The Petroleum-Chemical Unit (PCU), conducts fire safety inspections in major chemical, plastic and petroleum manufacturing occupancies, LP gas and natural gas installations, flammable liquid storage warehouses and hazardous materials, including toxic and highly toxic materials, refineries, bulk chemical and petroleum plants, tank farms and special properties such as oil wells, water treatment plants and co-generation projects, soil remediation operations, explosive and blasting agents.

In addition to their inspection duties, the Petroleum-Chemical Unit also performs emergency preparedness in Fire Prevention occupancies through plan checks for building, processes, and fire extinguishing systems to meet current codes and ordinances of the Fire Code, Building Code and County Fire Department Regulations. The PCU also investigates and reports on incidents occurring within the occupancies. The PCU issues permits for manufacturing, using and storing hazardous materials, flammable liquids and gases and any other process or procedure that is regulated by the unit, such as oil wells, blasting sites and tank installations and removals. This unit works with other organizations including the State Fire Marshal’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Defense, and the Treasury Department. Additionally, the Unit Captain reviews and analyzes legislation related to petroleum chemicals. The Captain also recommends changes in current regulations, again, pertaining to petroleum chemical issues. Members of the Unit provide expertise to Area Unit Inspectors and station personnel with petroleum chemical-related questions and procedures in their Fire Prevention responsibilities. This unit is staffed by one Captain and six Inspectors.