California fire codes strictly limit the total quantity of flammable and combustible liquids and container size that may be stored in a facility.
The hazard classification of a liquid determines the type and size of container it may be stored in. See Flammable and Combustible Liquids Overview to determine hazard class.
Chart 1 describes the maximum type and size of container you're allowed to store based on the liquid's hazard classification.
| Maximum container size by hazard class |
| Container Type |
Class I-A |
Class I-B |
Class I-C |
Class II |
Class III-A – B |
| Glass1 |
1 pint |
1 quart |
1 gallon |
1 gallon |
5 gallon |
| Metal or listed, approved plastic |
1 gallon |
5 gallon |
5 gallon |
5 gallon |
5 gallon |
| Approved plastic |
0 gallon |
0 gallon |
0 gallon |
0 gallon |
5 gallon |
| Safety cans |
2 gallon |
2 gallon |
2 gallon |
5 gallon |
5 gallon |
| Polyethylene |
0 gallon |
0 gallon |
0 gallon |
60 gallon |
60 gallon |
| Metal drums |
For storage requirements:
- If you are a research employee, contact the EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist assigned to your building
- If you are a non-research employee, contact an EH&S general safety specialist, (858) 534-7513.
|
60 gallon |
60 gallon |
| 1Exceptions may be made to this requirement for storage of Class I-A and I-B liquids with approval from EH&S Fire & Life Safety, (858) 822-5706 or 534-3531. Quantities may not exceed 1 gallon. |
Chart 2 describes the allowable total quantity of flammable or combustible liquid that may be stored in a UCSD facility.
| Maximum quantities (Article 79 California Fire Code) |
| Flammable liquids |
| Location |
Maximum amount |
Container size |
| Open lab or shop (including safety cans) |
10 gallons |
Comply with
Chart 1 |
| Listed and approved flammable storage cabinet |
60 gallons |
| Combustible liquids |
Reasonable quantities of combustible liquids are permitted. For consultation:
- If you are a research employee, contact the EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist assigned to your building
- If you are a non-research employee, contact an EH&S general safety specialist, (858) 534-7513.
|
Questions?
- If you are a research employee, contact the EH&S Research Assistance Program specialist assigned to your building
- If you are a non-research employee, contact an EH&S general safety specialist, (858) 534-7513.
| 
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