California Code of Regulations Title 19 - Public Safety
California Code of Regulations – Title 19: Public Safety
Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) focuses on public safety, particularly in the context of fire prevention, hazardous materials, and emergency services. It is administered primarily by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).
Overview of Title 19 - Public Safety
Title 19 establishes regulatory standards related to:
Fire protection and prevention
Fireworks and pyrotechnics
Hazardous materials inventory and emergency planning
Emergency alert systems and emergency management plans
Building standards for fire and life safety
These regulations support enforcement of statutes primarily found in the Health and Safety Code, Government Code, and Public Resources Code.
Main Divisions of Title 19 CCR
Division 1 - State Fire Marshal
Subchapter 1: General provisions
Subchapter 2: Fireworks regulations (e.g., classifications, permits, enforcement)
Subchapter 3: Fire extinguisher servicing and licensing
Subchapter 4: Flammable and combustible liquids
Subchapter 5: Fire prevention and building fire safety standards
Subchapter 6: High-rise building safety
Subchapter 8: Regulations for fire alarm systems
Division 2 - Office of Emergency Services
Chapter 1: Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)
Establishes a framework for coordination of state and local emergency responses
Chapter 2: Emergency Alert System
Chapter 3: Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know
Implements the California Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (analogous to federal EPCRA)
Chapter 4: Area Plans and Business Plans for hazardous materials
Key Topics Covered
Licensing and regulation of pyrotechnic operators and fireworks sales
Standards for fire extinguishers and fire suppression equipment
Requirements for hazardous materials business plans (HMBPs)
Emergency response plans and coordination
Fire alarm and suppression system design standards
Requirements for reporting hazardous materials storage and inventory
Regulatory Authority
Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) – Oversees fire and life safety code enforcement.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) – Coordinates emergency management and hazardous materials programs.
Local Fire Authorities – Enforce Title 19 provisions in coordination with state agencies.
Compliance and Enforcement
Entities such as:
Fireworks vendors
Businesses storing hazardous materials
Public agencies developing emergency plans
Property owners of high-rise or special-use buildings
must comply with Title 19 regulations or face penalties, fines, or licensing suspension.
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