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 142 - Industrial Plants
Section 5545 - General

Universal Citation: 8 CA Code of Regs 5545

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

This Section shall be applicable to those portions of an industrial plant where the use and handling of flammable or combustible liquids is only incidental to the principal business, such as automobile assembly, construction of electronic equipment, furniture manufacturing or other similar activities.

(a) Flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored in tanks or closed containers.

(1) Except as provided in (2) and (3), all storage shall comply with Article 141, Container Storage.

(2) The quantity of liquid that may be located in a building or in any one fire area of a building outside of an inside storage room or storage cabinet shall not exceed that given in (A), (B) and (C) below:
(A) 25 gallons of Category 1 flammable liquids in containers and

(B) 120 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids) in containers and

(C) One portable tank not exceeding 660 gallons of Category 2, 3, or 4 flammable liquids or liquids with a flashpoint greater than 199.4 °F (93 °C) (formerly designated Class IIIB Combustible liquids).

(3) Where large quantities of flammable or combustible liquids are necessary, storage may be in tanks, which shall comply with the applicable requirements of Articles 140 and 146 and Sections 5546, 5548, 5549, 5550, and 5551.

(b) Areas in which flammable or combustible liquids are transferred from one tank or container to another container shall be separated from other operations in the building by adequate distance or by construction having adequate fire resistance. Drainage or other means shall be provided to control spills. Natural or mechanical ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 5143.

(c) Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), shall be kept in covered containers when not actually in use.

(d) Where flammable or combustible liquids are used or handled, except in closed containers, means shall be provided to dispose promptly and safely of leakage or spills.

(e) Category 1 or 2 flammable liquids, or Category 3 flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C), may be used only where there are no open flames or other sources of ignition within the possible path of vapor travel.

(f) Category 1 and 2 flammable liquids shall be drawn from or transferred into vessels, containers or portable tanks within a building only through a closed piping system, from original shipping containers, from safety cans, by means of a device drawing through the top or from a container or portable tanks by gravity through a self-closing valve or faucet [Section 5607(a)] . Transferring any liquids by means of air pressure on the container or portable tanks shall be prohibited.

1. Amendment filed 7-16-76; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 76, No. 29).
2. Amendment of subsections (a)(2)(A)-(C), (c), (e) and (f) and new NOTE 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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