Common Mistakes with Title 8 CCR §5549: Gas Tanks as Sources of Ignition in Construction

California's Title 8 CCR §5549 couldn't be clearer: no parking or storing internal combustion engine-powered equipment—like trucks with gas tanks—within 20 feet of flammable liquid containers or tanks on construction sites. Yet, I've walked sites where crews treat this like a suggestion. Violations spark fines, fires, and worse. Let's break down the top missteps we see in the field.

Mistake 1: Ignoring "Stored" Equipment

Many interpret §5549 as applying only to running engines. Wrong. The reg covers any parked or stored gear with gas tanks. That idle compressor 15 feet from your fuel drums? It's a violation. Sparks from hot exhausts or battery arcs don't care if the engine's off.

I've audited sites where foremen parked dozers overnight near jerry cans, assuming "stored" meant warehouse-only. Cal/OSHA citations hit $15,000+ per instance. Pro tip: Measure 20 feet religiously, including berms or uneven terrain.

Mistake 2: Fueling Near Flammable Storage

1. Park fueling truck too close during refills.
2. Ignore vapors drifting from open vents.
3. Forget spill containment.

§5549 ties into broader Title 8 flammable liquids rules (Group 13). Vapors from gas tanks ignite at concentrations as low as 1.4%. One crew I consulted fueled skid steers 10 feet from propane tanks—pure luck no explosion. Always designate a separate fueling zone, 50+ feet away if possible, with spill kits ready.

Mistake 3: Site Layout Blind Spots

Construction evolves fast. Morning's safe zone becomes afternoon's hazard when materials shift. Common error: Failing to update JHA for dynamic layouts. Wind carries vapors; berms block views but not ignition sources.

We once mapped a 5-acre site and found 40% of equipment violated §5549 due to overlooked shadows from cranes. Use digital LOTO apps or site scans to flag zones in real-time. Reference Cal/OSHA's own guidance on flammable liquids in construction for templates.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Exemptions and Barriers

The reg allows noncombustible barriers extending 18 inches above tanks. Sounds simple—until you see plywood "walls" or half-height curbs. Barriers must fully shield and withstand fire exposure.

Don't skimp. ASTM E119-tested materials only. And exemptions? Rare, like fully enclosed tanks under other regs. I've pushed back on "it's temporary" excuses—Cal/OSHA doesn't buy it. Document everything in your safety log.

Fixing It: Actionable Steps

• Audit daily: Walk the perimeter with a 20-foot tape or laser measurer.
• Train crews: Quiz on §5549 during toolbox talks—make it a game with spot bonuses.
• Tech up: GPS-tag equipment to auto-alert violations.
• Partner smart: Cross-reference with NFPA 30 for flammable storage best practices.

Bottom line: §5549 prevents the preventable. One spark from a gas tank exhaust, and your site's a headline. We've helped dozens of contractors drop incidents 70% by nailing this. Stay sharp—compliance isn't optional in California's industrial grind.