SECTION 2701 GENERAL
2701.1 Scope. Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, dispensing, use and handling of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this chapter.
This chapter shall apply to all hazardous materials, including those materials regulated elsewhere in this code, except that when specific requirements are provided in other chapters, those specific requirements shall apply in accordance with the applicable chapter. Where a material has multiple hazards, all hazards shall be addressed.
Exceptions:
- 1. The quantities of alcoholic beverages, medicines, foodstuffs, cosmetics and consumer or industrial products containing not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, in retail or wholesale sales occupancies, are unlimited when packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons (5 L).
- 2. Application and release of pesticide and agricultural products and materials intended for use in weed abatement, erosion control, soil amendment or similar applications when applied in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions and label directions.
- 3. The off-site transportation of hazardous materials when in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOTn) regulations.
- 4. Building materials not otherwise regulated by this code.
- 5. Refrigeration systems (see Section 606).
- 6. Stationary storage battery systems regulated by Section 608.
- 7. The display, storage, sale or use of fireworks and explosives in accordance with Chapter 33.
- 8. Corrosives utilized in personal and household products in the manufacturers' original consumer packaging in Group M occupancies.
- 9. The storage of distilled spirits and wines in wooden barrels and casks.
- 10. The use of wall-mounted dispensers containing alcohol-based hand rubs classified as Class I or II liquids when in accordance with Section 3405.5.
- 2701.1.1 Waiver.
The provisions of this chapter are waived when the fire code official determines that such enforcement is preempted by other codes, statutes or ordinances. The details of any action granting such a waiver shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency.
2701.2 Material classification. Hazardous materials are those chemicals or substances defined as such in this code. Definitions of hazardous materials shall apply to all hazardous materials, including those materials regulated elsewhere in this code.
- 2701.2.1 Mixtures.
Mixtures shall be classified in accordance with hazards of the mixture as a whole. Mixtures of hazardous materials shall be classified in accordance with nationally recognized reference standards; by an approved qualified organization, individual, or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); or by other approved methods.
- 2701.2.2 Hazard categories.
Hazardous materials shall be classified according to hazard categories. The categories include materials regulated by this chapter and materials regulated elsewhere in this code.
- 2701.2.2.1 Physical hazards.
The material categories listed in this section are classified as physical hazards. A material with a primary classification as a physical hazard can also pose a health hazard.
- 1. Explosives and blasting agents.
- 2. Combustible liquids.
- 3. Flammable solids, liquids and gases.
- 4. Organic peroxide solids or liquids.
- 5. Oxidizer, solids or liquids.
- 6. Oxidizing gases.
- 7. Pyrophoric solids, liquids or gases.
- 8. Unstable (reactive) solids, liquids or gases.
- 9. Water-reactive solids or liquids.
- 10. Cryogenic fluids.
- 2701.2.2.2 Health hazards.
The material categories listed in this section are classified as health hazards. A material with a primary classification as a health hazard can also pose a physical hazard.
- 1. Highly toxic and toxic materials.
- 2. Corrosive materials.
2701.3 Performance-based design alternative. When approved by the fire code official, buildings and facilities where hazardous materials are stored, used or handled shall be permitted to comply with this section as an alternative to compliance with the other requirements set forth in this chapter and Chapters 28 through 44.
- 2701.3.1 Objective.
The objective of Section 2701.3 is to protect people and property from the consequences of unauthorized discharge, fires or explosions involving hazardous materials.
- 2701.3.2 Functional statements.
Performance-based design alternatives are based on the following functional statements:
- 1. Provide safeguards to minimize the risk of unwanted releases, fires or explosions involving hazardous materials.
- 2. Provide safeguards to minimize the consequences of an unsafe condition involving hazardous materials during normal operations and in the event of an abnormal condition.
- 2701.3.3 Performance requirements.
When safeguards, systems, documentation, written plans or procedures, audits, process hazards analysis, mitigation measures, engineering controls or construction features are required by Sections 2701.3.3.1 through 2701.3.3.18, the details of the design alternative shall be subject to approval by the fire code official. The details of actions granting the use of the design alternatives shall be recorded and entered in the files of the jurisdiction.
- 2701.3.3.1 Properties of hazardous materials.
The physical- and health-hazard properties of hazardous materials on site shall be known and shall be made readily available to employees, neighbors and the fire code official.
- 2701.3.3.2 Reliability of equipment and operations.
Equipment and operations involving hazardous materials shall be designed, installed and maintained to ensure that they reliably operate as intended.
- 2701.3.3.3 Prevention of unintentional reaction or release.
Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of an unintentional reaction or release that could endanger people or property.
- 2701.3.3.4 Spill mitigation.
Spill containment systems or means to render a spill harmless to people or property shall be provided where a spill is determined to be a plausible event and where such an event would endanger people or property.
- 2701.3.3.5 Ignition hazards.
Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of exposing combustible hazardous materials to unintended sources of ignition.
- 2701.3.3.6 Protection of hazardous materials.
Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of exposing hazardous materials to a fire or physical damage whereby such exposure could endanger or lead to the endangerment of people or property.
- 2701.3.3.7 Exposure hazards.
Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of and limit damage from a fire or explosion involving explosive hazardous materials whereby such fire or explosion could endanger or lead to the endangerment of people or property.
- 2701.3.3.8 Detection of gas or vapor release.
Where a release of hazardous materials gas or vapor would cause immediate harm to persons or property, means of mitigating the dangerous effects of a release shall be provided.
- 2701.3.3.9 Reliable power source.
Where a power supply is relied upon to prevent or control an emergency condition that could endanger people or property, the power supply shall be from a reliable source.
- 2701.3.3.10 Ventilation.
Where ventilation is necessary to limit the risk of creating an emergency condition resulting from normal or abnormal operations, means of ventilation shall be provided.
- 2701.3.3.11 Process hazard analyses.
Process hazard analyses shall be conducted to ensure reasonably the protection of people and property from dangerous conditions involving hazardous materials.
- 2701.3.3.12 Pre-startup safety review.
Written documentation of pre-startup safety review procedures shall be developed and enforced to ensure that operations are initiated in a safe manner. The process of developing and updating such procedures shall involve the participation of affected employees.
- 2701.3.3.13 Operating and emergency procedures.
Written documentation of operating procedures and procedures for emergency shut down shall be developed and enforced to ensure that operations are conducted in a safe manner. The process of developing and updating such procedures shall involve the participation of affected employees.
- 2701.3.3.14 Management of change.
A written plan for management of change shall be developed and enforced. The process of developing and updating the plan shall involve the participation of affected employees.
- 2701.3.3.15 Emergency plan.
A written emergency plan shall be developed to ensure that proper actions are taken in the event of an emergency, and the plan shall be followed if an emergency condition occurs. The process of developing and updating the plan shall involve the participation of affected employees.
- 2701.3.3.16 Accident procedures.
Written procedures for investigation and documentation of accidents shall be developed, and accidents shall be investigated and documented in accordance with these procedures.
- 2701.3.3.17 Consequence analysis.
Where an accidental release of hazardous materials could endanger people or property, either on or off-site, an analysis of the expected consequences of a plausible release shall be performed and utilized in the analysis and selection of active and passive hazard mitigation controls.
- 2701.3.3.18 Safety audits.
Safety audits shall be conducted on a periodic basis to verify compliance with the requirements of this section.
2701.4 Retail and wholesale storage and display. For retail and wholesale storage and display of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials in Group M occupancies and storage in Group S occupancies, see Section 2703.11.
2701.5 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.6 and 105.7.
When required by the fire code official, permittees shall apply for approval to permanently close a storage, use or handling facility. Such application shall be submitted at least 30 days prior to the termination of the storage, use or handling of hazardous materials. The fire code official is authorized to require that the application be accompanied by an approved facility closure plan in accordance with Section 2701.6.3.
- 2701.5.1 Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP).
Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include an HMMP. The HMMP shall include a facility site plan designating the following:
- 1. Access to each storage and use area.
- 2. Location of emergency equipment.
- 3. Location where liaison will meet emergency responders.
- 4. Facility evacuation meeting point locations.
- 5. The general purpose of other areas within the building.
- 6. Location of all above-ground and underground tanks and their appurtenances including, but not limited to, sumps, vaults, below-grade treatment systems and piping.
- 7. The hazard classes in each area.
- 8. Locations of all control areas and Group H occupancies.
- 9. Emergency exits.
The HMMP shall comply with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.
- 2701.5.2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS).
Where required by the fire code official, an application for a permit shall include an HMIS, such as the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 Title III (SARA), Tier II Report or other approved statement. The HMIS shall include the following information:
- 1. Product name.
- 2. Component.
- 3. Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number.
- 4. Location where stored or used.
- 5. Container size.
- 6. Hazard classification.
- 7. Amount in storage.
- 8. Amount in use-closed systems.
- 9. Amount in use-open systems.
The HMIS shall comply with Health and Safety Code, Chapter 6.95, Sections 25500 through 25545, and Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 4.
2701.6 Facility closure. Facilities shall be placed out of service in accordance with Sections 2701.6.1 through 2701.6.3.
- 2701.6.1 Temporarily out-of-service facilities.
Facilities that are temporarily out of service shall continue to maintain a permit and be monitored and inspected.
- 2701.6.2 Permanently out-of-service facilities.
Facilities for which a permit is not kept current or is not monitored and inspected on a regular basis shall be deemed to be permanently out of service and shall be closed in an approved manner. When required by the fire code official, permittees shall apply for approval to close permanently storage, use or handling facilities. The fire code official is authorized to require that such application be accompanied by an approved facility closure plan in accordance with Section 2701.6.3.
- 2701.6.3 Facility closure plan.
When a facility closure plan is required in accordance with Section 2701.5 to terminate storage, dispensing, handling or use of hazardous materials, it shall be submitted to the fire code official at least 30 days prior to facility closure. The plan shall demonstrate that hazardous materials which are stored, dispensed, handled or used in the facility will be transported, disposed of or reused in a manner that eliminates the need for further maintenance and any threat to public health and safety.
