California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 4 - Construction Safety Orders
Article 36 - Fire Protection and Prevention
Section 1932 - Storage Outside Buildings

Universal Citation: 8 CA Code of Regs 1932

Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024

(a) Storage outside buildings shall be in accordance with Table B.

Table B. Outdoor Liquid Storage in Containers and Portable Tanks

1

2

3

4

5

ClassContainer Storage Max. per Pile Portable Tank Storage Max. per Pile Gallons (1)Distance Between Piles or Racks (ft)Distance to Property Line That Can Be Built Upon (ft) (2) (3)Distance to Street, Alley, or a Public Way (ft) (3)
Gallons (1) (4)Height (ft)Gallons (1) (4)Height (ft)
IA1,100102,200755010
IB2,200 12 4,40014 55010
IC4,400 12 8,80014 55010
II8,800 12 17,60014 525 5
III22,000 18 44,00014 510 5
NOTE 1: When two or more classes of materials are stored in a single pile, the maximum gallonage in that pile shall be the smallest of the two or more separate gallonages.
NOTE 2: Within 200 feet of each container, there shall be a 12-foot wide access way to permit approach of fire control apparatus.
NOTE 3: The distances listed apply to properties that have protection for exposures as defined. If there are exposures, and such protection for exposures does not exist, the distances in column four shall be doubled.
NOTE 4: When total quantity stored does not exceed 50% of maximum per pile, the distances in columns four and five may be reduced 50%, but not less than three feet.

(b) The storage area shall be graded in a manner to divert possible spills away from buildings or other exposures or shall be surrounded by a curb at least 12 inches high. When curbs are used, provisions shall be made for draining of accumulations of ground or rain water or spills of flammable or combustible liquids. Drains shall terminate at a safe location and shall be accessible to operation under fire conditions.

(c) All available precautions shall be taken to protect the storage area against tampering or trespassers where necessary. The area shall be kept free of vegetation and combustible material.

(d) Each portable tank shall be provided with one or more devices installed in the top with sufficient emergency venting capacity to limit internal pressure under fire exposure conditions to 10 psig, or 30 percent of the bursting pressure of the tank, whichever is greater. The total venting capacity shall be not less than that specified in Section 1932(e) below. At least one pressure-actuated vent having a minimum capacity of 6,000 cubic feet of free air per hour (14.7 psig and 60°F.) shall be used. It shall be set to open at not less than 5 psig. If fusible vents are used, they shall be actuated by elements that operate at a temperature not exceeding 300° F.

1. Amendment filed 10-9-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 43).
2. Amendment of section heading filed 5-5-2014; operative 5-6-2014 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2014, No. 19).

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

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