SECTION 4.6  BULK PLANTS

Subsection 4.6.1.  Application

Application

4.6.1.1.  This Section applies to that portion of a property where flammable liquids or combustible liquids are received in bulk quantities and are stored or handled for the purpose of being distributed.

Subsection 4.6.2.  Storage

Storage

4.6.2.1.  (1)  Flammable liquids and combustible liquids shall be stored in

(a)   closed containers in conformance with Article 4.6.2.4., or
(b)   storage tanks in conformance with Section 4.3.

Storage tanks

4.6.2.2.  At bulk plant rail loading and unloading facilities, the minimum distance from a storage tank to a railway line shall be in conformance with Flammable Liquids Bulk Storage Regulations made under the Canada Transportation Act.

Hydraulic pressure shock

4.6.2.3.  Bulk storage tanks, piping, pumps, valves and associated components shall be designed, installed and maintained to accommodate hydraulic pressure shock on the system.

Container storage

4.6.2.4.  (1)  Containers for flammable liquids or combustible liquids stored indoors shall be stored in conformance with Subsection 4.2.7.

(2)  Containers for flammable liquids or combustible liquids stored outdoors shall be stored in conformance with Subsection 4.2.11., except that the distance between the piles and property lines and the distance between piles need not apply when the containers are stored in an area that does not present a hazard to neighbouring property.

Spill control

4.6.2.5.  An outdoor storage area shall be designed to accommodate accidental spillage in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.

Fencing

4.6.2.6.  (1)  An outdoor area used for aboveground storage tanks, container storage, ancillary equipment and unloading facilities for 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.

Subsection 4.6.3.  Dispensing

Interconnection

4.6.3.1.  Dispensing systems for Class I liquids shall not be interconnected with dispensing systems for Class II and IIIA liquids.

Dispensing into vehicles

4.6.3.2.  (1)  Dispensers serving the general public for dispensing flammable liquids or combustible liquids into fuel tanks of vehicles shall not be located at a bulk plant unless separated by a fence or equivalent barrier from the area in which the bulk storage operations are conducted.

(2)  Where a dispenser referred to in Sentence (1) is supplied from an aboveground storage tank,

(a)   an automatically operated valve, that is designed to open only when the dispenser is being operated, shall be provided at the tank outlet, and
(b)   an emergency valve that complies with CAN/ULC-S651, “Standard for Emergency Valves for Flammable and Combustible Liquids” shall be installed in the supply line so that the shear point of the valve is not higher than the base of the dispenser and not lower than 25 mm below the base of the dispenser.

Dispensing and transfer inside buildings

4.6.3.3.  Class I liquids shall be dispensed or transferred inside buildings only in conformance with Subsections 4.1.7. and 4.1.8.

Dispensing into metal containers or tanks

4.6.3.4.  Class I liquids shall not be dispensed into a metal container or storage tank unless it is electrically connected in conformance with Article 4.1.8.2.

Subsection 4.6.4.  Loading and Unloading Facilities

Clearances

4.6.4.1.  (1)  At a loading or unloading facility for tank vehicles or tank cars, the horizontal distance from the fill stem to an aboveground storage tank, a building or a property line shall be not less than

(a)   7.5 m for Class I liquids, and
(b)   4.5 m for Class II and IIIA liquids.

    (2)  At bulk plant rail loading and unloading facilities, the minimum distance from a loading structure to a railway line shall be in conformance with Flammable Liquids Bulk Storage Regulations made under the Canada Transportation Act.

(3)  Buildings for the shelter of personnel or pumps shall be considered a part of the loading or unloading facility.

Multi-purpose facilities

4.6.4.2.  When piping and pumping systems have been used for the transfer of either flammable liquids or combustible liquids at loading or unloading facilities, the system shall be cleaned of vapours before the other class of liquid is introduced.

Backflow preventers

4.6.4.3.  (1)  Systems through which tank cars or tank vehicles discharge into storage tanks by means of a pump shall be provided with backflow preventers located to prevent spills and inadvertent mixing of liquids.

(2)  Systems referred to in Sentence (1) shall be designed, installed and maintained to prevent leakage or spillage.

Control valves

4.6.4.4.  (1)  Valves installed to control the filling of tank vehicles or tank cars shall be of the self-closing type.

(2)  Control valves referred to in Sentence (1) shall be held open manually, except where automatic devices are provided for shutting off the flow in order to prevent the overfilling of tank vehicle or tank car compartments.

Bonding and grounding

4.6.4.5.  (1)  Bonding, grounding and isolation components for protection against static charges during the loading of tank vehicles or tank cars shall be provided when transferring flammable liquids or combustible liquids.

(2)  Where flammable liquids or combustible liquids are transferred into railway tank cars, railway tracks shall be bonded throughout their length and permanently grounded in conformance with Railway Prevention of Electric Sparks Regulations made under the Canada Transportation Act.

(3)  Bonding required in Sentence (1) shall consist of a metallic bond wire connected to the fill stem or to some part of the loading structure in electrical contact with the fill stem in conformance with Subsection 4.1.4.

(4)  Bonding wires for tank vehicles shall be provided with a pull-off connector attached so as to be in electrical contact with the cargo tank of the tank vehicle.

(5)  The bonding connection required in Sentence (1) shall be fixed to the tank vehicle or storage tank before dome covers are raised and shall remain in place until filling is completed and all dome covers have been closed and secured.

Downspouts

4.6.4.6.  Except as provided in Sentence 4.1.8.2.(2), when tank vehicles or tank cars are filled with Class I or II liquids through the top of the tank, the fill pipe shall terminate within 150 mm of the bottom of the tank.

Subsection 4.6.5.  Fire Protection

Portable extinguishers

4.6.5.1.  At least two portable extinguishers, each having a rating of not less than 80B:C, shall be provided at hazardous locations in bulk storage plants for flammable liquids and combustible liquids.

Subsection 4.6.6.  Spill Control

Spill control

4.6.6.1.  Facilities to control possible spills of flammable liquids or combustible liquids shall be provided at loading and unloading points in conformance with Subsection 4.1.6.