HomeMy WebLinkAbout402.015 - Hazard Identification Signs (NFPA 704 Placards)
FIRE PREVENTION MANUAL
CODE REQUIREMENTS
402.015 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION SIGNS
(NFPA 704 PLACARDS)
EFFECTIVE: JULY 2010
Current Revision Date: 08/12/2021 Next Revision Date: 08/12/24
Author’s Name/Rank:
Leslie Forshey,
Supervising Fire Prevention Inspector Review Level: 1
Administrative Support:
Noemi E. Rodriguez,
Management Analyst II ADA
PURPOSE
This policy has been established to provide direction for the installation and location(s)
of hazard identification signs (NFPA 704 placards) for sites, buildings and
occupancies within the City of Fresno and contract service areas, as required in the
California Fire Code (CFC).
APPLICATION
This policy applies to sites, buildings and occupancies that meet the requirement set
forth in this policy.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
The initial determination for the required installation of NFPA 704 placards shall be
made based upon number 1 and 2 below, respectively. Each material shall be
classified in each category as noted in the applicable chapter of NFPA 704.
1. Any material, in any category (i.e., health, flammability, or reactivity) having a
classification ranking of 3 or higher shall have NFPA 704 placards installed as
noted in this policy.
Exceptions:
a. Sites, buildings or occupancies containing only flammable liquids (any
class) shall not be required to install NFPA 704 placards unless the
quantity of the flammable liquids is fifty-six (56) gallons or greater of
cumulative total volume.
b. Sites, buildings or occupancies containing only flammable liquids (any
class) which are stored in underground storage tanks, shall not be
required to install NFPA 704 placards.
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2. Any material which is water reactive, is an oxidizing agent, or is subject to
special engineering controls (i.e., the material is required to be handled with
specialized personal protective equipment or within a controlled environment,
for instance a fume hood) shall have NFPA 704 placards installed as noted in
this policy.
Note: If the material does not meet either of the above criteria, determination
for the required installation of NFPA 704 placards shall be made based
upon number three below.
3. A material in any category (i.e., health, flammability, or reactivity) having a
classification ranking of 1 or 2 shall have NFPA 704 placards installed as noted
in this policy when the material exceeds the threshold amounts noted below:
Liquids: 1,001 gallons or more of cumulative total volume.
Gases: In any form (liquefied, compressed, etc.) in excess of 1,001 liquid
gallons or 130 cubic ft. of cumulative total volume.
Solids: 100 lbs. by weight of cumulative total weight
When NFPA 704 placard installation is required based on the criteria noted above, the
NFPA 704 placards shall have the highest numerical rating placed in each category,
and the NFPA 704 placards shall be installed at each of the following locations:
1. The address side of the building, directly adjacent to the main public entrance
door. The NFPA 704 placard on the building shall be a minimum of five (5) inch
by five (5) inch.
2. Where a site contains multiple buildings, in addition to the number one
installation requirements above, each building containing material requiring to
be identified by this policy shall have NFPA 704 placards installed directly
adjacent to the main entrance door to the building. The sign on the building
shall be a minimum of five (5) inch by five (5) inch.
3. In addition to the installation requirements for number 1 and 2 above, each
building, site or occupancy containing materials required to be identified by this
policy shall have NFPA 704 placards installed at each principal means of
access to the site, for instance on an access gate. Signs on the access gates
shall be a minimum of twelve (12) inch by twelve (12) inch.
NFPA 704 placard installation requirements are not correlated with Department
required hazardous materials permit requirements.
In every case, the Fire Marshal, or designee has the authority to increase the number
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of NFPA 704 placards installed, require NFPA 704 placard installations at additional
locations, or increase the sign dimensions.
Additional NFPA 704 placard requirements may be required and the determination
shall be made at the sole discretion of the Fire Marshal, or designee.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS REFERENCES
California Fire Code
NFPA 704
Section 402.015
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