system shall sound a local alarm. The fire detection system shall comply with Section 907.
A gas detection system complying with Section 916 shall be provided to detect the presence of gas at or below the PEL or ceiling limit of the gas for which detection is provided. The system shall be capable of monitoring the discharge from the treatment system at or below one-half the IDLH limit and shall initiate a response in accordance with Sections 6004.2.2.10.1 through 6004.2.2.10.3 if the gas detection alarm is activated.
Exception: A gas detection system is not required for toxic gases when the physiological warning threshold level for the gas is at a level below the accepted PEL for the gas.
The gas detection system shall initiate a local alarm and transmit a signal to a constantly attended control station when a short-term hazard condition is detected. The alarm shall be both audible and visible and shall provide warning both inside and outside the area where gas is detected. The audible alarm shall be distinct from all other alarms.
Exception: Signal transmission to a constantly attended control station is not required where not more than one cylinder of highly toxic or toxic gas is stored.
The gas-detection system shall automatically close the shutoff valve at the source on gas supply piping and tubing related to the system being monitored for whichever gas is detected.
Exception: Automatic shutdown is not required for reactors utilized for the production of highly toxic or toxic compressed gases where such reactors are:
  1. Operated at pressures less than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) (103.4 kPa).
  2. Constantly attended.
  3. Provided with emergency shutoff valves that have ready access.
Automatic closure of shutoff valves shall be in accordance with the following:
  1. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure, the shutoff valve in the gas cabinet or exhausted enclosure for the specific gas detected shall automatically close.
  2. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a gas room and compressed gas containers are not in gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures, the shutoff valves on all gas lines for the specific gas detected shall automatically close.
  3. Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas detection system alarm is within a piping distribution manifold enclosure, the shutoff valve for the compressed container of specific gas detected supplying the manifold shall automatically close.
Exception: Where the gas-detection sampling point initiating the gas-detection system alarm is at a use location or within a gas valve enclosure of a branch line downstream of a piping distribution manifold, the shutoff valve in the gas valve enclosure for the branch line located in the piping distribution manifold enclosure shall automatically close.
The outdoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.3.1 through 6004.3.4.
The applicability of regulations governing the outdoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall be as set forth in Sections 6004.3.1.1 through 6004.3.1.3.
The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic gases in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003 and 6001.
The outdoor storage or use of highly toxic and toxic gases in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area set forth in Table 5003.1.1(4) shall be in accordance with Sections 6001 and 6004.3 and Chapter 50.
The outdoor use of ozone gas-generating equipment shall be in accordance with Section 6005.
The general requirements applicable to the outdoor storage and use of highly toxic and toxic compressed gases shall be in accordance with Sections 6004.3.2.1 through 6004.3.2.4.
Outdoor storage or use of highly toxic or toxic compressed gases shall be located in accordance with Sections 6004.3.2.1.1 through 6004.3.2.1.3.
Exception: Compressed gases located in gas cabinets complying with Sections 5003.8.6 and 6004.1.2 and located 5 feet (1524 mm) or more from buildings and 25 feet (7620 mm) or more from an exit discharge.
Outdoor storage or use of highly toxic or toxic compressed gases shall not be located within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of a lot line, public street, public alley, public way, exit discharge or building not associated with the manufacture or distribution of such gases, unless all of the following conditions are met:
  1. Storage is shielded by a 2-hour fire barrier that interrupts the line of sight between the storage and the exposure.
  2. The 2-hour fire barrier shall be located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from any exposure.
  3. The 2-hour fire barrier shall not have more than two sides at approximately 90-degree (1.57 rad) directions, or three sides with connecting angles of approximately 135 degrees (2.36 rad).
Where the storage or use area is located closer than 75 feet (22 860 mm) to a building not associated with the manufacture or distribution of highly toxic or toxic compressed gases, openings into a building other than for piping are not allowed above the height of the top of the 2-hour fire barrier or within 50 feet (15 240 mm) horizontally from the storage area whether or not shielded by a fire barrier.
The storage or use area shall not be located within 75 feet (22 860 mm) of air intakes.
The requirements of Section 6004.2.2.3 shall apply to outdoor cylinders and tanks. Gas cabinets and exhausted enclosures shall be located within or immediately adjacent to outdoor storage or use areas.
Local exhaust for outdoor portable tanks shall be provided in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 6004.2.2.4.
Piping and controls for outdoor stationary tanks shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 6004.2.2.5.
Weather protection in accordance with Section 5004.13 shall be provided for portable tanks and cylinders located outdoors and not within gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures. The storage area shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required where:
  1. All materials under the weather protection structure, including hazardous materials and the containers in which they are stored, are noncombustible.
  2. The weather protection structure is located not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from combustible materials or structures or is separated from such materials or structures using a fire barrier complying with Section 6004.3.2.1.1.
The treatment system requirements set forth in Section 6004.2.2.7 shall apply to highly toxic or toxic gases located outdoors.
The requirements for emergency power set forth in Section 6004.2.2.8 shall apply to highly toxic or toxic gases located outdoors.
The gas detection system requirements set forth in Section 6004.2.2.10 shall apply to highly toxic or toxic gases located outdoors.
Ozone gas generators having a maximum ozone-generating capacity of 0.5 pound (0.23 kg) or more over a 24-hour period shall be in accordance with Sections 6005.2 through 6005.6.
Exceptions:
  1. Ozone-generating equipment used in Group R-3 occupancies.
  2. Ozone-generating equipment where used in Group H-5 occupancies where in compliance with Chapters 27 and 50 and the other provisions in this chapter for highly toxic gases.
Ozone gas generators shall be designed, fabricated and tested in accordance with NEMA 250.
Ozone generators shall be located in approved cabinets or ozone generator rooms in accordance with Section 6005.3.1 or 6005.3.2.
Exception: An ozone gas generator within an approved pressure vessel where located outside of buildings.
Ozone cabinets shall be constructed of approved materials and compatible with ozone. Cabinets shall display an approved sign stating: "OZONE GAS GENERATOR—HIGHLY TOXICOXIDIZER."
Cabinets shall be braced for seismic activity in accordance with the California Building Code.
Cabinets shall be mechanically ventilated in accordance with the California Mechanical Code with not less than six air changes per hour.
The average velocity of ventilation at makeup air openings with cabinet doors closed shall be not less than 200 feet per minute (1.02 m/s).
Ozone gas generator rooms shall be mechanically ventilated in accordance with the California Mechanical Code with not less than six air changes per hour. Ozone gas generator rooms shall be equipped with a gas detection system complying with Section 916 that will shut off the generator and sound a local alarm when concentrations above the permissible exposure limit (PEL) occur.
Ozone gas generator rooms shall not be normally occupied, and such rooms shall be kept free of combustible and hazardous material storage. Room access doors shall display an approved sign stating: "OZONE GAS GENERATOR—HIGHLY TOXICOXIDIZER."
Piping, valves, fittings and related components used to convey ozone shall be in accordance with Sections 6005.4.1 through 6005.4.3.
Piping shall be welded stainless steel piping or tubing.
Exceptions:
  1. Double-walled piping.
  2. Piping, valves, fittings and related components located in exhausted enclosures.
Materials shall be compatible with ozone and shall be rated for the design operating pressures.
Piping shall be identified with the following: "OZONE GAS—HIGHLY TOXICOXIDIZER."
Ozone gas generators shall be designed to shut down automatically under the following conditions:
  1. When the dissolved ozone concentration in the water being treated is above saturation when measured at the point where the water is exposed to the atmosphere.
  2. When the process using generated ozone is shut down.
  3. Failure of the ventilation system for the cabinet or ozone generator room.
  4. Failure of the gas detection system in an ozone gas generator room.
Manual shutdown controls shall be provided at the generator and, where in a room, within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the main exit or exit access door.