Local Fire Departments
Hazardous Materials ("HazMat") Units

Local HazMat units are responsible for regulating businesses which handle hazardous materials. They are concerned with the storage (above and underground), use, and handling of all hazardous materials, including hazardous wastes, and planning and preparation for related emergencies.

In most of the county, HazMat units are part of the local fire department. In Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and unincorporated areas, the County Hazardous Materials Compliance Div. (HMCD) is the acting HazMat unit.

Regulations: Local Hazardous Materials Storage and Toxic Gas Ordinances; Uniform Fire Code, Art. 51, 79, 80; H&S, Div. 20, Ch. 6.7, 6.95; CCR, Title 19; USC, Title 42, sec. 11001 et seq.; 40 CFR, Parts 300, 350, 355, 370, 372 (SARA Title III).

Summary of Requirements:

• Hazardous Materials Permit - Required annually from your local HazMat unit. Fee based on quantity and type of hazardous materials on site.
• Hazardous Materials Business /Management Plan (HMBP/HMMP) - Maintain and update regularly. Includes the following elements:

  Emergency Response Plan Monitoring Plan Hazardous Materials/Waste Inventories

  Training Plan Site/Building Layout

• Short-Form Hazardous Materials Business Plan - Some HazMat units have a "short-form" for businesses which store/handle hazardous materials in very small quantities.
• Storage & Safety - Clearly label contents of all containers. Additionally:
  • Provide secondary containment and monitor storage areas
  • Placard building exterior and storage areas/enclosures
  • Maintain/test emergency equipment and supplies
• Record Keeping - Maintain records of monitoring, training, waste disposal, and monitoring equipment service/maintenance.
• Inspection - HazMat inspections are standard once or twice yearly.
• Accidental Release Reporting - Immediately report and adequately describe any release or threatened release of hazardous materials to the environment to the local fire department by calling 9-1-1. Also notify HMCD, your local HazMat unit and the state Office of Emergency Services (OES).
• Storage Tank Installation or Removal - Permit required. See page 2-11 for information on underground storage tank removal and cleanup.
• Facility Closure - Closure permits are required for whole or partial closure of hazardous materials facilities.
  

Resources Available From Your HazMat Unit:

Information packets and permit applications are available for the following:

HMBP/HMMP

Facility Closure

Storage Tank Installation or Removal

Other Available Resources:

• Hazardous Material Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know: A Comparison of California & Federal Requirements, 4/91, Office of Emergency Services. (Clarifies differences in requirements and implementation.)
• Community Right-to-Know, 1992, CA Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-331-8877. (Guide to developing a Business Plan, taking inventory, outlining emergency procedures in a step-by-step approach.) $45
• Emergency Response Guidebook, DOT, (Guidance for initial response to hazardous materials incidents.) Order: CA Trucking Assoc. 1-800-CTA-SAVE, $5.75