Hazard Categories

The California Fire Code (CFC) regulates hazardous materials that pose physical or acute health hazards. Materials are classified according to their CFC definitions for MAQ and regulatory purposes. These definitions are not always in alignment with OSHA definitions, which are based on the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). 

Close up image of a person with white gloves holding a device that is pour chemicals into a container.

Per CFC, chemical mixtures shall be classified with hazards of the mixture as a whole. Mixtures of hazardous materials shall be classified in accordance with nationally recognized reference standards; by an approved qualified organization, individual, or Safety Data Sheet (SDS); or by other approved methods. 

California Fire Code Physical hazards include (see definitions in Chapter 2 of the CFC):

  • Combustible dust
  • Combustible fibers
  • Combustible and Flammable Liquids
  • Cryogenic fluids
  • Explosives
  • Flammable gases
  • Flammable solids
  • Inert compressed gases
  • Organic peroxides
  • Oxidizers
  • Oxidizing gases
  • Pyrophorics
  • Unstable (reactives)
  • Water reactives

California Fire Code Health hazards include (see definitions in Chapter 2 of the CFC):

  • Corrosives
  • Highly toxics
  • Toxics