SECTION 4.2 – CONTAINER STORAGE AND HANDLING
Section 4.2 Container Storage and Handling
Subsection 4.2.1. Scope
Application
4.2.1.1. (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), this Section shall apply to the storage, handling and use of flammable liquids or combustible liquids that are in
(a) containers conforming to Clauses 4.2.3.1.(1)(a) to (d) having an individual capacity of not more than 230 L,
(b) portable tanks conforming to Clause 4.2.3.1.(1)(e) having an individual capacity of not more than 2500 L, or
(c) intermediate bulk containers conforming to Clause 4.2.3.1.(1)(a) having an individual capacity of not more than 3000 L.
(2) Except as otherwise stated in this Code, this Section shall not apply to
(a) bulk plants covered in Section 4.7., refineries covered in Section 4.9. and distilleries covered in Section 4.10.,
(b) liquids in the fuel tank of motors or engines,
(c) distilled beverage alcohol in closed containers when stored in conformance with Part 3,
(d) food and pharmaceutical products when in closed containers having a capacity of not more than 5 L,
(e) products containing not more than 50% by volume of water-miscible flammable liquids or combustible liquids with the remainder of the solution being non-flammable, when in closed containers having a capacity of not more than 5 L, or
(f) alcohol-based hand sanitizer products that have a capacity of not more than 1.2 L and that are in use.
(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
Prohibited locations
4.2.2.1. Flammable liquids or combustible liquids shall not be stored in or adjacent to exits, including outdoors, elevators or principal routes that provide access to exits.
Storage arrangement and conditions
4.2.2.2. (1) Flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be stored in stable piles such that they will not collapse under normal operating conditions.
(2) Flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall not be stored in areas where they may be subject to
(a) temperature extremes or atmospheric pressure that could cause their containers to become deformed or rupture, or
(b) physical impact or temperature extremes that could cause a chemical reaction or chemical instability such that a fire could occur.
Separation from other dangerous goods
4.2.2.3. (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be separated from other dangerous goods in conformance with Sections 3.2. and 3.3.
(2) For the purpose of applying Table 3.2.7.6., Class IIIA and B3 liquids shall be treated as dangerous goods classified as flammable liquids.
Subsection 4.2.3. Containers and Portable Tanks
Design and construction
4.2.3.1. (1) Except as permitted in Article 4.2.3.3., containers and portable tanks for flammable liquids or combustible liquids shall be built in conformance with the following:
(a) the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, SOR/2001-286, made under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (Canada),
(b) CSA B376-M, “Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels”,
(c) CSA B306-M, “Portable Fuel Tanks for Marine Use”,
(d) ULC/ORD-C30, “Safety Containers”, or
(e) CSA B620, “Highway Tanks and TC 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 liquids or combustible liquids shall be distinctly marked or labelled in easily legible type that 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.
Other types of containers
4.2.3.3. (1) The storage, handling and use of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in a container other than one of those listed in Article 4.2.3.1. shall be permitted only if
(a) the required purity of the liquid would be affected by containers of the types listed in Article 4.2.3.1. or if the liquid would cause the excessive corrosion of those types of containers,
(b) the container not conforming to Article 4.2.3.1. has a capacity of not more than 1 L if used for Class I liquids and not more than 5 L if used for Class II or IIIA liquids, or
(c) the container not conforming to Article 4.2.3.1. is a sample container used for quality control purposes or for testing by regulatory officials.
Subsection 4.2.4. Assembly and Residential Occupancies
Application
4.2.4.1. This Subsection shall apply to the storage and handling of flammable liquids 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 liquids or combustible liquids stored in a building or in a fire compartment with a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h shall conform to Sentences (2) and (3).
(2) When a single class of flammable liquid or combustible liquid is stored in a building or in a fire compartment with a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h, 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 two or more classes of flammable liquid or combustible liquid are stored in the same building or in a fire compartment having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, the total quantity permitted for each class of liquid shall be calculated as follows:
qI/30 + qII/150 + qIIIA/600 ≤ 1
where
qI = actual quantity of Class I liquids present, in litres,
qII = actual quantity of Class II liquids present, in litres, and
qIIIA = actual quantity of Class IIIA liquids present, in litres.
(4) Quantities of flammable liquids 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 liquids 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. (1) The storage cabinets referred to in Sentence 4.2.4.2.(4) shall not be located above or below the first storey.
(2) The location of storage rooms referred to in Sentence 4.2.4.2.(4) of this Code shall conform to Article 3.3.2.16. of Division B of the Building Code, as it read on January 1, 2025, and Sentence 3.3.4.3.(4) of Division B of the Building Code, as it read on January 1, 2025.
Exterior balconies
4.2.4.4. Flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall not be stored on exterior balconies.
Dwelling units
4.2.4.5. Not more than 30 L of flammable liquids and combustible liquids, of which not more than 10 L shall be Class I liquids, are permitted to be stored in each dwelling unit.
Attached garages and sheds
4.2.4.6 Not more than 50 L of flammable liquids 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
Application
4.2.5.1. This Subsection applies to the storage and handling of flammable liquids and combustible liquids in mercantile occupancies.
Maximum quantities
4.2.5.2. (1) Except as provided in Sentence (5), the quantities of flammable liquids and combustible liquids stored in mercantile occupancies shall not exceed those in Sentences (2) to (4).
(2) In mercantile occupancies that are not sprinklered, the maximum quantity of flammable liquids and combustible liquids permitted to be stored in a single suite shall be the lesser of
(a) 8 L/m2 of the total area of the suite, provided that not more than 2 L/m2 are Class I liquids, of which not more than 0.3 L/m2 shall be Class IA, Class IB or any combination of these two classes, or
(b) 8000 L, provided that not more than 2000 L are Class I liquids, of which not more than 300 L shall be Class IA, Class IB or any combination of these two classes.
(3) In sprinklered mercantile occupancies, the maximum quantity of flammable liquids and combustible liquids permitted to be stored in a single suite shall be the lesser of
(a) 24 L/m2 of the total area of the suite, provided that not more than 6 L/m2 are Class I liquids, of which not more than 1 L/m2 shall be Class IA, Class IB or any combination of these two classes, or
(b) 24000 L, provided that not more than 6000 L are Class I liquids, of which not more than 1000 L shall be Class IA, Class IB or any combination of these two 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 liquids 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
4.2.5.3. (1) Flammable liquids 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
4.2.5.4. (1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), in mercantile occupancies, the transfer of flammable liquids or combustible liquids from or into containers shall only be permitted in a storage room conforming to Subsection 4.2.9.
(2) Tinting operations involving paint containers not exceeding 25 L in capacity may be carried out in mercantile occupancies outside of a storage room conforming to Subsection 4.2.9.
Subsection 4.2.6. Business and Personal Services, Educational, Care, Care and Treatment and Detention Occupancies
Application
4.2.6.1. This Subsection shall apply to the storage, handling and use of flammable liquids and combustible liquids in business and personal services, care, care and treatment or detention 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 liquids 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 liquids 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 liquids and combustible liquids outside of a cabinet or storage 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 liquids, in a single room, or
(b) 250 L, including not more than 60 L of Class II liquids or 10 L of Class I liquids, in a single fire compartment with a fire-resistance rating of at least 45 min.
(2) In the automotive shops or industrial arts area of an educational facility, storage of up to 75 L of flammable liquids and combustible liquids, including not more than 25 L of Class I liquids, shall be permitted outside of a cabinet or storage room as required 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 liquids or combustible liquids in a building, safety containers of not more than 25 L capacity conforming to ULC/ORD-C30, “Safety Containers”, shall be used.
Separation of dangerous goods
4.2.6.5. Flammable liquids or combustible liquids stored in cabinets or storage 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. Except as provided in Subsection 4.2.12. regarding self-service storage buildings, this Subsection applies to the storage, handling and use of flammable liquids and combustible liquids in closed containers in industrial occupancies where storage in closed containers is the principal activity.
Storage facilities
4.2.7.2. (1) In industrial occupancies, flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be stored
(a) in storage areas conforming to Article 4.2.7.5.,
(b) in conformance with Subsection 4.2.8.,
(c) in rooms conforming to Subsection 4.2.9., or
(d) in cabinets conforming to Subsection 4.2.10.
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 h.
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 Sentences (2) and (3), the storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids in storage areas specified in Clause 4.2.7.2.(1)(a) shall
(a) conform to Table 4.2.7.5.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 4.2.7.6., or
(b) conform to Table 4.2.7.5.B. where stored in racks in buildings protected in conformance with Article 4.2.7.7.
(2) Where a building or part of building is designed for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids, there is no limit on the total quantity of storage per fire compartment provided the building or part of building is separated from adjacent buildings or parts of buildings by
(a) a firewall having a fire-resistance rating of at least 4 h, or
(b) spatial separation in conformance with the Building Code.
(3) The quantities in each individual storage area shall not exceed the quantities specified in
(a) Table 4.2.7.5.A. for palletized or solid pile storage or unprotected rack storage, or
(b) Table 4.2.7.5.B. for protected rack storage.
(4) Where containers for two 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.
(5) When flammable liquids or combustible liquids are stored in solid pile or rack storage configurations or a combination of both 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)Rack +
(qIA/QIA + qIB/QIB + qIC/QIC + qII/QII + qIIIA/QIIIA)Solid Pile ≤ 1
where
qIA, IB or IC = actual quantity of Class IA, IB or IC liquids present in a rack or solid pile, in litres,
qII = actual quantity of Class II liquids present in a rack or solid pile, in litres,
qIIIA = actual quantity of Class IIIA liquids present in a rack or solid pile, in litres,
QIA, IB, IC = maximum quantity of Class IA, IB or IC liquids permitted in Table 4.2.7.5.A. or Table 4.2.7.5.B. for the arrangement, in litres,
QII = maximum quantity of Class II liquids permitted in Table 4.2.7.5.A. or Table 4.2.7.5.B. for the arrangement, in litres, and
QIIIA = maximum quantity of Class IIIA liquids permitted in Table 4.2.7.5.A. or Table 4.2.7.5.B. for the arrangement, in litres.
Table 4.2.7.5.A.
Indoor Container Storage (Palletized or Solid Piled Storage and Unprotected Rack Storage)
Forming Part of Article 4.2.7.5.
| Class of Liquid | Storage Level | Protected Storage(1) -Maximum Quantity per Individual Storage Area, L | Protected Storage(1) -Maximum Storage Height, m | Protected Storage(1) -Maximum Quantity per Fire Compartment, L | Unprotected Storage -Maximum Quantity per Individual Storage Area, L | Unprotected Storage – Maximum Storage Height, m | Unprotected Storage Maximum Quantity per Fire Compartment, L |
| Class IA | First storey | 10000 | 1.5 | 50000 | 2500 | 1.5 | 2500 |
| Class IA | Storeys above the first storey | 7500 | 1.5 | 30000 | 2500 | 1.5 | 2500 |
| Class IA | Basement | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Class IB or IC | First storey | 20000 | 2.0 | 60000 | 10000 | 1.5 | 10000 |
| Class IB or IC | Storeys above the first storey | 10000 | 2.0 | 50000 | 10000 | 1.5 | 10000 |
| Class IB or IC | Basement | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Class II | First storey and storeys above the first storey | 40000 | 3.0 | 100000 | 15000 | 3.0 | 30000 |
| Class II | Basement | 25000 | 1.5 | 25000 | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Class IIIA | First storey and storeys above the first storey | 60000 | 6.0 | 200000 | 50000 | 4.5 | 100000 |
| Class IIIA | Basement | 40000 | 3.0 | 100000 | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted |
Notes to Table 4.2.7.5.A.:
(1) See Article 4.2.7.6.
Table 4.2.7.5.B.
Indoor Container Storage (Protected Rack Storage)(1)
Forming Part of Article 4.2.7.5.
| Class of Liquid | Storage Level | Maximum Storage Height, m | Maximum Quantity per Individual Storage Area and per Fire Compartment, L |
| Class IA | First storey | 7.5 | 30000 |
| Class IA | Storeys above first storey | 4.5 | 17000 |
| Class IA | Basement | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Class IB or IC | First storey | 7.5 | 60000 |
| Class IB or IC | Storeys above first storey | 4.5 | 35000 |
| Class IB or IC | Basement | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Class II | First storey | 7.5 | 100000 |
| Class II | Storeys above first storey | 7.5 | 100000 |
| Class II | Basement | 4.5 | 35000 |
| Class IIIA | First storey | 12.0 | 200000 |
| Class IIIA | Storeys above first storey | 6.0 | 200000 |
| Class IIIA | Basement | 6.0 | 100000 |
Notes to Table 4.2.7.5.B.:
(1) See Article 4.2.7.6.
Fire suppression systems
4.2.7.6. (1) Where protection is required by this Code, storage areas for flammable liquids 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 set out in Article 2.1.3.5.
Clearances
4.2.7.7. (1) The clearance between the top of storage and the lowest structural members shall not be less than 450 mm.
(2) The clearance between the top of storage and the ceiling sprinkler deflectors or other overhead fire protection systems shall be in accordance with the standard used for the design of the respective system.
(3) A clearance of not less than 400 mm shall be maintained between stored flammable liquids 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
4.2.7.8. Except as provided in Article 4.2.7.9., main aisles, access aisles and aisles defining individual storage areas shall be in conformance with Articles 3.2.2.5. and 3.2.2.6.
Separation from other dangerous goods
4.2.7.9. Flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall not be stored with other dangerous goods unless in conformance with Article 4.2.2.3.
Separation from combustible products
4.2.7.10. Combustible materials, other than those used for the packaging of flammable liquids or combustible liquids, shall not be stored in the same individual storage area with such liquids.
Absorbents
4.2.7.11. Absorbent materials shall be available in the storage area for use in clean-up of spilled flammable liquids or combustible liquids in conformance with Article 4.1.6.3.
Ventilation
4.2.7.12. 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 liquids 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 liquids and combustible liquids permitted to be located outside of storage rooms conforming to Subsection 4.2.7., 4.2.9. or 4.3.14., 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 liquids 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 liquids 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 those permitted by Sentence (2) are required, such quantities shall be in storage tanks installed in conformance with Sentence 4.3.13.4.(2).
Handling
4.2.8.3. (1) Areas in which flammable liquids or combustible liquids are transferred from one container or storage tank to another, or where they 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 3.2.2., quantities of flammable liquids 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 NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, 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 liquids and combustible liquids shall be not more than that permitted for unprotected storage in Table 4.2.7.5.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 liquids,
(b) 5000 L of Class II liquids, or
(c) 10000 L of Class IIIA liquids.
(5) When two 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
qI = actual quantity of Class IB and IC liquids present, in litres,
qII = actual quantity of Class II liquids present, in litres, and
qIIIA = actual quantity of Class IIIA liquids present, in litres.
(6) When two 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 liquids 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 4.2.9.1.
(2) The maximum quantities and densities of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shown in Table 4.2.9.1. are permitted to be doubled provided the storage room is protected by an automatic fire suppression system conforming to Article 4.2.7.6.
(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 h shall
(a) not exceed those specified for unprotected storage in Table 4.2.7.5.A., and
(b) comply with Sentences 4.2.7.5.(4) and (5).
Table 4.2.9.1.
Rooms for Container Storage and Dispensing
Forming Part of Article 4.2.9.1.
| Maximum Quantity, L | Minimum Fire Separation Around Room, h | Maximum Density, L/m2 |
| 10000 | 2 | 200 |
| 1500 | 1 | 100 |
Spill control
4.2.9.2. (1) Storage rooms referred to in Article 4.2.9.1. shall be liquid-tight where the walls join the floor and shall be equipped with a liquid-tight ramped sill at any door opening in an interior wall.
(2) Storage rooms referred to in Sentence (1) shall be designed to accommodate possible spills of flammable liquids and combustible liquids in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.
Aisles
4.2.9.3. The contents of flammable liquid and combustible liquid storage rooms referred to in Article 4.2.9.1. shall be arranged to provide aisle widths of not less than 1 m.
Dispensing
4.2.9.4. Dispensing of flammable liquids 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
4.2.9.5. Except for the storage of distilled beverage alcohol, where Class IA or IB liquids are used, 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, “Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting”.
Ventilation
4.2.9.6. Storage rooms referred to in Article 4.2.9.1. shall be ventilated in conformance with Subsection 4.1.7.
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.
Subsection 4.2.10. Cabinets for Container Storage
Containers
4.2.10.1 Flammable liquids 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 liquids and combustible liquids stored in a cabinet shall be 500 L.
Maximum quantity per fire compartment
4.2.10.3. (1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the total quantity of flammable liquids and combustible liquids stored in cabinets in a single fire compartment shall not exceed the quantity permitted in Article 4.2.10.2 for three cabinets.
(2) In industrial occupancies, quantities of flammable liquids and combustible liquids greater than those specified in Sentence (1) are permitted in a single fire compartment if
(a) the total quantity stored in a group of cabinets is not more than the quantity permitted for three cabinets, and
(b) the distance between groups of cabinets described in Clause (a) is not less than 30 m.
(3) In care, care and treatment or detention occupancies, the total quantity of flammable liquids 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.
Fire endurance
4.2.10.5 (1) Storage cabinets required in this Part shall conform to ULC/ORD-C1275, “Guide for the Investigation of Storage Cabinets for Flammable Liquid Containers”.
(2) Storage cabinets that are installed and currently in use, that met the requirements of this Code on December 31, 2025, as it read at the time, and that continue to meet those requirements are deemed to comply with Sentence (1).
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 a 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 a 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 liquids and combustible liquids stored in containers in outdoor storage areas shall conform to Table 4.2.11.1.
(2) The clearances required in Sentence (1) do not apply where not more than 5000 L of flammable liquids or combustible liquids are stored adjacent to a building on the same property, provided that either
(a) the building is limited to 1 storey in building height and is used primarily for the storage or handling of flammable liquids or combustible liquids, or
(b) the exposed wall has a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 h and has no openings within 3 m of such outdoor storage.
Table 4.2.11.1.
Outdoor Container Storage
Forming Part of Article 4.2.11.1.
| Class of Liquid | Maximum Total Quantity per Pile, L | Minimum Distance between Piles, m | Minimum Distance to a Property Line or to a Building on the Same Property, m |
| Class IA | 5000 | 1.5 | 6 |
| Class IB or IC | 15000 | 1.5 | 6 |
| Class II | 35000 | 1.5 | 6 |
| Class IIIA | 85000 | 1.5 | 6 |
Mixed storage
4.2.11.2. Where two 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 Division B 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 liquids 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 liquids 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.
(2) When in a fire department access route, the gates required in Clause (1)(c) shall be of adequate width and design, and in a location that readily permits the entry of fire department vehicles.
(3) Fencing that is installed and currently in use, that met the requirements of this Code on December 31, 2025, as it read at the time, and that continues to meet those requirements is deemed to comply with Sentence (2).
Subsection 4.2.12. Self-Service Storage Buildings
Application
4.2.12.1. This Subsection applies to the storage and handling of flammable liquids and combustible liquids in self-service storage buildings within the scope of Section 3.10 of Division B of the Building Code.
Maximum quantities
4.2.12.2. Not more than 50 L of flammable liquids and combustible liquids, of which not more than 30 L shall be Class I liquids, are permitted to be stored in individual self-service storage units within a self-service storage building.
Dispensing and handling
4.2.12.3. Except within a dwelling unit, the dispensing and handling of flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall not be permitted within self-service storage buildings.