Fire Protection and Prevention Ontario Fire Code
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SECTION 3.2 – OUTDOOR STORAGE

SECTION 3.2  OUTDOOR STORAGE

Subsection 3.2.1.  Outdoor Storage of Tires

Application

3.2.1.1.  (1)  This Subsection applies to outdoor tire storage yards where tires or shredded tires are stored if the bulk volume of the stored product exceeds 300 m3.

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

Fire protection provisions

3.2.1.2.  (1)  Open-air burning of tires or shredded tires shall not take place in storage yards.

(2)  Hot works or heating devices shall not be operated in storage yards.

(3)  Smoking shall not take place in storage yards, except as provided in Subsection 2.4.3.

(4)  Storage piles of tires or shredded tires in storage yards 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

3.2.1.3.  (1)  Storage yards shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.8.

(2)  The fire safety plan shall include provisions respecting access within the fire department access routes for water supply systems or other measures that are approved under Article 3.2.1.10.

(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, locations and clearance

3.2.1.4.  (1)  Individual storage piles of tires or shredded tires in a storage yard shall not be more than 3 m in height and 100 m2 in area.

(2)  Despite Article 3.5.2.1., storage piles of tires or shredded tires in a storage yard shall be located

(a)   at least 15 m from property lines,
(b)   at least 15 m from buildings,
(c)   at least 4.5 m from combustible ground vegetation comprised of grass and weeds, and
(d)   at least 30 m away from combustible ground vegetation comprised of brush and forested areas.

    (3)  Despite Article 3.5.2.2., individual storage piles of tires or shredded tires in a storage yard shall be separated

(a)   from other individual storage piles of tires or shredded tires by a clear space of at least 6 m, and
(b)   from other individual storage piles by a clear space of at least 6 m.

Clearance for bulk volume over 4800 m3

3.2.1.5.  (1)  This Article applies if the bulk volume of stored tires and shredded tires in a storage yard is more than 4800 m3.

(2)  The tires and shredded tires shall be stored in a group of no more than 16 individual storage piles.

(3)  A minimum clearance of 22 m shall be provided around the perimeter of each group of storage piles.

Alternative approved measures

3.2.1.6.  Despite Articles 3.2.1.4. and 3.2.1.5., other approved storage pile arrangements may be used to prevent the spread of fire.

Fire department access

3.2.1.7.  (1)  Each 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 from each other as is possible in the circumstances,
(e)   be located within all storage pile clearances identified in Clauses 3.2.1.4.(2)(a) and (b) and Article 3.2.1.5.,
(f)   be at least 6 m away from any storage pile,
(g)   be accessible and unobstructed at all times, and
(h)   be located so that every point in the storage yard where storage piles are located is within 50 m of a fire access route.

    (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 and gateways

3.2.1.8.  (1)  If the bulk volume of stored tires and shredded tires 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)  If a fence is used, the fence shall be at least 1.8 m high and constructed to discourage climbing.

(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 fully opened at all times.

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

Water supply

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

(2)  If the bulk volume of stored tires and shredded tires is between 300 m3 and 1200 m3, the water supply system shall be capable of supplying at least 1860 L/min for a minimum of 3 h.

(3)  If the quantity of stored product is 1200 m3 or more, the water supply system shall be capable of supplying at least 3780 L/min for a minimum of 3 h.

(4)  If 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 Chapter 9 of NFPA 1142, “Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting”.

Water supply alternative measures

3.2.1.10.  Despite Article 3.2.1.9., 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.

Portable extinguishers

3.2.1.11.  A motorized vehicle operating in a storage yard shall be equipped with at least one portable extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2A:30B:C.

Subsection 3.2.2.  Outdoor Storage of Lumber and Forest Products

Application

3.2.2.1.  (1)  Subject to Sentence (2), this Subsection applies to outdoor storage yards where lumber and forest products are stored.

(2)  This Subsection does not apply if

(a)   the storage yard is approved and does not create a fire hazard or endanger life safety, or
(b)   the storage yard is approved and approved alternative measures to the requirements set out in this Subsection are taken to prevent the creation of a fire hazard and protect 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 consist of level and solid ground that is 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 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 accumulation prohibited

3.2.2.7.  Sawdust, chips and other waste material shall not be accumulated in piling areas in storage 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 fire suppression equipment, such as portable turrets, deluge sets and monitor towers, is installed.

Fire department access

3.2.2.12.  (1)  Unless otherwise approved, each storage yard shall be provided with at least two 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.  Vehicle parking and equipment storage is permitted on one side of a fire access route provided the clear width of the access route, as required under Clause 3.2.2.12.(2)(a), is maintained.

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, property lines or piles of logs or lumber.

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 Sentence 2.4.1.3.(3) 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 not take place in storage yards, except as provided 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 storage 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.

Hydrant system

3.2.2.27.  A storage yard shall be provided with a hydrant system or mobile pumping equipment that can reach all parts of the storage yard with no more than 60 m of hose.

Subsection 3.2.3.  Outdoor Storage of Wood Chips

Application

3.2.3.1.  (1)  Subject to Sentence (2), this Subsection applies to outdoor storage yards where wood chips are stored.

(2)  This Subsection does not apply if

(a)   the storage yard is approved and does not create a fire hazard or endanger life safety, or
(b)   the storage yard is approved and approved alternative measures to the requirements set out in this Subsection are taken to prevent the creation of a fire hazard and protect 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.

(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 not take place in storage yards, except as provided in Subsection 2.4.3.

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 two 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.

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