Hazardous Materials Fire Code Requirements

Most  facilities, including all that are part of the CUPA program, must obtain and renew a Fire Code Permit pursuant to the California Fire Code. Requirements vary according to commercial type/occupancy, products and volumes used/stored, and site specific conditions.  

Fire code permit fees are paid in conjunction with other CUPA permit fees as established and updated  in the City of Oakland Master Fee Schedule. Fees are based on number of hazard/occupancy classes onsite (examples include, hazardous materials, hot work, compressed gases, flammable liquids, etc.)

Additional resources are available in the Fire Code Unit or by calling (510) 238-3927.

General/Common Fire Code Requirements

These requirements are not all inclusive and summarize some general standards in the CFC. The CFC should be consulted for exact and comprehensive requirements. Facility operators and landlords are responsible for compliance with all CFC requirements, even those not listed below.

• Fire extinguishers must be mounted 3'-5' off the ground, with visible signage, annual maintenance, and with sufficient numbers/frequency within each building.

• Exits must have adequate signage. Larger buildings must have escape floor plans mounted to the walls. Doors that lock must read "Doors to remain unlocked during business hours." Number of exits required is based on occupancy load and is according to the CFC table. Roll doors are NOT fire exits.

• Spray Booths, Sanding Rooms, Hazardous Materials Storage Rooms, Exhaust Hoods, and other specialty hazard rooms must have an approved fire suppression system that is maintained every 6 months.

• Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets are required if more than 10 gallons of flammable liquids are stored onsite. These cabinets must have a secondary containment basin, 1 hour fire wall construction, automatically closing door, and be brightly colored with contrasting label of "Flammable Liquid". 

• NFPA 704 Diamonds must be mounted on the outside of all buildings storing hazardous materials, and on the door or wall to hazardous materials storage areas within the building. 

• Ingress/Egress must be maintained to all areas inside and outside of the building. All areas must be easily accessible to emergency response personnel and easily escapable.

• High Piled Storage materials must have adequate access, be sufficiently below fire suppression systems, and must be in accordance with the CFC.

• Secondary Containment is required for all flammable liquids, hazardous waste liquids, and liquids stored outside. This containment must hold the entire volume of the largest container stored plus sufficient rain (for outside) or sprinkler (for inside sprinkler protected areas) volume.

• Incompatible Materials may not be stored adjacent to each other. Example: Oxygen and Acetylene must be stored at least 20' apart. Other incompatibles include fuels/oxidizers, corrosives/metals, etc.