SECTION 4.1 – GENERAL
Section 4.1 General
Subsection 4.1.1. Application and Compliance
Application and interpretation
4.1.1.1. (1) This Part applies to the storage, handling, processing, dispensing and use, in buildings, structures and open areas, of
(a) flammable liquids,
(b) combustible liquids, and
(c) liquids with flash points greater than 93.3°C, when processed, stored, handled or used at temperatures above their flash points.
(2) For the purposes of this Part,
“existing” means in existence on November 21, 1997;
“in-service” means installed and in use.
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 liquids or combustible liquids to which the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada) and its regulations, or the Dangerous Goods Transportation Act and its regulations apply,
(b) the storage, handling, transportation and use of flammable liquids or combustible liquids to which the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 and its regulations apply,
(c) the storage, handling and use of flammable liquids or combustible liquids at airports, piers and wharves regulated under federal law,
(d) underground areas to which the Occupational Health and afety Act and its regulations apply,
(e) the storage of aerosol products that fall under the scope of Subsection 3.2.5. of Division B of NRC, “National Fire Code of Canada”, and
(f) the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids on farms for individual farm use.
Compliance
4.1.1.3. 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.(4) until replacement or relocation of a tank is carried out, at which time these requirements shall apply.
Compliance equivalency
4.1.1.4. (1) The composition, design, size and arrangement of any material, object, device or thing is deemed to be in compliance with this Part where
(a) the material, object, device or thing provides a level of protection with respect to strength, health and safety that is equal to or greater than that prescribed in this Part,
(b) the compliance equivalency in Clause (a) has been approved, and
(c) the compliance equivalency has been implemented.
(2) A proposal for compliance equivalency described in Sentence (1) shall bear the signature and seal of a Professional Engineer or Architect or both.
(3) 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.
(4) The compliance equivalency described in this Article is not applicable in respect of any acceptable solutions to which objectives and functional statements have not been attributed in OFMEM Fire Code Supplement FCS-1, “Objectives and Functional Statements Attributed to Acceptable Solutions”.
Subsection 4.1.2. Classification
Classification
4.1.2.1. (1) For the purposes of this Part, flammable liquids 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 are those having a flash point below 22.8°C and a boiling point below 37.8°C,
(b) Class IB liquids, which are those having a flash point below 22.8°C and a boiling point at or above 37.8°C, and
(c) Class IC liquids, which are those having a flash point at or above 22.8°C and below 37.8°C.
(3) Combustible liquids shall be Class II or Class IIIA liquids, and shall be subdivided into
(a) Class II liquids, which are those having a flash point at or above 37.8°C and below 60°C, and
(b) Class IIIA liquids, which are those having a flash point at or above 60°C and below 93.3°C.
Heated liquids
4.1.2.2. When a liquid having a flash point at or above 37.8°C 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 the used oils described to in Sentence (1), the resulting mixture shall be classified
(a) through tests conforming to Subsection 4.1.3., or
(b) in the absence of tests referred to in Clause (a),
(i) as a Class IC liquid if Class I liquids are added, or
(ii) as a Class II liquid if only Class II liquids are added.
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°C and a flash point below 93.3°C shall be determined in conformance with ASTM D56, “Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup 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°C or a flash point of 93.3°C or higher shall be determined in conformance with ASTM D93, “Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester”.
(3) The flash point of aviation turbine fuels may be determined in conformance with ASTM D3828, “Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Cup Tester”
(4) The flash point for paints, enamels, lacquers, varnishes and related products and their components having flash points between 0°C and 110°C, and having a viscosity less than 15000 mm2/s at 25°C may be determined in conformance with ASTM D3278, “Flash Point of Liquids by Small Scale Closed-Cup Apparatus”.
Subsection 4.1.4. Electrical Installations
Hazardous locations
4.1.4.1. (1) Electrical equipment in a location where flammable liquids or combustible liquids are present shall conform to the Electrical Safety Code made under the Electricity Act, 1998.
(2) Where refrigerators are used to keep Class I liquids, they shall be designed so that
(a) electrical equipment located within the storage compartment, within the outer shell, on the door and on the door frame of the refrigerator is in conformance with the Electrical Safety Code made under the Electricity Act, 1998, for Class I, Zone 0 or 1 hazardous locations based on the frequency of occurrence and duration of an explosive gaseous atmosphere, and
(b) electrical equipment mounted on the outside surface of the refrigerator is
(i) in conformance with the Electrical Safety Code made under the Electricity Act, 1998, for Class I, Zone 2 hazardous locations, or
(ii) located above the top of the storage compartment.
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.
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 used or carried out in an area described in Article 4.1.1.1.
Smoking prohibited
4.1.5.4. Smoking shall not take place in areas described in Article 4.1.1.1., except as provided in Subsection 2.4.3.
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 Sentence 2.4.1.3.(3).
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 liquids 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 liquids 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) Subject to Sentences (2) to (4) and Subsection 4.12.10., Class I liquids shall not be stored, handled or used in basements or pits.
(2) Class I liquids may be stored in dwelling units in accordance with Article 4.2.4.5.
(3) Class I liquids may be stored in mercantile occupancies in accordance with Subsection 4.2.5.
(4) Up to 5 L of Class I liquids may be stored in basements if the liquids are stored in safety containers that comply with ULC/ORD-C30, “Safety Containers”.
Routine maintenance
4.1.5.10. Maintenance of any equipment involved in the storage, handling, processing and use of flammable liquids 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 manufacturer’s recommendations or good engineering practice.
Subsection 4.1.6. Spill Control and Drainage Systems
Spill control
4.1.6.1. (1) Except as permitted in Sentence (3), a spill of flammable liquids or combustible liquids shall be prevented from flowing outside the spill area and from reaching waterways, sewer systems and potable water sources by
(a) constructing a noncombustible barrier capable of containing 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) Water-miscible effluent from spills and fire fighting operations is permitted to be directed into a sewer system provided it does not create a fire hazard or any risk to public health or safety.
(4) 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) adjoining properties,
(c) means of egress,
(d) air intakes or openings that could permit vapour entry into the building,
(e) fire alarm control panels,
(f) fire department access routes,
(g) valves controlling the water supply for fire fighting, or fire protection systems,
(h) fire department pumper connections or wall hydrants,
(i) isolation valves controlling processes, and
(j) valves controlling the flow of flammable liquids or combustible liquids.
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 the areas identified in Sentence 4.1.6.1.(4).
(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 liquids 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) Spilled or leaked flammable liquids or combustible liquids shall be
(a) flushed to a location where they will not create a fire or explosion hazard, or any risk to public health or safety, or
(b) neutralized or absorbed and cleaned up with the aid of a product that conforms to ULC/ORD-C410A, “Absorbents for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”, or is compatible and non-reactive with the liquid being cleaned up, and
(i) deposited in a receptacle conforming to Sentence 2.4.1.3.(3), or
(ii) disposed of in a manner that does not create a fire or explosion hazard.
(4) 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 liquids 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) chain of command, including notification of affected agencies and management,
(g) a preventive maintenance program, and
(h) training for new staff within three months of their being hired and for experienced staff every six months.
(3) Spill control procedures shall be prominently posted and maintained where flammable liquids or combustible liquids are stored, handled, processed or used.
Subsection 4.1.7. Ventilation
Rooms or enclosed spaces
4.1.7.1. Where flammable liquids 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% of the lower explosive limit of the flammable vapour.
(4) A mechanical ventilation system is deemed to meet the requirements of Sentence (3) if it is capable of exhausting at least 18 m3/h per square metre of room area and not less than 250 m3/h in total.
(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,
(b) sound an audible alarm in an attended area upon shutdown of the ventilation system, and
(c) conform to NFPA 91, “Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids”.
(6) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), for those occupancies of facilities that are regulated under Ontario Regulation 851 of the Revised Regulations of Ontario, 1990 (Industrial Establishments) made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act or Ontario Regulation 67/93 (Health Care and Residential Facilities) made 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 to provide air movement in all areas of the room or enclosed space.
(2) If the flammable vapour being removed is as dense as air or heavier than air
(a) at least one ventilation air inlet shall be located near a wall, no higher than 300 mm from the floor, and
(b) at least one ventilation air outlet shall be located near the opposite wall, no higher than 300 mm from the floor.
(3) If the flammable vapour being removed is lighter than air
(a) at least one ventilation air inlet shall be located near a wall, no lower than 300 mm from the ceiling, and
(b) at least one ventilation air outlet shall be located near the opposite wall, no lower than 300 mm from the ceiling.
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) A mechanical ventilation system referred to in Article 4.1.7.2. that recirculates exhaust air shall be provided with a fail-safe vapour detection and alarm system to continuously monitor the flammable vapour concentration in the exhaust air.
(2) If the flammable vapour concentration in the exhaust air exceeds 25% of the lower explosive limit of the vapour, the vapour detection and alarm system shall
(a) sound an alarm in an attended area,
(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. All components of the ventilation system shall be kept free of obstructions that may interfere with its operation.
Subsection 4.1.8. Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Containers and storage tanks
4.1.8.1. (1) Except as provided in Sentence 4.1.8.4.(1), flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be kept 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 liquids or combustible liquids shall be kept closed when not in use.
(3) Containers and storage tanks shall not be filled beyond their safe filling level.
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% 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) Subject to Subsection 4.4.10., flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall not be transferred by means of pressure applied to a container or storage tank.
Fuel tanks
4.1.8.4. (1) Moveable tanks may be used to dispense flammable liquids or combustible liquids into the fuel tanks of vehicles or other motorized equipment if the moveable tanks are used in accordance with the requirements of this Part for storage tanks.
(2) Enclosed pumping equipment designed in accordance with good engineering practice shall be used to transfer Class I liquids to or from the fuel tanks of vehicles inside buildings.