Part 4 Fire code

7/27/2019 Part 4 Fire code

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ECTION 4.5 FUEL DISPENSING STATIONS

Most fuel dispensing falls under the "Gasoline Handling Act" or the "Energy Act". Part 4 of this Code doenot apply to the storage, handling, transportation and use of flammable liquidsand combustible liquidto which these two pieces of legislation apply. However, there may be some smaller manufacturers orrepairers of internal combustion engines (e.g. lawn mowers, electrical generators) to which this section wapply. Although a commentary has not been provided at this time for fuel dispensingstations, one mabe developed in the future should the need arise.

ECTION 4.6 BULK PLANTS

Subsection 4.6.1. - Application

This Section applies to the bulk storage of flammableand combustible liquidsthat are received in bulfrom tank vessels, railway tankcars, tanker trucks or from pipelines and stored in tanks either above orunderground. These bulk supplies are stored for the purpose of local distribution.

ubsection 4.6.2. Storage

Flammableand combustible liquidswill give off flammable vapours that are easily ignited. The liquidsmust be stored in closed containers or proper storage tanksso that vapour release is kept to aminimum. This conserves the liquid, protects the environment and greatly reduces the fire hazard. Thesecontainers and storage tanks,whether aboveground or underground, located outside of buildings, musconform to Section 4.3 and the piping to Section 4.4.

Many bulk storage plants are located on a railroad siding in order to receive flammableor combustibleliquidsin bulk via railroad tankcars. Transport Canada General Order No O-32 specifies a minimumdistance required from any storage tankand the rail line. Unless there is a vapour recovery system,significant vapour release occurs when a tank is being filled. Natural air movement and the separationdistance allows the vapour to dissipate before reaching an area where there could be a source of ignitiosuch as a passing locomotive.

Containers used to store flammableor combustible liquidsindoors must conform with Subsection 4.2

Outside storage of containers of these liquids must be organized in such a way as to provide firedepartmentaccess. This unobstructed access must be at least 6 metres wide and to within 60 metres oeach container in the storage pile. Subsection 4.2.11. provides additional guidance.

Drainage and containment must conform to Subsection 4.1.6. to protect public sewers, waterways,subways, potable water supplies or any underground occupancies.

A firmly anchored fence must completely surround the outdoor area containing the storage tanks, theircontainment area, container storage, ancillary equipment and unloading facilities. Unauthorized people

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who may be unaware of the potential fire hazard due to tank venting should be kept away.

The shock pressure referred to in Article 4.6.2.3. deals with hydraulic shock pressure. The main concernfor hydraulic shock pressure created by "hydraulic hammer" as large flow rates are impeded when valveare shut or opened quickly. Temperature induced pressures are not a concern as the systems operateunder low pressures and significant temperature changes are not encountered in the normal operation othese plants.

The word "arranged" in Article 4.6.2.4. should be interpreted to include how containers are stored, (i.e.

solid pile, rackstorage, storage height, protection) inside the building, not just how the containers arearranged.

ubsection 4.6.3. Dispensing

The dispensing systems of flammable liquidsmust never be interconnected with the dispensing systemof combustible liquids. The vapour space above the flammable liquidis normally too rich to burnwhereas the vapour space above a combustible liquidis normally too lean to burn. Interconnecting thedispensing systems of these two classes of liquids may change the vapour space above the liquid fromtoo rich or too lean to within the explosive range. Avoiding the interconnecting of the dispensing systemswill prevent the creation of a dangerous fire hazard.

Dispensing flammable liquidsinto the fuel tanks of vehicles of the general public must be physicallyseparated from the rest of the bulk plant by a fence conforming to Sentence 4.6.2.6. or by an equivalentbarrier. The general public is not aware of the fire hazards that can exist around storage tanks, pumpinequipment and loading/unloading facilities.

When dispensing or transferring a flammable liquidinside a building, this activity must be done inconformance with Subsections 4.1.7. and 4.1.8. since there will be a release of flammable vapours thatcan accumulate inside the building.

Subsection 4.6.4. - Loading and Unloading Facilities

When used in this Subsection, the terms "loading" and "unloading" shall mean the loading and unloadingof tank vehiclesor railroad tank cars.

Flammable vapours will always be released by the loading and unloading of flammableand combustibliquids. This Subsection specifies separation distances from a filling or loading spout on aloading/unloading facility or from the unloading vehicle (tank truck or tank car) to any aboveground tanksbuildingsand property lines. The separation distance is used to increase the possibility of controlling afire originating at the tank vehiclebefore it spreads to nearby tanks or buildings. The separationdistances are measured horizontally and are 7.5 metres for flammable liquidsand 4.5 metres forcombustible liquids. Buildingssuch as shelters for personnel involved in the loading or unloadingoperations or to house the pumps used in the operation, are considered a part of the loading or unloadin

operation and the specified separation clearances do not apply.

Backflow preventers or check valves must be installed in piping systems where a flammableorcombustible liquidis discharged from tank cars, tank trucks or marine vessels into tanks or processvessels. Reverse flow could occur whenever the flow is stopped, such as when the pump is shut down, iliquid level differential between the source vessel and the receiving vessel exists. The hydraulic headwould cause a gravity flow and the source vessel could overfill and spill. Check valves in these pipelineswould allow for flow in only one direction and prevent such accidents.


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When loading a tank vehiclewith flammableor combustible liquidsthrough open domes or hatches,the valve used to control the flow must be of the self-closing type and shall be manually held open excepwhere automatic means are provided for shutting off the flow when the tank is full. These safeguardsprevent overfilling of tank vehicles. Top loading requires the operator to observe at the top of the tank.This operator manually operates the valve that controls the filling operation.

The emergence of bottom-loading practices has made it unnecessary for the operator to be on top of thetank but requires other safeguards. For example, a preset delivery meter may be used to automaticallystop the flow of liquid when a preset quantity has been delivered to the tank. However, an additional

requirement of an automatic shutoff device (electrical or otherwise) is needed to accompany the presetmeter. The shutoff device will stop the flow of liquid when the tank is full. Such dual shutoff systems areconsidered adequate where vapour recovery is employed, so that it is unnecessary to open the tophatches of the tank during filling operations.

Filling tank vehiclesat high flow rates through open domes or hatches, has always presented a risk ofigniting the flammable vapours present by a static electrical discharge. In order to ensure that the fill spoand the tank opening are at the same electrical potential, the filling line should be bonded to the vehicletank. The chance for a static discharge between the fill line and the tank opening is minimized with thisprocedure. Usually, either the vehicle or the fill line and often both are grounded so that any static chargcan be bled off safely to earth. Since the operator may not have knowledge of previous cargoes, thebonding is required during all top loading and unloading operations. This bonding shall consist of a

metallic bond wire permanently electrically attached to the fill spout or to some other part of theloading/unloading facility structure in electrical contact with the fill spout in accordance with Subsections4.1.4. and 4.1.8. The free end of such bond wire shall be provided with a clamp or equivalent device forconvenient attachment to some metallic part in electrical contact with the cargo tank of the tank vehicleBefore any dome covers are opened, the bonding connection must be made to the vehicle or tank. Theconnection must remain in place until loading is completed and all dome covers closed and secured.

In bulk plants where flammableand combustible liquidsare transferred, the railway tracks on whichrailway cars sit while being loaded or unloaded must be electrically isolated from other rail lines. Aninsulator must be installed at either end of the loading/unloading facility spur line in accordance withTransport Canada General Orders. It is a common practice to paint this insulator a distinctive colour.

Railway cars should not be spotted such that they bridge the insulator thus rendering the insulatorineffective. The insulators prevent stray electrical currents from entering the area and causing sparks.Railway tracks must also be electrically bonded together to prevent sparks from jumping between the raends. This is achieved by attaching a ground wire permanently to each rail end and permanently attachinto the adjacent rail end to provide electrical continuity. The rails must be connected to theloading/unloading facility piping and to a ground rod.

Loading operations commonly generate static electrical charges when liquids in motion contact othermaterials. High flow rates and free falling or splash filling during top loading are conditions that significanincrease the buildup of static electricity. Splash filling produces considerably more vapours that can beeasily ignited by a static spark. This Subsection requires the use of a downspout to reduce vapour

generation and static charge buildup. The downspout extends to the bottom of the tank and is shaped tominimize turbulence in the discharged liquid. (See static electricity section at the end of this commentaryfor additional information.)

Switch loading occurs when a flammable liquidis loaded into a tank truck or tank car that previouslycontained a combustible liquidor a combustible liquidis loaded into a tank previously containing aflammable liquid. Special care should be given to these situations since the vapour space in the tankcontains an air/vapour mixture that is too rich if the tank previously was filled with a flammable liquidortoo lean if the tank was previously filled with a combustible liquid. Too rich means there is insufficient a(oxygen) present to support combustion and too lean means there is insufficient fuel (i.e. vapour) presen


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to support combustion.

When switch loading occurs, the vapour space in the tank goes from too rich to too lean or vice versadepending on the switch of liquids. The air/vapour mixture of the tank vapour space is in the explosiverange during the transition. Any spark in the mixture would result in a very serious explosion. Switchloading should be avoided whenever possible. At times when switch loading is unavoidable, the tankvapour space should be purged of its flammable vapours. Residual liquids should also be removed fromthe tank and its associated piping. An inert gas or steam can be used to remove the vapours. Removingany remaining liquids in the tank removes the chance of a contaminated liquid reaching the consumer. A

contaminated liquid would have different fire characteristics from what was expected. Procedures forswitch loading must be developed and followed.

A tank vehicleshould be considered as a storage tankfor the purpose of applying the requirements ofSentence 4.1.8.2.(2) in Article 4.6.4.6.

ubsection 4.6.5. Fire Protection

Many fires start as small fires and can frequently be extinguished by trained personnel using anappropriate fire extinguisher. It is a requirement of this Subsection to provide at least two 20BC ratedportable fire extinguishers at all bulk plants where loading or unloading of flammableor combustibleliquidsoccurs. The two required fire extinguishers may be provided and carried on tank vehiclesthat afilled or unloaded as part of the bulk plant operation where the bulk plant is not required to be fenced.Each tank truck that operates out of such a bulk plant must carry two 20BC fire extinguishers.

ubsection 4.6.6. Spill Control

Spills or leaks of flammableand combustible liquidsmust be contained and controlled as outlined inSubsection 4.1.6. All waste flammableor combustible liquidsmust be disposed of in accordance withthe requirements of the Environmental Protection Act.

ECTION 4.7 PIERS AND WHARVES

Since the majority of piers and wharves fall under federal jurisdiction, no commentary is provided for thisSection at this time. If it is determined that a commentary is required, for this Section, it will be developedat a later date. (See also Communiqu; 97-034 entitled, "Fire Safety Inspections of Federal and ProvinciGovernment Managed Buildings and Leased Space".)

The intent of the reference to Subsection 4.1.6. in Article 4.7.11.4. is to ensure that the containers areemptied in a safe fashion to minimize the fire hazard resulting from a potential spill. Some operations mahave cargo hoses and couplings/adapters that would prevent the liquid from draining. These fittings aredesigned to industry standards such as RP1004, ASTM F1122 or Military standard A-A-59326. These drdisconnect hose assemblies need not be drained.

ECTION 4.8 PROCESS PLANTS

Subsection 4.8.1. - ApplicationScope

Processing plants may use flammableor combustible liquidsin chemical reactions such as oxidation,reduction, halogenation, hydrogenation, alkylation and polymerization and physical processes such asdistillation, evaporation, condensation, filtration, heating, cooling, mixing and blending. This Sectionapplies to refineries but not to ethanol distilleries that are covered in Section 4.9. This Section does notapply to marketing terminals associated with an oil refinery to which the Gasoline Handling Act applies


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For the purpose of applying Section 4.8, industrial processes referred to in Sentence (1) include but arenot limited to

a. chemical reactions or processes, including oxidation, reduction, halogenation, hydrogenation,alkylation and polymerization, and

b. physical processes, including distillation, evaporation, condensation, filtration, heating, cooling,mixing and blending.

ubsection 4.8.2. Outdoor Processing Equipment

Processing equipment is frequently located outdoors at ground level or in an open multi-level structure adone in the refining industry rather than a building to reduce the risk of fire as a result of accumulation ovapours. The outdoor equipment may include accumulators, reboilers, heat exchangers, fired heaters,pumps and pressure vessels. Where the equipment is located outdoors, there is no need for ventilation oexplosion venting features since the trapping of any vapour release is not a problem. A flare system issometime used to safety burn any flammable gases released from process vessels. Fire and explosionresistant control rooms are often located a safe distance from the processing equipment which is operatremotely. Staff may be prohibited from entering or being present for significant periods of time in processlocations where there is a high risk of fire or explosion.

The "maximum operating liquid capacity" of a process vessel can be compared to the maximum capacityof a storage tank. However, process vessels are designed to operate while partly filled with liquid with tremainder of the vessel filled with gas or vapour. The liquid capacity is the important component. The"nearest important buildingon the same property" refers to a buildingon the same property that is notdirectly involved in the process. The distances are measured from the vessel itself since the vessel maymay not be housed in a building.

A liquid that will not undergo violent decomposition or reaction at or near normal temperatures andpressures and is chemically stable when subjected to shock or impact is considered a stable liquid.Unstable liquidsrequire greater spacing since the possibility exists for a runaway chemical reaction.Such a reaction may produce pressures and flow rates that exceed the capacity of the pressure reliefsystem. Note that the distances specified in Sentences 4.8.2.1.(2) and (3) are doubled if fire exposure

protection is not provided.

Throughout this Section the distinction has been made between the presence or absence of exposureprotection in the different types of tanks. The intent of this is to identify the availability of exposureprotection to prevent the ignition of adjacent tanks or properties. Adequate exposure protection alsodepends on the availability of a fire protection agency through either a public fire departmentor a plantfire brigade. Part 4 envisions a response time of 10 minutes or less with the availability of resources to

provide cooling water streams to an exposed tank or buildingat a minimum rate of 10 L/min/m2of surfaarea for a period of at least 4 hours.

ubsection 4.8.3. Processing Buildings

Processing buildingsmust be capable of safely venting pressures generated by an explosion whilemaintaining the buildingintegrity. NFPA 68, "Guide for Venting of Deflagrations", provides design criter

Article 4.8.3.1. now sets the minimum standard to which explosion venting should be provided whenrequired by the Fire Code.

A fire separationwith at least a 2 hour fire-resistance ratingmust separate pilot plants or small scaleunit processes used for research or experimental purposes from the remainder of the building. New


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processes, equipment and chemical reactions are developed and evaluated in pilot plants before scalingup to full size production. Problems that are encountered during the pilot phase are ironed-out before fulproduction is contemplated. Increased risk of fires and explosions occur during these trials. The requiredfire separationshould protect adjacent personnel and process areas.

As most flammable vapours are heavier-than-air, processing buildingsmust not contain basements,cellars or pits where such vapours may accumulate.

Except for existing laboratories that comply with Sentences 4.1.5.9.(4) and (5), only a maximum of 5 L o

Class I liquid in safety containers can be stored in basements. Other than this, Class I liquids shall not bstored, handled or used in basementsof process plants.

The fire protection evaluation required by Article 4.8.4.3. would also be able to identify any fire orexplosion hazard associated with a basementor pit located in a buildingwhere flammable liquidsareprocessed . This evaluation should result in implementing appropriate mitigating measures to alleviate thfire or explosion hazard.

Where existing process buildingshave basementsor covered pits into which vapours can travel or

accumulate, mechanical ventilation should be provided to a minimum level of 18 m3/hr per square metre(1 cfm/square foot) of the floor area (about 6 air changes per hour) to ensure vapours do not accumulate

All process buildingsmust be provided with ventilation in accordance with Subsection 4.1.7. NFPA 30,"Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code", provides additional guidance on fugitive emissionsassociated with process equipment.

ubsection 4.8.4. Fire Prevention and Protection

Processing equipment such as pressure vessels, tanks, heaters and pumps are interconnected with pipiand valves. The inherent hazards of the process liquids dictate that the equipment be designed, arrangeinstalled and maintained to prevent the release of either the liquid or flammable vapour.

An explosion can occur in any space within the processing equipment where the flammable vapourconcentration is between the LEL and UEL and suitable precautions have not been taken. Particularattention should be paid regarding conditions during start-up, shut-down and abnormal operatingconditions. Precautions must include:

1. designing and maintaining process equipment to withstand an internal explosion without damage tthe equipment;

2. providing and maintaining explosion venting per NFPA 68; or3. installing and maintaining an explosion prevention system per NFPA 69.

Fire prevention and protection features must be provided based on an evaluation of the fire and explosiorisks. Identified risks must be mitigated via the installation of appropriate safeguards. Due to the wide

range in size and type of processing facilities, it is the responsibility of the owner to hire appropriatetechnical staff to develop the detailed design requirements and procedures for fire prevention andprotection. The use of outside consultants and design engineers familiar with the operations and fireprevention and protection design should also be considered. Good engineering principles should beapplied to the following:

1. fire detection and automatic suppression systems, including the type, quantity and location of theprotection equipment in conformance with Part 6;

2. automatic suppression systems to protect key and high risk processing equipment and their suppo


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structures (i.e. to prevent equipment failure or collapse that would contribute to the fuel load); and3. an emergency shut-down system that will safely shut down the process. These shut-down systems

should be fail-safe and operable from two remote locations.

This Subsection prescribes several fire protection methods that are used singly or in combinations withone another.

Part 4 requires that the evaluation and fire safety measures be put in writing and be available for review the Chief Fire Official. Written procedures and training should be given to plant personnel in

implementing the measures. Drills should also be held so that workers are familiar with these emergencyprocedures.

ECTION 4.9 DISTILLERIES

Physical Properties of Ethyl Alcohol

It has been shown through fire tests and actual fire losses that ethyl alcohol/water solutions have fireprotection needs different from most flammable liquids. Ethyl alcohol, unlike most petroleum basedproducts, is completely miscible in water. Due to its miscibility in water, water is the most effectiveextinguishing agent for ethyl alcohol.

The vapour-air density of ethyl alcohol is 1.6 times that of air. Ethyl alcohol vapours are invisible, and thedistance they will travel is not always predictable. Testing carried out by the Distilled Spirits Council of thUnited States indicates that beyond 0.5 metres from the source, vapours are generally less than 25% ofthe LEL and beyond 1.65 metres they are usually negligible.

The following two tables provide some physical properties of ethyl alcohol/water solutions.

% Ethyl AlcoholClosed Cup Flash

Point, C

100 12.895 17

90 18

80 20

70 21

60 22

50 24

40 26

30 29

20 36

10 49

% Ethyl AlcoholHeat of


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ubsection 4.9.1. Scope

The principal distilleryoperations are grain handling, mashing and fermentation, distillation, alcoholprocessing, barrel warehousing, storage of empty bottles and packaging materials, bottling, and storagefinished goods.This Section applies only to those areas or buildingswhere disti lled beverage alcohoor ethyl alcohol is distilled, concentrated, blended, mixed, stored or packaged. Liquids that contain lessthan 20% by volume of ethyl alcohol such as beer, wine, and some spirits are not considered to beflammable liquids. Section 4.9 does not apply to these liquids or to wineries where disti lled beveragealcoholis used to fortify wine. Distilled beverage alcoholin this Section is an ethyl alcohol/watermixture. The alcohol content in distilleriesis usually not as high as 94% (neutral spirits) but mostly at65% (typical aging percentage) or 40% (typical bottling percentage).

Ethyl alcohol falls under the Federal Excise Regulations. If there are any conflicts between Part 4 and thFederal Excise Regulations concerning the security of the product and measurements, the Federal ExcisRegulations shall govern.

ubsection 4.9.2. General

Explosion venting as per 4.2.9.6. is required in the area or room where the distillation of ethyl alcoholtakes place. The concentration of alcohol vapour in the air within a distillation still usually exceeds theUEL. Any vapours escaping from a still may become explosive when mixed with air, however, extensivetesting has shown that the vapour dissipates to safe concentrations within 1 metre of the point of release

ubsection 4.9.3. Storage Tanks and Containers

Storage tanks, wooden vats, aging barrels, drums or containers used to store or process alcohol must bdesigned, fabricated and tested in accordance with good engineering practices to withstand theanticipated maximum operating pressure or temperature. Storage tanksused for ethyl alcohol may besteel or stainless steel (for purity). Good engineering practices are provided in a guide recommended byThe Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Inc., entitled "Recommended Fire Protection Practices fDistilled Spirits Beverage Facilities."

Since exposed steel supports do not have a 2 hour fire-resistance ratingthey require protection as do

the timber supports for tanks. Automatic sprinklers have proven to be an effective means of achieving threquired protection provided there is enough space under the tank to install them.

The design of the normal and emergency venting should be such that accumulation of flammable vapouinside the buildingis prevented. New tank installations can achieve this by directing breather vents andemergency vents, equipped with flame arresters or pressure/vacuum valves, to the outside of thebuilding.

If ventilation design principles are applied to the buildingventilation, venting into the buildingspace mabe acceptable for existing installations. Such measures include, but are not limited to: installation of

Combustion, Btu/lb.

100 12,800

94 11,651

65 7,445

40 4,269


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automatic sprinklers throughout the tank room and under any raised tanks greater than 1.2 metres indiameter; classification of electrical equipment and wiring according to the zone classifications of the"Canadian Electrical Code"; provision of adequate natural or mechanical ventilation meeting the objectivof Article 4.9.6.1.; and training of personnel in safe operating procedures.

ubsection 4.9.4. Storage

Unless the buildingis equipped with sprinkler protection conforming to NFPA 13, "Standard for theInstallation of Sprinkler Systems", inside tank storage of ethyl alcohol is restricted to a maximum of 25,0

L. Where the buildingis protected by automatic sprinklers, no limits are placed on quantities of ethylalcohol storage. Tests and fire losses have shown that sprinkler protection quickly controls andextinguishes a fire where ethyl alcohol is involved.

ubsection 4.9.5. Piping and Pumping Systems

The design, fabrication, assembly and inspection of piping and pumping systems should be in accordanwith recognized good engineering standards and accepted industry practices. A good guideline to consuis the "Recommended Fire Protection Practices for Distilled Spirits Beverage Facilities", published by theDistilled Spirits Council of the United States Inc. (DISCUS), second edition October 1992.

ubsection 4.9.6. Ventilation

The vapour concentration in enclosed areas where ethyl alcohol is being handled or used should bemaintained at or below 25% of the LEL. The area should be ventilated at a rate sufficient to maintain thisconcentration and the concentration should be confirmed by sampling the actual vapour concentrationunder normal operating conditions. Natural buildingventilation may be sufficient in buildingareas wheethyl alcohol is stored in tanks, barrels or as finished product. Local mechanical ventilation will likely berequired for dispensing operations and in a distillation room or area.

ubsection 4.9.7. Spill Control

Provisions should be made to prevent accidental spills from endangering either important facilities oradjoining property. An emergency drainage system must direct any spill together with water used for firefighting to a safe location. Curbs, scuppers, special drains, or other suitable means must be implementeto prevent the flow of spills throughout the building. Intermediate curbs or trench drains are desirable inlarge tank rooms to improve separation and spill control.

ubsection 4.9.8. Fire Protection

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in conformance with Part 6 and in conformance with thefollowing requirements:

1. in aging or maturing warehouses, at least one 4A:30BC rated fire extinguisher shall be provided ateach buildingexit; and

2. one 10BC rated fire extinguisher on each industrial forklift truck.

Hose stations that comply with Section 6.4 are permitted in place of the portable fire extinguishers.


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