Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997
Loi de 1997 sur la prévention de la protection contre l’incendie

ONTARIO REGULATION 388/97

FIRE CODE

Note: This Regulation was revoked on November 21, 2007. See: O. Reg. 213/07, Division C, ss. 2.1.1.1., 2.1.2.1.

Last amendment: O. Reg. 213/07.

This Regulation is made in English only.

PART 1
APPLICATION AND DEFINITIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1.1APPLICATION

Subsection 1.1.1.General

1.1.1.1.  Unless otherwise specified, the owner shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of this Code.

1.1.1.2.  Where tests, repairs or alterations are made to fire protection installations, including sprinkler and standpipe systems, a procedure of notification shall be established, and the procedure shall include notifying the fire department and the building occupants where necessary for safety in the event of a fire emergency.

1.1.1.3.  Any appliance, device or component of a device that does not operate or appear to operate as intended when checked, inspected or tested as required by this Code shall be repaired or replaced if the failure or malfunctioning of the appliance, device or component would adversely affect fire or life safety.

Subsection 1.1.2. Records of Tests and Inspections

1.1.2.1.  (1)  Except as required in Sentence (2), written records shall be kept of tests and corrective measures for two years after they are made, and the records shall be available upon request to the Chief Fire Official.

(2)  If the time interval between tests exceeds 2 years, the written records shall be kept for the period of the test interval plus one year.

(3)  In addition to the requirements of Sentences (1) and (2), in facilities regulated by or under the Developmental Services Act, written records shall be kept of inspections for two years after they are made, and the records shall be available upon request to the Chief Fire Official.

Subsection 1.1.3.Demolition

1.1.3.1.  Permits for the demolition or partial demolition of a building are required under the Building Code.

Subsection 1.1.4.Required Testing

1.1.4.1.  Where a building or its contents must be tested for compliance with this Code, the tests shall be carried out by the owner or the owner’s agent within such reasonable time as the Chief Fire Official may determine.

1.1.4.2.  (1)  The tests referred to in Article 1.1.4.1. may be carried out by the Chief Fire Official.

(2)  The Chief Fire Official shall only take such samples as are necessary in the circumstances in order to carry out the tests referred to in Article 1.1.4.1.

Subsection 1.1.5.Qualification and Responsibilities of Persons Performing Tests, Inspections and Maintenance of Fire Protection Equipment

1.1.5.1.  The requirements of this Subsection come into force on the 21st day of November, 1999.

1.1.5.2.  Any person performing tests, inspections and maintenance of fire alarm systems, with or without voice communication capability, shall be responsible for complying with the requirements of Articles 1.1.5.3. and 1.1.5.4.

1.1.5.3.  (1)  Any person who performs the annual tests or annual inspections of a fire alarm system required under Article 6.3.2.2. and any person who repairs, replaces or alters components of a fire alarm system shall

(a) have successfully completed a program or course acceptable to the Fire Marshal,

(b) produce for inspection, upon request by the owner or the Chief Fire Official, a copy of a certificate or document attesting to the successful completion of a program or course referenced in Clause (a), and

(c) perform the inspection, test, repair, replacement or alteration in accordance with Article 6.3.1.8. and Subsection 6.3.2.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), a person who has not successfully completed the required program or course may perform the work described in Clause (1)(c) provided that

(a) the work is done under the supervision of a person who has successfully completed a program or course required by Clause (1)(a),

(b) no more than two persons work under the supervision of the person referred to in Clause (a), and

(c) the supervision is provided at the work site.

(3)  Any person supervising another as permitted in Sentence (2) shall

(a) advise the owner in writing that the work has been completed in accordance with Article 6.3.1.8. and Subsection 6.3.2., and

(b) be deemed to be the person referred to in Article 1.1.5.4.

1.1.5.4.  Despite Article 1.1.1.1., any person who performs the annual tests or annual inspections of a fire alarm system required by Article 6.3.2.2. and any person who repairs, replaces or alters components of a fire alarm system shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of Article 1.1.5.3.

Subsection 1.1.6.Exemptions

1.1.6.1.  A farm building with an occupant load of not more than one person per 40 m² of floor area during normal use and other premises on a farm used for farming purposes are exempt from the requirements of this Code.

1.1.6.2.  RESERVED

1.1.6.3.  The requirements of Articles 2.6.1.12., 2.6.2.1., 2.6.3.2., 3.2.1.2., 5.4.2.3., 5.4.5.1., 5.5.6.1., 5.6.2.4., 5.12.2.3., 5.12.8.2., 5.13.6.1., and 5.18.3.3. and Sections 9.2 to 9.8 do not apply to installations or construction that meet the requirements of the Fire Code made under the Fire Marshals Act, as it read on the 20th day of November, 1997.

Subsection 1.1.7.Standards Referenced

1.1.7.1.  In the event of a conflict between this Code and any standard, document, manual or handbook referred to herein, this Code shall apply.

1.1.7.2.  A reference in this Code to a document listed in Table 1.1.7.A. is to the edition designated in the table.

1.1.7.3.  (1)  A reference in this Code to a document listed in Table 1.1.7.A. includes all amendments up to and including April 30, 1997.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), CAN/ULC-S643-M90, “Shop Fabricated Steel Aboveground Utility Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, includes all amendments up to and including June 30, 1998.

1.1.7.4.  Despite Articles 1.1.7.2. and 1.1.7.3., the Chief Fire Official may permit compliance with an edition of a document previous to that referred to in this Code if the Chief Fire Official is satisfied that compliance with the edition referred to in this Code is impractical.

1.1.7.5.  If a document in this Code refers to another document, only those portions of the second document that are specific to the subject matter are applicable.

TABLE 1.1.7.A.

Forming Part of Article 1.1.7.2.

Subsection 1.1.8.Chief Fire Official

1.1.8.1.  The Fire Marshal may appoint persons who are assistants to the Fire Marshal to be Chief Fire Officials for the purposes and subject to the limitations and conditions as are set out in the appointment.

1.1.8.2.  An appointment made under Article 1.1.8.1. may grant to the person appointed the exclusive authority to exercise all or any of the powers and perform all or any of the duties of a Chief Fire Official with respect to any class or classes of building or occupancy or within the territorial area specified in the appointment and, in such case, no other Chief Fire Official shall exercise such powers or perform such duties.

1.1.8.3.  The Municipal Fire Chief may appoint a member of the fire department who is an assistant to the Fire Marshal to be the Chief Fire Official for the purposes and subject to the limitations and conditions as are set out in the appointment.

SECTION 1.2DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND PHRASES

Subsection 1.2.1.Definitions

1.2.1.1.  Definitions of words and phrases that are not included in the list of definitions in this Part shall have the meanings which are commonly assigned to them in the context in which they are used in this Code, taking into account the specialized use of terms by the various trades and professions to which the terminology applies.

1.2.1.2.  Except for headings and names of regulations and statutes, the words and terms used in this Code that are in lower case bold face shall have the following meanings:

Access to exit means that part of a means of egress within a floor area that provides access to an exit serving the floor area.

Air-supported structure means a structure that consists of a pliable membrane that achieves and maintains its shape and support by internal air pressure.

Alarm signal means an audible signal transmitted throughout a zone or zones or throughout a building to advise occupants that a fire emergency exists.

Alert signal means an audible signal to advise designated persons of a fire emergency.

Appliance means a device to convert fuel into energy, and includes all components, controls, wiring and piping required to be part of the device by the applicable standard referred to in this Code.

Approved means approved by the Chief Fire Official.

Architect means a member or licensee of the Ontario Association of Architects under the Architects Act.

Assembly occupancy (Group ‘A’) means the occupancy or the use of a building, or part thereof, by a gathering of persons for civic, political, travel, religious, social, educational, recreational or like purposes or for the consumption of food or drink.

Atmospheric storage tank means a storage tank that is designed to operate at pressures from atmospheric to 3.5 kPa (gauge).

Attic space means the space between the roof and the ceiling of the top storey or between a dwarf wall and a sloping roof.

Basement means a storey or storeys of a building located below the first storey.

Boiler means an appliance intended to supply hot water or steam for space heating, processing or power purposes.

Building means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

Building area means the greatest horizontal area of a building above grade within the outside surface of exterior walls or within the outside surface of exterior walls and the centre line of firewalls.

Building Code means any version of the Ontario Building Code that was in force at any time since it was made under The Building Code Act, 1974, the Building Code Act of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1980, the Building Code Act of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1990, the Building Code Act, 1992 or a successor to the Building Code Act, 1992.

Building height (in storeys) means the number of storeys contained between the roof and the floor of the first storey.

Business and personal services occupancy (Group ‘D’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof for the transaction of business or the rendering or receiving of professional or personal services.

Cellar means a basement that is more than 50 per cent below grade.

Check means visual observation to ensure the device or system is in place and is not obviously damaged or obstructed.

Chief Fire Official means the assistant to the Fire Marshal who is the Municipal Fire Chief or a member or members of the fire department appointed by the Municipal Fire Chief under Subsection 1.1.8. or a person appointed by the Fire Marshal under Subsection 1.1.8.

Chimney means a primarily vertical shaft enclosing at least 1 flue for conducting flue gases to the outdoors.

Class A fire means a fire involving combustible materials such as wood, cloth and paper.

Class B fire means a fire involving a flammable or combustible liquid, fat or grease.

Class C fire means a fire involving energized electrical equipment.

Class D fire means a fire involving a combustible metal.

Closed container means a container so sealed by means of a lid or other device that neither liquid nor vapour will escape from it at ordinary temperatures.

Closure means a device or assembly for closing an opening through a fire separation such as a door, a shutter, wired glass or glass block and includes all components, such as hardware, closing devices, frames and anchors.

Combustible construction means that type of construction that does not meet the requirements for noncombustible construction.

Combustible dust means dust and particles ignitable and liable to explode when mixed with air.

Combustible fibres means finely divided combustible vegetable or animal fibres and thin sheets or flakes of such materials that in a loose, unbaled condition present a flash fire hazard, and includes cotton, wool, hemp, sisal, jute, kapok, paper and cloth.

Combustible liquid means any liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8^oC and below 93.3^oC.

Compressed gas means any contained mixture or material with either an absolute pressure exceeding 275.8 kPa at 21^oC or an absolute pressure exceeding 717 kPa at 54^oC, or both, or any liquid having an absolute vapour pressure exceeding 275.8 kPa at 37.8^oC.

Constructor means a person who contracts with an owner, occupant or their authorized agent to undertake a project, and includes an owner, occupant or authorized agent who contracts with more than one person for the work on a project or undertakes the work on a project or any part thereof.

Contained use area means a supervised area containing one or more rooms in which occupant movement is restricted to a single room by security measures not under the control of the occupant.

Corrosive liquid means a liquid that, when contacting living tissue causes damage to the tissue, or when contacting organic matter and chemicals that react with the liquid, causes fire.

Dangerous goods means those products or substances which are regulated by the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada) and its Regulations.

Demolition means the doing of anything in the removal of a building or any material part thereof.

Distilled beverage alcohol means a beverage that is produced by fermentation and contains more than 20 per cent by volume of water-miscible alcohol.

Distillery means a process plant where distilled beverage alcohols are produced, concentrated or otherwise processed, and includes facilities on the same site where the concentrated products may be blended, mixed, stored or packaged.

Dwelling unit means a suite operated as a housekeeping unit, used or intended to be used as a domicile by one or more persons and usually containing cooking, eating, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities.

Exit means that part of a means of egress, including doorways, that leads from the floor area it serves to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare.

Farm building means a building or part thereof associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming, and used primarily for the housing of equipment or livestock or the production, storage or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds, but is not used for residential occupancy.

Fire compartment means an enclosed space in a building that is separated from all other parts of the building by enclosing construction that provides a fire separation having a required fire-resistance rating.

Fire damper means a closure that consists of a damper installed in an air distribution system or in a wall or floor assembly that is normally held in the open position and that is designed to close automatically in the event of a fire in order to maintain the integrity of the fire separation.

Fire department means a group of firefighters authorized to provide fire protection services by a municipality, group of municipalities or by an agreement made under section 3 of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Fire detector means a device which detects a fire condition and automatically initiates an electrical signal to actuate an alert signal or alarm signal and includes heat detectors and smoke detectors.

Fire-protection rating means the time in hours or fraction thereof that a closure, window assembly or glass block assembly will withstand the passage of flame when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance criteria, or as otherwise prescribed in the Building Code.

Fire resistance means the property of a material or assembly in a building to withstand fire or give protection from it and is characterized by the ability of the material or assembly to confine a fire or to continue to perform a given structural function or both.

Fire-resistance rating means the time in hours or fraction thereof that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire under specified conditions of test and performance criteria, or as determined by extension or interpretation of information derived therefrom as prescribed in the Building Code.

Fire separation means a construction assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire and may or may not have a fire-resistance rating or a fire-protection rating.

Fire stop means a draft-tight barrier within or between construction assemblies that acts to retard the passage of smoke and flame.

Fire-stop flap means a device intended for use in horizontal assemblies that are required to have a fire-resistance rating and incorporate protective ceiling membranes and that operates to close off a duct opening through the membrane in the event of a fire.

Firewall means a fire separation of noncombustible construction that subdivides a building or separates adjoining buildings to resist the spread of fire that has a fire-resistance rating as prescribed in the Building Code and that has structural stability to remain intact under fire conditions for the required fire-rated time.

First storey means the storey with its floor closest to grade and having its ceiling more than 1.8 m above grade.

Flame-spread rating means an index or classification indicating the extent of spread of flame on the surface of a material or an assembly of materials as determined in the Building Code.

Flammable liquid means a liquid having a flash point below 37.8ºC and having a vapour pressure not more than 275.8 kPa (absolute) at 37.8ºC as determined by ASTM D 323, “Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)”.

Flash point means the minimum temperature at which a liquid within a container gives off vapour in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid.

Floor area means the space on any storey of a building between exterior walls and required firewalls and includes the space occupied by interior walls and partitions, but does not include exits and vertical service spaces that pierce the storey.

Flue means an enclosed passageway for conveying flue gases.

Flue pipe means the pipe connecting the flue collar of an appliance to a chimney.

Fuel dispensing station means any premises at which flammable or combustible liquids are dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle or watercraft.

Furnace means a space-heating appliance that uses warm air as the heating medium and that usually has provision for the attachment of ducts.

Grade means the average level of finished ground adjoining a building at all exterior walls.

Guest suite means a single room or a series of rooms of complementary use providing sleeping accommodation for the travelling public or for recreational purposes in a hotel establishment.

Hazardous location means a location that is or may become subject to conditions conducive to the rapid development of fire or explosion.

Heat detector means a fire detector designed to operate at a predetermined temperature or rate of temperature rise.

Heavy timber construction means that type of combustible construction in which a degree of fire safety is attained by placing limitations on the sizes of wood structural members and on thickness and composition of wood floors and roofs, by avoidance of concealed spaces under floors and roofs and by use of approved fastenings, construction details and adhesives for structural members.

High hazard industrial occupancy (Group ‘F’ Division 1) means an industrial occupancy that contains sufficient quantities of highly combustible and flammable or explosive materials that, because of their inherent characteristics, constitute a special fire hazard.

Hotel means floor areas, a floor area or part of a floor area containing four or more suites that provide sleeping accommodation for the travelling public or for recreational purposes.

Hotel establishment means a building containing a hotel and all subsidiary occupancies that are operated in connection with the hotel and includes all connected or adjacent buildings that are operated in connection with the hotel.

Impeded egress zone means a supervised area in which occupants have free movement but require the release, by security personnel, of security doors at the boundary before they are able to leave the area, but does not include a contained use area.

Individual storage area means the area occupied by piles, bin boxes, racks or shelves, including subsidiary aisles providing access to the stored products, which is separated from the adjacent storage by aisles not less than 2.4 m in width.

Industrial occupancy (Group ‘F’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof for assembling, fabricating, manufacturing, processing, repairing or storing of goods and materials.

Inspect means physical examination to determine that the device or system will apparently perform in accordance with its intended function.

Institutional occupancy (Group ‘B’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof by persons who require supervisory care, medical care or medical treatment or by persons who are under restraint for correctional purposes and are incapable of self preservation because of security measures not under their control.

Listed means equipment or materials included in a list published by a certification organization accredited by the Standards Council of Canada.

Low pressure storage tank means a storage tank designed to operate at pressures greater than 3.5 kPa (gauge) to 100 kPa (gauge).

Lower explosive limit means the minimum concentration of vapour in air at which the propagation of flame occurs on contact with a source of ignition.

Major occupancy means the principal occupancy for which a building or part thereof is used or intended to be used, and includes the subsidiary occupancies that are an integral part of the principal occupancy.

Means of egress means a continuous path of travel provided for the escape of persons from any point in a building or contained open space to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare or an exterior open space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open public thoroughfare. Means of egress includes both exits and access to exits.

Mercantile occupancy (Group ‘E’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof for the displaying or selling of retail goods, wares or merchandise.

Noncombustible construction means that type of construction in which a degree of fire safety is attained by the use of noncombustible materials for structural members and other building assemblies.

Occupancy means the use or intended use of a building or part thereof for the shelter or support of persons, animals or property.

Occupant load means the number of persons for which a building or part thereof is designed.

Order means an order made under subsection 21(1) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Owner means any person, firm or corporation having control over any portion of the building or property under consideration and includes the persons in the building or property.

Oxidizing material means a material, other than ordinary atmospheres, that by itself is not necessarily combustible, but that may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of another material.

Partition means an interior wall 1 storey or part of a storey in height that is not load-bearing.

Pressure vessel means a storage tank that is designed to operate at pressures greater than 100 kPa (gauge).

Process plant means an industrial occupancy where materials, including flammable liquids, combustible liquids or Class 2 gases, are produced or used in a process.

Professional Engineer means a member or licensee of the Association of Professional Engineers of the Province of Ontario under the Professional Engineers Act.

Public corridor means a corridor that provides access to exit from more than 1 suite.

Rack means any combination of vertical, horizontal or diagonal members that support stored materials on solid or open shelves, including both fixed and portable units.

Rapid transit station means a building or part thereof used for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers of a rapid transit system but does not include open-air shelters at street level.

Refinery means any process plant in which flammable or combustible liquids are produced from crude petroleum, including areas on the same site where the resulting products are blended, packaged or stored on a commercial scale.

Residential occupancy (Group ‘C’) means the occupancy or use of a building or part thereof by persons for whom sleeping accommodation is provided but who are not harboured or detained to receive medical care or treatment or are not involuntarily detained.

Retrofit means the minimum performance requirements for life safety for existing buildings.

Self-service outlet means a fuel dispensing station, other than a marine fuel dispensing station, where the public handles the dispenser.

Service room means a room in a building used to contain equipment associated with building services.

Service space means space in a building used to facilitate or conceal the installation of building service facilities such as chutes, ducts, pipes, shafts or wires.

Smoke alarm means a combined smoke detector and audible alarm device that is designed to sound an alarm within the room or suite in which it is located when there is smoke within the room or suite.

Smoke detector means a fire detector designed to operate when the concentration of airborne combustion products exceeds a predetermined level.

Space heater means a space-heating appliance that heats the room or space within which it is located without the use of ducts.

Space-heating appliance means an appliance that supplies heat to a room or space directly or indirectly or to rooms or spaces of a building through a heating system.

Spraying area means the area that is within 6 m of a spray booth or spraying operation and that is not separated therefrom by a vapour-tight separation.

Spray booth means a power-ventilated structure that encloses or accommodates a spraying operation so that spray vapour and residue can be controlled and exhausted.

Spray room means a spraying area on a floor area or part thereof in which an open spraying operation is confined and that is separated from the remainder of the building in which it is located by a noncombustible vapour-tight separation.

Sprinklered (as applying to a building or part thereof) means that the building or part thereof is equipped with a system of automatic sprinklers.

Storage tank means a vessel for flammable or combustible liquids having a capacity of more than 230 L and designed to be installed in a fixed location.

Storey means that portion of a building that is situated between the top of any floor and the top of the floor next above it, and where there is no floor above it, that portion between the top of the floor and the ceiling above it.

Street means any highway, road, boulevard, square or other improved thoroughfare 9 m or more in width, that has been dedicated or deeded for public use, and is accessible to fire department vehicles and equipment.

Suite means a single room or series of rooms of complementary use, operated under a single tenancy, and includes dwelling units, individual guest rooms in motels, hotels, boarding houses, rooming houses and dormitories as well as individual stores and individual or complementary rooms for business and personal services occupancies.

Supervisory staff means those occupants of a building who have some delegated responsibility for the fire safety of other occupants under the fire safety plan and may include the fire department where the fire department agrees to accept these responsibilities.

Tank vehicles means any vehicle, other than railroad tank cars and boats, with a cargo tank having a capacity of more than 450 L, mounted or built as an integral part of the vehicle, and used for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids and includes tank trucks, trailers and semi-trailers.

Tent means a shelter or structure with a covering that is made of pliable material.

Test means the operation of a device or system to ensure that it will perform in accordance with its intended operation or function.

Total area means the total area of all floors above and below grade, including mezzanines and penthouses, measured between the inside surfaces of exterior walls or between the inside surfaces of exterior walls and the inside surfaces of firewalls.

Travel distance means the distance from any point in a floor area to an exit measured along the path of exit travel, except that when floor areas are subdivided into rooms used singly or into suites of rooms and served by public corridors or exterior passageways, the distance shall be measured from the door of the rooms or suites to the nearest exit.

Unstable liquid means a liquid, including flammable and combustible liquids , which is chemically reactive to the extent that it will vigorously react or decompose at or near normal temperature and pressure conditions or which is chemically unstable when subject to impact.

Vapour pressure means the pressure exerted by a liquid as determined by ASTM D 323, “Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)”.

Vertical service space means a shaft oriented essentially vertically that is provided in a building to facilitate the installation of building services including mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations and facilities such as elevators, refuse chutes and linen chutes.

Viscosity means the resistance that a liquid offers to flow.

SECTION 1.3ABBREVIATIONS

Subsection 1.3.1.Abbreviations of Names of Associations

1.3.1.1.  The abbreviations in this Code for the names of associations shall have the meanings assigned to them as follows.

Subsection 1.3.2.Abbreviations of Words and Phrases

1.3.2.1.  The abbreviations of words and phrases in this Code shall have the meanings assigned to them as follows:

O. Reg. 388/97, Part 1; O. Reg. 428/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 475/00, ss. 1-3; O. Reg. 315/01, s. 1; O. Reg. 451/05, ss. 1, 2; O. Reg. 144/06, ss. 1-3.

PART 2
BUILDING AND OCCUPANT FIRE SAFETY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 2.1GENERAL

Subsection 2.1.1.Scope and Application

Scope

2.1.1.1.  This Part provides for the safety of the occupants in buildings, through the elimination or control of fire hazards in and around buildings, the maintenance of certain life safety systems in buildings, for the establishing of a fire safety plan in those buildings where required and the installation of smoke alarms in dwelling units.

Application

2.1.1.2.  (1)  This Part applies to all buildings.

(2)  This Part does not apply to individual dwelling units.

2.1.1.3.  (1)  Despite Sentence 2.1.1.2.(2), Section 2.2 (Fire Separations), Subsection 2.4.7. (Vacant Buildings), Section 2.6 (Service Equipment), Section 2.11 (Insulation and Re-Insulation), Section 2.13 (Installation of Smoke Alarms) and Section 2.15 (Portable Oxygen Systems) apply to individual dwelling units.

(2)  Despite Sentence 2.1.1.2.(2), this Part applies to facilities regulated by or under the Developmental Services Act.

Subsection 2.1.2.Classification of Buildings or Parts of Buildings by Major Occupancy

Classification of buildings or parts thereof

2.1.2.1.  For the purpose of applying this Code, a building or part thereof shall be classified according to its major occupancy by the Chief Fire Official in conformance with the Building Code.

Hazardous activities

2.1.2.2.  Activities that create a hazard and that are not allowed for in the original design shall not be carried out in a building unless approved provisions are made to control the hazard.

Prohibited combinations of occupancies

2.1.2.3.  No major occupancy of Group ‘F’ Division 1 shall be contained within a building with any occupancy classified as Group ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’.

SECTION 2.2FIRE SEPARATIONS

Subsection 2.2.1.Major Occupancies

Damaged fire separations

2.2.1.1.  Where fire separations between major occupancies are damaged in a manner so as to affect the integrity of their fire-resistance rating, such damaged fire separations shall be repaired so that the integrity of the fire separations is maintained.

Subsection 2.2.2.Rooms and Spaces

Damaged fire separations

2.2.2.1.  Where fire separations between rooms, corridors, shafts and other spaces are damaged so as to affect the integrity of their fire-resistance rating, the damaged fire separations shall be repaired so that the integrity of the fire separations is maintained.

Subsection 2.2.3.Closures

Damaged closures

2.2.3.1.  Where closures are damaged so as to affect the integrity of their fire-protection rating, the damaged closures shall be repaired so that the integrity of the closures is maintained.

Maintenance of closures

2.2.3.2.  (1)  Closures in fire separations shall be maintained to ensure that they are operable at all times by

(a) keeping fusible links and heat or smoke actuated devices undamaged and free of paint and dirt,

(b) keeping guides, bearings and stay rolls clean and lubricated,

(c) making necessary adjustments and repairs to door hardware and accessories to ensure proper closing and latching, and

(d) repairing or replacing inoperative parts of hold-open devices and automatic releasing devices.

2.2.3.3.  Closures in fire separations shall not be blocked or wedged open.

Inspection of doors in fire separations

2.2.3.4.  Doors in fire separations shall be inspected monthly.

2.2.3.5.  (1)  Doors in fire separations in occupied buildings shall be checked as frequently as necessary to ensure that they remain closed.

(2)  Sentence (1) does not apply to

(a) doors designed to close automatically in the event of a fire, or

(b) doors for which an approved fire safety plan contains provisions for closing in the event of a fire.

2.2.3.6.  RESERVED

Inspection of fire dampers and fire-stop flaps

2.2.3.7.  Fire dampers and fire-stop flaps shall be inspected annually, or on an approved time schedule.

2.2.3.8.  Door openings and the surrounding areas shall be kept clear of everything that would be likely to obstruct or interfere with the free operation of the door.

SECTION 2.3INTERIOR FINISHING, FURNISHING AND DECORATIVE MATERIALS

Subsection 2.3.1.General

2.3.1.1.  (1)  Where a building is refurbished or redecorated, interior finish materials used shall be in conformance with the Building Code.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), other interior finish materials may be approved.

Moveable partitions and screens

2.3.1.2.  Moveable partitions or screens, including acoustical screens, shall have a flame-spread rating equal to that required for the interior finish of the area in which they are located as determined in the Building Code.

Subsection 2.3.2.Textile Flammability

Flame resistance of textiles

2.3.2.1.  (1)  Drapes, curtains and other decorative materials, including textiles and films used in buildings, shall meet the requirements for a high degree of flame resistance as described in NOTE 4 of Test Method 27.1 of CAN2-4.2, “Textile Test Methods”, when such drapes, curtains and other decorative materials are used in

(a) any Group ‘B’ occupancy,

(b) any lobby or exit,

(c) any access to exit in a Group ‘A’ occupancy, and assembly occupancies with an occupant load of more than 100 persons, or

(d) any open floor area in a Group ‘D’, ‘E’ or ‘F’ occupancy exceeding 1500 m², except when the floor area is divided into fire compartments not exceeding 1500 m² in area and separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a 1-hr fire-resistance rating.

Flameproofing treatments

2.3.2.2.  Flameproofing treatments shall be renewed as often as required to ensure that the material will pass the match flame test in NFPA 701, “Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films”.

SECTION 2.4FIRE HAZARDS

Subsection 2.4.1.Combustible Materials

Accumulation of combustible materials

2.4.1.1.  (1)  Combustible materials shall not be permitted in quantities or locations that may constitute a fire hazard.

(2)  Sentence (1) does not apply to combustible materials

(a) stored in compliance with this Code, or

(b) stored in compliance with the Building Code.

2.4.1.2.  (1)  Combustible materials, other than those for which the location, room or space is designed, shall not be permitted in any part of an elevator shaft, ventilation shaft or means of egress.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), corridors serving as access to exits for guest suites may contain solid wood or other approved furniture, provided the furniture does not create an obstruction to the egress route.

2.4.1.3.  No combustible materials, other than those for which the room or space is designed, shall be permitted in any service room or service space.

2.4.1.4.  Except for building components, no combustible materials shall be permitted in horizontal concealed spaces, such as crawl spaces and ceiling spaces.

Flammable or combustible liquid spills

2.4.1.5.  Flammable or combustible liquid spills in a building shall be removed immediately with an absorbent material that will not increase the hazard and shall be disposed of in a safe manner.

Precautions against spontaneous combustion

2.4.1.6.  Greasy or oily rags or materials subject to spontaneous heating shall be deposited in a receptacle that conforms to Article 2.4.1.9. or removed from the premises.

Lint traps

2.4.1.7.  Lint traps in laundry equipment shall be cleaned to prevent the accumulation of lint that creates an undue fire hazard.

Ashes

2.4.1.8.  (1)  Ashes shall be stored in receptacles that conform to Article 2.4.1.9.

(2)  Combustible materials shall not be stored with ashes in the same receptacle.

Receptacles

2.4.1.9.  Receptacles required by Clause 2.4.1.1.(2)(c) and  Articles 2.4.1.6. and 2.4.1.8. shall be constructed of noncombustible materials with a melting point of not less than 650^oC, shall have no openings in the sides or bottom, and shall have a self-closing, tightly fitted cover.

2.4.1.10.  Receptacles as described in Article 2.4.1.9. shall not be placed closer than 1 m on the sides and top to combustible materials, and if placed on a combustible floor surface, shall be equipped with a flanged bottom or legs at least 50 mm high.

2.4.1.11.  (1)  Waste containers in public washrooms and in other public areas in a hotel establishment shall be

(a) approved, or

(b) constructed of noncombustible material and have self-closing covers.

Subsection 2.4.2.Exposure to Combustible Materials

2.4.2.1.  Combustible materials shall not be stored on a roof or adjacent to any building so as to create a fire hazard to the building or its occupants.

Subsection 2.4.3.Smoking

Smoking prohibited

2.4.3.1.  (1)  Where conditions are such as to make smoking a fire or explosion hazard, smoking shall be permitted only in specifically approved smoking areas.

(2)  In facilities regulated by or under the Developmental Services Act, suitable noncombustible ashtrays shall be provided where smoking is permitted.

Signs

2.4.3.2.  The areas where smoking is not permitted shall be identified by signs having black lettering 50 mm high with a 12.5 mm stroke on a yellow background, except that symbols of 150 mm by 150 mm may be used in lieu of lettering, or covered by instructions established under a fire safety plan and available to all persons.

Subsection 2.4.4.Open Flames

Open flames prohibited

2.4.4.1.  (1)  Open flames shall not be permitted in buildings used for public assemblies in such quantities and in such a manner as to create a fire hazard unless approved.

(2)  Open flames shall not be permitted in dining areas in Group ‘B’ Division 2 occupancies.

(3)  Despite Sentence (1), decorative and lighting devices with open flames shall not be used unless they are

(a) securely supported in noncombustible holders and located and protected so that combustible materials will not come into contact with or be ignited by the flame, or

(b) approved.

2.4.4.2.  (1)  Flaming meals or drinks shall not be served in Group ‘B’ Division 2 occupancies.

(2)  Flaming meals or drinks shall be ignited only at the location of serving in places of public assembly.

Portable extinguishers

(3)  A 2A:5BC or higher rated portable extinguisher, conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2, shall be available where refueling of appliances and containers used for flaming meals or drinks takes place.

(4)  Refueling of appliances shall not be carried out in the dining area.

Portable extinguishers for flaming meals and drinks

2.4.4.3.  A 2A:5BC or higher rated portable extinguisher, conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2, shall be located on the serving cart or table where flaming meals and drinks are being served.

Devices having open flames

2.4.4.4.  Devices having open flames shall be securely supported in noncombustible holders and located or protected so as to prevent accidental contact of the flame with combustible materials.

Subsection 2.4.5.Use of Hazardous Materials

2.4.5.1.  Flammable liquids shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where the cleaning is an essential part of a process.

2.4.5.2.  Flammable gases shall not be used to inflate balloons.

Subsection 2.4.6.Electrical Hazards

Electrical wiring

2.4.6.1.  Temporary electrical wiring shall not be used where it presents a fire hazard.

Subsection 2.4.7.Vacant Buildings

2.4.7.1.  Vacant buildings shall be secured against unauthorized entry.

SECTION 2.5FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO BUILDINGS

Subsection 2.5.1.General

Application

2.5.1.1.  (1)  This Section applies to fire access routes

(a) required to be constructed under the Building Code,

(b) required by municipal by-law, or

(c) required by this Code.

Maintaining access free of obstructions

2.5.1.2.  (1)  Fire access routes and access panels or windows provided to facilitate access for fire fighting operations shall not be obstructed by vehicles, gates, fences, building materials, vegetation, signs or any other form of obstruction.

Fire department connections

(2)  Fire department sprinkler and standpipe connections shall be clearly identified and maintained free of obstructions for use at all times.

Maintenance

2.5.1.3.  Fire access routes shall be maintained so as to be immediately ready for use at all times by fire department vehicles.

Signs

2.5.1.4.  Approved signs shall be displayed to indicate fire access routes.

SECTION 2.6SERVICE EQUIPMENT

Subsection 2.6.1.Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning

Defective equipment

2.6.1.1.  Defective appliances in a building shall be removed, repaired or replaced when the defective appliances create a hazardous condition.

Solid fuel bins

2.6.1.2.  Bins containing solid fuel shall be located at least 1.2 m from any appliance.

Hoods, filters and ducts

2.6.1.3.  (1)  Hoods, filters and ducts that are subject to accumulations of combustible deposits shall be checked weekly.

(2)  Hoods, filters and ducts that are subject to accumulations of combustible deposits shall be cleaned when the deposits create a fire hazard.

Chimneys, flues and flue pipes

2.6.1.4.  (1)  Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be inspected

(a) annually,

(b) when any appliance is added to it, and

(c) after any chimney fire.

(2)  Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be repaired or replaced to eliminate any structural deficiency (such as absence of a liner) or any decay (such as cracking, settling, crumbling mortar, distortion, advanced corrosion, separation of sections or loose or broken supports).

(3)  Chimneys, flues and flue pipes that constitute a fire hazard shall be repaired or replaced in accordance with the Building Code.

2.6.1.5.  Chimneys, flues and flue pipes shall be cleaned as often as necessary to keep them free from accumulations of combustible deposits.

Abandoned flue openings

2.6.1.6.  Abandoned or unused flue openings shall be sealed in a manner that prevents the passage of fire or smoke.

Operation of systems

2.6.1.7.  Heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems, including appliances, chimneys and flue pipes, shall be operated and maintained so as not to create a hazardous condition.

Disconnect switches

2.6.1.8.  Except for self-contained systems within guest suites and dwelling units, disconnect switches for mechanical air-conditioning and ventilating systems shall be operated annually to establish that the system can be shut down.

Ventilation shafts

2.6.1.9.  Ventilation shafts shall be used only for ventilating purposes.

Precautions during repairs or renovations

2.6.1.10.  Work on ducts involving the use of heat producing devices for cutting, welding or soldering shall not be undertaken before the system has been shut down, the duct cleaned of any accumulations of combustible deposits and any combustible lining and covering material that could be ignited by such work has been removed.

2.6.1.11.  Precautions shall be taken, where necessary, to ensure that there is no damage to fuel supply piping or equipment that would result in fuel leakage or a fire hazard during renovations or excavations.

Commercial cooking equipment

2.6.1.12.  (1)  Commercial cooking equipment shall be provided with exhaust and fire protection systems in conformance with NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), existing exhaust or fire protection systems may be approved.

(3)  In a hotel establishment regulated by Section 9.9, commercial cooking equipment that complies with Article 9.9.2.19. shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).

2.6.1.13.  Commercial cooking equipment exhaust and fire protection systems shall be maintained in conformance with NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations”.

2.6.1.14.  (1)  Instructions for manually operating the fire extinguishing systems required under Article 2.6.1.12. shall be posted conspicuously in the kitchen areas.

(2)  The instructions required in Sentence (1) shall be included in the fire safety plan where such a plan is required.

Subsection 2.6.2Solid-Fuel Burning Appliances

Solid-fuel burning appliances

2.6.2.1.  The installation of solid-fuel burning appliances and equipment shall be in accordance with CAN/CSA-B365, “Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment”.

2.6.2.2.  Solid-fuel burning appliances and equipment shall be maintained in accordance with CAN/CSA-B365, “Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and Equipment”.

Subsection 2.6.3.Incinerators

Design, construction, installation and alteration

2.6.3.1.  (1)  The design, construction, installation and alteration of indoor incinerators shall conform to the requirements of the Building Code.

(2)  The design, construction, installation and alteration of outdoor incinerators shall conform to NFPA 82, “Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment”, except that the flue venting an incinerator shall not also serve as the chute conveying waste material to the incinerator.

Maintenance

2.6.3.2.  All indoor and outdoor incinerators shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 82, “Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment”.

Spark arresters

2.6.3.3.  (1)  Spark arresters shall be cleaned annually or more frequently where accumulations of debris will adversely affect operations.

(2)  Burnt-out spark arresters shall be repaired or replaced.

Open air burning

2.6.3.4.  Open air burning shall not be permitted unless approved, or unless such burning consists of a small, confined fire, supervised at all times, and used to cook food on a grill or a barbecue.

Subsection 2.6.4.Electrical Equipment Vaults

2.6.4.1.  Electrical equipment vaults shall not be used for storage purposes.

2.6.4.2.  Electrical equipment vaults shall be kept locked to prevent unauthorized access.

SECTION 2.7SAFETY TO LIFE

Subsection 2.7.1.Means of Egress

Group ‘D’ and ‘E’ occupancies

2.7.1.1.  Individual work areas in Group ‘D’ and ‘E’ occupancies shall be located adjacent to aisles described in Articles 2.7.1.2. and 2.7.1.3.

2.7.1.2.  Where 2 exits are required from floor areas in buildings of Group ‘D’ and ‘E’ occupancy that are not subdivided into rooms or suites of rooms served by corridors giving access to exits, at least 1 aisle with access to the 2 exits and having a minimum clear width of 1100 mm shall be provided to serve the individual work areas where necessary.

2.7.1.3.  Subsidiary aisles with a minimum clear width of 900 mm may branch off for a distance not exceeding 7.5 m from the aisles described in Article 2.7.1.2.

Occupant load

2.7.1.4.  (1)  The number of persons occupying a room or floor space in an assembly occupancy shall not exceed the occupant load for the intended use as determined in Sentence (2).

(2)  The occupant load for any room or floor space shall be the lower of

(a) the occupant load as calculated in accordance with Sentences (3) to (7), or

(b) the occupant load for which means of egress are provided as determined by the Building Code.

(3)  The occupant load of a floor area or part of a floor area in an assembly occupancy shall be based on

(a) the number of fixed seats, or

(b) the number of persons

(i) for which the area is designed, or

(ii) determined from Table 2.7.1.A. for occupancies other than those described in Clause (a).

(4)  For the purposes of this Article, mezzanines, tiers and balconies shall be regarded as part of the floor area.

(5)  Where fixed bench-type seats without arms are provided, the occupant load shall be based on a seat width of 450 mm per person.

(6)  The occupant load of a room in which a dance floor is situated shall be based on that portion of the room that is not occupied by the dance floor except where the occupant load is determined using Subclause (3)(b)(i).

(7)  At no time shall the maximum occupant load determined in Sentences (2) to (6) exceed the occupant load calculated on the basis of

(a) 0.60 m² of floor space per person in dining, alcoholic beverage and cafeteria space, and

(b) 0.40 m² of floor space per person for all other uses.  

TABLE 2.7.1.A.

Forming Part of Article 2.7.1.4.

Posting occupant load

2.7.1.5.  (1)  When the occupant load as determined in Article 2.7.1.4. is more than 60 persons, the occupant load shall be posted in a conspicuous location.

(2)  When the occupant load has been determined using Subclause 2.7.1.4.(3)(b)(i), a permanent sign indicating the occupant load shall be posted in a conspicuous location.

Nonfixed seating

2.7.1.6.  (1)  Nonfixed row seating in an assembly occupancy shall be arranged as described in Sentences (2) to (6).

(2)  Aisles leading to exits shall be provided so that there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle.

(3)  The minimum clear width of aisles shall be at least 1100 mm, except as permitted by Sentence (4).

(4)  Aisles required in Sentence (3) may be reduced in width to 750 mm when serving 60 seats or less, or 900 mm when serving seats on one side only.

(5)  Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer or exit and the width of such cross aisle, foyer or exit shall be at least the required width of the widest aisle plus 50 per cent of the total required width of the remaining aisles that it serves.

(6)  The distance of travel to an exit door by an aisle shall not be greater than 30 m.

(7)  Where the occupant load exceeds 200 persons in an assembly occupancy containing nonfixed seating, the seats shall be fastened in units of not less than 4 nor more than 12 seats, or each end seat abutting an aisle shall be securely fastened to the floor.

(8)  Seats may be arranged in a manner that does not meet the requirements of Sentence (7) where the aisle widths are increased by 50 per cent above the requirements set out in Sentences (2) to (6), and where the maximum occupant load of the space is based on not less than 1.2 m² of floor space per person.

Obstructions

2.7.1.7.  (1)  Access to exits, including corridors used by the public and exits, including outside areas, shall be maintained free of obstructions.

Lighting

(2)  Lighting provided for illumination in exits and access to exits, including corridors used by the public, shall be maintained.

Fire escapes

2.7.1.8.  (1)  Exterior passageways, exterior stairways and fire escapes in occupied buildings shall be maintained in good repair and operational and kept free of snow and ice accumulations.

(2)  Where equipment is provided to melt snow or ice on exterior passageways, exterior stairways and fire escapes in an occupied building, the equipment shall be maintained in working order or alternative measures shall be taken as specified in Sentence (1).

Turnstiles and checkout counters

2.7.1.9.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), turnstiles, checkout counters, railings or barriers shall not obstruct the exits or access to exits from any room, floor area or storey.

(2)  Checkout counters or control posts in retail outlets may be used within access to exits if there is a clear width of at least 450 mm up to a height of 914 mm.

(3)  If the checkout counters or control posts exceed 914 mm in height, there shall be a clear width of at least 550 mm.

(4)  The clear width may be less than that required by Sentences (2) and (3) if an alternative means of egress is adjacent to and plainly visible from the restricted egress.

(5)  Wheeled carts shall be stored after use so as not to obstruct access to exits in retail outlets where wheeled carts are used by customers.

(6)  Despite Sentences (1) to (5), the aggregate width of exits and access to exits shall be provided.

Subsection 2.7.2.Door Hardware

Door release hardware

2.7.2.1.  (1)  Every exit door shall be designed and installed so that, when the latch is released, the door will open in the direction of exit travel under a force of not more than 90 N, applied at the knob or other latch releasing device.

(2)  Approved hardware designed to release the latch and allow the door to open in the direction of exit travel when a force of not more than 90 N is applied to the hardware is required on

(a) every door in an access to exit from a room or suite of Group ‘A’ occupancy having an occupant load of more than 100 persons,

(b) every exit door from a floor area containing a Group ‘A’ occupancy having an occupant load of more than 100 persons,

(c) every door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stair shaft in buildings having an occupant load of more than 100 persons,

(d) every exterior door leading from an exit stair shaft in buildings having an occupant load of more than 100 persons, and

(e) every exit door from a floor area containing a Group ‘F’ Division 1 occupancy.

(3)  Every door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to exit from a suite or room not located within a suite shall swing

(a) on its vertical axis, and

(b) in the direction of exit travel where the room or suite is used or intended to be used for an occupant load of more than 60 persons or is designed for a Group ‘F’ Division 1 occupancy.

(4)  Sentences (1) and (3) do not apply if the existing door is approved and either does not endanger life safety or is modified to provide life safety.

(5)  Sentences (1), (2) and (3) do not apply in rapid transit stations which comply with the Building Code.

2.7.2.2.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), locking, latching and other fastening devices on

(a) every required exit door, and

(b) every door that opens into or is located within

(i) a public corridor,

(ii) a facility that provides access to exit from a suite, or

(iii) a facility that provides access to exit from a room serving patients or residents in an institutional occupancy

shall be such that the door can be readily opened to permit egress without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism.

(2)  Except for a door in an elementary or secondary school or a door leading directly from a Group ‘F’ Division 1 occupancy, a door in an access to exit or an exit door may be equipped with an electromagnetic locking device that is approved or complies with the Building Code.

(3)  An egress door that serves a contained use area or impeded egress zone may be equipped with a locking device that can be released either locally or remotely provided

(a) local locking devices are operable by a key from both sides of the door,

(b) controls for the remote release of the door locking devices are located in an area readily available to security personnel, and

(c) electrical release devices are designed to operate on emergency power and are also manually operated by security personnel.

(4)  Sentence (1) does not apply in rapid transit stations that comply with Section 3.12 of the Building Code.

Subsection 2.7.3.Exit Lighting and Emergency Lighting

Exit signs

2.7.3.1.  Required exit signs shall be clearly visible and maintained in a clean and legible condition.

2.7.3.2.  Exit signs shall be illuminated, externally or internally, as appropriate for each sign’s design, while the building is occupied.

Emergency lighting

2.7.3.3.  (1)  Pilot lights on emergency lighting unit equipment shall be checked monthly for operation.

(2)  Emergency lighting unit equipment shall be inspected monthly to ensure that

(a) the terminal connections are clean, free of corrosion and lubricated when necessary,

(b) the terminal clamps are clean and tight as per manufacturer’s specifications,

(c) the electrolyte level and specific gravity are maintained as per manufacturer’s specifications, and

(d) the battery surface is kept clean and dry.

(3)  Emergency lighting unit equipment shall be tested

(a) monthly to ensure that the emergency lights will function upon failure of the primary power supply, and

(b) annually to ensure that the unit will provide emergency lighting for a duration equal to the design criteria under simulated power failure conditions.

(4)  After completion of the test required in Clause (3)(b), the charging conditions for voltage and current and the recovery period shall be tested to ensure that the charging system is in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

SECTION 2.8EMERGENCY PLANNING

Subsection 2.8.1.General

Application

2.8.1.1.  (1)  The requirements of this Section shall apply to buildings containing a

(a) Group ‘A’ or ‘B’ occupancy,

(b) Group ‘C’ occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 10,

(c) Group ‘D’ occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300,

(d) Group ‘E’ occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300,

(e) Group ‘F’ Division 1 occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 25,

(f) Group ‘F’ Division 2 occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 100, or

(g) Group ‘F’ Division 3 occupancy where the occupant load exceeds 300.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), the requirements of this Section shall apply to buildings or premises

(a) containing 4 storeys or more, including storeys below grade,

(b) subject to the provisions of Subsection 3.5.3.,

(c) subject to the provisions of Article 4.1.5.6.,

(d) subject to the provisions of Article 4.12.4.1.,

(e) regulated by Section 9.3 (Boarding, Lodging and Rooming Houses),

(f) subject to the provisions of Sentence 9.5.3.1.(3), or

(g) used as a convalescent home or children’s custodial home providing sleeping accommodation for more than 3 persons.

(3)  Despite Sentence (1), the requirements of this Section apply to recreational camps regulated under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

(4)  Despite Sentence (1), the requirements of this Section apply to facilities regulated by or under the Developmental Services Act.

Instructions in emergency procedures

2.8.1.2.  (1)  Supervisory staff shall be instructed in the fire emergency procedures as described in the fire safety plan before they are given any responsibility for fire safety.

(2)  Supervisory staff shall be available on notification of a fire emergency to fulfil their obligation as described in the fire safety plan.

(3)  It is not necessary that supervisory staff be in the building on a continual basis.

2.8.1.3.  (1)  Employees in a hotel establishment shall be instructed on

(a) the procedures outlined in Article 2.8.2.1., and

(b) the use of fire fighting equipment, including portable fire extinguishers and, where applicable, standpipe and hose systems.

Subsection 2.8.2Fire Safety Plan

Measures in a fire safety plan

2.8.2.1.  (1)  A fire safety plan shall include

(a) the emergency procedures to be used in case of fire including sounding the fire alarm, notifying the fire department, provisions for access for fire fighting, instructing occupants on procedures to be followed when the fire alarm sounds, evacuating endangered occupants and confining, controlling and extinguishing the fire,

(b) the appointment and organization of designated supervisory staff to carry out fire safety duties,

(c) the instruction of supervisory staff and other occupants so that they are aware of their responsibilities for fire safety,

(d) the holding of fire drills including the emergency procedures appropriate to the building,

(e) the control of fire hazards in the building,

(f) the maintenance of building facilities provided for the safety of occupants,

(g) the provision of alternative measures for the safety of occupants during any shutdown of fire protection equipment and systems or part thereof, and

(h) instructions, including schematic diagrams, describing the type, location and operation of building fire emergency systems.

(2)  The fire safety plan shall be prepared, approved and implemented in buildings regulated by Article 2.8.1.1.

(3)  The fire safety plan shall be kept in the building in an approved location.

Institutional occupancies and hotels

2.8.2.2.  (1)  There shall be sufficient supervisory staff available in institutional occupancies to carry out the duties as required in the fire safety plan.

(2)  In hotel establishments

(a) there shall be sufficient supervisory staff available to carry out the duties as required in the fire safety plan, and

(b) in buildings greater than three storeys in building height or having a total area greater than 4000 m², supervisory staff shall be on duty whenever the building is occupied.

High buildings

2.8.2.3.  (1)  The fire safety plan in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the Building Code shall, in addition to the requirements of Sentence 2.8.2.1.(1), include

(a) the instruction of supervisory staff on the use of the voice communication system,

(b) the procedures for use of elevators and for evacuation of persons in need of assistance,

(c) the action to be taken by supervisory staff in initiating any smoke control or other fire emergency systems installed in a building in the event of fire until the fire department arrives,

(d) the procedures established to facilitate fire department access to the building and fire location within the building, and

(e) the instructions for the supervisory staff and fire department for the operation of the fire emergency systems.

2.8.2.4.  A copy of the fire emergency procedures and other duties for supervisory staff as laid down in the fire safety plan shall be given to all supervisory staff.

Posting fire emergency procedures

2.8.2.5.  (1)  At least one copy of the fire emergency procedures shall be prominently posted and maintained on each floor area.

(2)  In addition to Sentence (1), in a hotel establishment

(a) one copy of the approved fire safety plan shall be posted in the main reception area, and

(b) a copy of the emergency procedures, location of exits and the fire safety rules shall be posted on the inside of the egress doors of each guest suite.

Subsection 2.8.3.Fire Drills

Procedures

2.8.3.1.  (1)  The procedure for conducting fire drills described in Clause 2.8.2.1.(1)(d) shall be included in the fire safety plan, taking into consideration

(a) the building occupancy and its fire hazards,

(b) the safety features provided in the building,

(c) the desirable degree of participation of occupants other than supervisory staff,

(d) the number and degree of experience of participating supervisory staff, and

(e) the testing and operation of the emergency systems installed in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the Building Code.

(2)  The fire drill procedures required in Sentence (1) shall be prepared in consultation with the Chief Fire Official.

Frequency

2.8.3.2.  (1)  Fire drills as described in Sentence 2.8.3.1.(1) shall be held at least once during each 12-month period for the supervisory staff, except that

(a) in day-care centres, facilities regulated by or under the Developmental Services Act and Group ‘B’ occupancies, fire drills shall be held at least monthly,

(b) in schools attended by children, total evacuation fire drills shall be held three times in each of the fall and spring school terms, and

(c) in buildings within the scope of Subsection 3.2.6. of the Building Code, fire drills shall be held every three months.

(2)  In addition to the requirements of Sentence (1), every employee in a hotel establishment shall take part in at least one fire drill during each 12-month period.

(3)  Records of a fire drill required by this Article shall be kept for 12 months after the fire drill.

SECTION 2.9TENTS AND AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

Subsection 2.9.1.General

2.9.1.1.  Tents and air-supported structures shall be in conformance with the Building Code.

2.9.1.2.  This Section does not apply to tents that are used for camping, personal or other non-commercial uses, each having an area of 30 m² or less.

Subsection 2.9.2.Materials

Flameproofing treatments

2.9.2.1.  Flameproofing treatments shall be renewed as often as necessary to ensure that the material will pass the match flame test in NFPA 701, “Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films”.

Subsection 2.9.3.Fire Hazards and Control

Combustible materials

2.9.3.1.  Hay, straw, shavings or similar combustible materials other than that necessary for the daily feeding and care of animals shall not be permitted within a tent or air-supported structure used for an assembly occupancy, except that sawdust and shavings may be used if kept damp.

Smoking and open flames

2.9.3.2.  Smoking and open flame devices shall not be permitted in a tent or air-supported structure unless provisions have been made for such activities under the fire safety plan.

Fire alarm system or firewatch

2.9.3.3.  (1)  Despite Article 2.9.1.1., if a tent or air-supported structure does not have a fire alarm system that conforms to the Building Code,

(a) it may have an approved fire alarm system that does not conform to the Building Code where the reliability and performance of the system will provide an adequate early warning level, or

(b) a person shall be employed for firewatch duty.

2.9.3.4.  (1)  A person employed for firewatch duty in accordance with Article 2.9.3.3. shall

(a) be familiarized with all fire safety features, including the fire safety plan as provided in conformance with Section 2.8 and the condition of exits, and

(b) patrol the area to ensure that the means of egress are kept clear and that regulations are enforced.

Communications systems

2.9.3.5.  When the conditions of Article 2.9.3.3. apply, an approved communications system shall be provided.

SECTION 2.10DAY-CARE CENTRES

Subsection 2.10.1.Combustible Materials

2.10.1.1.  Combustible artwork and teaching materials that are attached to walls shall not exceed 20 per cent of the area of the walls.

Waste receptacles

2.10.1.2.  Waste receptacles shall be made of noncombustible materials.

Flammable and combustible liquids

2.10.1.3.  Flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored in conformance with Part 4 and in areas inaccessible to children.

2.10.1.4.  Where children with disabilities are cared for, sufficient staff shall be present at all times during the period the children are in the centre to escort them to safety in the event of a fire emergency.

SECTION 2.11INSULATION AND RE-INSULATION

Subsection 2.11.1.General

2.11.1.1.  The installation of insulation, including the replacement of insulation, shall be carried out in accordance with the Building Code.

2.11.1.2.  Unless otherwise approved, combustible insulation shall be protected as prescribed in the Building Code.

2.11.1.3.  Insulation shall not be placed in building roof-ceiling or floor-ceiling assemblies, as described in Parts 3 and 9 of the Building Code, where the assemblies are required to have a fire-resistance rating unless the insulation does not reduce the fire-resistance rating of the assemblies.

SECTION 2.12COVERED MALLS

Subsection 2.12.1.General

2.12.1.1.  (1)  Covered malls designed for ornamental and pedestrian oriented uses only shall not be used for merchandising or public activities, except that such activities may be permitted on a temporary basis where they do not create a fire hazard.

(2)  Where a covered mall described in Sentence (1) is used for merchandising or public activities, the fire safety plan described in Section 2.8 shall include additional provisions to offset any hazard that may be created by such activities.

2.12.1.2.  Merchandising or public activities in a sprinklered covered mall described in Article 2.12.1.1. shall not be permitted where such activities will exceed the performance criteria for which the sprinkler system was designed.

2.12.1.3.  (1)  When a covered mall having a width of 9 m or more has been provided for the purpose of considering each portion of the building separated by the mall as a separate building, no merchandising or public activities or both shall be carried on within the 9 m width.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), merchandising or public activities or both may be carried on within the 9 m width where they are approved and they do not endanger life safety or alternative measures are taken to provide life safety.

2.12.1.4.  Access to exits within a covered mall shall be provided and maintained in conformance with Subsection 2.7.1.

2.12.1.5.  Where a covered mall is used for merchandising or public activities, the activities shall be arranged so that access to fire protection equipment, including sprinkler control valves, fire hose stations, portable extinguishers and fire alarm stations is not restricted.

2.12.1.6.  Decorative materials used for merchandising or public activities in a covered mall shall conform to the flame resistance and flameproofing requirements in Subsection 2.3.2.

2.12.1.7.  Where a covered mall is used for the display of fueled equipment, batteries shall be disconnected and caps for fuel tanks shall be locked or secured against tampering.

SECTION 2.13INSTALLATION OF SMOKE ALARMS

Subsection 2.13.1.Scope

2.13.1.1.  RESERVED

2.13.1.2.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), this Section applies to all dwelling units.

(2)  RESERVED.

(3)  This Section does not apply to dwelling units in buildings that are regulated under the scope of Part 9, including dwelling units regulated under Section 9.8.

Subsection 2.13.2.Installation

2.13.2.3.  (1)  Smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531, “Smoke Alarms”, shall be installed in accordance with this Article.

(2)  Smoke alarms shall be installed between each sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling unit, and where the sleeping areas are served by hallways, the smoke alarms shall be installed in the hallways.

(2.1)  In addition to the requirements in Sentence (2), at least one smoke alarm shall be installed on each storey that does not contain a sleeping area in a dwelling unit.

(3)  Smoke alarms shall be installed by permanent connections to an electrical circuit and shall have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the smoke alarm.

(4)  Battery operated smoke alarms shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (3).

(5)  Existing smoke alarms meeting the requirements of ULC-S531-1978, “Smoke Alarms”, shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).

SECTION 2.14 RESERVED

SECTION 2.15 PORTABLE OXYGEN SYSTEMS

Subsection 2.15.1. General

2.15.1.1.  This Section applies to portable oxygen systems used for medical purposes in residential occupancies and health care facilities.

2.15.1.2.  Storage, handling and use of portable oxygen systems shall be in conformance with CAN/CSA-Z305.12, “Guide for the Safe Storage, Handling, and Use of Portable Oxygen Systems in Home, Domiciliary, and Healthcare Settings”.

O. Reg. 388/97, Part 2; O. Reg. 398/98, s. 1; O. Reg. 451/05, ss. 3-6; O. Reg. 650/05, s. 1; O. Reg. 144/06, ss. 4-10.

PART 3
PROPERTY PROTECTION FOR INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL OCCUPANCIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 3.1GENERAL

Subsection 3.1.1.Scope

Scope

3.1.1.1.  This Part provides for property protection by requiring that certain fire protection measures be applied in the case of specific occupancies where the use, storage and handling of hazardous materials or the stockpiling of combustible materials create a potentially serious fire hazard.

SECTION 3.2WOOD PRODUCTS

Subsection 3.2.1.Woodworking Plants

Lumber storage outdoors

3.2.1.1.  The outdoor storage of lumber shall conform to Subsection 3.2.2.

Exhaust systems

3.2.1.2.  Every machine that produces wood dust, particles or shavings shall be provided with a blower and exhaust system installed in conformance with NFPA 91, “Exhaust Systems for Air-Conveying of Materials”.

3.2.1.3.  Operations that generate sparks or combustible vapours shall not be served by woodworking exhaust systems.

Sawdust disposal

3.2.1.4.  Loose shavings and sawdust shall be swept up at frequent intervals and deposited in receptacles described in Articles 2.4.1.9. and 2.4.1.10.

Portable extinguishers

3.2.1.5.  A portable extinguisher conforming to Subsection 6.2.6. or a garden-type hose shall be provided within 7.5 m of any machine that produces wood dust, particles or shavings.

3.2.1.6.  Spray finishing operations using flammable or combustible liquids in woodworking plants shall conform to Part 5.

3.2.1.7.  The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in conformance with Part 4.

Subsection 3.2.2.Outdoor Storage of Lumber and Forest Products

Deviations from requirements

3.2.2.1.  This Subsection does not apply where the existing situation is approved and does not endanger life safety, or approved alternative measures to the requirements set out in this Subsection are taken to provide life safety.

Surface of ground

3.2.2.2.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentence (2) and Article 3.2.2.3., storage sites for lumber and other forest products shall be level, solid ground, paved or surfaced with noncombustible material.

(2)  Soft storage beds may be used for logs where embedment of stones or cinders may cause damage to cutting knives.

Surface under piling

3.2.2.3.  (1)  Forest products shall not be piled on refuse filled or sawdust filled land except where the site is covered with a layer of compacted earth to a minimum depth of 150 mm.

(2)  Peat and humus are not acceptable materials for compacted earth cover in Sentence (1).

Clearance for yard storage areas

3.2.2.4.  (1)  Fire exposure to the yard areas from the mill operations and other structures shall be limited by providing clear space.

(2)  The width of clear space shall be based upon the severity of exposure that will vary with the area, height, occupancy, construction and protection of the exposing structure and the type of piling and height of adjacent lumber piles.

(3)  To provide for fire fighting operations, the clear space permanently available shall not be less than 4.5 m.

Clearance for stickered lumber piles

3.2.2.5.  (1)  Stickered lumber piles in lumber storage yards shall be located at least 15 m from property lines and buildings.

(2)  Large size timbers and flat-piled stock may be stored or piled on the perimeter of the yard.

Clearance from vegetation

3.2.2.6.  Storage yards shall be maintained free of combustible ground vegetation, including grass and weeds, for 4.5 m from the stored material and 30 m from brush and forested areas.

Wood waste disposal

3.2.2.7.  Sawdust, chips and other waste material shall not be allowed to accumulate in piling areas in lumber yards.

Separation of treated lumber piles

3.2.2.8.  Lumber and timber treated with combustible liquids shall be stored in piles that are separated from other stored material so that the distance between piles is at least twice the height of the treated pile, but not less than 4.5 m.

Storage beneath power lines

3.2.2.9.  Stickered lumber piles, and piles of lumber and timber treated with combustible liquids shall not be stored beneath electrical power lines having a voltage in excess of 750 volts or that supply power to fire emergency systems.

Pile heights

3.2.2.10.  Pile heights for stickered lumber piles shall not exceed 6 m.

3.2.2.11.  Pile heights for randomly stacked or unranked piles shall not exceed 6 m unless special extinguishing equipment, such as portable turrets, deluge sets and monitor towers, is installed.

Fire department access

3.2.2.12.  (1)  Unless otherwise approved, each lumber yard shall be provided with at least 2 fire access routes in conformance with Sentence (2).

(2)  The fire access routes required in Sentence (1) shall

(a) have a clear width of at least 6 m, unless it can be shown that lesser widths are satisfactory,

(b) be designed to support the expected loads imposed by fire fighting equipment and be surfaced with concrete, asphalt or other material designed to permit accessibility under all climatic conditions,

(c) be connected with a public thoroughfare, and

(d) be located as remotely as is possible in the circumstances from each other.

3.2.2.13.  (1)  Where storage areas are fenced or otherwise enclosed, gateways having a clear width of at least 3.5 m shall be provided to permit entry of fire department vehicles.

(2)  Gateways shall be kept clear of obstructions so that gates may be opened fully at all times.

3.2.2.14.  Groups of lumber piles shall be arranged with a maximum width of 15 m and a maximum length of 45 m, with fire department access routes surrounding each group of piles.

3.2.2.15.  No vehicles shall be permitted to be parked overnight or equipment stacked in a fire department access route that is less than 7.5 m in width unless the parking is on one side only and there is at least 4.5 m of clear width for fire department vehicles.

3.2.2.16.  RESERVED

Burning of wood waste materials

3.2.2.17.  Shavings, sawdust and refuse materials shall be burned only in boilers or furnaces, or in incinerators or refuse burners conforming to Subsection 2.6.3.

3.2.2.18.  Refuse burners or incinerators referred to in Article 3.2.2.17. shall be located at least 15 m from buildings or piles of logs or lumber or property lines.

3.2.2.19.  Where the size and design of the burner or spark arresting screen, the prevailing winds or the location and arrangement of yard storage creates a fire hazard by conforming to Article 3.2.2.18., an approved increase in clear space referred to in Article 3.2.2.18. shall be provided to alleviate the fire hazard.

3.2.2.20.  A refuse bin conforming to Articles 2.4.1.9. and 2.4.1.10. shall be provided at each boiler, furnace, incinerator and refuse burner referred to in Article 3.2.2.17.

3.2.2.21.  Salamanders, braziers or other open flames shall not be used in storage yards.

Smoking prohibited

3.2.2.22.  Smoking shall be prohibited in lumber yards, except as permitted in Subsection 2.4.3.

3.2.2.23.  The telephone number of the fire department and location of the nearest telephones shall be posted conspicuously in working locations in the open yard and in each building.

Fire extinguishing provisions

3.2.2.24.  (1)  Outdoor lumber storage shall have fire protection provisions consisting of

(a) 200 L vessels with lids, having an opening of 457 mm least dimensions, located so that no person will have to travel more than 25 m from any part of the storage yard to reach a vessel, and

(b) three 12 L standard fire pails at each vessel.

(2)  The water stored in the vessels and pump tanks shall be protected from freezing.

(3)  The vessels, pails and pump tanks shall be painted red with the word “FIRE” in black painted thereon.

(4)  Portable extinguishers having a 2A or higher rating conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2 may be provided in lieu of the requirements of Sentence (1).

3.2.2.25.  Portable extinguishers shall be provided in conformance with Section 6.2 in each building located in a lumber yard.

Hydrant systems and water supply

3.2.2.26.  The water supply available shall be adequate for hose streams and monitor towers, based on the provision of approved fire protection.

3.2.2.27.  Where fire protection cannot be provided by municipal or private street hydrants or mobile pumping equipment to confine and control a fire within a lumber yard, the hydrant system shall be extended into the yard area so that all parts of lumber yards can be reached by using not more than 60 m of hose.

Subsection 3.2.3.Outdoor Storage of Wood Chips

Deviations from requirements

3.2.3.1.  This Subsection does not apply where the existing situation is approved and does not endanger life safety, or approved alternative measures to the requirements set out in this Subsection are taken to provide life safety.

Surface of ground

3.2.3.2.  The storage site shall be well drained and be level, solid ground or paved with asphalt, concrete or other hard surface material.

3.2.3.3.  The ground surface between piles shall be kept free of combustible materials.

Vegetation removal

3.2.3.4.  (1)  Weeds, grass and similar vegetation shall be removed from the yard.

Burning of weeds

(2)  Portable open-flame weed burners shall not be used in chip storage yards.

Pile dimensions

3.2.3.5.  Piles shall not exceed 18 m in height, 90 m in width and 150 m in length unless temporary water pipes with hose connections are laid on the top surface of the pile.

Fire department access

3.2.3.6.  (1)  Space shall be maintained between chip piles and exposing structures, yard equipment or stock equal to

(a) twice the pile height for combustible stock or buildings, or

(b) the pile height for noncombustible buildings and equipment.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), space between chip piles and exposing structures, yard equipment or stock shall not be less than 9 m.

3.2.3.7.  Where storage areas are fenced or otherwise enclosed, gates at least 3.5 m in width shall be provided to permit entry of fire department vehicles.

3.2.3.8.  (1)  Permanently installed access walkways at least 1.8 m wide and constructed of noncombustible material shall be provided so that hose streams may be directed on any part of the piles.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), other approved means may be used to ensure adequate fire department access to the piles.

3.2.3.9.  Piles exceeding 150 m in length shall be surrounded by fire department access routes at least 9 m wide.

Smoking prohibited

3.2.3.10.  Smoking shall be prohibited in chip pile areas.

Fire extinguishing provisions

3.2.3.11.  Portable extinguishers for Class A fires shall be provided on vehicles operating on chip piles in addition to the units for Class B fires normally required for the vehicles.

3.2.3.12.  (1)  Hose houses or cabinets shall be provided around the perimeter of chip piles at intervals not exceeding 120 m.

(2)  One 75 m length of 65 mm hose and 2 portable extinguishers having a 2A or higher rating and conforming to Section 6.2 shall be installed in each hose house or cabinet.

(3)  Each hose required in Sentence (2) shall be connected to a water supply capable of supplying 1140 L/min of water to it at a pressure that will allow the hose stream to reach the top of the chip pile.

3.2.3.13.  Portable extinguishers in conformance with Section 6.2 shall be provided in transfer houses.

SECTION 3.3STORAGE

Subsection 3.3.1.Indoor Tire Storage

Application

3.3.1.1.  This Subsection applies to buildings used for the storage of tires in which the bulk volume of tires stored in one fire compartment exceeds 425 m³.

Tire pile dimensions

3.3.1.2.  A single pile of tires in a tire storage location shall occupy an area not greater than 500 m² with a maximum length of 30 m.

3.3.1.3.  (1)  The maximum piling height of tires shall not exceed the height used for the design of the fixed extinguishing system installed as required in Article 3.3.1.8.

(2)  The maximum piling height allowed in Sentence (1) shall be posted in conspicuous locations.

Pile clearance

3.3.1.4.  A clearance of at least 914 mm shall be maintained between the tops of piles and sprinkler head deflectors.

3.3.1.5.  Aisles between individual piles shall be at least 1.8 m wide.

3.3.1.6.  A clearance of at least 600 mm shall be maintained between piles of tires and columns and enclosing walls.

3.3.1.7.  A tire storage location shall be classified as a Group ‘F’ Division 2 occupancy.

Warehouse fire extinguishing systems

3.3.1.8.  (1)  Where the floor area of a tire storage location exceeds 250 m², the floor area shall be provided with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system installed in conformance with NFPA 231D, “Storage of Rubber Tires”.

(2)  The design of the automatic fire extinguishing system required in Sentence (1) shall be based on the maximum piling height available.

3.3.1.9.  A standpipe and hose system shall be installed in conformance with NFPA 231D, “Storage of Rubber Tires”.

Portable extinguishers

3.3.1.10.  Portable extinguishers conforming to Section 6.2 shall be provided in tire storage locations so that there is one extinguisher with a 2A:10BC or higher rating for every 250 m² of floor area.

Subsection 3.3.2.Indoor General Storage

Application

3.3.2.1.  This Subsection applies to the indoor general storage of combustible or noncombustible solids with combustible packaging or storage aids to a height of 6.4 m, except that this Subsection does not apply to the bulk storage of unpackaged grain, coal or similar commodities, or special hazard commodities covered elsewhere in this Code.

Storage pile dimensions

3.3.2.2.  (1)  The area of individual storage piles shall not exceed 500 m² in buildings that are not sprinklered.

(2)  The area of individual storage piles shall not exceed 1000 m² in sprinklered buildings.

(3)  Heights of storage piles in buildings that are not sprinklered shall not exceed 4.5 m.

Pile clearance

3.3.2.3.  (1)  The clearance between sprinkler head deflectors and the tops of piles shall not be less than 457 mm.

(2)  Where the storage piles are above the lower chords of floor or roof structural framing members, a horizontal clear space of at least 300 mm shall be maintained between the storage and the structural members.

Fire access aisles

3.3.2.4.  At least one main aisle having a width equal to at least ½ the height of the highest adjacent pile and extending the length of the structure shall be provided but in no case shall the width of the aisle be less than 2.4 m.

3.3.2.5.  Aisles separating piles described in Article 3.3.2.2. shall be at least 2.4 m wide.

3.3.2.6.  (1)  Adequate access for fire fighting purposes shall be provided and maintained to all portions of the premises, in conformance with Sentences (2) to (4).

(2)  Except as permitted by Sentence (3), at least one main aisle shall extend the length of the building with a minimum width of

(a) 2.4 m for storage heights not more than 6 m, and

(b) 3.6 m for storage heights of more than 6 m.

(3)  Narrower aisles may be approved where the building is sprinklered and the sprinkler design is based on aisle widths less than required by Sentence (2) but in no case shall the aisle width be less than the aisle width on which the sprinkler design is based.

(4)  Access aisles not less than 1.0 m wide shall be provided to exits, to fire department access panels and to fire protection equipment.

(5)  Aisles shall be maintained free of obstruction.

3.3.2.7.  Wall clearances of at least 600 mm shall be maintained where stored commodities may swell or expand with the absorption of water.

Palletized storage arrangements

3.3.2.8.  Palletized storage shall be arranged so that unobstructed horizontal channels formed by the top and bottom of pallets shall not exceed 15 m.

3.3.2.9.  Except as permitted in Article 3.3.2.10., pallets and dunnage not in use shall be stored outdoors and be located so as to avoid an exposure hazard.

Pallet storage

3.3.2.10.  (1)  Indoor storage of combustible pallets and dunnage may be permitted in buildings that are not sprinklered provided the area of storage does not exceed 100 m², the pile size does not exceed 1.2 m in height and 7.5 m in width, and the separating aisles are at least 2.4 m wide.

(2)  Combustible pallets shall not be stored indoors to a height greater than 1.2 m except in areas sprinklered in conformance with Sentence (3).

(3)  Buildings or compartments used for the storage of pallets shall be classified as Group ‘F’ Division 2 and shall be sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 231, “General Storage”.

SECTION 3.4INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS

Subsection 3.4.1.General

General

3.4.1.1.  The designation, use, maintenance and operation of industrial trucks, including fork lifts, tractors, sweepers and motorized hand trucks, shall conform to NFPA 505, “Powered Industrial Trucks Including Type Designations, Areas of Use, Maintenance, and Operation”.

Subsection 3.4.2.Fuel-Fired Industrial Trucks

Truck storage

3.4.2.1.  (1)  Fuel-fired industrial trucks shall be stored

(a) in detached buildings,

(b) in areas separated from the remainder of the storage building by a fire separation having a 1-hr fire-resistance rating, or

(c) in areas where the vehicles do not create a hazard to the storage area.

Fueling of trucks

3.4.2.2.  Except as provided in Article 3.4.2.3., industrial trucks shall be refueled only at designated locations outside buildings.

3.4.2.3.  Industrial trucks that are fueled by replaceable propane containers may have the containers exchanged indoors at a safe location at least 7.5 m from ignition sources, open pits and underground entrances.

3.4.2.4.  (1)  Where replaceable propane containers are exchanged, valves at the containers shall be closed.

(2)  Where an approved automatic quick-closing coupling that closes in both directions when uncoupled is not provided, the engine shall be allowed to operate until the fuel in the system is consumed.

3.4.2.5.  Propane cylinders shall be stored in conformance with the Propane Storage, Handling and Utilization Code made under the Energy Act.

Portable extinguishers

3.4.2.6.  Each fuel-fired industrial truck shall be equipped with a 5BC or higher rated portable extinguisher conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2.

Subsection 3.4.3.Battery-Powered Industrial Trucks

Battery charging installations

3.4.3.1.  (1)  Charging installations for battery-powered industrial trucks shall be located at least 1.5 m from combustible materials.

(2)  Battery charging installations serving more than 2 trucks shall be located in well ventilated areas.

3.4.3.2.  Battery charging equipment shall not be located in occupancies where combustible dusts, fibres, vapours or gases are present in hazardous quantities.

3.4.3.3.  Facilities shall be provided at battery charging installations for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte and for protecting charging apparatus from mechanical damage.

Portable extinguishers

3.4.3.4.  Charging installations for battery-powered industrial trucks shall be equipped with a 10BC or higher rated portable extinguisher conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2.

Personnel restrictions

3.4.3.5.  Only trained and authorized personnel shall be permitted to change or charge batteries.

Fire precautions

3.4.3.6.  Precautions shall be taken to prevent open flames, sparks or electric arcs in battery charging areas.

SECTION 3.5SALVAGE SHOPS AND SALVAGE YARDS

Subsection 3.5.1.General

Roof storage prohibited

3.5.1.1.  The roof of a building located in a salvage yard shall not be used for storage purposes.

Fires prohibited

3.5.1.2.  Fires shall not be permitted in a salvage yard except when used for heating purposes or for operating machinery or welding or cutting equipment.

3.5.1.3.  Gas tanks on vehicles to be salvaged shall be drained and ventilated prior to salvage operations.

Fire access gates

3.5.1.4.  Where storage areas are fenced or otherwise enclosed, gates having a clear width of 3.5 m shall be provided to permit the entry of fire department vehicles.

Fire extinguishing provisions

3.5.1.5.  Except where all salvage and scrap material is noncombustible and free of combustibles, water barrels of 200 L capacity with three 12 L pails or portable extinguishers having a 2A or higher rating conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2 shall be provided, so that the maximum travel distance from any part of the yard to a barrel or extinguisher is 25 m.

3.5.1.6.  Portable extinguishers in conformance with Section 6.2 shall be provided in each building located in a salvage yard.

Hydrant systems and water supply

3.5.1.7.  Except as required in Article 3.5.1.8., where a municipal hydrant system exists and is adjacent to the yard, the hydrant system shall be extended into the yard area so that all parts of the salvage yard can be reached by using not more than 60 m of hose.

3.5.1.8.  Article 3.5.1.7. does not apply where the fire protection that is provided by the municipal street hydrants and mobile pumping equipment is approved as being adequate in the circumstances.

Smoking prohibited

3.5.1.9.  Smoking shall be prohibited in salvage yards, except as permitted in Subsection 2.4.3.

3.5.1.10.  The telephone number of the fire department and location of the nearest telephones shall be posted conspicuously in working locations in the open yard and in each building.

Subsection 3.5.2.Piling

Pile clearance and dimensions

3.5.2.1.  Piles that include combustible salvage shall be 3 m from property lines, and not more than 3 m in height and 100 m² in area.

3.5.2.2.  Piles of salvage material shall be separated by a clear space of 3 m that is kept clear of grass and weeds.

Piles of tanks or drums

3.5.2.3.  Tanks or drums shall be stored in piles separate from piles of other materials.

Combustible metals

3.5.2.4.  (1)  Piles or containers with metal shavings, turnings and dusts shall be stored in an area separate from other salvage materials and identified with warning signs.

(2)  Warning signs required in Sentence (1) shall

(a) be visible from all directions of approach, and

(b) have the name of the metal and the words “COMBUSTIBLE METAL — DO NOT USE WATER” displayed in plain legible letters as described in Sentence (3).

(3)  Lettering on warning signs shall be red or white letters 114 mm high with a 19 mm stroke on a contrasting background.

Subsection 3.5.3.Outdoor Tire Storage Yards

Application

3.5.3.1.  (1)  Despite Subsection 3.5.2., this Subsection applies with respect to the outdoor storage of tires or shredded tires where the bulk volume of stored product exceeds 300 m³.

(2)  This Subsection does not apply where the stored tires or shredded tires are covered by a minimum depth of 150 mm of noncombustible material.

Prohibitions

3.5.3.2.  (1)  Open air burning is prohibited in storage yards.

(2)  Cutting, welding or heating devices shall not be operated in storage yards.

(3)  Smoking is prohibited in storage yards except as provided in Subsection 2.4.3.

(4)  Storage piles shall not be located beneath electrical power lines with a voltage in excess of 750 volts or that supply power to fire emergency systems.

Fire safety planning

3.5.3.3.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), storage yards shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.8.

(2)  The fire safety plan shall include provisions respecting access for water tanker shuttle operations within the fire department access routes, if water tanker shuttle operations are required in the circumstances of the storage yard.

(3)  At least one copy of the fire emergency procedures shall be prominently posted and maintained at the storage yard.

(4)  The telephone number of the fire department and location of the nearest telephone shall be posted conspicuously in attended locations.

Pile dimensions

3.5.3.4.  (1)  Individual storage piles shall not be more than 3 m in height and 100 m² in area.

Pile separations

(2)  Storage piles shall be separated by a clear space of at least 6 m from piles of other stored product.

Pile clearance

3.5.3.5.  (1)  Storage piles shall be located at least 15 m from property lines.

(2)  Storage piles shall be located at least 15 m from buildings.

(3)  Despite Sentence (2), the separation of storage piles from buildings may be determined in accordance with Appendix C, “Guidelines for Outdoor Storage of Scrap Tires”, of NFPA 231D, “Storage of Rubber Tires”, and NFPA-80A, “Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures”.

(4)  Individual storage piles shall be separated from other piles of salvage by a clear space of at least 6 m.

Clearances from vegetation

3.5.3.6.  (1)  Storage yards shall be maintained free of combustible ground vegetation,

(a) over a distance of 4.5 m from the stored product to grass and weeds, and

(b) over a distance of 30 m from the stored product to brush and forested areas.

Fire breaks

3.5.3.7.  (1)  Where the bulk volume of stored product is more than 4800 m³, fire breaks shall be provided around the perimeter of each group of storage piles in accordance with Sentences (2) and (3).

(2)  Individual storage piles shall be arranged so that there are not more than 16 individual storage piles per group.

(3)  Fire breaks shall be at least 22 m wide.

Alternative measures

3.5.3.8.  Despite Articles 3.5.3.4. to 3.5.3.7., other pile arrangements that will prevent the spread of fire and that are approved may be used.

Fire department access

3.5.3.9.  (1)  Each tire storage yard shall be provided with fire access routes.

(2)  The fire access routes shall,

(a) have a clear width of at least 6 m,

(b) be designed to support the loads imposed by fire fighting equipment,

(c) be surfaced with material designed to permit accessibility under all climatic conditions,

(d) be connected with a public thoroughfare in at least two places that are located as remotely as is possible in the circumstances from each other,

(e) be located within all pile clearances identified in Sentence 3.5.3.5.(1), (2) or (3) and within all fire breaks required in Article 3.5.3.7.,

(f) be within 50 m of any point in the storage yard where storage piles are located,

(g) be at least 6 m from any storage pile, and

(h) be maintained accessible and unobstructed at all times.

(3)  Despite Sentences (1) and (2), alternate fire access routes may be provided if

(a) the routes permit fire fighting vehicles and equipment access and permit the use of fire suppression techniques appropriate in the circumstances, and

(b) the routes are approved.

Fencing

3.5.3.10.  (1)  Where the bulk volume of stored product is more than 600 m³, the storage yard shall be surrounded by a firmly anchored fence or other approved method of security that controls unauthorized access to the storage yard.

(2)  Where a fence is used, the fence shall be at least 1.8 m high and constructed to discourage entry.

(3)  The fence shall have gateways with a clear width of at least 3.5 m.

(4)  The gateways shall be high enough to permit the entry of fire department vehicles.

(5)  The gateways shall be kept clear of obstructions so that the gates may be opened fully at all times.

(6)  The gates shall be locked when the storage yard is not staffed.

Water supply

3.5.3.11.  (1)  A public or private water supply shall be provided such that any part of the storage yard can be reached by using not more than 150 m of hose.

(2)  When the quantity of stored product is between 300 m³ and 1200 m³, the water supply system shall be capable of supplying 1860 L/min for 3 hours.

(3)  Where the quantity of stored product is 1200 m³ or more, the water supply system shall be capable of supplying 3780 L/min for 3 hours.

(4)  Where on-site reservoirs or other established water supplies are used as a fire department draft source to meet the requirements of Sentences (1), (2) and (3), they shall be equipped with dry hydrants in accordance with Appendix B of NFPA 1231, “Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting”.

Alternative measures

3.5.3.12.  Despite Article 3.5.3.11., other water supply systems or other measures may be used if the systems or measures will provide sufficient fire suppression capability in the circumstances and if the systems or measures are approved.

Fire extinguishers

3.5.3.13.  Fuel-fired vehicles operating in the storage yard shall be equipped with a 2A:10BC or higher rated portable extinguisher conforming to the requirements of Section 6.2.

SECTION 3.6CLEANING AND DYEING PLANTS

Subsection 3.6.1.General

Standard

3.6.1.1.  (1)  Dry cleaning plants shall conform to Chapter 1, except Clause 1-3, Chapter 2, except Clause 2-2.2, and Chapters 3 and 6 of NFPA 32, “Drycleaning Plants”.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1) and except as permitted by Sentence (3), flammable liquids shall not be used for any purpose in dry cleaning and dyeing plants.

(3)  Flammable and combustible liquids may be used as a local application to remove spots and stains if the liquids

(a) are stored in listed safety cans or closed containers not exceeding 5 L in capacity,

(b) do not exceed 25 L in aggregate quantity, and

(c) are dispensed from listed and labelled plunger type safety cans or containers that do not exceed 250 mL.

(4)  Despite Sentences (1) and (3), flammable and combustible liquids shall not be stored or located in an area where the public has access and may use dry cleaning or dyeing equipment.

(5)  Despite Sentence (1), electrical installations need not conform to NFPA 70, “National Electrical Code”, but shall conform to the Electrical Safety Code made under the Electricity Act, 1998.

(6)  Existing dry cleaning plants and dyeing plants may be approved if the Chief Fire Official is satisfied that the level of fire safety specified in Sentence (1) is provided.

Use of combustible liquids

3.6.1.2.  Combustible liquid solvents used in dry cleaning and dyeing plants shall be of an approved type.

3.6.1.3.  Combustible liquids shall be stored and handled in conformance with Part 4.

3.6.1.4.  Where combustible liquids are used as cleaning solvents, foreign materials shall be removed from the pockets and exterior of clothing in the receiving room.

3.6.1.5.  Combustible liquids shall not be located where the public has access and may use dry cleaning equipment.

3.6.1.6.  Combustible liquids used as a local application to remove spots and stains shall not exceed 4.6 L and shall be dispensed from listed and labelled plunger-type safety cans.

Subsection 3.6.2.Ventilation

Maximum solvent concentrations in atmosphere

3.6.2.1.  Where combustible liquids are used in a dry cleaning or dyeing process, ventilating equipment shall be provided to maintain an average solvent concentration of not more than 100 ppm within 3 m horizontally of a cleaning or dyeing unit and not more than 40 ppm elsewhere in the plant.

Automatic shutdown of systems

3.6.2.2.  Ventilation systems shall shut down automatically when manual fire alarm boxes or fire detectors are operated.

Manual shutdown of systems

3.6.2.3.  (1)  Where fire alarm systems are not installed, signs shall be posted to instruct employees to shut down the ventilation system in the event of fire.

(2)  Emergency switches for this purpose shall be provided and placed in a conspicuous location in exit ways.

Exhaust outlet location

3.6.2.4.  Exhaust ventilation outlets shall be located at least 7.5 m from any opening in a building.

Subsection 3.6.3.Fire Hazards

Clearances of equipment from appliances

3.6.3.1.  Appliances with open flames or with exposed electrical heating elements shall not be placed within 6 m of dry cleaning or dyeing equipment in which combustible liquids are used unless such appliances are located in a separate enclosed room or cabinet which is independently ventilated.

Ducts for combustion air

3.6.3.2.  Combustion air for gas or oil-fired equipment shall be conveyed through ducts from a source outside the building when such equipment is located in a dry cleaning or dyeing room.

Lint and refuse disposal

3.6.3.3.  (1)  Lint and refuse shall be removed from traps in dry cleaning and dyeing systems after each day’s work.

(2)  The lint and refuse shall be disposed of in a receptacle conforming to Articles 2.4.1.9. and 2.4.1.10. or be removed from the premises.

SECTION 3.7BOWLING ALLEYS

Subsection 3.7.1.Resurfacing

Notification

3.7.1.1.  The Chief Fire Official shall be notified when bowling alleys are to be resurfaced.

Closure to public

3.7.1.2.  Bowling alleys shall not be open to the public during the resurfacing of alleys.

3.7.1.3.  (1)  During the application of the floor finishes and for one hour after such application, Sentences (2) to (4) apply.

(2)  Mechanical exhaust systems, electric motors and other equipment, including lights, that might be a source of ignition shall be shut down.

(3)  Smoking shall not be permitted and open flames shall not be used.

(4)  Waste materials shall be disposed of in conformance with Article 3.7.3.2. in bowling alleys.

3.7.1.4.  Maximum natural ventilation shall be maintained during the resurfacing operations.

Subsection 3.7.2.Pin Refinishing

3.7.2.1.  (1)  Pin refinishing shall be carried out in a building provided for this purpose, or in a room at or above grade separated by walls, floor and ceiling assemblies having a 1-hr fire-resistance rating.

(2)  Smoking shall not be permitted in a pin refinishing room.

(3)  Signs in conformance with Article 2.4.3.2. shall be posted in pin refinishing rooms.

Subsection 3.7.3.Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Storage

3.7.3.1.  The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in conformance with Part 4.

Waste receptacles

3.7.3.2.  (1)  During the resurfacing or refinishing process, a receptacle conforming to Articles 2.4.1.9. and 2.4.1.10. shall be provided for waste rags and materials used in operations involving flammable finishes or solvents.

(2)  The contents of the receptacles in Sentence (1) shall be removed daily and disposed of in a manner that is approved.

O. Reg. 388/97, Part 3; O. Reg. 302/99, s. 1.

PART 4
FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 4.1APPLICATION

Subsection 4.1.1.Scope and Application

Scope

4.1.1.1.  (1)  This Part provides for the storage, handling, processing and use of

(a) flammable or combustible liquids, and

(b) liquids with flash points greater than 93.3^oC, when processed, stored, handled or used at temperatures above their flash points in buildings, structures and open areas.

(2)  For the purposes of this Part, “existing” means in existence on November 21, 1997.

Application

4.1.1.2.  (1)  Areas in process plants need not conform to this Part where specific hazards are addressed by design and operational procedures that meet recognized standards and equivalent protection is provided.

(2)  Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Part, this Part does not apply to,

(a) the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids to which the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada) and its regulations, or the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act (Ontario) and its regulations apply,

(b) the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids through pipelines to which the Energy Act and its regulations apply,

(c) appliances and their ancillary equipment (burning hydrocarbons) to which the Energy Act apply,

(d) the storage, handling, transportation and use of flammable or combustible liquids to which the Gasoline Handling Act and the Energy Act apply,

(e) the storage, handling and use of flammable or combustible liquids at airports, piers and wharves regulated under Federal law,

(f) underground areas to which the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations apply,

(g) the storage of aerosol products which are covered under Subsection 3.2.5. of the National Fire Code, and

(h) the storage of flammable or combustible liquids on farms for individual farm use.

(3)  Where there is a conflict between this Part and the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act, the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act shall apply.

Compliance

4.1.1.3.  (1)  Except as provided in Article 4.1.1.4.,

(a) this Part, and

(b) for existing facilities, the requirements of Articles 4.1.5.1., 4.1.5.3., 4.1.5.4., 4.1.5.5., 4.1.5.6., 4.1.5.8., 4.1.5.10., 4.1.6.3., 4.1.6.4., 4.1.7.8., 4.1.8.1., 4.1.8.2., 4.2.3.1., 4.2.3.2., 4.2.4.4., 4.2.7.8., 4.2.7.9., 4.2.7.10., 4.2.7.11., 4.2.7.12., 4.2.9.4., 4.2.9.7., 4.2.10.4., 4.2.10.6., 4.3.2.6., 4.3.16.1., 4.3.16.3., 4.4.6.3., 4.4.9.5., 4.5.10.1., 4.5.10.2., 4.6.4.2., 4.6.5.1., 4.7.6.1., 4.7.6.2. and 4.9.8.1., Subsections 4.1.1., 4.1.2., 4.1.3., 4.1.4., 4.2.2., 4.3.15., 4.4.11., 4.12.1., 4.12.4., 4.12.5., 4.12.6. and 4.12.7., and Sections 4.10, 4.11,

come into force on the 21st day of August, 1998.

Compliance schedule

4.1.1.4.  (1)  For existing facilities, the requirements of Articles 4.1.5.7., 4.1.5.9., 4.1.6.1., 4.1.6.2., 4.1.7.1., 4.1.7.2., 4.1.7.3., 4.1.7.4., 4.1.7.5., 4.1.7.6., 4.1.7.7., 4.1.8.3., 4.1.8.4., 4.2.3.3., 4.2.3.4., 4.2.4.1., 4.2.4.2., 4.2.4.3., 4.2.4.5., 4.2.4.6., 4.2.7.1., 4.2.7.2., 4.2.7.3., 4.2.7.4., 4.2.7.5., 4.2.7.6., 4.2.7.7., 4.2.7.13., 4.2.9.1., 4.2.9.2., 4.2.9.3., 4.2.9.5., 4.2.9.6., 4.2.9.8., 4.2.10.1., 4.2.10.2., 4.2.10.3., 4.2.10.5. 4.3.16.2. and 4.6.4.5., Subsections 4.2.1., 4.2.5., 4.2.6., 4.2.8., 4.2.11., 4.3.1., 4.3.4., 4.3.5., 4.3.6., 4.3.10., 4.4.6. (except Articles 4.4.6.3. and 4.4.6.7.), 4.12.2., 4.12.3., 4.12.8. and 4.12.9., and Sections 4.5 (except Articles 4.5.10.1. and 4.5.10.2.) and 4.7 (except Articles 4.7.6.1. and 4.7.6.2.), come into force on August 21, 2000.

(2)  For existing facilities, the requirements of Articles 4.3.2.4., 4.3.2.5., Subsections 4.3.3., 4.3.7., 4.3.8. (except Sentence 4.3.8.1.(2) and Article 4.3.8.2.), 4.3.9., 4.3.11., 4.3.12., 4.3.13. and 4.3.14., and Sections 4.4 (except Subsections 4.4.11. and 4.4.6. and Article 4.4.9.5.), 4.6 (except Articles 4.6.4.2., 4.6.4.5. and 4.6.5.1.), 4.8 and 4.9 (except Article 4.9.8.1.), come into force on August 21, 2002.

(3)  Existing conditions are acceptable with respect to Articles 4.3.2.1., 4.3.2.2., 4.3.2.3. and 4.3.8.2. and Sentence 4.3.8.1.(2) until replacement or relocation of a tank is carried out at which time these requirements shall apply.

Compliance equivalency

4.1.1.5.  (1)  A requirement of this Part shall be deemed to be complied with if the composition, design, size and arrangement of any material, object, device or thing varies from the composition, design, size or arrangement prescribed in this Part where strength, health and safety are equal to or greater than the strength, health and safety in the composition, design, size or arrangement prescribed, and has been approved by the Chief Fire Official.

(2)  A proposal for compliance equivalency shall bear the signature and seal of a Professional Engineer or Architect or both.

Compliance equivalency process

4.1.1.6.  (1)  A proposal for compliance equivalency for an existing facility shall be submitted, allowing sufficient time for the work to be done plus 90 days for review by the Chief Fire Official, so that the work can be approved and completed by the compliance date set out in Article 4.1.1.4.

(2)  The Chief Fire Official shall approve or reject the compliance equivalency within 90 days of receipt of the request.

(3)  Where the Chief Fire Official is unable to comply within the 90 day period in Sentence (2), the owner shall be advised as to when a response will be provided. An extension equal to the additional time needed by the Chief Fire Official in excess of the 90 days shall be added to the compliance time.

(4)  The Chief Fire Official shall notify the owner in writing of the decision.

(5)  Where the compliance equivalency is not approved, the Chief Fire Official shall provide reasons therefor in writing.

(6)  An owner who feels aggrieved by the decision not to approve a compliance equivalency may, within 30 days of the refusal, appeal the decision in the same manner as though it were an Order.

(7)  All notification under this Part shall be served either personally or by ordinary mail.

(8)  Where notification is by mail, it shall be deemed to have been served on the fifth day after the date of mailing.

(9)  A compliance equivalency that has been approved and implemented shall be deemed to satisfy the applicable requirements addressed in the compliance equivalency.

(10)  A copy of the approved compliance equivalency shall be kept on the premises to which it relates and made available to the Chief Fire Official upon request.

Subsection 4.1.2.Classification

Classification

4.1.2.1.  (1)  For the purposes of this Part, flammable and combustible liquids shall be classified in conformance with Sentences (2) and (3).

(2)  Flammable liquids shall be Class I liquids, and shall be subdivided into

(a) Class IA liquids, which include those having a flash point below 22.8^oC and a boiling point below 37.8^oC,

(b) Class IB liquids, which include those having a flash point below 22.8^oC and a boiling point at or above 37. 8^oC, and

(c) Class IC liquids, which include those having a flash point at or above 22.8^oC and below 37.8^oC.

(3)  Combustible liquids shall be Class II or Class IIIA liquids, and shall be subdivided into

(a) Class II liquids, which include those having a flash point at or above 37.8^oC and below 60^oC, and

(b) Class IIIA liquids, which include those having a flash point at or above 60^oC and below 93.3^oC.

Heated liquids

4.1.2.2.  When a liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8^oC is being processed, stored, handled or used at a temperature at or above its flash point, it shall be treated as a Class I liquid.

Used lubricating oil

4.1.2.3.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), used lubricating oil drained from motor vehicles shall be classified as a Class IIIA liquid.

(2)  When Class I or II liquids are added to used oils referred to in Sentence (1), the resulting mixture shall be classified by tests conforming to Subsection 4.1.3.

Subsection 4.1.3.Flash Point

Determination of flash point

4.1.3.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), the flash point of liquids having a viscosity less than 6 mm²/s at 37.8^oC and a flash point below 93.3^oC shall be determined in conformance with ASTM D 56, “Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester”.

(2)  Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), the flash point of liquids having a viscosity of 6 mm²/s or more at 37.8^oC or a flash point of 93.3^oC or higher shall be determined in conformance with ASTM D 93, “Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester”.

(3)  The flash point of aviation turbine fuels may be determined in conformance with ASTM D 3828, “Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Tester”.

(4)  The flash point for paints, enamels, lacquers, varnishes and related products and their components having flash points between 0^oC and 110^oC, and having a viscosity less than 15000 mm²/s (150 stokes) at 25^oC may be determined in conformance with ASTM D 3278, “Flash Point of Liquids by Setaflash Closed-Cup Apparatus”.

Subsection 4.1.4.Electrical Installations

Hazardous locations

4.1.4.1.  Electrical equipment in a location where flammable or combustible liquids are present shall conform to the Electrical Safety Code made under the Electricity Act, 1998.

Subsection 4.1.5.Fire Prevention and Protection

Portable extinguishers

4.1.5.1.  Portable extinguishers required in this Part shall be in accordance with Section 6.2.

Additional fire protection equipment

4.1.5.2.  RESERVED

Ignition sources

4.1.5.3.  Unless controlled in a manner that will not create a fire or explosion hazard, a device, operation or activity that produces open flames, sparks or heat shall not be permitted in an area described in Article 4.1.1.1.

Smoking

4.1.5.4.  Except for designated safe smoking areas conforming to Subsection 2.4.3., smoking shall not be permitted in areas described in Article 4.1.1.1.

Removal of combustibles

4.1.5.5.  (1)  Areas described in Article 4.1.1.1. shall be kept clean and free of ground vegetation and accumulations of combustible materials not essential to operations.

(2)  Cleaning rags shall be stored in receptacles conforming to Articles 2.4.1.9. and 2.4.1.10.

Fire safety plan

4.1.5.6.  The requirements of Section 2.8 shall apply to buildings and open areas where the quantities of flammable and combustible liquids exceeds 500 L in total or exceeds 250 L of Class I liquids.

Access for fire fighting

4.1.5.7.  Aisles and other access paths shall be maintained to permit the unobstructed movement of personnel and fire department apparatus so that fire fighting operations can be carried out in any part of an area used for the storage, use or handling of flammable or combustible liquids.

Hot works

4.1.5.8.  Hot works shall be performed in conformance with Section 5.17.

Basement storage

4.1.5.9.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentences (2), (3) and (4), Class I liquids shall not be stored, handled or used in basements or pits.

(2)  Class I liquids may be stored in dwelling units as described in Article 4.2.4.5. and mercantile occupancies as described in Sentence 4.2.5.2.(3).

(3)  Up to 5 L of Class I liquids may be stored in basements, provided it is stored in safety containers conforming to ULC/ORD-C30, “Safety Containers”.

(4)  Class I liquids not exceeding 250 L in quantity may be stored, handled or used in existing laboratories described in Subsection 4.12.1. where

(a) continuous mechanical ventilation is provided to ensure that flammable vapour concentrations do not exceed 25 per cent of the lower explosive limit in the basement or pit,

(b) the continuous mechanical ventilation required in Clause (a) sounds an audible alarm in an attended area upon shut down of the ventilation system,

(c) the Class I liquids are located in a fire compartment separated from the rest of the building by a fire separation having a 1-hr fire-resistance rating,

(d) despite Article 4.1.5.6., the building has a fire safety plan in conformance with Section 2.8,

(e) Class IA liquids are not stored in containers greater than 4 L in capacity,

(f) except where all dispensing of Class I liquids is carried out in a power ventilated enclosure in conformance with Articles 4.12.8.3. to 4.12.8.5. and where Class IA liquids are stored in storage cabinets in conformance with Article 4.2.10.5., the room is designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from internal explosion in conformance with NFPA 68, “Guide for Venting of Deflagrations”, and

(g) except where all sources of ignition within 0.9 m from the floor are eliminated, the room is provided with a flammable vapour detection system that will alarm in an attended location upon detection of vapour concentrations exceeding 10 per cent of the lower explosive limit.

(5)  Despite Clause (4)(c), existing fire separations consisting of lath and plaster or gypsum board shall be deemed to be in compliance with Clause (4)(c).

Routine maintenance

4.1.5.10.  Maintenance of any equipment involved in the storage, handling, processing and use of flammable or combustible liquids, whose failure would significantly increase the fire or explosion hazard and whose maintenance requirements are not addressed in another Part of this Code shall be maintained in accordance with its listed requirements and if not listed, be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations or good engineering practice.

Subsection 4.1.6.Spill Control and Drainage Systems

Spill control

4.1.6.1.  (1)  A spill of flammable or combustible liquids shall be prevented from reaching waterways, sewer systems and potable water sources by

(a) a barrier of noncombustible construction of sufficient capacity to contain the spill, or

(b) grading the site or sloping the floor to divert the spill to a drainage system conforming to Article 4.1.6.2.

(2)  Where barriers required in Sentence (1) are provided to contain accidental spillage from aboveground storage tanks, they shall conform to the requirements for secondary containment in Subsection 4.3.7.

(3)  The fire safety plan required in Article 4.1.5.6. shall include measures to be taken to direct overflow of spilled liquids and fire fighting water away from

(a) buildings,

(b) isolation valves controlling processes or fire protection systems,

(c) a means of egress,

(d) adjoining property,

(e) fire department access routes, and

(f) a water supply used for fire fighting.

Drainage systems

4.1.6.2.  (1)  A drainage system referred to in Clause 4.1.6.1.(1)(b) shall

(a) terminate at a location where such a spill will not create a fire hazard or any risk to health or safety or the natural environment, and

(b) direct the spill away from buildings, means of egress, fire department access roadways, or valves controlling the flow of flammable or combustible liquids or water supplies for fire fighting.

(2)  Closed drainage systems shall be equipped with a trap.

Spills and leaks

4.1.6.3.  (1)  Maintenance and operating procedures shall be established to prevent the escape of flammable or combustible liquids to areas where they could create a fire or explosion hazard.

(2)  Except as provided in Sentence (3), all reasonable steps shall be taken to recover escaped liquid and to remove or treat contaminated soil, surface water, ground water or aquatic sediments.

(3)  Liquid spilled or leaked shall be

(a) flushed to a location conforming to Article 4.1.6.2., or

(b) removed with the aid of an absorbent conforming to Sentence (4), deposited in a receptacle conforming to Subsection 2.4.1. and disposed of in a manner that does not create a fire or explosion hazard.

(4)  An absorbent required in Sentence (3) shall

(a) be noncombustible, or

(b) conform to ULC/ORD-C410A, “Absorbents for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”.

(5)  Clean-up shall conform with Part X (Spills) of the Environmental Protection Act.

Spill procedure

4.1.6.4.  (1)  A spill control procedure shall be approved and implemented for any occupancy where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, handled, processed or used.

(2)  The spill control procedure referred to in Sentence (1) shall include

(a) suitable operating procedures to prevent leaks and spills from piping, pumps, storage tanks or process vessels,

(b) ventilation,

(c) control of ignition sources,

(d) spill containment and cleanup (such as dikes and spill control agents such as sand),

(e) personal protective clothing or equipment that should be used (such as rubber gloves, rubber boots and self-contained breathing apparatus),

(f) handling and disposal of waste in accordance with the Ministry of Environment and Energy requirements,

(g) chain of command including notification of affected agencies and management,

(h) a preventive maintenance program, and

(i) training for new staff within 3 months of their being hired and for experienced staff every 6 months.

(3)  Spill control procedures shall be prominently posted and maintained where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, handled, processed or used.

Subsection 4.1.7.Ventilation

Rooms or enclosed spaces

4.1.7.1.  Where flammable or combustible liquids are processed, handled, stored, dispensed or used within rooms or enclosed spaces, ventilation shall conform to this Part and the Building Code.

Ventilation measures

4.1.7.2.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentence (2), a room or enclosed space referred to in Article 4.1.7.1. shall be provided with a ventilation system having

(a) continuous mechanical ventilation where Class I liquids are processed, dispensed or used in a manner that releases flammable vapours into the room or enclosed space, or

(b) either natural or continuous mechanical ventilation where

(i) Class I liquids are stored, processed, dispensed or used in a manner that does not release flammable vapours into the room or enclosed space, or

(ii) Class II liquids are processed, dispensed or used.

(2)  Ventilation referred to in Clause (1)(b) need not be provided for the storage of Class I liquids if

(a) storage consists of only closed containers, and

(b) no dispensing operations are performed.

(3)  Ventilation required in Sentence (1) shall be sufficient to ensure that flammable vapour concentrations outside the zone identified as Class I, Division I in conformance with Article 4.1.4.1. do not exceed 25 per cent of the lower explosive limit of the flammable vapour.

(4)  Where a mechanical ventilation system is installed to meet the conditions of Sentence (3), it shall be capable of exhausting at least 18 m³/hr per square metre of room area, but not less than 250 m³/hr.

(5)  Where continuous mechanical ventilation is installed in order to meet the conditions of Sentence (1), it shall

(a) be provided with automatic interlocks so that the activity generating flammable vapours cannot be performed when the ventilation system is not in operation, and

(b) sound an audible alarm in an attended area upon shut down of the ventilation system.

(6)  Where ventilation to the exterior environment is required, concentrations shall not exceed point of impingement concentrations as specified in Regulation 346 made under the Environmental Protection Act.

(7)  Despite Sentences (1) and (2), for those occupancies of facilities that are covered by the Regulations for Industrial Establishments and the Regulations for Health Care and Residential Facilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, ventilation requirements for a room or enclosed space referred to in Article 4.1.7.1. shall be provided with

(a) continuous mechanical ventilation where Class I liquids are processed, dispensed or used in a manner that releases flammable vapours into the room or enclosed space, and

(b) continuous mechanical or natural ventilation to the outdoors by upper and lower vents where

(i) Class I liquids are stored, or

(ii) Class II liquids are processed, dispensed or used.

Location of air inlets and outlets

4.1.7.3.  (1)  Ventilation air inlets and outlets within a room or enclosed space referred to in Article 4.1.7.1. shall be arranged in conformance with Sentences (2) to (4).

(2)  Where the flammable vapour being removed is heavier than air,

(a) at least one air inlet shall be located at a point near a wall, no higher than 300 mm from the floor, and

(b) at least one air outlet shall be located near the opposite wall, no higher than 300 mm from the floor.

(3)  Where the flammable vapour being removed is lighter than air,

(a) at least one air inlet shall be located at a point near a wall, no lower than 300 mm from the ceiling, and

(b) at least one air outlet shall be located near the opposite wall, no lower than 300 mm from the ceiling.

(4)  When the average air velocity in the room exceeds 0.5 m/s, make-up air shall be provided in conformance with Article 4.1.7.5.

Location of mechanical ventilation exhaust air outlets

4.1.7.4.  (1)  Except as provided in Article 4.1.7.6., the exhaust air outlet from a mechanical ventilation system required in Article 4.1.7.2. shall be

(a) located outdoors, not less than 3 m from any building opening, and

(b) arranged so that the exhaust air does not discharge toward any unprotected opening within 7.5 m of the discharge point.

Make-up air

4.1.7.5.  (1)  Where make-up air for a mechanical ventilation system is taken from within the building, the opening into the room or enclosed space shall be provided with a fire damper.

(2)  Make-up air for a natural or mechanical ventilation system shall be taken from a point remote from any exhaust air discharge described in Article 4.1.7.4.

(3)  Make-up air for a natural ventilation system shall be taken from a point outside the building.

Recirculating ventilation systems

4.1.7.6.  (1)  Where a mechanical ventilation system is installed in conformance with Article 4.1.7.2., and where exhaust air is recirculated, a fail-safe vapour detection and alarm system shall be provided to continuously monitor the flammable vapour concentration in the exhaust air, and if the vapour concentration exceeds 25 per cent of the lower explosive limit of the vapour, the system will

(a) sound an alarm,

(b) stop the recirculation of air, and

(c) redirect the exhaust air to an outdoor location.

Exclusive use of ducts

4.1.7.7.  Ducts used in a ventilation system as required in Article 4.1.7.2. shall not be used for any other ventilation or exhaust system.

Maintenance

4.1.7.8.  Inlet and exhaust openings and associated ducts shall be kept free of any obstructions that may interfere with the operation of the ventilation system.

Subsection 4.1.8.Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Containers and storage tanks

4.1.8.1.  (1)  All flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored in containers conforming to Subsection 4.2.3. or in storage tanks conforming to Subsection 4.3.1.

(2)  Containers and storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids shall be kept closed when not in use.

Control of static electric charge

4.1.8.2.  (1)  When Class I liquids are dispensed into a container or storage tank,

(a) if the container or storage tank is made of metallic or electrically conducting material, such container or storage tank shall be electrically connected to the fill stem, or rest on a conductive floor that is electrically connected to the fill stem, or

(b) if the container or storage tank is made of non electrically conducting material, measures shall be taken to minimize the potential for a static electric charge to develop.

(2)  Except as provided in Sentence (3), when Class I liquids are transferred into a storage tank through the top of the tank, the fill pipe shall terminate within 150 mm of the bottom of the tank.

(3)  Sentence (2) shall not apply when

(a) the storage tank vapour space cannot exceed 25 per cent of the lower explosive limit or is filled with an inert gas that prevents the ignition of the vapour mixture, or

(b) the liquid being transferred has a minimum conductivity that prevents the accumulation of static electricity.

(4)  Fill pipes referred to in Sentence (2) shall be installed in such a way as to minimize vibration of the pipe.

Transfer

4.1.8.3.  (1)  Class I liquids shall be drawn from or transferred into containers or storage tanks within a building

(a) through a piping or transfer system conforming to Section 4.4,

(b) by means of a pump designed in conformance with good engineering practice on top of the container or storage tank, or

(c) by gravity through a self-closing valve designed in conformance with good engineering practice.

(2)  Except as provided in Subsection 4.4.10., the transfer of flammable or combustible liquids by means of pneumatic pressure applied to a container or storage tank shall not be permitted.

Fuel tanks of vehicles

4.1.8.4.  (1)  It is permitted to use movable tanks for dispensing flammable or combustible liquids into the fuel tanks of vehicles or other motorized equipment provided such movable tanks are used in conformance with the requirements of this Part for storage tanks.

(2)  Only enclosed pumping equipment designed in conformance with good engineering practice shall be used to transfer Class I liquids to or from the fuel tanks of vehicles inside buildings.

SECTION 4.2CONTAINER STORAGE AND HANDLING

Subsection 4.2.1.Scope

Application

4.2.1.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), this Section applies to the storage, handling and use of flammable or combustible liquids in

(a) containers conforming to Clauses 4.2.3.1.(1)(a) to (d) having a capacity of not more than 230 L, or

(b) portable tanks conforming to Clause 4.2.3.1.(1)(e) having an individual capacity of not more than 2500 L.

(2)  Except as otherwise stated in this Part, this Section shall not apply to

(a) fuel dispensing stations, bulk plants, refineries and distilleries,

(b) liquids in the fuel tank of motors or engines,

(c) distilled beverage alcohol in closed containers when stored in conformance with Part 3 of the National Fire Code 1995,

(d) food and pharmaceutical products when in closed containers having a capacity of not more than 5 L, or

(e) products containing not more than 50 per cent by volume of water-miscible flammable or combustible liquids with the remainder of the solution being nonflammable, when in closed containers having a capacity of not more than 5 L.

(3)  Portable tanks having a capacity greater than 2500 L shall be installed in conformance with Section 4.3.

(4)  For the purpose of this Section, unstable liquids shall meet the requirements for Class IA liquids.

(5)  Except as otherwise stated, requirements for containers in this Part shall also apply to portable tanks described in Sentence (1).

Subsection 4.2.2.General

Storage locations

4.2.2.1.  (1)  Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be stored in or adjacent to exits, including outdoors, elevators or principal routes that provide access to exits.

(2)  Where flammable or combustible liquids are stored, storage shall be in conformance with Subsections 4.2.4. to 4.2.11.

Storage arrangement

4.2.2.2.  In addition to the provisions of this Section, the method of storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be determined to ensure stability of the stored products.

Separation from other dangerous goods

4.2.2.3.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), flammable and combustible liquids shall be separated from other dangerous goods in conformance with Sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the National Fire Code 1995.

(2)  For the purposes of applying Table 3.2.7.6. of the National Fire Code 1995, Class IIIA liquids shall be treated as Class 3 dangerous goods.

Subsection 4.2.3.Containers and Portable Tanks

Design and construction

4.2.3.1.  (1)  Except as permitted in Articles 4.2.3.3. and 4.2.3.4., containers and portable tanks for flammable or combustible liquids shall be built in conformance with

(a) the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canada),

(b) CSA-B376, “Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels”,

(c) CSA-B306, “Portable Fuel Tanks for Marine Use”,

(d) ULC/ORD-C30, “Safety Containers”, or

(e) Section 6 of CSA-B620, “Highway Tanks and Portable Tanks for the Transportation of Dangerous Goods”.

Markings or labels

4.2.3.2.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Article 4.2.3.1., containers for flammable or combustible liquids shall be distinctly marked or labelled in easily legible type which is in contrast to any other printed matter on the label with a warning to indicate that

(a) the material in the container is flammable,

(b) it should be kept away from heat, sparks and open flames, and

(c) it should be kept closed when not in use.

(2)  Markings referred to in Sentence (1) are not required when the container is labelled in conformance with

(a) the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada) and its regulations,

(b) the Hazardous Products Act (Canada) and its regulations, and

(c) the Pest Control Products Act (Canada) and its regulations.

Plastic and glass containers

4.2.3.3.  Except as permitted in Articles 4.2.3.1. and 4.2.3.4., the storage, handling and use of flammable or combustible liquids in a glass or plastic container shall be permitted only if the required liquid purity would be affected by storage in a metal container or if the liquid would cause excessive corrosion of the metal container.

Other containers

4.2.3.4.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), the storage and use of Class I or II liquids, in containers other than those described in Article 4.2.3.1., shall not be permitted within a building.

(2)  A container of not more than 1 L capacity for Class I liquids and 5 L capacity for Class II or IIIA liquids need not conform to Article 4.2.3.1.

(3)  It is permitted to use sample containers not conforming to Article 4.2.3.1. for quality control or testing purposes.

Subsection 4.2.4.Assembly and Residential Occupancies

Application

4.2.4.1.  (1)  This Subsection applies to the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids in buildings classified as assembly or residential occupancies, except that it shall not apply to nonresidential schools, universities or colleges covered in Subsection 4.2.6.

Maximum quantities

4.2.4.2.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (4) and in Articles 4.2.4.5. and 4.2.4.6., the maximum quantity of flammable or combustible liquids stored in a building shall conform to Sentences (2) and (3).

(2)  When a single class of liquid is stored in a building, the total quantity of liquid shall not exceed

(a) 30 L of Class I liquids,

(b) 150 L of Class II liquids, or

(c) 600 L of Class IIIA liquids.

(3)  When 2 or more classes of liquid are stored in the same building, the total quantity permitted for each class of liquid shall be calculated as follows:

qI/30 + qII/150 + qIIIA/600 < 1

where

(4)  Quantities of flammable or combustible liquids exceeding those permitted in Sentence (1) are permitted, provided they are kept

(a) in storage cabinets conforming to Subsection 4.2.10., except that the total quantity of flammable and combustible liquids stored in such cabinets shall not exceed the quantity permitted for one cabinet, or

(b) in a storage room conforming to Subsection 4.2.9. and having no openings that communicate directly with the public portions of the building.

Storage cabinets and storage rooms

4.2.4.3.  The storage cabinets and storage rooms referred to in Sentence 4.2.4.2.(4) shall not be located above or below the first storey.

Exterior balconies

4.2.4.4.  Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be stored on exterior balconies.

Dwelling units

4.2.4.5.  Not more than 30 L of flammable and combustible liquids, of which not more than 10 L shall be Class I liquids, are permitted to be stored in a dwelling unit.

Attached garages and sheds

4.2.4.6.  Not more than 50 L of flammable and combustible liquids, of which not more than 30 L shall be Class I liquids, are permitted to be stored in a garage or shed attached to a dwelling unit.

Subsection 4.2.5.Mercantile Occupancies

Maximum quantities

4.2.5.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (5), the quantities of flammable and combustible liquids stored in mercantile occupancies shall not exceed those in Sentences (2) to (4).

(2)  In unsprinklered mercantile occupancies, the maximum quantity of flammable and combustible liquids permitted to be stored in a single suite shall be the lesser of

(a) 8 L for every 1 m² of the total area of the suite, provided that not more than 2 L per m² is Class I liquid, of which not more than 0.3 L per m² shall be Class IA, Class IB, or any combination of these 2 classes, or

(b) 8000 L, provided that not more than 2000 L is Class I liquid, of which not more than 300 L shall be Class IA or Class IB or any combination of these 2 classes.

(3)  In sprinklered mercantile occupancies, the maximum quantity of flammable and combustible liquids permitted to be stored in a single suite shall be the lesser of

(a) 24 L for every 1 m² of the total area of the suite, provided that not more than 6 L per m² is Class I liquid, of which not more than 1 L per m² shall be Class IA or Class IB or any combination of these 2 classes, or

(b) 24000 L, provided that not more than 6000 L is Class I liquid, of which not more than 1000 L shall be Class IA or Class IB or any combination of these 2 classes.

(4)  For the purposes of calculating permissible quantities in Sentences (2) and (3), mercantile occupancies of less than 250 m² floor area shall be assumed to be 250 m² in area.

(5)  Quantities of flammable and combustible liquids in excess of those permitted in Sentences (2) to (4) shall be kept in a storage area conforming to Subsection 4.2.7.

Containers

4.2.5.2.  (1)  Flammable and combustible liquids in mercantile occupancies shall be kept in closed containers.

(2)  Closed containers of Class I and II liquids shall not be stacked more than 1.5 m high on floors, or 1 m high on individual fixed shelves.

(3)  Class I liquids in closed containers are permitted to be stored in basements of mercantile occupancies.

Transfer

4.2.5.3.  In mercantile occupancies, transfer of flammable or combustible liquids into containers shall only be permitted in a storage room conforming to Subsection 4.2.9.

Subsection 4.2.6.Business and Personal Services, Educational and Institutional Occupancies

Application

4.2.6.1.  (1)  This Subsection applies to the storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids in business and personal services occupancies and institutional occupancies and shall include nonresidential schools, universities and colleges.

Storage cabinets and storage rooms

4.2.6.2.  (1)  Except as permitted in Article 4.2.6.3., flammable and combustible liquids shall be kept in closed containers and stored

(a) in cabinets conforming to Subsection 4.2.10., except that the total quantity of flammable and combustible liquids stored in such cabinets shall not exceed the quantity permitted for one cabinet, or

(b) in a room having no openings communicating directly with the public portions of the building and conforming to Subsection 4.2.9.

Maximum quantities

4.2.6.3.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), the storage of flammable and combustible liquids outside of a cabinet or room required in Article 4.2.6.2. is permitted, provided such storage does not exceed

(a) 10 L, including not more than 5 L of Class I liquid, in a single room, or

(b) 250 L, including not more than 60 L of Class II liquid, or 10 L of Class I liquid, in a single fire compartment having at least a 45-min fire separation.

(2)  In automotive shop or industrial arts areas of an educational facility, storage of up to 75 L of flammable and combustible liquids, including not more than 25 L of Class I liquid, shall be permitted outside of a cabinet or room as specified in Article 4.2.6.2.

Containers

4.2.6.4.  Where individual containers with a capacity of more than 5 L are required for storage of flammable or combustible liquids in a building, safety containers conforming to ULC/ORD-C30, “Safety Containers”, and of not more than 25 L capacity, shall be used.

Separation of dangerous goods

4.2.6.5.  Flammable or combustible liquids stored in cabinets or rooms shall be separated from other dangerous goods in conformance with Article 4.2.2.3.

Subsection 4.2.7.Industrial Occupancies

Application

4.2.7.1.  This Subsection applies to the storage offlammable and combustible liquids in closed containers in industrial occupancies.

Storage facilities

4.2.7.2.  (1)  Flammable and combustible liquids in industrial occupancies shall be stored

(a) in storage areas conforming to Article 4.2.7.5.,

(b) in rooms conforming to Subsection 4.2.9.,

(c) in cabinets conforming to Subsection 4.2.10., or

(d) in conformance with Subsection 4.2.8.

Fire compartments

4.2.7.3.  Fire compartments regulated by this Subsection shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 hr.

Dispensing and transfer

4.2.7.4.  (1)  Except as permitted in Subsection 4.2.8. and in Sentence (2), the dispensing or transfer of Class I or II liquids shall be conducted in rooms conforming to Subsection 4.2.9.

(2)  It is permitted to dispense or transfer Class I or II liquids in a storage area conforming to Article 4.2.7.5. provided

(a) the storage area does not exceed 100 m², and

(b) the dispensing or transfer operations conform to the applicable requirements of Subsection 4.2.9.

Maximum quantities

4.2.7.5.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), the storage of flammable and combustible liquids in storage areas specified in Clause 4.2.7.2.(1)(a) shall

(a) conform to Table 4.2.7.A.

(i) where it consists of palletized or solid piled storage, or

(ii) where stored in racks in buildings not protected in conformance with Article 4.2.7.7., or

(b) conform to Table 4.2.7.B. where stored in racks in buildings protected in conformance with Article 4.2.7.7.

(2)  Where a building is designed for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids, there is no limit on the total quantity of storage per fire compartment provided

(a) the building is separated from adjacent buildings by

(i) a firewall having a fire-resistance rating of at least 4 hr, or

(ii) spatial separation in conformance with the Building Code, and

(b) in protected rack storage, the quantities in each individual storage area do not exceed those specified in Table 4.2.7.B.

(3)  Where containers for 2 or more liquids having different flash points are stored together in a single individual storage area, the maximum quantity permitted in the individual storage area shall equal that permitted for the liquid with the lowest flash point.

(4)  When 2 or more classes of liquids are stored in a single fire compartment, the maximum quantity permitted for each class of liquid shall be calculated as follows:

qIA/QIA + qIB/QIB + qIC/QIC + qII/QII + qIIIA/QIIIA < 1

where

TABLE 4.2.7.A.

Indoor Container Storage (Palletized or Solid Piled Storage and Unprotected Rack Storage)
Forming Part of Article 4.2.7.5.

Notes to Table 4.2.7.A.:

⁽¹⁾See Article 4.2.7.7.

⁽²⁾Individual Storage Area

TABLE 4.2.7.B.

Indoor Container Storage (Protected Rack Storage)⁽¹⁾ Forming Part of Article 4.2.7.5.

Notes to Table 4.2.7.B.:

⁽¹⁾ See Article 4.2.7.7.

Spill control

4.2.7.6.  Measures to control spilled flammable or combustible liquids shall be provided in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

Fire suppression systems

4.2.7.7.  (1)  Where protection is required by this Part, storage areas for flammable and combustible liquids shall be

(a) sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 30, “Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code”, or

(b) protected by an automatic fire suppression system in conformance with an applicable standard listed in Sentence 6.8.1.1.(1).

Clearances

4.2.7.8.  (1)  The clearance between the top of storage and the lowest structural members, sprinkler head deflectors or other overhead fire protection system components shall be not less than 450 mm.

(2)  A clearance of not less than 400 mm shall be maintained between stored flammable and combustible liquids and walls, except that where the width of storage adjacent to the wall is not more than 1.5 m, such wall clearance is not required.

Aisles

4.2.7.9.  Except as provided in Article 4.2.7.10., main aisles, access aisles and aisles defining individual storage areas shall be in conformance with Article 3.2.2.2. of the National Fire Code 1995.

Separation from other dangerous goods

4.2.7.10.  Flammable and combustible liquids shall not be stored with other dangerous goods unless in conformance with Article 4.2.2.3.

Separation from combustible products

4.2.7.11.  Combustible materials, other than those used for the packaging of flammable or combustible liquids, shall not be stored in the same individual storage area with such liquids.

Absorbents

4.2.7.12.  Absorbent materials shall be available in the storage area for use in clean-up of spilled flammable or combustible liquids in conformance with Article 4.1.6.3.

Ventilation

4.2.7.13.  Storage areas described in Article 4.2.7.1. shall be ventilated in conformance with Subsection 4.1.7.

Subsection 4.2.8.Incidental Use

Application

4.2.8.1.  Except as otherwise noted in this Part, this Subsection applies to industrial occupancies where the use, storage and handling of flammable or combustible liquids is secondary to the principal activity.

Maximum quantities

4.2.8.2.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and in Article 4.2.8.4., the quantity of flammable and combustible liquids permitted to be located outside of storage rooms conforming to Subsection 4.2.7., 4.2.9. or 4.3.13., or storage cabinets conforming to Subsection 4.2.10., in any one fire compartment of a building, shall not be more than

(a) 600 L of flammable and combustible liquids in closed containers, of which not more than 100 L shall be Class IA liquids, and

(b) 5000 L of Class IB, IC, II and IIIA liquids in storage tanks or portable tanks.

(2)  Where required for normal plant activity, quantities of flammable and combustible liquids are permitted to exceed those specified in Sentence (1), but shall not be greater than the supply for one day of normal operation.

(3)  Where larger quantities than are permitted by Sentence (1) are required, such quantities shall be in storage tanks installed in conformance with Sentence 4.3.12.4.(2).

Handling

4.2.8.3.  (1)  Areas in which flammable or combustible liquids are transferred from one container or storage tank to another, or are used in such a way as to release potentially explosive concentrations of flammable vapours, shall be

(a) separated from possible sources of ignition by a spatial separation of not less than 6 m, or by a fire separation,

(b) provided with a drainage system to control spills in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.,

(c) provided with absorbent materials to assist in clean-up of small liquid spills in conformance with Article 4.1.6.3.,

(d) provided with either natural or mechanical ventilation in conformance with Subsection 4.1.7., and

(e) separated from other dangerous goods in conformance with Article 4.2.2.3.

General storage areas

4.2.8.4.  (1)  In a general storage area covered in Subsection 3.2.3. of the National Fire Code 1995, quantities of flammable and combustible liquids are permitted to exceed those in Sentence 4.2.8.2.(1) provided the storage area is in conformance with Sentences (2) to (6).

(2)  The storage area referred to in Sentence (1) shall be sprinklered in conformance with Article 3.2.3.3. of the National Fire Code 1995, providing a level of protection not less than that required for Class IV commodities stored up to a height of 6 m.

(3)  The height of storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be not more than those permitted for unprotected storage in Table 4.2.7.A.

(4)  When a single class of liquid is stored, the total quantity in a single fire compartment shall be not more than

(a) 2500 L of Class IB and IC liquid,

(b) 5000 L of Class II liquid, or

(c) 10000 L of Class IIIA liquid.

(5)  When 2 or more classes of liquid are stored in the same fire compartment, the total quantity permitted for each class of liquid shall be calculated as follows:

qI/2500 + qII/5000 + qIIIA/10000 < 1

where

(6)  When 2 or more classes of liquid are stored in the same individual storage area, the maximum quantity permitted in the individual storage area shall be that permitted for the liquid with the lowest limit listed in Sentence (4).

Subsection 4.2.9.Rooms for Container Storage and Dispensing

Maximum quantities

4.2.9.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), where flammable and combustible liquids are stored in a room required in this Part, the storage densities averaged over the total room area and the total quantities of such liquids shall conform to Table 4.2.9.A.

(2)  The maximum quantities and densities of flammable and combustible liquids shown in Table 4.2.9.A. are permitted to be doubled provided the storage room is protected by an automatic fire suppression system conforming to Article 4.2.7.7.

(3)  The maximum quantities of Class I liquids in an unprotected storage room with a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hr shall

(a) not exceed those specified for unprotected storage in Table 4.2.7.A., and

(b) comply with Sentences 4.2.7.5.(3) and (4).

TABLE 4.2.9.A.

Rooms for Container Storage and Dispensing Forming Part of Article 4.2.9.1.

Spill control

4.2.9.2.  (1)  Storage rooms referred to in Article 4.2.9.1. shall be equipped with

(a) liquid-tight seals between interior walls and the floor and a liquid-tight ramped sill at any door opening in an interior wall, and

(b) a drain connected to a dry sump or holding tank for those occupancies that are covered by the Regulations for Industrial Establishments and the Regulations for Health Care and Residential Facilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

(2)  Storage rooms referred to in Sentence (1) shall be designed to accommodate possible spills of flammable and combustible liquids in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

Ventilation

4.2.9.3.  Storage rooms referred to in Article 4.2.9.1. shall be ventilated in conformance with Subsection 4.1.7.

Aisles

4.2.9.4.  The contents of flammable and combustible liquids storage rooms referred to in Article 4.2.9.1. shall be arranged to provide aisle widths of not less than 1 m.

Dispensing

4.2.9.5.  Dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids from containers having a capacity of more than 30 L shall be by pumps or through self-closing valves, designed in conformance with good engineering practice.

Explosion venting

4.2.9.6.  (1)  Except for the storage of distilled beverage alcohol, where Class IA or IB liquids are dispensed or stored in open containers within a storage room, the room shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from an internal explosion in conformance with NFPA 68, “Guide for Venting of Deflagrations”.

(2)  Despite Sentence (1), where Class IA liquids are stored in closed containers or Class I liquids are dispensed or stored in open containers for those occupancies or facilities that are covered by the Regulations for Industrial Establishments and the Regulations for Health Care and Residential Facilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the room shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from an internal explosion in conformance with NFPA 68, “Guide for Venting of Deflagrations”.

Portable extinguishers

4.2.9.7.  Portable extinguishers shall be provided for storage rooms described in Article 4.2.9.1. in conformance with Section 6.2.

Egress doors

4.2.9.8.  (1)  This Article applies to a dispensing room in occupancies covered by the Regulations for Industrial Establishments and the Regulations for Health Care and Residential Facilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act where the room

(a) has an area greater than 15 m², or

(b) has a distance of travel greater than 4.5 meters from any point in the room to an egress doorway.

(2)  A dispensing room shall be equipped with self-closing doors hinged to swing outward on their vertical axis.

(3)  A dispensing room shall be located in a floor area that has at least two exits.

(4)  A dispensing room shall have at least two egress doorways that are at least three-quarters of the maximum diagonal dimension of the room from each other.

(5)  At least one egress doorway shall be located within 23 m from any point in the dispensing room.

Subsection 4.2.10.Cabinets for Container Storage

Containers

4.2.10.1.  Flammable and combustible liquids stored in cabinets required in this Part shall be in closed containers conforming to Article 4.2.3.1.

Maximum quantity per cabinet

4.2.10.2.  The maximum quantity of flammable and combustible liquids stored in a cabinet shall be 500 L, of which not more than 250 L shall be Class I liquids.

Maximum quantity per fire compartment

4.2.10.3.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the total quantity of flammable and combustible liquids stored in cabinets in a single fire compartment shall not exceed the quantity permitted in Article 4.2.10.2. for 3 cabinets.

(2)  In industrial occupancies, quantities of flammable and combustible liquids greater than those specified in Sentence (1) are permitted in a single fire compartment where

(a) the total quantity stored in a group of cabinets is not more than the quantity permitted for 3 cabinets, and

(b) the distance between groups of cabinets described in Clause (a) is not less than 30 m.

(3)  In institutional occupancies, the total quantity of flammable and combustible liquids stored in cabinets in a single fire compartment shall not exceed the quantity permitted for one cabinet.

Labelling

4.2.10.4.  Cabinets for container storage shall be labelled in conspicuous lettering to indicate that the cabinet contains flammable materials and that open flames must be kept away.

Storage cabinets

4.2.10.5.  (1)  Storage cabinets required in this Part shall

(a) conform to ULC-C1275, “Storage Cabinets for Flammable Liquid Containers”,

(b) conform to ULI 1275, “Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets”,

(c) be Factory Mutual Research Approved, or

(d) be listed as meeting NFPA 30.

Ventilation

4.2.10.6.  (1)  When a storage cabinet required in this Part is provided with ventilation openings,

(a) the ventilation openings shall be sealed with materials providing fire protection at least equivalent to that required for the construction of the cabinet, or

(b) the cabinet shall be vented outdoors using vent piping providing fire protection at least equivalent to that required in Clause (a) for seals.

Subsection 4.2.11.Outdoor Container Storage

Quantities and clearances

4.2.11.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), the quantities and clearances for flammable and combustible liquids stored in containers in outdoor storage areas shall conform to Table 4.2.11.A.

(2)  The clearances required in Sentence (1) do not apply where not more than 5000 L of flammable or combustible liquids are stored adjacent to a building on the same property, and

(a) the building is one storey in building height and used primarily for the storage or handling of flammable or combustible liquids, or

(b) the exposed wall has a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 hr and has no openings within 3 m of such outdoor storage.

TABLE 4.2.11.A.

Outdoor Container Storage Forming Part of Article 4.2.11.1.

Mixed storage

4.2.11.2.  Where 2 or more liquids with different flash points are stored outdoors in containers that form a single pile, the maximum total quantity permitted in the pile shall be equal to that permitted for the liquid with the lowest flash point.

Fire department access

4.2.11.3.  An access route not less than 6 m wide, constructed in conformance with Subsection 3.2.5. of the Building Code, shall be provided in outdoor storage areas to permit the approach of fire department vehicles to within 60 m of any part of a pile.

Spill control

4.2.11.4.  Outdoor storage areas for flammable or combustible liquids shall be designed to accommodate possible spillage in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

Fencing

4.2.11.5.  (1)  An outdoor area used for the container storage of flammable or combustible liquids shall be surrounded by a firmly anchored fence that is

(a) substantially constructed to discourage climbing and unauthorized entry,

(b) not less than 1.8 m high, and

(c) provided with gates that shall be locked when the storage area is not staffed.

SECTION 4.3TANK STORAGE

Subsection 4.3.1.Design, Construction and Use of Storage Tanks

Application

4.3.1.1.  This Section applies to storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids.

Atmospheric storage tanks

4.3.1.2.  (1)  Except as required in Sentences (2), (4), (6) and (8) and permitted in Sentences (3), (5) and (7) and in Section 4.9, atmospheric storage tanks shall be built in conformance with

(a) API 12B, “Bolted Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids”,

(b) API 12D, “Field Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids”,

(c) API 12F, “Shop Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids”,

(d) API 650, “Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage”,

(e) ULC-S601, “Shop Fabricated Steel Aboveground Horizontal Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”,

(f) CAN/ULC-S602, “Aboveground Steel Tanks for Fuel Oil and Lubricating Oil”,

(g) CAN/ULC-S603, “Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”,

(h) CAN/ULC-S603.1, “Galvanic Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids,”

(i) CAN4-S615, “Reinforced Plastic Underground Tanks for Petroleum Products”,

(j) ULC-S630, “Shop Fabricated Steel Aboveground Vertical Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”,

(k) CAN/ULC-S643, “Shop Fabricated Steel Aboveground Utility Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”,

(l) ULC-S652, “Tank Assemblies for Collection of Used Oil”,

(m) ULC-S653, “Aboveground Steel Contained Tank Assemblies for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”,

(n) ULC/ORD-C58.10, “Jacketed Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”,

(o) ULC/ORD-C142.5, “Concrete Encased Steel Aboveground Tank Assemblies for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”,

(p) ULC-S655, “Aboveground Protected Tank Assemblies for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, or

(q) ULC/ORD-C142.23, “Aboveground Waste Oil Tanks”.

(2)  Tanks built in conformance with Clauses (1)(a), (b) and (c) shall be used only for the storage of crude petroleum at oil fields.

(3)  When necessitated by possible contamination of the liquid to be stored or possible rapid corrosion of the tank, storage tanks need not conform to Sentence (1), provided that they are designed and built in conformance with good engineering practice for the material being used.

(4)  Atmospheric storage tanks shall not be used for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids at temperatures at or above their boiling points.

(5)  Existing aboveground atmospheric storage tanks in service that do not comply with Sentence (1) are permitted to remain in service provided that the tank

(a) is not leaking,

(b) has no dents in the tank greater than 30 degrees or 35 mm in depth from the normal configuration,

(c) has no pitting in excess of 3 mm, and

(d) has metal thickness of at least 50 per cent of the minimum permissible thickness specified in an applicable standard referenced in Sentence (1).

(6)  Existing aboveground atmospheric storage tanks that do not comply with Sentence (1), (3), (5) or (9) shall be refurbished in conformance with Sentence 4.10.4.2.(3) or be replaced.

(7)  Existing underground storage tanks in service that do not comply with Sentence (1) are permitted to remain in service provided that the tanks are not leaking and steel storage tanks and associated piping are protected from external corrosion in conformance with Subsection 4.3.9.

(8)  Existing underground storage tanks that do not comply with Sentence (1), (3) or (7) shall be refurbished in conformance with Sentence 4.10.4.2.(3) or be replaced.

(9)  Existing aboveground atmospheric storage tanks that comply to ULC/ORD-C142.16-1994, “Protected Aboveground Tank Assemblies for Flammable and Combustible Liquids” shall be deemed to comply with Clause (1)(p).

Low pressure storage tanks and pressure vessels

4.3.1.3.  (1)  Low pressure storage tanks shall be constructed in conformance with

(a) API 620, “Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks”, or

(b) ANSI/ASME, “Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code”.

(2)  Pressure vessels shall be constructed in conformance with CSA-B51, “Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code”.

(3)  Low pressure storage tanks and pressure vessels are permitted to be used as atmospheric storage tanks.

Operating pressure

4.3.1.4.  The normal operating pressure of a storage tank shall not exceed its design pressure.

Corrosion protection

4.3.1.5.  The exposed surface of every aboveground storage tank for flammable or combustible liquids which is fabricated of any ferrous substance shall be thoroughly coated with rust-resisting material compatible with the tank.

Floating roofs

4.3.1.6.  Except for perimeter sealing material, floating roof assemblies or internal floating covers installed in storage tanks shall be constructed of metal, or other materials and design conforming to one of the tank construction standards listed in this Subsection.

Identification

4.3.1.7.  A storage tankand its filling and emptying connections shall be identified in conformance with CPPI, “Using the CPPI Colour-Symbol System to Mark Equipment and Vehicles for Product Identification” or to CAN/CGSB-24.3, “Identification of Piping Systems”.

Overfill protection

4.3.1.8.  (1)  A storage tank shall be prevented from being overfilled by providing

(a) continuous supervision of the filling operations by personnel qualified to supervise such operations, or

(b) an overfill protection device conforming to ULC/ORD-C58.15, “Overfill Protection Devices for Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks”.

Subsection 4.3.2.Installation of Outside Aboveground Storage Tanks

Location

4.3.2.1.  (1)  Every outside aboveground storage tank for the storage of flammable or combustible liquids shall be located in conformance with Sentences (2) to (5) with respect to the property line and any building on the same property.

(2)  Except as provided in Sentences (6) and (7), every aboveground storage tank containing stable liquids and having a working pressure of not more than 17 kPa (gauge) shall be separated from a property line and any building on the same property by distances

(a) half those in Table 4.3.2.A. where protection is provided against fire or explosion in the tank in conformance with Sentence 4.3.2.5.(2), or

(b) equal to those in Table 4.3.2.A. where protection referred to in Clause (a) is not provided.

(3)  Every aboveground storage tank containing unstable liquids and having a working pressure of not more than 17 kPa (gauge) shall be separated from a property line and any building on the same property by distances

(a) equal to those in Table 4.3.2.A., but not less than 7.5 m, where protection is provided against fire or explosion in the tank in conformance with Sentence 4.3.2.5.(2), or

(b) 3 times those in Table 4.3.2.A., but not less than 15 m, where protection referred to in Clause (a) is not provided.

(4)  Every aboveground storage tank containing boil-over liquids shall be separated from a property line and any building on the same property by distances

(a) 0.75 times those in Table 4.3.2.A. where protection is provided against fire or explosion in the tank in conformance with Sentence 4.3.2.5.(2), or

(b) equal to those in Table 4.3.2.A. where protection referred to in Clause (a) is not provided.

(5)  Where a storage tank containing stable liquids or unstable liquids has a working pressure greater than 17 kPa (gauge), the distances from a property line and any building on the same property shall be those specified in Sentences (2) and (3) multiplied by 1.5, but shall be not less than 7.5 m.

(6)  The minimum distance required in Sentence (2) from a storage tank containing only Class II or IIIA liquids to a building on the same property is permitted to be reduced to

(a) 1.5 m provided the tank capacity is not more than 50000 L, or

(b) zero provided the tank capacity is not more than 2500 L.

(7)  The minimum distance required in Sentence (2) is permitted to be waived provided the storage tank

(a) is in conformance with ULC-S655, “Aboveground Protected Tank Assemblies for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, and

(b) has a capacity of not more than 50000 L.

(8)  Where end failure of horizontal storage tanks may endanger adjacent property, the tanks shall be placed with the longitudinal axis parallel to such property.

TABLE 4.3.2.A.

Location of Aboveground Storage Tanks Forming Part of Article 4.3.2.1.

Spacing between storage tanks

4.3.2.2.  (1)  Except as required in Sentences (2) and (3) and in Article 4.3.2.3., the minimum distance between every combination of two aboveground storage tanks shall be 0.25 times the sum of their diameters, but shall be not less than 1 m.

(2)  The minimum distance between any two storage tanks, neither of which has a capacity of more than 250000 L, shall be 1 m.

(3)  Where either of the two aboveground storage tanks contains unstable liquids, the distance required in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be doubled.

Clearances from liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and tanks

4.3.2.3.  (1)  The minimum separation between a flammable or combustible liquid storage tank and a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder or tank shall be 6 m.

(2)  Secondary containments for flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks shall not contain any liquefied petroleum gas cylinder or tank, and the centre line of the secondary containment wall shall be not less than

(a) 3 m away from a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder, and

(b) 7 m away from a liquefied petroleum gas storage tank.

Fire department access

4.3.2.4.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids shall be spaced so that each storage tank is accessible for fire fighting purposes.

(2)  An access route constructed in conformance with Subsection 3.2.5. of the Building Code shall be provided in outdoor storage areas to permit the approach of fire department vehicles to within 60 m of any storage tank.

(3)  Where fire fighting access to storage tanks containing Class I or II liquids is not provided, fire extinguishing measures conforming to Sentence 4.3.2.5.(2) shall be provided.

Fire protection systems

4.3.2.5.  (1)  Where the diameter of a storage tank exceeds 45 m, the storage tank shall be provided with protection against fire or explosion in conformance with Sentence (2).

(2)  Protection against fire or explosion required for a storage tank shall consist of fixed protection systems designed in conformance with good engineering practice such as described in

(a) NFPA 11, “Low-Expansion Foam”,

(b) NFPA 15, “Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection”, and

(c) NFPA 69, “Explosion Prevention Systems”.

Leakage testing

4.3.2.6.  At the time of installation, aboveground storage tanks and associated piping shall be tested for leakage in conformance with Subsections 4.3.15. and 4.4.6.

Subsection 4.3.3.Supports, Foundations and Anchorage for Aboveground Storage Tanks

Foundations and supports

4.3.3.1.  (1)  Storage tanks shall rest on the ground or on foundations, supports or piling made of concrete, masonry or steel in conformance with

(a) Appendix B of API 650, “Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage”, and

(b) Appendices C and D of API 620, “Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low Pressure Storage Tanks”.

(2)  Tank supports shall be installed on firm foundations designed to minimize uneven settling of the tank and to minimize corrosion of the part of the tank resting on the foundation.

(3)  Except for steel saddles that are less than 300 mm high at their highest point, supports for storage tanks shall provide a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hr.

(4)  Every aboveground storage tank shall be supported in a manner that will prevent the allowable design stress of the tank from being exceeded.

Earthquake protection

4.3.3.2.  (1)  In areas subject to earthquake forces, storage tanks, supports and connections shall be designed to resist such forces in conformance with

(a) Part 4 of the Building Code, and

(b) Appendix A of ULC-S630, “Shop Fabricated Steel Aboveground Vertical Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”.

Protection against flooding

4.3.3.3.  When aboveground storage tanks are located in an area that may be subject to flooding, the tanks shall be securely anchored to prevent floating.

Subsection 4.3.4.Normal and Emergency Venting for Aboveground Storage Tanks

Design and installation

4.3.4.1.  (1)  Atmospheric and low pressure storage tanks shall be provided with normal and emergency venting in conformance with

(a) API 2000, “Venting Atmospheric and Low Pressure Storage Tanks”, or

(b) the appropriate tank design standard listed in Sentence 4.3.1.2.(1).

Unstable liquids

4.3.4.2.  When unstable liquids are stored, the effects of heat or gas resulting from polymerization, decomposition, condensation or self-reactivity shall be allowed for in the determination of the total venting capacity.

Subsection 4.3.5.Vent Piping for Aboveground Storage Tanks

Materials and construction

4.3.5.1.  Vent piping materials and construction shall conform to Section 4.4.

Location of vent pipe outlets

4.3.5.2.  (1)  Vent pipe outlets for storage tanks of Class I liquids

(a) shall be located outside buildings, not less than

(i) 3.5 m above the adjacent ground level, and

(ii) 1.5 m from any building opening, and

(b) shall discharge so that flammable vapours will not enter the building or be trapped near any part of the building.

(2)  Vent pipe outlets for Class II or IIIA liquids shall discharge outside buildings, not less than

(a) 2 m above the adjacent ground level, and

(b) 1.5 m from any building opening.

Interconnection of vent piping

4.3.5.3.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), 2 or more storage tanks are permitted to be connected to a common vent pipe for normal relief venting provided the vent pipe size is designed to vent the combined vapours produced in the connected tanks without exceeding the allowable stresses of the tanks.

(2)  Vent piping for storage tanks for Class I liquids shall not be connected to vent piping for storage tanks for Class II or IIIA liquids unless an effective arrangement is provided to prevent the vapours from the Class I liquids from entering the other tanks.

Subsection 4.3.6.Openings Other than Vents in Aboveground Storage Tanks

Provision of valves

4.3.6.1.  Connections to aboveground storage tanks at any level below the highest level to which the liquid will rise shall be provided with valves located as close as practicable to the shell.

Materials

4.3.6.2.  (1)  Valves and their connections to a storage tank shall be made of steel, except that when the chemical characteristics of the liquid stored are incompatible with steel, materials other than steel are permitted to be used.

(2)  Materials for valves and their connections to a storage tank shall be suitable for the pressures, stresses and temperatures that may be expected, including those of possible fire exposure.

Openings for liquid level measurements

4.3.6.3.  Openings for measuring liquid levels in storage tanks for Class I liquids shall be equipped with caps or covers which shall be opened only when measuring the liquid level.

Connections for filling and emptying

4.3.6.4.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (3), connections used as part of normal operating conditions for filling or emptying storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids shall be located

(a) outside buildings,

(b) at a location free of sources of ignition, and

(c) not less than 1.5 m from building openings.

(2)  Connections for filling or emptying storage tanks shall be kept closed to prevent leakage when not in use.

(3)  A filling connection described in Sentence (1) is permitted to be located inside a building where

(a) made necessary

(i) by a process or activity located indoors and to which the tank is directly associated, or

(ii) for the collection of used liquids, and

(b) the fill piping is provided with means to prevent flammable vapours from returning to the building.

Subsection 4.3.7.Secondary Containment for Aboveground Storage Tanks

General

4.3.7.1.  (1)  The area surrounding a storage tank or group of storage tanks shall be designed to accommodate accidental spillage in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

(2)  Where barriers described in Sentence 4.1.6.1.(1) are provided to contain accidental spillage from above-ground storage tanks, they shall conform to the requirements for secondary containment in this Subsection.

(3)  A storage tank conforming to Sentence 4.3.7.4.(2) shall be considered as conforming to this Subsection provided it is used and maintained in conformance with Articles 4.3.7.8. and 4.3.7.9.

Construction

4.3.7.2.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), the base and walls of a secondary containment shall be made of noncombustible materials, and shall be designed, constructed and maintained to

(a) withstand full hydrostatic head, and

(b) provide a permeability of not more than 10^-6 cm/s to the flammable or combustible liquids contained in the storage tanks.

(2)  Where a membrane provides the level of impermeability required in Sentence (1), the membrane shall

(a) conform to ULC/ORD-C58.9, “Secondary Containment Liners for Underground and Aboveground Flammable and Combustible Liquid Tanks”, and

(b) if combustible, be covered with a noncombustible material of such nature and thickness that the membrane will not fail when the secondary containment is exposed to fire.

(3)  Except as provided in Sentence (4), openings shall not be permitted in a secondary containment.

(4)  Where piping passes through a secondary containment, such passages shall conform to Sentences (1) and (2).

Capacity

4.3.7.3.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentence (3), a secondary containment for a single storage tank shall have a volumetric capacity of not less than 110 per cent of the capacity of the tank.

(2)  Except as permitted in Sentence (3), a secondary containment for more than one storage tank shall have a volumetric capacity of not less than the sum of

(a) the capacity of the largest storage tank located in the contained space, and

(b) 10 per cent of the greater of

(i) the capacity specified in Clause (a), or

(ii) the aggregate capacity of all other storage tanks located in the contained space.

(3)  When the secondary containment is designed to prevent the entry of precipitation and water used for fire fighting purposes into the contained space, it shall have a volumetric capacity of not less than the capacity of the largest storage tank located in the contained space.

Clearances

4.3.7.4.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), no part of a secondary containment wall shall be less than 1.5 m from a storage tank shell.

(2)  It is permitted to waive the distance required in Sentence (1) provided the storage tank

(a) is constructed in accordance with

(i) Clauses 4.3.1.2.(1)(l), (m), (o), (p) or (q), incorporating secondary containment, or

(ii) Clauses 4.3.1.2.(1)(e), (j) or (k) for double-walled storage tanks,

(b) has a capacity of not more than 50000 L, and

(c) is protected by posts or guardrails when exposed to collision damage.

Access to storage tanks and ancillary equipment

4.3.7.5.  (1)  A secondary containment shall permit

(a) access to storage tanks, valves and ancillary equipment,

(b) egress from the contained space, and

(c) access for fire fighting as specified in Article 4.3.2.4.

(2)  Where a storage tank contains Class I liquids, provisions shall be made for the normal operation of valves and for access to the storage tank roof without entering the contained space created by the secondary containment when

(a) the average height of the secondary containment exceeds 3.5 m, measured from the ground level of the interior of the contained area, or

(b) the distance between the tank shell and the top inside edge of the secondary containment wall is less than the height of this wall.

Emergency venting

4.3.7.6.  Where the secondary containment is not open to the atmosphere, emergency venting shall be provided to relieve any buildup of internal pressure in the contained space when exposed to heat or fire.

Leak detection

4.3.7.7.  Where the contained space created by the secondary containment is not accessible for visual examination, a monitoring device shall be provided to indicate the presence of liquid in, or the loss of integrity of the secondary containment.

Drainage

4.3.7.8.  (1)  Liquids, debris and precipitation shall not be permitted to accumulate in the contained space created by the secondary containment.

(2)  Provisions shall be made for removing liquid from the secondary containment in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

(3)  Controls for the liquid removal system required in Sentence (2) shall be

(a) normally closed,

(b) accessible under fire exposure conditions, and

(c) located so they can be operated from outside the contained space.

Use of secondary containment

4.3.7.9.  The contained space created by a secondary containment shall not be used for storage purposes.

Subsection 4.3.8.Installation of Underground Storage Tanks

Location

4.3.8.1.  (1)  Underground storage tanks shall be located so that

(a) foundations of existing buildings will not be undermined during excavation, and

(b) loads from building foundations and supports are not transmitted to the tank.

(2)  Underground storage tanks shall be located not less than

(a) 600 mm from adjacent tanks,

(b) 1 m from a building or street line, and

(c) 1.5 m from other property lines.

Ground cover

4.3.8.2.  (1)  Except as required in Sentences (2) to (4), underground storage tanks shall be installed with not less than 600 mm of ground cover over the tank.

(2)  Except as required in Sentence (3), storage tanks subject to vehicular traffic shall be installed not less than 1 m below finished ground level.

(3)  Either a 150 mm reinforced concrete slab or a 200 mm unreinforced concrete slab over not less than 450 mm of sand is permitted in lieu of the protection described in Sentence (2) provided the slab extends at least 300 mm beyond the storage tank.

(4)  Where subsurface conditions make it impractical to install a storage tank totally below adjacent ground level, an underground storage tank shall be installed so that at least

(a) 75 per cent of its mass is below adjacent ground level provided there is not less than 600 mm of ground cover over the portion of the tank above adjacent ground level, or

(b) 50 per cent of its mass is below adjacent ground level provided there is not less than 1 m of ground cover over the portion of the tank above adjacent ground level.

Damage repair

4.3.8.3.  (1)  Underground storage tanks in the process of being installed shall be inspected, and any damage to the protective coating or anodes shall be repaired before they are lowered into the excavation.

(2)  Damage to storage tank shells shall not be repaired on site.

Damage prevention

4.3.8.4.  (1)  Underground storage tanks shall be lowered into the excavation by the use of lifting lugs and hooks and, where necessary, spreader bars to prevent damage to the protective coating.

(2)  Any method of handling that may result in damage to the protective coating of the tank shall not be used.

Installation

4.3.8.5.  (1)  Underground steel storage tanks shall be installed in conformance with Appendix B of CAN/ULC-S603.1, “Galvanic Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”.

(2)  Underground reinforced plastic storage tanks shall be installed in conformance with Appendix A of CAN4-S615, “Reinforced Plastic Underground Tanks for Petroleum Products”.

(3)  Underground storage tanks shall not be placed in direct contact with reinforced concrete slabs but shall be separated by not less than 150 mm of sand or other suitable material to distribute evenly the weight of the tank on the supporting base.

Leakage testing

4.3.8.6.  (1)  At the time of installation, underground storage tanks and associated piping shall be tested for leakage in conformance with Subsections 4.3.15. and 4.4.6.

Filling

4.3.8.7.  (1)  Flammable or combustible liquids shall not be placed in an underground storage tank until

(a) the fill pipe and vent line have been installed in the tank, and

(b) all other openings have been sealed.

Spillage

4.3.8.8.  If a spillage occurs, the escaped liquid and all soil contaminated by the spill shall be removed in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

Anchorage

4.3.8.9.  (1)  Where a high water table is anticipated, underground storage tanks shall be protected against uplift due to hydrostatic forces when the tanks are empty.

(2)  Where anchors and ground straps are used to resist uplift forces referred to in Sentence (1), they shall be

(a) electrically isolated from the tank, and

(b) installed in such a manner that they do not damage the protective coating on the tank.

Subsection 4.3.9.Corrosion Protection of Underground Steel Storage Tanks

Corrosion protection

4.3.9.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), underground steel storage tanks and associated piping and fittings subject to corrosion shall be protected in conformance with CAN/ULC-S603.1, “Galvanic Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”.

(2)  A steel storage tank not conforming to Sentence (1) is permitted provided

(a) it conforms to ULC/ORD-C58.10, “Jacketed Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, or

(b) it has corrosion protection conforming to good engineering practice such as described in PACE Report No. 87-1, “Impressed Current Method of Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks”, published by the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute.

Subsection 4.3.10.Vents for Underground Storage Tanks

Vent design

4.3.10.1.  Underground storage tanks shall be provided with vent openings and piping of sufficient cross-sectional area designed to vent the tanks during the maximum filling or withdrawal rate without causing the allowable stress for the tank to be exceeded.

Materials and construction

4.3.10.2.  Vent piping materials and construction shall conform to Section 4.4.

Installation

4.3.10.3.  (1)  Vent pipe outlets from underground storage tanks for Class I liquids shall

(a) be located outside buildings higher than the fill pipe openings but not less than

(i) 3.5 m above the adjacent ground level,

(ii) 1.5 m from any building opening, and

(iii) 7.5 m from any dispenser, and

(b) discharge so that flammable vapours will not enter building openings or be trapped near any part of the building.

(2)  Vent pipes from underground storage tanks for Class II or IIIA liquids shall be located outside buildings at a height that is above the fill pipe opening but not less than 2 m above finished ground level.

(3)  Vent pipes from underground storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids shall not be obstructed by any device that may cause excessive back pressure, except that vent pipes from underground storage tanks for Class II or Class IIIA liquids are permitted to be fitted with return bends, coarse screens or other devices to minimize the entry of foreign material.

(4)  Vent piping shall enter the storage tank through the top of the tank and shall not extend into the tank more than 25 mm except when the vent is equipped with a vent alarm.

(5)  Vent piping shall be

(a) installed so that any nominally horizontal run shall slope towards the storage tank,

(b) constructed without traps,

(c) adequately supported to prevent sagging, and

(d) where necessary, protected against mechanical damage.

Interconnection of vent pipes

4.3.10.4.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentence (2), where vent piping connects 2 or more storage tanks, pipe sizes shall be designed to vent the combined vapours produced in the connected underground storage tanks without exceeding the allowable stresses of the tanks when being filled simultaneously.

(2)  Where it is not possible to fill the connected storage tanks referred to in Sentence (1) simultaneously, or where the connected vents have a vapour recovery system, the vent piping shall be sized to accommodate the maximum vapour flow possible in the system.

(3)  Vent piping for an underground storage tank containing a Class I liquid shall not be connected to the vent piping for a storage tank containing a Class II or IIIA liquid unless an effective method is provided to prevent the vapours from the Class I liquid storage tank from entering the other tank.

Subsection 4.3.11.Openings Other than Vents in Underground Storage Tanks

Connections

4.3.11.1.  Connections for all openings in underground storage tanks shall be liquid and vapour tight.

Openings for measuring liquid level

4.3.11.2.  Openings for measuring liquid levels in underground storage tanks if independent of the fill pipe shall be equipped with a vapour-tight cap or cover which shall be opened only when measuring the liquid level.

Fill piping and discharge piping

4.3.11.3.  (1)  Fill piping and discharge piping shall enter underground storage tanks only through the top of the tank and discharge piping used in suction systems shall be sloped toward the storage tanks.

(2)  Remote fill outlets from an underground storage tank shall not be located higher than other outlets from the tank.

(3)  Except as provided in Sentence (5), connections used as part of normal operating conditions for filling or emptying storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids shall be located

(a) outside buildings,

(b) at a location free of sources of ignition, and

(c) not less than 1.5 m away from building openings.

(4)  Connections for filling or emptying storage tanks described in Sentence (3) shall be kept closed to prevent leakage when not in use.

(5)  A filling connection described in Sentence (3) is permitted to be located inside a building where

(a) made necessary

(i) by a process or activity located indoors and to which the tank is directly associated, or

(ii) for the collection of used liquids, and

(b) the fill piping is provided with means to prevent flammable vapours from returning to the building.

Subsection 4.3.12.Installation of Storage Tanks Inside Buildings

Occupancy

4.3.12.1.  Except as provided in Article 4.3.12.2., storage tanks shall not be permitted in other than industrial occupancies.

Stationary combustion engines

4.3.12.2.  Installations using Class I liquids as fuel supplies for stationary engines inside buildings shall conform to NFPA 37, “Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines”.

Maximum static head

4.3.12.3.  The static head imposed on a storage tank inside a building shall not exceed 70 kPa (gauge) at the bottom of the tank when the vent or fill pipe is filled with liquid unless the tank is designed for greater pressures.

Maximum quantities and location

4.3.12.4.  (1)  Except as provided in Subsection 4.2.8. and in Sentence (2), storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids shall be

(a) located in dedicated rooms conforming to Subsection 4.3.13., and

(b) located in conformance with Table 4.3.12.A.

(2)  When quantities greater than are permitted for incidental use in Subsection 4.2.8. are required for special process operations, storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids are permitted to be located outside of a storage room referred to in Sentence (1), provided that

(a) total quantities per fire compartment are not more than one-half the quantities permitted in Table 4.3.12.A.,

(b) they are located on the first storey, and

(c) the installation conforms to Articles 4.3.12.7. to 4.3.12.10. and Article 4.3.13.4.

(3)  Table 4.3.12.A. does not apply to the storage of distilled beverage alcohol.

TABLE 4.3.12.A.

Indoor Tank Storage Forming Part of Article 4.3.12.4.

Notes to Table 4.3.12.A.:

⁽¹⁾ See Subsection 4.3.13.

⁽²⁾ See Article 4.2.7.7.

Fire compartments

4.3.12.5.  Fire compartments regulated by this Subsection shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hr.

Mixed storage

4.3.12.6.  (1)  When 2 or more classes of liquids are stored in a single storage room referred to in Sentence 4.3.12.4.(1), the total quantity permitted for each class of liquid shall be calculated as follows:

qI/QI + qII+IIIA/QII+IIIA < 1

where

Storage tanks outside storage rooms

4.3.12.7.  (1)  Where storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids are located outside of storage rooms conforming to Subsection 4.3.13.,

(a) provision shall be made to contain 100 per cent of the volume of the largest storage tank, or to drain away spilled flammable or combustible liquids in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.,

(b) all electrical equipment and wiring in the vicinity of the storage tank and the exterior vent shall be installed in conformance with Subsection 4.1.4., and

(c) the floor area in which the storage tank is located shall be ventilated in conformance with Subsection 4.1.7.

Vents

4.3.12.8.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), normal and emergency vents for storage tanks in buildings shall be provided in conformance with

(a) Subsections 4.3.4. and 4.3.5. and the applicable requirements in Subsection 4.3.10., or

(b) good engineering practice for emergency venting of storage tanks inside buildings.

(2)  The use of weak roof-to-side shell seams, designed to rupture before the allowable design stress of the storage tank is reached, shall not be permitted as a means of emergency venting of storage tanks inside buildings.

Supports, foundations and anchorage

4.3.12.9.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), where storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids are installed inside buildings, the supports, foundations and anchorage for such storage tanks shall be in conformance with Subsection 4.3.3.

(2)  Where a storage tank is suspended, rather than supported on a foundation, supports shall be designed and installed in conformance with good engineering practice.

Bonding and grounding

4.3.12.10.  (1)  Where storage tanks for flammable or combustible liquids are installed inside buildings, tanks, piping and discharge equipment shall be bonded and grounded.

Subsection 4.3.13.Rooms for Storage Tanks

Design and construction

4.3.13.1.  (1)  Rooms for storage tanks inside buildings shall be

(a) separated from the rest of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 hr,

(b) designed to contain 100 per cent of the volume of the largest storage tank, or to drain away spilled flammable or combustible liquids in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.,

(c) made liquid-tight where the walls join the floor,

(d) provided with natural or mechanical ventilation in conformance with Subsection 4.1.7., and

(e) used for no other purposes than the storage and handling of flammable or combustible liquids.

Clearances

4.3.13.2.  A minimum clear space of 550 mm shall be maintained between the walls of a room described in Article 4.3.13.1. and the sides of any storage tanks within the room.

Explosion venting

4.3.13.3.  Where Class IA or IB liquids are dispensed within a storage room, the room shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from an internal explosion in conformance with NFPA 68, “Guide for Venting of Deflagrations”.

Hose stations and portable extinguishers

4.3.13.4.  (1)  In buildings not required to be equipped with a standpipe system by the Building Code, hose stations conforming to Articles 3.2.9.2. to 3.2.9.7. of Ontario Regulation 403/97, as it read on August 21, 2000, shall be provided in the vicinity of the storage room, such that all parts of the room are within reach of a hose stream.

(2)  Portable extinguishers for Class B fires shall be provided in conformance with Section 6.2.

Placards

4.3.13.5.  (1)  Placards conforming to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canada) shall be posted in a conspicuous location outside the room containing storage tanks.

(2)  Placards shall identify the

(a) liquids stored as flammable or combustible liquids, and

(b) capacities of the storage tanks.

(3)  Despite Clause 2(a), where storage consists of a single product, placards that identify the liquid using the UN Product Identification Number (PIN) shall be acceptable.

(4)  Despite Clause 2(a), where storage consists of multiple products within the same class, placards that identify the class of liquids as per the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canada) shall be acceptable.

(5)  Despite Clause 2(a), where storage consists of more than one class of liquid, placards that indicate the danger symbol as per the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canada) or individual placards for each class of liquid as per the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (Canada) shall be acceptable.

(6)  Rooms for storage tanks and the information described in Sentence (2) shall be identified in the fire safety plan required in Article 4.1.5.6.

Subsection 4.3.14.Openings Other than Vents in Storage Tanks in Buildings

Connections

4.3.14.1.  (1)  Connections for all openings in storage tanks in buildings shall be liquid and vapour-tight.

(2)  Connections to storage tanks through which liquid can flow shall be provided with valves located as close as practical to the tank.

Openings for liquid level measurement

4.3.14.2.  (1)  Openings that are independent of the fill pipe and are used for measuring the liquid level in storage tanks containing Class I or II liquids shall be equipped with a vapour-tight cap which shall be opened only when measuring the liquid level.

(2)  Openings referred to in Sentence (1) shall be protected against overflow and vapour pressure by means of a spring-loaded check valve.

Subsection 4.3.15.Leakage Testing of Storage Tanks

Leakage testing

4.3.15.1.  (1)  Every storage tank shall be tested for leakage in conformance with Sentences (2) to (4)

(a) whenever a leak is suspected, and

(b) at the time of installation

(i) before backfilling in the case of an underground tank, or

(ii) before filling or putting into service in the case of an aboveground tank.

(2)  When a leakage test is required by Sentence (1) on an aboveground storage tank, it is permitted to determine the source of leakage

(a) by a visual examination of the tank shell, and

(b) where the bottom is not amenable to such examination, by testing the bottom of the tank in conformance with Sentence (3).

(3)  Except as provided in Articles 4.3.15.4. and 4.3.15.5., when a leakage test is required by Sentence (1) on an underground storage tank, it shall be done by qualified personnel using equipment conforming to

(a) ULC/ORD-C58.12, “Leak Detection Devices (Volumetric Type) for Underground Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks”,or

(b) ULC/ORD-C58.14, “Nonvolumetric Leak Detection Devices for Underground Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks”.

(4)  Where field test methods are included in the tank construction standards referred to in Articles 4.3.1.2. and 4.3.1.3., such tests shall be permitted for storage tanks conforming to those standards.

Retention of records

4.3.15.2.  Records of tests referred to in Article 4.3.15.1. shall be retained for examination by the Chief Fire Official, in conformance with Article 1.1.2.1.

Remedial action

4.3.15.3.  (1)  When a leak is detected in a storage tank by a leakage test required in this Subsection or by a leakage detection measure required in Subsection 4.3.16.,

(a) the storage tank shall

(i) be replaced, in the case of an underground tank, or

(ii) be repaired or replaced in the case of an aboveground tank, and

(b) the escaped liquid shall be removed in conformance with Article 4.1.6.3.

(2)  The Chief Fire Official shall be notified within 24 hr of detection of a leak referred to in Sentence (1).

Pneumatic leakage tests

4.3.15.4.  (1)  Pneumatic leakage tests shall not be performed on field-erected aboveground storage tanks.

(2)  Pneumatic leakage tests shall not be performed on storage tanks with flammable or combustible liquids in the tanks.

(3)  Where a pneumatic leakage test is performed on an underground storage tank, the tank shall be considered to be leaking when the test indicates a pressure drop within a 2 hr period after steady temperature conditions have been established and the source of pressure has been removed.

(4)  Pneumatic test pressures applied to underground storage tanks shall be measured by an instrument calibrated in increments of not more than 1 kPa.

(5)  Where a pneumatic leakage test is conducted before an underground tank is backfilled in the case of a new tank, or after the tank is uncovered in the case of a previously installed tank, the test pressure shall be in conformance with the production testing requirements of

(a) CAN/ULC-S603, “Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, or

(b) CAN4-S615, “Reinforced Plastic Underground Tanks for Petroleum Products”.

(6)  Where a pneumatic leakage test is performed on a completely buried storage tank, the test pressure shall be not less than 35 and not more than 70 kPa (gauge).

(7)  Measures shall be taken to guard against the hazards associated with pneumatic leakage testing where explosive mixtures of vapours from flammable or combustible liquids and air may be present in the area of a tank that has been in use.

Liquid media leakage tests

4.3.15.5.  (1)  Where a leakage test incorporating a liquid test medium, including a flammable or combustible liquid, is performed on an underground storage tank, the tank shall be considered to be leaking when, with compensation for volume differentials caused by effects of temperature and tank shell distortion, the test indicates a liquid loss.

(2)  The pressure at the bottom of a storage tank shall not exceed 70 kPa (gauge) during the leakage test referred to in Sentence (1).

Subsection 4.3.16.Leakage Detection of Storage Tanks

Liquid level measurements

4.3.16.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Article 4.3.16.2., the liquid level in any storage tank shall be measured at intervals not greater than 7 days in conformance with Sentences (2) to (4), except that at fuel dispensing stations the measurements shall be taken each day the station is in operation.

(2)  The level of water at the bottom of an underground storage tank shall be measured at intervals not greater than 7 days, except that at fuel dispensing stations the measurement shall be taken each day the station is in operation.

(3)  A comparison of the measurements described in Sentences (1) and (2) with meter readings and a computation of any gain or loss of liquid shall be done each time a required measurement is taken.

(4)  A record for each storage tank showing the measurements and computations described in Sentence (3) shall be retained for examination by the Chief Fire Official, in conformance with Article 1.1.2.1.

Continuous leakage detection

4.3.16.2.  (1)  The measurements described in Article 4.3.16.1. are not required for an underground storage tank when

(a) it is provided with a continuous leakage detection device conforming to

(i) ULC/ORD-C58.12, “Leak Detection Devices (Volumetric Type) for Underground Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks”, or

(ii) ULC/ORD-C58.14, “Nonvolumetric Leak Detection Devices for Underground Flammable Liquid Storage Tanks”, and

(b) its associated underground piping is provided with continuous leakage detection conforming to Article 4.4.6.7.

Corrective action

4.3.16.3.  (1)  Immediate corrective action shall be taken in conformance with Subsection 4.3.15. when

(a) a loss of liquid or a gain of water is indicated by any of the leakage detection measures described in Articles 4.3.16.1. and 4.3.16.2., or

(b) the level of water at the bottom of an underground storage tank exceeds 50 mm.

SECTION 4.4PIPING AND TRANSFER SYSTEMS

Subsection 4.4.1.Scope

Application

4.4.1.1.  (1)  This Section applies to piping and transfer systems for flammable and combustible liquids.

(2)  Except where otherwise stated in this Part, this Section does not apply to

(a) tubing or casings and piping for oil or gas wells,

(b) piping for vehicles, aircraft, watercraft and portable or stationary engines,

(c) piping systems in fuel dispensing stations and distilleries,

(d) piping systems on piers and wharves, and

(e) piping within the scope of the applicable provincial boiler and pressure vessel codes.

Subsection 4.4.2.Materials for Piping, Valves and Fittings

Materials

4.4.2.1.  (1)  Materials for piping systems containing flammable or combustible liquids shall be suitable for the maximum anticipated working pressures and operating temperatures and for the chemical properties of the contained liquid.

(2)  Except as provided in Sentence (3), the use of

(a) materials that are subject to failure from internal stress or rupture by mechanical damage, or

(b) combustible or low-melting-point materials that are subject to failure in fires

shall not be permitted for piping systems referred to in Sentence (1).

(3)  Non-metallic piping systems are permitted to be used for underground installations provided they conform to

(a) ULC/ORD-C107.7, “Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic Pipe and Fittings for Flammable Liquids”, or

(b) ULC/ORD-C107.4, “Ducted Flexible Underground Piping Systems for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”.

(4)  Except as provided in Sentence (5), where steel piping is used, it shall conform to

(a) API 5L, “Line Pipe”,

(b) ASTM A 53, “Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless”, or

(c) CSA Z245.1, “Steel Line Pipe”.

(5)  Where service pressures exceeding 875 kPa (gauge) may occur, piping and fittings shall be designed in conformance with ANSI/ASME B31.3, “Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping”.

Special materials

4.4.2.2.  Where problems of corrosion, contamination or sanitation or standards of purity require special materials, it is permitted to use non-metallic materials for piping, valves and fittings in conformance with Article 4.1.1.5.

Subsection 4.4.3.Corrosion Protection of Piping Systems

Corrosion protection

4.4.3.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (2), all exposed and underground piping, valves, couplings, flanges and bolts for flammable or combustible liquids shall be protected where necessary against external corrosion.

(2)  Underground steel piping, valves and fittings shall be protected against corrosion in conformance with

(a) CAN/ULC-S603.1, “Galvanic Corrosion Protection Systems for Steel Underground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, or

(b) good engineering practice such as described in PACE Report No. 87-1, “Impressed Current Method of Cathodic Protection of Underground Petroleum Storage Tanks”, published by the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute.

Subsection 4.4.4.Identification of Piping Systems

Identification

4.4.4.1.  (1)  Pipelines for flammable or combustible liquids shall be marked with the contents of the line, and these markings shall be maintained in a clearly legible form.

(2)  Piping for flammable or combustible liquids shall not be painted red.

(3)  Transfer points in piping systems for flammable and combustible liquids shall be identified in conformance with CPPI, “Using the CPPI Colour-Symbol System to Mark Equipment and Vehicles for Product Identification”, or to CAN/CGSB-24.3, “Identification of Piping Systems”.

Plans

4.4.4.2.  (1)  Plans showing piping systems for flammable or combustible liquids, including tank and pumping arrangements, shall be available to the fire department on request.

(2)  Sets of plans shall be kept at 2 separate locations.

Subsection 4.4.5.Joints in Piping Systems

Threaded joints

4.4.5.1.  Threaded joints in piping systems for flammable or combustible liquids shall be made using joint compound or polytetrafluoroethylene tape conforming to CAN/ULC-S642, “Compounds and Tapes for Threaded Pipe Joints”.

Welded piping

4.4.5.2.  (1)  Welding of piping for flammable or combustible liquids shall conform to Section 5.17 and to

(a) API 1104, “Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities”, or

(b) API RP 1107, “Recommended Pipeline Maintenance Welding Practices”.

(2)  Flanged joints for piping shall be provided in welded systems at intervals which will facilitate dismantling and avoid subsequent in-place cutting and welding operations.

Flanged joints

4.4.5.3.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentence (2), flanged joints for piping shall be made with forged or cast steel flanges designed, constructed and installed in conformance with ANSI/ASME B16.5, “Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings”.

(2)  Bronze flanges for 50 mm diameter or smaller size piping referred to in Article 4.4.5.2. are permitted to be used where copper and brass piping is permitted.

Bolting materials

4.4.5.4.  Bolting materials for flanged connections in steel piping systems for flammable or combustible liquids shall be of alloy steel equivalent to ASTM A 193/A 193M, “Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting Materials for High Temperature Service”, Grade B-7.

Gaskets

4.4.5.5.  Gaskets in flanged connections shall be of a material resistant to the liquid being carried and capable of withstanding temperatures of at least 650°C without damage that would impair its function.

Subsection 4.4.6.Leakage Testing of Piping Systems

Leakage testing

4.4.6.1.  (1)  Piping systems including those at fuel dispensing stations shall be tested for leakage in conformance with Sentences (2) and (3)

(a) whenever a leak is suspected, and

(b) at the time of installation

(i) before backfilling in the case of underground piping, or

(ii) before putting into service in the case of exposed piping.

(2)  Exposed piping systems in service are permitted to be visually inspected for leakage in conformance with Article 4.4.11.5.

(3)  When exposed piping systems are subjected to a pneumatic leakage test,

(a) it shall be in conformance with Article 4.4.6.4., and

(b) the piping, including the joints, shall be soaped to assist in the detection of leaks.

Retention of records

4.4.6.2.  Records of the pressure tests on piping systems shall be retained for examination by the Chief Fire Official, in conformance with Article 1.1.2.1.

Remedial action

4.4.6.3.  If a leak is detected in a piping system during the leakage test, the piping system shall be repaired or replaced and the escaped liquid shall be removed in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

Pneumatic leakage tests

4.4.6.4.  (1)  Piping systems referred to in Sentence 4.4.6.1.(3) shall be considered to be leaking when the test indicates a pressure drop or a volume loss within a 2 hr period after steady temperature conditions have been established and the source of pressure had been removed.

(2)  Pressure measurements referred to in Sentence (1) shall be obtained by using instruments calibrated in increments of not more than

(a) 4 kPa for test pressures up to 700 kPa (gauge), and

(b) 1 per cent of the test pressure where it exceeds 700 kPa (gauge).

Test pressures

4.4.6.5.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Article 4.4.6.6., piping systems shall be pressure tested at pressures of not less than 350 kPa (gauge) or 1.5 times the maximum operating pressure, whichever is greater.

(2)  Test pressures exceeding 700 kPa (gauge) shall not be permitted except when the piping system is designed for such pressures.

(3)  Where test pressures exceed the design pressures for pumps or similar components included in the piping system being tested, such pumps or components shall be isolated from the remainder of the system.

Class I liquids as a test medium

4.4.6.6.  Class I liquids shall not be used for pressure testing piping systems, except that pressure piping normally containing Class I liquids is permitted to be tested with such liquids at pressures not exceeding their maximum operating pressures.

Leakage detection

4.4.6.7.  When an underground piping system is provided with continuous leakage detection, it shall be in conformance with ULC/ORD-C107.12, “Line Leak Detection Devices for Flammable Liquid Piping”.

Subsection 4.4.7.Location and Arrangement of Piping

Location

4.4.7.1.  (1)  Piping shall be installed outdoors whenever possible and located so it will not create a hazard to buildings or equipment.

(2)  Where piping for flammable or combustible liquids is installed within a building, the length of piping shall be as direct and as short as practicable.

Supports for aboveground outdoor piping

4.4.7.2.  (1)  Aboveground outdoor piping shall be supported and arranged to prevent excessive vibration and stress on equipment connected to it.

(2)  When vehicular impact or physical damage is possible, protective guarding devices shall be provided for piping referred to in Sentence (1) and for fill pipes for storage tanks.

Arrangement of aboveground outdoor piping

4.4.7.3.  (1)  Aboveground outdoor piping shall not be located

(a) on the exterior of walls except on those of noncombustible construction, or

(b) above windows and doors.

(2)  Aboveground outdoor piping shall not be located above roofs except above roofs of impermeable and noncombustible construction, with provision for accidental spillage provided in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

(3)  Where aboveground piping crosses roadways or railway sidings, ample overhead clearance and warning signs indicating the clearance height shall be provided.

(4)  Piping passing through secondary containment walls shall be designed to prevent excessive stress resulting from settlement or fire exposure.

Underground piping

4.4.7.4.  (1)  Underground piping shall be located so it will not be damaged as a result of vibrations or settling of an adjacent building or structure.

(2)  Underground piping shall be located not less than 300 mm away from the foundations of any building or structure, except where such piping enters the building as permitted in Article 4.4.7.7.

(3)  Piping passing under railway tracks shall be installed in conformance with CTC 1977-3 RAIL, Pipe Crossings Under Railways (No. E-10) Regulations, of Transport Canada.

(4)  Piping adjacent to railway tracks shall be installed in conformance with General Order No. O-32, Flammable Liquids Bulk Storage Regulations, of Transport Canada.

Installation of underground piping

4.4.7.5.  (1)  Underground piping shall be

(a) supported on undisturbed or compacted soil, and

(b) backfilled on the top and sides with not less than

(i) 300 mm of pea gravel or clean crushed stone, or

(ii) 300 mm of clean sand, free of cinders and stones and compacted in layers not more than 300 mm thick.

(2)  Where it is not practicable to support piping as required in Sentence (1) on undisturbed soil, it shall be supported on not less than 150 mm of clean sand, pea gravel or washed, crushed stone.

Piping in service tunnels

4.4.7.6.  Piping for flammable or combustible liquids shall not be located in service tunnels that are used for pedestrian traffic.

Piping at entrances to buildings

4.4.7.7.  (1)  Piping for flammable or combustible liquids shall be located aboveground where the piping enters a building.

(2)  Piping referred to in Sentence (1) shall be provided with inside and outside shut-off valves.

(3)  Where piping referred to in Sentence (1) passes through a wall which would restrict the expansion or contraction of the piping, pipe sleeves shall be provided at the wall penetration to facilitate such movement.

Indoor piping

4.4.7.8.  (1)  Indoor piping for flammable or combustible liquids shall either be supported overhead or be located in trenches conforming to Article 4.4.7.9.

(2)  Piping referred to in Sentence (1) shall not be installed under combustible flooring.

Piping in trenches

4.4.7.9.  (1)  Where indoor piping for flammable or combustible liquids is installed in trenches, a trapped drainage system conforming to Subsection 4.1.6. shall be provided.

(2)  When piping referred to in Sentence (1) contains Class I liquids, the trench shall be

(a) provided with positive ventilation to the outdoors, or

(b) designed to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapours.

Overhead piping

4.4.7.10.  (1)  Overhead piping for flammable or combustible liquids shall be installed close to the ceiling or beams or along wall not less than 1.8 m above the floor to protect it against mechanical damage.

(2)  Where practical, overhead piping referred to in Sentence (1) shall be supported from building framing members.

(3)  In buildings of steel frame construction, piping referred to in Sentence (1) shall be fastened to steel beams or columns by pipe hangers attached to the flanges.

(4)  Piping under concrete ceilings shall be suspended with the use of through bolts or expansion shields.

Supports for overhead piping

4.4.7.11.  (1)  Piping shall be supported on pipe hangers or other supports so that allowable stresses in the pipe are not exceeded.

(2)  Anchors of the expansion shield type used to suspend piping shall not be used to suspend piping from unsound or lightweight concrete or from gypsum assemblies.

Protection of pipe risers

4.4.7.12.  (1)  Exposed pipe risers shall be protected against mechanical damage by

(a) installing such risers

(i) adjacent to walls or pilasters,

(ii) between flanges of steel columns, or

(iii) within securely anchored larger perforated pipe, and

(b) providing mechanical guards where the risers are exposed to mobile equipment.

Provision for expansion and contraction

4.4.7.13.  (1)  In the design of flammable or combustible liquid piping systems, provision shall be made for thermal expansion and contraction.

(2)  Flexible hose connectors conforming to CAN/ULC-S633, “Flexible Underground Hose Connectors for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, are permitted to be used where necessary in systems carrying flammable or combustible liquids to prevent excessive stresses resulting from vibration, settling or temperature changes.

Subsection 4.4.8.Valves in Piping Systems

Design

4.4.8.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2), (3) and (4), valves in piping systems for flammable or combustible liquids shall be designed to accommodate the temperatures and pressures of those systems and shall conform to ULC-C842, “Valves for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”.

(2)  Every hose nozzle valve shall conform to CAN/ULC-S620, “Hose Nozzle Valves for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”.

(3)  Every emergency valve shall conform to CAN/ULC-S651, “Emergency Valves for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”.

(4)  Existing valves shall be deemed to comply with Sentences (1), (2) and (3), provided they are

(a) not leaking, and

(b) constructed of material that is in conformance with Article 4.4.2.1.

Shut-off valves

4.4.8.2.  (1)  Shut-off valves shall be provided in all flammable or combustible liquid piping and pumping systems.

(2)  Where practical, valves referred to in Sentence (1) shall be located outdoors or be immediately accessible from outdoors.

(3)  Except as permitted in Sentence (4), steel shut-off valves shall be provided

(a) at connections to all aboveground storage tanks,

(b) on supply piping where it enters buildings or structures,

(c) on branch lines from the main supply line,

(d) on supply lines at dispensing locations, and

(e) to isolate one part of a piping system from another.

(4)  Stainless steel, monel metal or lined steel bodied valves are permitted to be used when special conditions warrant their use.

Diaphragm valves

4.4.8.3.  Diaphragm valves shall have no direct connections between the liquid and air sections that might permit leakage of the liquid past the packing into the air lines.

Globe valves

4.4.8.4.  Globe valves shall be arranged so that the packing is on the low pressure side.

Indicating valves

4.4.8.5.  Rising stem or other indicating valves shall be used where necessary to determine whether the valves are open or shut.

Meters

4.4.8.6.  Where cast iron meters are used, they shall be isolated by the use of steel valves.

Identification

4.4.8.7.  (1)  All valves shall be identified in conformance with CPPI, “Using the CPPI Colour-Symbol System to Mark Equipment and Vehicles for Product Identification”, or to CAN/CGSB-24.3-92, “Identification of Piping Systems”.

(2)  Every identification tag shall be kept clean so that its colour and inscription are easily recognizable.

Subsection 4.4.9.Heating of Piping Systems

Design

4.4.9.1.  Heating equipment for piping systems containing flammable or combustible liquids shall be designed not to overheat or create an ignition source for the liquids being heated.

Steam heating

4.4.9.2.  (1)  Flammable and combustible liquid piping is permitted to be heated by steam lines provided the minimum steam temperature and pressure to make the liquid fluid are used and Sentences (2) and (3) are complied with.

(2)  A pressure regulator shall be provided in the steam line with a relief valve on the downstream side of the regulator.

(3)  Piping and steam lines shall be enclosed in insulation conforming to the Building Code.

Electrical heating cables

4.4.9.3.  Electrical heating cables including electrical induction heating, shall conform to Subsection 4.1.4.

Thermal electrical conduction heating

4.4.9.4.  (1)  Thermal electrical conduction heating conforming to Sentence (2) is permitted to be used by passing a low-voltage alternating current through the pipe.

(2)  Systems permitted in Sentence (1) shall be installed and tested as complete units and

(a) unheated sections of piping shall be isolated from heated sections by means of nonconductive fittings,

(b) thermostatic controls, high temperature limit controls and fuses shall have the lowest practical rating to ensure satisfactory operation,

(c) all parts of the piping and fittings shall be enclosed by insulting coverings of a type which will prevent accidental grounding of the systems, and

(d) switches, transformers, contactors and other spark-producing equipment shall be located in an area not subject to flammable vapours.

(3)  Upon completion of the installation, systems permitted in Sentence (1) shall be tested to ensure that all components are functioning as intended.

Open flames

4.4.9.5.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentence (2), the use of open flames as a heat source shall not be permitted for heating piping for flammable or combustible liquids.

(2)  Use of open flames shall be permitted for heating piping for flammable or combustible liquids, when such operations are carried out in furnaces or ovens conforming to NFPA 86, “Ovens and Furnaces”.

Subsection 4.4.10.Methods of Transfer in Piping Systems

Location of outdoor pumps

4.4.10.1.  (1)  Pumps for flammable or combustible liquid piping systems installed aboveground and outside of buildings shall be located not less than

(a) 3 m from the property line, and

(b) 1.5 m from building openings.

Pump houses and pump rooms

4.4.10.2.  (1)  Pumps located indoors shall be in rooms that conform to Subsection 4.2.9.

(2)  Pump houses and pump rooms shall not be used for any purpose other than to serve the pumping equipment.

Pits

4.4.10.3.  (1)  Pits for subsurface pumps for piping systems or for piping connected to submersible pumps shall be designed to withstand the forces to which they may be subjected without causing damage to the system.

(2)  Pits provided in conformance with Sentence (1) shall not be larger than necessary for inspection and maintenance and shall be provided with a cover.

Control switches

4.4.10.4.  Pumps for piping systems shall be provided with duplicate control switches to shut down the pumps in case of emergency, with one located in the operating area and the other at a remote location.

Hydraulic transfer systems

4.4.10.5.  (1)  Where flammable or combustible liquids are transferred by water pressure as a result of displacement, such system shall not be used for liquids that are miscible in water.

(2)  All pressure vessels for hydraulic transfer systems referred to in Sentence (1) shall be constructed, installed and tested in conformance with ANSI/ASME, “Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code”.

(3)  Hydraulic transfer systems referred to in Sentence (1) shall be designed to prevent water pressure in excess of the design pressure of the tank or piping.

(4)  Operating pressures shall be controlled by a constant-level float valve or a pressure regulating valve on the water supply side of the hydraulic transfer system referred to in Sentence (1).

(5)  Hydraulic transfer systems referred to in Sentence (1) shall be arranged so that there is no water pressure on the system except when liquid is being discharged.

(6)  Check valves shall be provided for both water and flammable or combustible liquid piping to prevent back-flow in hydraulic transfer systems referred to in Sentence (1).

Inert gas transfer systems

4.4.10.6.  (1)  Where flammable or combustible liquids are transferred as a result of displacement by the expansion of nitrogen, carbon dioxide or other inert gases, all pressure vessels involved shall be constructed, installed and tested in conformance with ANSI/ASME, “Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code”.

(2)  Pressure regulators for inert gas transfer systems referred to in Sentence (1) shall be provided in the gas line to control the pressure of the gas at the minimum pressure required to force the liquid through the piping system at the required rate.

(3)  A relief valve with a slightly higher setting than the pressure required in Sentence (2) shall be provided on the downstream side of the regulator or on the tank.

(4)  Means of automatically shutting off the gas supply and bleeding the gas pressure in the event of fire shall be provided on all inert gas transfer systems referred to in Sentence (1).

Non-inert gas transfer

4.4.10.7.  (1)  Except as permitted in Sentence (2), the transfer of flammable or combustible liquids in a closed piping system by means of compressed air or other non-inert gas pressure shall not be permitted.

(2)  A non-inert gas pressure is permitted to be used in a closed piping system referred to in Sentence (1) provided

(a) it is the vapour or gas of the flammable or combustible liquid being transferred, or

(b) it is a vapour or gas that will not support combustion reaction and is non-reactive with the flammable or combustible liquid being transferred.

Subsection 4.4.11.Operating Procedures for Piping Systems

Procedures

4.4.11.1.  Standard procedures for normal operations and for emergencies shall be given in printed form to all employees engaged in the operation of equipment for the transfer of flammable and combustible liquids and shall be posted or readily available for convenient reference.

Training

4.4.11.2.  (1)  All employees concerned with transfer operations involving flammable or combustible liquids shall be trained in

(a) the emergency procedures referred to in Article 4.4.11.1.,

(b) the importance of constant attendance during all loading or unloading operations,

(c) extinguishing procedures for fires involving flammable and combustible liquids, and

(d) the flammable and combustible liquid colour coding and identification system required in Article 4.4.8.7.

(2)  Employees engaged in the operation of equipment for the transfer of flammable or combustible liquids shall be trained in the location, function and operation of valves used for the operation of fire protection equipment and manual emergency shut-off valves.

Emergency valves

4.4.11.3.  Signs indicating the location of valves used for the operation of fire protection equipment and manual emergency shut-off valves shall be posted in conspicuous locations.

Portable extinguishers

4.4.11.4.  One 80BC rated portable extinguisher or two 40BC units or four 20BC units shall be provided in the vicinity of pumps and ancillary equipment used for the transfer of flammable or combustible liquids.

Visual inspections

4.4.11.5.  (1)  A visual inspection routine for the prompt detection of obviously abnormal conditions shall be established and shall be performed at least once each shift.

(2)  A visual inspection shall be made at least once during each day of operation of all aboveground piping systems, pumps and other ancillary equipment, to detect leakage, and any such leakage shall be repaired as quickly as practical.

(3)  Where necessary, flammable vapour indicators shall be used to detect leakage.

(4)  Open flames and spark-producing devices shall not be used for leakage detection referred to in Sentence (2).

Operational tests

4.4.11.6.  To ensure proper operation, frequent inspections and tests shall be made of all safety shut-off valves and other fire safety devices, with particular attention directed to normally open, fusible-link operated valves, float valves and automatic controls.

Maintenance

4.4.11.7.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentence (6), maintenance shall not be carried out on piping systems while they are under pressure.

(2)  If connections or piping are to be opened, the system shall be drained of flammable and combustible liquids.

(3)  Where equipment for handling flammable or combustible liquids has to be repaired, it shall be removed and taken to maintenance areas when possible.

(4)  Tags shall be attached to all valves on piping systems that are shut off for maintenance purposes to indicate that such valves are not to be opened.

(5)  Piping that has been used for the transfer of flammable or combustible liquids shall be removed or capped when it is no longer intended to be used.

(6)  Connections to pressurized piping systems shall be made in conformance with good practice such as described in

(a) API RP 1107, “Recommended Pipeline Maintenance Welding Practices”,

(b) API 2200, “Repairs to Crude Oil, Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Products Pipelines”, or

(c) API 2201, “Welding or Hot Tapping on Equipment Containing Flammables”.

SECTION 4.5FUEL DISPENSING STATIONS

Subsection 4.5.1.Scope

Application

4.5.1.1.  (1)  This Section applies to the storage, handling and use of flammable and combustible liquids at fuel dispensing stations except for any property or facility regulated by the Gasoline Handling Act.

(2)  Except as provided in this Section, the storage and dispensing of Class 2.1 flammable gases at fuel dispensing stations shall conform to

(a) Fuels Safety Branch Standard CNG No 1, “Compressed Natural Gas Storage, Handling and Utilization”, Nov 20, 1990, and

(b) the Propane Storage, Handling and Utilization Code made under the Energy Act.

Subsection 4.5.2.Storage and Handling

Outside aboveground storage tanks

4.5.2.1.  (1)  Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the installation of outside aboveground storage tanks at fuel dispensing stations shall be in conformance with Subsection 4.3.2.