California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 7 - General Industry Safety Orders
Group 20 - Flammable Liquids, Gases and Vapors
Article 141 - Container and Portable Tank Storage
Section 5542 - Storage Outside Buildings
Current through Register 2024 Notice Reg. No. 38, September 20, 2024
(a) Storage outside buildings shall be in accordance with Table FL-6 or FL-7 and (b) and (d).
(b) A maximum of 1,100 gallons of flammable or combustible liquids may be located adjacent to buildings located on the same premises and under the same management. Where the quantity stored exceeds 1,100 gallons a minimum distance of 10 feet between buildings and nearest container of flammable or combustible liquid shall be maintained.
(c) 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 six 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.
(d) Storage area shall be protected against tampering or trespassers where necessary and shall be kept free of weeds, debris and other combustible material not necessary to the storage. (Title 24, T8-5542)
Table FL-6
Outdoor Container Storage
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Category | Maximum Per Pile (See Note 1) | Distance Between Piles (See Note 2) | Distance to Property Line That Can Be Built Upon (See Notes 3 & 4) | Distance to Street, Alley, Public Way (See Note 4) |
| Gallons | Feet | Feet | Feet | |
| 1 | 1,100 | 5 | 20 | 10 |
| 2 | 2,200 | 5 | 20 | 10 |
| 3 FP <100F | 4,400 | 5 | 20 | 10 |
| 3 FP>=100F | 8,800 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| 4 and | 22,000 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| FP >199.4F |
NOTE 1: When two or more categories 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.
NOTE 5: FP means Flashpoint.
Table FL-7
Outdoor Portable Tank Storage
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| (See Note 1) | Maximum Per Pile Piles (See Note 2) | Distance Between Built Upon (See Note 3) | Distance to Property Line That Can Be Public Way | Distance to Street, Alley, Category |
| Gallons | Feet | Feet | Feet | |
| 1 | 2,200 | 5 | 20 | 10 |
| 2 | 4,400 | 5 | 20 | 10 |
| 3 FP <100F | 8,800 | 5 | 20 | 10 |
| 3 FP>=100F | 17,600 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| 4 and | 44,000 | 5 | 10 | 5 |
| FP >199.4F |
NOTE 1: When two or more categories 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 portable tank, 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 in 29 CFR 1910.106(a)(27) (Definitions). If there are exposures, and such protection for exposures does not exist, the distances in column 4 shall be doubled.
NOTE 4: FP means Flashpoint.
1.
Amendment filed 7-16-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No.
29).
2. Repealer and new subsection (b) and relocation of Tables
FL-6 and FL-7 filed 9-18-80; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 80,
No. 38).
3. Amendment of Tables FL-6 and FL-7 and their Notes, 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.
