SECTION 5.6 – COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
SECTION 5.6 COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS
Subsection 5.6.1. General
Alternative protection measures
5.6.1.1. (1) A requirement of this Section is deemed to be complied with if alternative protection measures are approved that, in the opinion of the Chief Fire Official, will provide protection for life safety and health similar to the protection provided by compliance with the requirement.
(2) A proposal for alternative protection measures referred to in Sentence (1) shall bear the signature and seal of a Professional Engineer or Architect, or both.
(3) This Section does not apply to facilities at which compressed gases are manufactured or cylinders are filled or distributed if the storage and handling of the compressed gases is in conformance with
(a) CGA P-1, “Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers”,
(b) NFPA 55, “Standard for the Storage, Use and Handling of Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids in Portable and Stationary Containers, Cylinders and Tanks”, or
(c) a procedure that bears the signature and seal of a Professional Engineer.
(4) Articles 5.6.2.1. to 5.6.2.4. do not apply to compressed gas stored outdoors or in a fire compartment if the amount stored in each outdoor location or fire compartment does not exceed
(a) 25 kg of flammable compressed gas, or
(b) 150 kg of non-flammable compressed gas.
(5) Despite Sentence (4), Articles 5.6.2.1. to 5.6.2.4. apply to any amount of poisonous or corrosive compressed gas.
(6) Subject to Sentence (7), fire compartments referred to in Sentence (4) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(7) Existing fire compartments that are approved may have a fire-resistance rating less than 45 min.
(8) Compressed gas stored in accordance with NFPA 55, “Standard for the Storage, Use and Handling of Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids in Portable and Stationary Containers, Cylinders and Tanks”, is deemed to comply with Subsection 5.6.2.
Protection against mechanical damage
5.6.1.2. (1) Cylinders containing compressed gas shall be protected against mechanical damage.
(2) Cylinders containing compressed gas shall be stored to hold them securely in place
(a) on racks,
(b) by nesting, or
(c) by approved methods or devices.
Acetylene cylinders
5.6.1.3. Except when being transported, acetylene cylinders shall be kept in an upright position.
Valve damage
5.6.1.4. Cylinders containing compressed gas which are in storage shall be protected against valve damage.
Temperature limitations
5.6.1.5. Cylinders containing compressed gas shall be stored in areas where the ambient air temperature does not exceed 52°C.
Indoor storage
5.6.1.6. If cylinders containing compressed gas are stored indoors, the cylinders shall be stored in a storage area or room that is dry and ventilated.
Oxygen cylinders
5.6.1.7. Oil or grease shall not be used for the lubrication of valves or fittings on oxygen cylinders.
Subsection 5.6.2. Storage
Outdoor storage of cylinders
5.6.2.1. (1) Cylinders containing compressed gases stored outdoors shall be
(a) supported on raised concrete or other noncombustible platforms,
(b) located in an enclosure used for the sole purpose of such storage, and
(c) surrounded by a fence in conformance with Sentence 5.6.2.2.(1).
(2) Where a canopy is provided to protect outdoor storage in Sentence (1), the canopy shall be of noncombustible construction.
Fencing
5.6.2.2. (1) Fencing required in Article 5.6.2.1. shall be
(a) firmly anchored and substantially constructed,
(b) designed to discourage climbing,
(c) not less than 1.8 m high,
(d) provided with gates that shall be locked when the storage area is not staffed, and
(e) kept clear of obstructions so that gates may be fully opened at all times.
(2) An outdoor storage area that exceeds 100 m2 and is used for storage of cylinders containing compressed gas shall be arranged such that there is a clear space of not less than
(a) 30 m between stored products and brush or forested areas, and
(b) 6 m between stored products and uncontrolled grass or weeds.
Clearances from building openings
5.6.2.3. (1) Cylinders containing compressed gas and located outdoors shall be
(a) at least 1.5 m from any building opening if the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is not more than 170 m3,
(b) at least 7.5 m from any building opening if the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is over 170 m3 but not more than 500 m3, or
(c) at least 15 m from any building opening if the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is over 500 m3.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply if the building opening is into a room that conforms to Sentence 5.6.2.4.(1).
Indoor storage of flammable compressed gases
5.6.2.4. (1) Except as provided in Sentences (2), (3) and (5), cylinders containing flammable compressed gas stored indoors shall be located in a room that
(a) is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(b) is located on an exterior wall of the building,
(c) can be entered from the exterior,
(d) has all closures that lead into the interior of the building
(i) equipped with self-closing devices in such a manner that the closures are kept closed when not in use, and
(ii) constructed so as to prevent migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building,
(e) is constructed so that an exterior wall provides explosion venting
(i) in the ratio of 0.2 m2 for each cubic metre of room volume, or
(ii) in the ratio computed in accordance with NFPA 68, “Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting”, except in no case less than 650 cm2 of vent area for each cubic metre of room volume,
(f) has ventilation that complies with Sentence (4),
(g) does not contain fuel-fired equipment or high temperature heating elements, and
(h) is used for no purpose other than the storage of compressed gas.
(2) Cylinders of flammable, lighter than air compressed gas are permitted to be stored outside of a room described in Sentence (1) provided that the aggregate capacity per fire compartment of expanded gas outside of the room is not more than,
(a) 60 m3 in a building of combustible construction that is not sprinklered, and
(b) 170 m3 in a sprinklered building or in a building of noncombustible construction.
(3) Cylinders of flammable compressed gas which are heavier than air may be stored in rooms other than those described in Sentence (1) if they are stored in a fire compartment having a fire-resistance rating of at least 45 min and
(a) the aggregate capacity does not exceed 100 kg,
(b) the number of cylinders does not exceed three,
(c) the cylinders are not located in the basement or other areas below grade, and
(d) the fire compartment has ventilation conforming to Sentence (4).
(4) The ventilation required by Clauses (1)(f) and (3)(d) shall be
(a) mechanical ventilation to the outside that ensures at least one air change per hour, or
(b) natural ventilation to the outside through non-closeable louvred openings with
(i) at least one opening no more than 0.3 m from the ceiling and one opening no more than 0.3 m from the floor,
(ii) all openings at ceiling level having an aggregate free opening area of at least 0.2 m2 per 100 m2 of the floor area,
(iii) all openings at floor level having an aggregate free opening area of at least 0.2 m2 per 100 m2 of the floor area, and
(iv) the openings located to ensure cross ventilation.
(5) “Single trip” non-refillable cylinders with water capacities of more than 375 g and less than 1.13 kg located within mercantile occupancies shall conform to the provisions stipulated in Ontario Regulation 211/01 (Propane Storage and Handling) made under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000.
5.6.2.5. RESERVED
Poisonous compressed gas
5.6.2.6. Cylinders containing poisonous compressed gas shall not be stored in a room containing combustible or flammable material.
Reactive gases
5.6.2.7. (1) Subject to Sentences (2) and (3), cylinders containing compressed gases that may react with one another shall be stored in separate fire compartments having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(2) Cylinders containing compressed gases that are lighter than air and that may react with each other may be stored in the same fire compartment if they are separated
(a) by a distance of at least 7.5 m, or
(b) by a concrete or masonry wall having a height of at least 2.0 m and projecting at least 1.0 m beyond the cylinders.
(3) Cylinders containing compressed gases that may react with each other and are heavier than air may be stored in the same fire compartment if they are separated
(a) by a distance of at least 15 m, or
(b) by a concrete or masonry wall having a height of at least 1.5 m, and projecting such that the minimum distance that vapour can travel between two cylinders of gases that may react with each other is not less than 15 m, measured horizontally.
Signs
5.6.2.8. Storage rooms shall have exterior signs with minimum 50 mm high letters indicating the nature of the compressed gases.