Section 5604 — EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS STORAGE AND HANDLING

2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

5604.1 General. ¶

Storage of explosives and explosive materials, small arms ammunition, small arms primers, propellant-actuated cartridges and smokeless propellants in magazines shall comply with the provisions of this section.

5604.2 Magazine required. ¶

Explosives and explosive materials, and Division 1.3G fireworks shall be stored in magazines constructed, located, operated and maintained in accordance with the provisions of Section 5604 and NFPA 495 or NFPA 1124.

Exceptions:

Storage of fireworks at display sites in accordance with Section 5608.5 and NFPA 1123 or NFPA 1126.
Portable or mobile magazines not exceeding 120 square feet (11 m [2] ) in area shall not be required to comply with the requirements of the California Building Code .

5604.3 Magazines. ¶

The storage of explosives and explosive materials in magazines shall comply with Table 5604.3.

TABLE 5604.3—STORAGE AMOUNTS AND MAGAZINE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPLOSIVES,
EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND FIREWORKS, 1.3G MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA

NEW UN/DOTn DIVISION	OLD DOTn CLASS	ATF/OSHA CLASS	INDOORa (pounds)	INDOORa (pounds)	INDOORa (pounds)	INDOORa (pounds)	OUTDOOR (pounds)	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED
NEW UN/DOTn DIVISION	OLD DOTn CLASS	ATF/OSHA CLASS	Unprotected	Cabinet	Sprinklers	Sprinklers & cabinet	Sprinklers & cabinet	1	2	3	4	5
1.1b	A	High	0	0	1	2	1	X	X	X	—	—
1.2	A	High	0	0	1	2	1	X	X	X	—	—
1.2	B	Low	0	0	1	1	1	X	X	X	X	—
1.3	B	Low	0	0	10	20	1	X	X	X	X	—
1.4	B	Low	0	0	50	100	1	X	X	X	X	—

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EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS

TABLE 5604.3—STORAGE AMOUNTS AND MAGAZINE REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPLOSIVES,
EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS AND FIREWORKS, 1.3G MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA—continued

NEW UN/DOTn DIVISION	OLD DOTn CLASS	ATF/OSHA CLASS	INDOORa (pounds)	INDOORa (pounds)	INDOORa (pounds)	INDOORa (pounds)	OUTDOOR (pounds)	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED	MAGAZINE TYPE REQUIRED
NEW UN/DOTn DIVISION	OLD DOTn CLASS	ATF/OSHA CLASS	Unprotected	Cabinet	Sprinklers	Sprinklers & cabinet	Sprinklers & cabinet	1	2	3	4	5
1.5	C	Low	0	0	1	2	1	X	X	X	X	—
1.5	Blasting Agent	Blasting Agent	0	0	1	2	1	X	X	X	X	X
1.6	Not Applicable	Not Applicable	0	0	1	2	1	X	X	X	X	X
For SI: 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 pound per gallon = 0.12 kg per liter, 1 ounce = 28.35 g. a. A factor of 10 pounds per gallon shall be used for converting pounds (solid) to gallons (liquid) in accordance with Section 5003.1.2. b. Black powder shall be stored in a Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 magazine as provided for in Section 5604.3.1.

5604.3.1 High explosives. Explosive materials classified as Division 1.1 or 1.2 or formerly classified as Class A by the US Department of Transportation shall be stored in Type 1, 2 or 3 magazines.

Exceptions:

Black powder shall be stored in a Type 1, 2, 3 or 4 magazine.
Cap-sensitive explosive material that is demonstrated not to be bullet sensitive shall be stored in a Type 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 magazine.

5604.3.2 Low explosives. Explosive materials that are not cap sensitive shall be stored in a Type 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 magazine.

5604.3.3 Detonating cord. For quantity and distance purposes, detonating cord of 50 grains per foot shall be calculated as equivalent to 8 pounds (4 kg) of high explosives per 1,000 feet (305 m). Heavier or lighter core loads shall be rated proportionally.

5604.4 Prohibited storage. ¶

Detonators shall be stored in a separate magazine for blasting supplies and shall not be stored in a magazine with other explosive materials.

5604.5 Location. ¶

The use of magazines for storage of explosives and explosive materials shall comply with Sections 5604.5.1 through 5604.5.3.3.

5604.5.1 Indoor magazines. The use of indoor magazines for storage of explosives and explosive materials shall comply with the requirements of Sections 5604.5.1.1 through 5604.5.1.7.

5604.5.1.1 Use. The use of indoor magazines for storage of explosives and explosive materials shall be limited to occupancies of Group F, H, M or S, and research and development laboratories.

5604.5.1.2 Construction. Indoor magazines shall comply with the following construction requirements:

Construction shall be fire resistant and theft resistant.
Exterior shall be painted red.
Base shall be fitted with wheels, casters or rollers to facilitate removal from the building in an emergency.
Lid or door shall be marked with conspicuous white lettering not less than 3 inches (76 mm) high and minimum [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) stroke, reading “EXPLOSIVES—KEEP FIRE AWAY.”
The least horizontal dimension shall not exceed the clear width of the entrance door.

5604.5.1.3 Quantity limit. Not more than 50 pounds (23 kg) of explosives or explosive materials shall be stored within an indoor magazine.

Exception: Day boxes used for the storage of in-process material in accordance with Section 5605.6.4.1.

5604.5.1.4 Prohibited use. Indoor magazines shall not be used within buildings containing Group R occupancies.

5604.5.1.5 Location. Indoor magazines shall be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of an entrance and only on floors at or having ramp access to the exterior grade level.

5604.5.1.6 Number. Not more than two indoor magazines shall be located in the same building. Where two such magazines are located in the same building, one magazine shall be used solely for the storage of not more than 5,000 detonators.

5604.5.1.7 Separation distance. Where two magazines are located in the same building, they shall be separated by a distance of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).

5604.5.2 Outdoor magazines. Outdoor magazines other than Type 3 shall be located so as to comply with Table 5604.5.2(2) or 5604.5.2(3) as set forth in Tables 5601.8.1(1) through 5601.8.1(3). Where a magazine or group of magazines, as described in Section 5604.5.2.2, contains different classes of explosive materials, and Division 1.1 materials are present, the required separations for the magazine or magazine group as a whole shall comply with Table 5604.5.2(2).

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TABLE 5604.5.2(1)—AMERICAN TABLE OF DISTANCES FOR STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES
AS APPROVED BY THE INSTITUTE OF MAKERS OF EXPLOSIVES AND REVISED JUNE 1991a

QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc	QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET
QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc	QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc	Inhabited buildings	Inhabited buildings	Public highways with traffic volume less than 3,000 vehicles per day	Public highways with traffic volume less than 3,000 vehicles per day	Public highways with traffic volume greater than 3,000 vehicles per day and passenger railways	Public highways with traffic volume greater than 3,000 vehicles per day and passenger railways	Separation of magazinesd	Separation of magazinesd
Pounds over	Pounds not over	Barricaded	Unbarricaded	Barricaded	Unbarricaded	Barricaded	Unbarricaded	Barricaded	Unbarricaded
0	5	70	140	30	60	51	102	6	12
5	10	90	180	35	70	64	128	8	16
10	20	110	220	45	90	81	162	10	20
20	30	125	250	50	100	93	186	11	22
30	40	140	280	55	110	103	206	12	24
40	50	150	300	60	120	110	220	14	28
50	75	170	340	70	140	127	254	15	30
75	100	190	380	75	150	139	278	16	32
100	125	200	400	80	160	150	300	18	36
125	150	215	430	85	170	159	318	19	38
150	200	235	470	95	190	175	350	21	42
200	250	255	510	105	210	189	378	23	46
250	300	270	540	110	220	201	402	24	48
300	400	295	590	120	240	221	442	27	54
400	500	320	640	130	260	238	476	29	58
500	600	340	680	135	270	253	506	31	62
600	700	355	710	145	290	266	532	32	64
700	800	375	750	150	300	278	556	33	66
800	900	390	780	155	310	289	578	35	70
900	1,000	400	800	160	320	300	600	36	72
1,000	1,200	425	850	165	330	318	636	39	78
1,200	1,400	450	900	170	340	336	672	41	82
1,400	1,600	470	940	175	350	351	702	43	86
1,600	1,800	490	980	180	360	366	732	44	88
1,800	2,000	505	1,010	185	370	378	756	45	90
2,000	2,500	545	1,090	190	380	408	816	49	98
2,500	3,000	580	1,160	195	390	432	864	52	104
3,000	4,000	635	1,270	210	420	474	948	58	116
4,000	5,000	685	1,370	225	450	513	1,026	61	122
5,000	6,000	730	1,460	235	470	546	1,092	65	130
6,000	7,000	770	1,540	245	490	573	1,146	68	136
7,000	8,000	800	1,600	250	500	600	1,200	72	144
8,000	9,000	835	1,670	255	510	624	1,248	75	150
9,000	10,000	865	1,730	260	520	645	1,290	78	156
10,000	12,000	875	1,750	270	540	687	1,374	82	164
12,000	14,000	885	1,770	275	550	723	1,446	87	174
14,000	16,000	900	1,800	280	560	756	1,512	90	180
16,000	18,000	940	1,880	285	570	786	1,572	94	188
18,000	20,000	975	1,950	290	580	813	1,626	98	196
20,000	25,000	1,055	2,000	315	630	876	1,752	105	210
25,000	30,000	1,130	2,000	340	680	933	1,866	112	224
30,000	35,000	1,205	2,000	360	720	981	1,962	119	238
35,000	40,000	1,275	2,000	380	760	1,026	2,000	124	248

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TABLE 5604.5.2(1)—AMERICAN TABLE OF DISTANCES FOR STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES
AS APPROVED BY THE INSTITUTE OF MAKERS OF EXPLOSIVES AND REVISED JUNE 1991a—continued

QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc	QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET
QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc	QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALSc	Inhabited buildings	Inhabited buildings	Public highways with traffic volume less than 3,000 vehicles per day	Public highways with traffic volume less than 3,000 vehicles per day	Public highways with traffic volume greater than 3,000 vehicles per day and passenger railways	Public highways with traffic volume greater than 3,000 vehicles per day and passenger railways	Separation of magazinesd	Separation of magazinesd
Pounds over	Pounds not over	Barricaded	Unbarricaded	Barricaded	Unbarricaded	Barricaded	Unbarricaded	Barricaded	Unbarricaded
40,000	45,000	1,340	2,000	400	800	1,068	2,000	129	258
45,000	50,000	1,400	2,000	420	840	1,104	2,000	135	270
50,000	55,000	1,460	2,000	440	880	1,140	2,000	140	280
55,000	60,000	1,515	2,000	455	910	1,173	2,000	145	290
60,000	65,000	1,565	2,000	470	940	1,206	2,000	150	300
65,000	70,000	1,610	2,000	485	970	1,236	2,000	155	310
70,000	75,000	1,655	2,000	500	1,000	1,263	2,000	160	320
75,000	80,000	1,695	2,000	510	1,020	1,293	2,000	165	330
80,000	85,000	1,730	2,000	520	1,040	1,317	2,000	170	340
85,000	90,000	1,760	2,000	530	1,060	1,344	2,000	175	350
90,000	95,000	1,790	2,000	540	1,080	1,368	2,000	180	360
95,000	100,000	1,815	2,000	545	1,090	1,392	2,000	185	370
100,000	110,000	1,835	2,000	550	1,100	1,437	2,000	195	390
110,000	120,000	1,855	2,000	555	1,110	1,479	2,000	205	410
120,000	130,000	1,875	2,000	560	1,120	1,521	2,000	215	430
130,000	140,000	1,890	2,000	565	1,130	1,557	2,000	225	450
140,000	150,000	1,900	2,000	570	1,140	1,593	2,000	235	470
150,000	160,000	1,935	2,000	580	1,160	1,629	2,000	245	490
160,000	170,000	1,965	2,000	590	1,180	1,662	2,000	255	510
170,000	180,000	1,990	2,000	600	1,200	1,695	2,000	265	530
180,000	190,000	2,010	2,010	605	1,210	1,725	2,000	275	550
190,000	200,000	2,030	2,030	610	1,220	1,755	2,000	285	570
200,000	210,000	2,055	2,055	620	1,240	1,782	2,000	295	590
210,000	230,000	2,100	2,100	635	1,270	1,836	2,000	315	630
230,000	250,000	2,155	2,155	650	1,300	1,890	2,000	335	670
250,000	275,000	2,215	2,215	670	1,340	1,950	2,000	360	720
275,000	300,000b	2,275	2,275	690	1,380	2,000	2,000	385	770

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg.
a. This table applies only to the manufacture and permanent storage of commercial explosive materials. It is not applicable to transportation of explosives or any handling or
temporary storage necessary or incident thereto. It is not intended to apply to bombs, projectiles or other heavily encased explosives.
b. Storage in excess of 300,000 pounds of explosive materials in one magazine is not allowed.
c. Where a manufacturing building on an explosive materials plant site is designed to contain explosive materials, such building shall be located with respect to its proximity to
inhabited buildings, public highways and passenger railways based on the maximum quantity of explosive materials permitted to be in the building at one time.
d. Where two or more storage magazines are located on the same property, each magazine shall comply with the minimum distances specified from inhabited buildings, railways
and highways, and, in addition, they should be separated from each other by not less than the distances shown for separation of magazines, except that the quantity of explo-
sives in detonator magazines shall govern in regard to the spacing of said detonator magazines from magazines containing other explosive materials. Where any two or more
magazines are separated from each other by less than the specified separation of magazines distances, then two or more such magazines, as a group, shall be considered as
one magazine, and the total quantity of explosive materials stored in such group shall be treated as if stored in a single magazine located on the site of any magazine in the
group and shall comply with the minimum distances specified from other magazines, inhabited buildings, railways and highways.
All types of blasting caps in strengths through No. 8 cap shall be rated at 11/2 pounds of explosives per 1,000 caps. For strengths higher than No. 8 cap, consult the chief having jurisdiction.
For quantity and distance purposes, detonating fuse up to 60 grains per foot, shall be calculated as equivalent to nine (9) pounds of high explosives per 1000 feet. Heavier cord loads
shall be rated proportionally.

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TABLE 5604.5.2(2)—TABLE OF DISTANCES (Q-D) FOR BUILDINGS AND
MAGAZINES CONTAINING EXPLOSIVES—DIVISION 1.3 MASS-FIRE HAZARDa, b, c

QUANTITY OF DIVISION 1.3 EXPLOSIVES (NET EXPLOSIVES WEIGHT)	QUANTITY OF DIVISION 1.3 EXPLOSIVES (NET EXPLOSIVES WEIGHT)	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET
Pounds Over	Pounds Not Over	Inhabited Building Distance (IBD)	Distance to Public Traffic Route (PTR)	Intermagazine Distance (IMD)	Intraline Distance (ILD) or Intraplant Distance (IPD)
0	1,000	75	75	50	50
1,000	5,000	115	115	75	75
5,000	10,000	150	150	100	100
10,000	20,000	190	190	125	125
20,000	30,000	215	215	145	145
30,000	40,000	235	235	155	155
40,000	50,000	250	250	165	165
50,000	60,000	260	260	175	175
60,000	70,000	270	270	185	185
70,000	80,000	280	280	190	190
80,000	90,000	295	295	195	195
90,000	100,000	300	300	200	200
100,000	200,000	375	375	250	250
200,000	300,000	450	450	300	300
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg. a. Black powder, where stored in magazines, is defined as low explosive by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF). b. For quantities less than 1,000 pounds, the required distances are those specified for 1,000 pounds. The use of lesser distances is allowed where supported by approved test data or analysis. c. Linear interpolation of explosive quantities between table entries is allowed.

TABLE 5604.5.2(3)—TABLE OF DISTANCES (Q-D) FOR BUILDINGS AND MAGAZINES CONTAINING EXPLOSIVES—DIVISION 1.4c

QUANTITY OF DIVISION 1.4 EXPLOSIVES (NET EXPLOSIVES WEIGHT)	QUANTITY OF DIVISION 1.4 EXPLOSIVES (NET EXPLOSIVES WEIGHT)	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET
Pounds Over	Pounds Not Over	Inhabited Building Distance (IBD)	Distance to Public Traffic Route (PTR)	Intermagazine Distancea, b (IMD)	Intraline Distance (ILD) or Intraplant Distancea (IPD)
50	Not Limited	100	100	50	50

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg.
a. A separation distance of 100 feet is required for buildings of other than Type I or Type II construction as defined in the_California Building Code_.
b. For earth-covered magazines, specific separation is not required.
1. Earth cover material used for magazines shall be relatively cohesive. Solid or wet clay and similar types of soil are too cohesive and shall not be used. Soil shall be free
from unsanitary organic matter, trash, debris and stones heavier than 10 pounds or larger than 6 inches in diameter. Compaction and surface preparation shall be
provided, as necessary, to maintain structural integrity and avoid erosion. Where cohesive material cannot be used, as in sandy soil, the earth cover over magazines
shall be finished with a suitable material to ensure structural integrity.
2. The earth fill or earth cover between earth-covered magazines shall be either solid or sloped, in accordance with the requirements of other construction features, but
not less than 2 feet of earth cover shall be maintained over the top of each magazines. To reduce erosion and facilitate maintenance operations, the cover shall have a
slope of 1 unit vertical to 2 units horizontal (50-percent slope).
c. Restricted to articles, including articles packaged for shipment, that are not regulated as an explosive under Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regula-
tions, or unpacked articles used in process operations that do not propagate a detonation or deflagration between articles.

5604.5.2.1 Separation. Where two or more storage magazines are located on the same property, each magazine shall comply with the minimum distances specified from inhabited buildings, public transportation routes and operating buildings. Magazines shall be separated from each other by not less than the intermagazine distances (IMD) shown for the separation of magazines.

5604.5.2.2 Grouped magazines. Where two or more magazines are separated from each other by less than the intermagazine distances (IMD), such magazines as a group shall be considered as one magazine and the total quantity of explosive materials stored in the group shall be treated as if stored in a single magazine. The location of the group of magazines shall comply with the intermagazine distances (IMD) specified from other magazines or magazine groups, inhabited buildings (IBD), public transportation routes (PTR) and operating buildings (ILD or IPD) as required.

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5604.5.3 Special requirements for Type 3 magazines. Type 3 magazines shall comply with Sections 5604.5.3.1 through 5604.5.3.3.

5604.5.3.1 Location. Wherever practicable, Type 3 magazines shall be located away from neighboring inhabited buildings, railways, highways and other magazines in accordance with Table 5604.5.2(2) or 5604.5.2(3), as applicable.

5604.5.3.2 Supervision. Type 3 magazines shall be attended when explosive materials are stored within. Explosive materials shall be removed to appropriate storage magazines for unattended storage at the end of the workday.

5604.5.3.3 Use. Not more than two Type 3 magazines shall be located at the same blasting site. Where two Type 3 magazines are located at the same blasting site, one magazine shall be used solely for the storage of detonators.

5604.6 Construction. ¶

Magazines shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 5604.6.1 through 5604.6.5.2.

5604.6.1 Drainage. The ground around a magazine shall be graded so that water drains away from the magazine.

5604.6.2 Heating. Magazines requiring heat shall be heated as prescribed in NFPA 495 by either hot water radiant heating within the magazine or by indirect warm air heating.

5604.6.3 Lighting. Where lighting is necessary within a magazine, electric safety flashlights or electric safety lanterns shall be used, except as provided in NFPA 495.

5604.6.4 Nonsparking materials. In other than Type 5 magazines, there shall not be exposed ferrous metal on the interior of a magazine containing packages of explosives.

5604.6.5 Signs and placards. Property on which Type 1 magazines and outdoor magazines of Types 2, 4 and 5 are located shall be posted with signs stating: “NO SMOKING” and “EXPLOSIVES—KEEP OFF.” These signs shall be of contrasting colors with a minimum letter height of 3 inches (76 mm) with a minimum brush stroke of [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm). The signs shall be located to minimize the possibility of a bullet shot at the sign hitting the magazine.

5604.6.5.1 Access road signs. At the entrance to explosive material manufacturing and storage sites, all access roads shall be posted with the following warning sign or other approved sign:

DANGER!

NEVER FIGHT EXPLOSIVE FIRES.

EXPLOSIVES ARE STORED ON THIS SITE

CALL _______

The sign shall be weather resistant with a reflective surface and have lettering not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high.

5604.6.5.2 Placards. Type 5 magazines containing Division 1.5 blasting agents shall be prominently placarded as required during transportation by DOTn 49 CFR Part 172 and DOTy 27 CFR Part 555.

5604.7 Operation. ¶

Magazines shall be operated in accordance with Sections 5604.7.1 through 5604.7.9.

5604.7.1 Security. Magazines shall be kept locked in the manner prescribed in NFPA 495 at all times except during placement or removal of explosives or inspection.

5604.7.2 Open flames and lights. Smoking, matches, flame-producing devices, open flames, firearms and firearms cartridges shall not be allowed inside of or within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of magazines.

5604.7.3 Brush. The area located around a magazine shall be kept clear of brush, dried grass, leaves, trash, debris and similar combustible materials for a distance of 25 feet (7620 mm).

5604.7.4 Combustible storage. Combustible materials shall not be stored within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of magazines.

5604.7.5 Unpacking and repacking explosive materials. Containers of explosive materials, except fiberboard containers, and packages of damaged or deteriorated explosive materials or fireworks shall not be unpacked or repacked inside or within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of a magazine or in close proximity to other explosive materials.

5604.7.5.1 Storage of opened packages. Packages of explosive materials that have been opened shall be closed before being placed in a magazine.

5604.7.5.2 Nonsparking tools. Tools used for the opening and closing of packages of explosive materials, other than metal slitters for opening paper, plastic or fiberboard containers, shall be made of nonsparking materials.

5604.7.5.3 Disposal of packaging. Empty containers and paper and fiber packaging materials that previously contained explosive materials shall be disposed of or reused in an approved manner.

5604.7.5.4 Packaging of Plosophoric Compounds. No provisions of these regulations nor the standards referenced herein shall allow any person to repackage any compound from the original manufacturer's packaging unit. The manufacturer of plosophoric compounds shall package and ship only in units which have been determined to meet the standards for shipping of hazardous materials.

5604.7.6 Tools and equipment. Metal tools, other than nonferrous transfer conveyors and ferrous metal conveyor stands protected by a coat of paint, shall not be stored in a magazine containing explosive materials or detonators.

5604.7.7 Contents. Magazines shall be used exclusively for the storage of explosive materials, blasting materials and blasting accessories.

5604.7.8 Methods of storage. Packages of explosives shall be laid flat with top side up. Black powder, when stored in magazines with other explosives, shall be stored in separate piles. Corresponding grades and brands shall be stored together in such a manner

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so that brands and grade marks are visible. All stocks shall be stored so as to be easily counted and checked. Packages of explosives shall be piled in a stable manner. When any kind of explosive is removed from a magazine for use, the oldest explosive of that particu- lar kind shall always be taken first. The use of storage pallets is mandatory. Packages of explosive materials shall be stacked in a stable manner not exceeding 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.

5604.7.8 Compatibility. Corresponding grades and brands of explosive materials shall be stored together and in such a manner that the grade and brand marks are visible. Stocks shall be stored so as to be easily counted and checked. Packages of explosive materials shall be stacked in a stable manner not exceeding 8 feet (2438 mm) in height.

5604.7.9 Stock rotation. When explosive material is removed from a magazine for use, the oldest usable stocks shall be removed first.

5604.7.10 Flooding. Magazine contents shall be protected from flooding.

5604.8 Maintenance. ¶

Maintenance of magazines shall comply with Sections 5604.8.1 through 5604.8.3.

5604.8.1 Housekeeping. Magazine floors shall be regularly swept and be kept clean, dry and free of grit, paper, empty packages and rubbish. Brooms and other cleaning utensils shall not have any spark-producing metal parts. Sweepings from magazine floors shall be disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s approved instructions.

5604.8.2 Repairs. Explosive materials shall be removed from the magazine before making repairs to the interior of a magazine. Explosive materials shall be removed from the magazine before making repairs to the exterior of the magazine where there is a possibility of causing a fire. Explosive materials removed from a magazine under repair shall either be placed in another magazine or placed a safe distance from the magazine, where they shall be properly guarded and protected until repairs have been completed. Upon completion of repairs, the explosive materials shall be promptly returned to the magazine. Floors shall be cleaned before and after repairs.

5604.8.3 Floors. Magazine floors stained with liquid shall be dealt with in accordance with instructions obtained from the manufacturer of the explosive material stored in the magazine.

5604.8.4 Piling of stocks. Provisions shall be made to prevent the piling of stocks of explosives directly against the walls of Class I magazines. Such protection, however, shall not in any way interfere with proper ventilation or the required ventilation openings.

5604.9 Inspection. ¶

Magazines containing explosive materials shall be opened and inspected at maximum seven-day intervals. The inspection shall determine whether there has been an unauthorized or attempted entry into a magazine or an unauthorized removal of a magazine or its contents.

5604.10 Disposal of explosive materials. ¶

Explosive materials shall be disposed of in accordance with Sections 5604.10.1 through 5604.10.7.

5604.10.1 Notification. The fire code official shall be notified immediately where deteriorated or leaking explosive materials are determined to be dangerous or unstable and in need of disposal.

5604.10.2 Deteriorated materials. Where an explosive material has deteriorated to an extent that it is in an unstable or dangerous condition, or when a liquid has leaked from an explosive material, the person in possession of such material shall immediately contact the material’s manufacturer to obtain disposal and handling instructions.

5604.10.3 Qualified person. The work of destroying explosive materials shall be directed by persons experienced in the destruction of explosive materials. Only competent experienced persons, at least 21 years of age, shall do the work of destroying explosives.

5604.10.4 Storage of misfires. Explosive materials and fireworks recovered from blasting or display misfires shall be placed in a magazine until an experienced person has determined the proper method for disposal.

5604.10.5 Disposal sites. Sites for the destruction of explosive materials and fireworks shall be approved and located at the maximum practicable safe distance from inhabited buildings, public highways, operating buildings and all other exposures to ensure keeping air blast and ground vibration to a minimum. The location of disposal sites shall not be closer to magazines, inhabited buildings, railways, highways and other rights-of-way than is allowed by Tables 5604.5.2(1), 5604.5.2(2) and 5604.5.2(3). Where possible, barricades shall be utilized between the destruction site and inhabited buildings. Areas where explosives are detonated or burned shall be posted with adequate warning signs.

5604.10.6 Reuse of site. Unless an approved burning site has been thoroughly saturated with water and has passed a safety inspection, 48 hours shall elapse between the completion of a burn and the placement of scrap explosive materials for a subsequent burn.

5604.10.7 Personnel safeguards. Once an explosive burn operation has been started, personnel shall relocate to a safe location where adequate protection from air blast and flying debris is provided. Personnel shall not return to the burn area until the person in charge has inspected the burn site and determined that it is safe for personnel to return.

5604.11 Explosives at Piers, Railway Stations and Cars or Vessels Not Otherwise… ¶

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571. General]

§1571. General. Except in an emergency and with permission of the “Chief” having jurisdiction, no person shall have or keep explosives in a railway car unless said car and contents and methods of loading are in accordance with the US DOTn Regulations for the Transpor- tation of Explosives.

56-14 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.1 Cargo Delivery].

§1571.1 Cargo Delivery. No person shall deliver any explosive to any person who does not possess and present a valid permit, or copy thereof, to receive and transport from the “Chief” having jurisdiction and/or the California Highway Patrol. In addition to the permit requirements, rail or truck terminal personnel shall not deliver any explosive to any person unless such explosive conforms in all respects, including marking and packing, to the Regulations for the Transportation of Explosives.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.2 Placarding at Destination]

§1571.2 Placarding at Destination. Every railway car containing explosives which has reached its destination, or is stopped in transit so as no longer to be in interstate commerce, shall remain placarded as required until completely unloaded. After unloading, such placards shall be removed.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.3 Explosives Location]

§1571.3 Explosives Location. Any explosives at a railway facility, truck terminal, pier, wharf, harbor facility or airport terminal, within any city, city and county, county, fire protection district or the state, whether for delivery to a consignee, or forwarded to some other destination, shall be kept in a safe place which has been approved by the “Chief” having jurisdiction. In approving such location it is the intent that the explosives shall be isolated as far as practicable and in such manner that they can be easily and quickly removed.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.4 Cargo Delivery Times]

§1571.4 Cargo Delivery Times. Explosives shall not be delivered to or received from any railway station, truck terminal, pier, wharf, harbor facility or airport terminal within a city, city and county, county, fire protection district, or the state between the hours of sunset and sunrise, except by special permit from the “Chief” having jurisdiction.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.5 Fire Department Notification]

§1571.5 Fire Department Notification. When explosives are brought into any city, city and county, county, fire protection district or the state, by any means of transportation, for delivery to an intermediate receiver, consignee's agent or consignee, or to be forwarded to some other destination, the carrier performing the shipment shall immediately notify the consignee and when required, the “Chief” having jurisdiction of the arrival of the explosives, and if said consignee does not receive and remove the said explosives from the posses- sion of the carrier within 48-hours (Sundays and holidays excluded), after such notification, then the railway, trucking firm, vessel agent or airline shall remove the said explosives from the city, city and county, county, fire protection district, or state or to a permitted maga- zine or make a report to the “Chief” having jurisdiction, who shall see that the said explosives are moved to a place of safety.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.6 Cargo Removal]

§1571.6 Cargo Removal. Any person having been notified, as consignee, of a shipment of explosives being in the hands of any carrier, within any city, city and county, county, fire protection district, or the state, shall remove the said explosives within 48-hours (Sundays and holidays excluded), after receiving such notification to a place meeting the requirements of these rules and regulations.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1571.7 Facility Designation]

§1571.7 Facility Designation. The “Chief” having jurisdiction has the authority to and may designate the location for, and limit the quantity of, explosives which may be loaded, unloaded or temporarily retained at any facility within his jurisdiction.

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2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)