SECTION 4.

5 FUEL DISPENSING STATIONS

Most fuel dispensing falls under the "Gasoline Handling Act" or the "Energy Act". Part 4 of this Code does
not apply to the storage, handling, transportation and use of flammable liquids and combustible liquids
to which these two pieces of legislation apply. However, there may be some smaller manufacturers or
repairers of internal combustion engines (e.g. lawn mowers, electrical generators) to which this section will
apply. Although a commentary has not been provided at this time for fuel dispensing stations, one may
be developed in the future should the need arise.
SECTION 4.6 BULK PLANTS
Subsection 4.6.1. - Application
This Section applies to the bulk storage of flammable and combustible liquids that are received in bulk
from tank vessels, railway tankcars, tanker trucks or from pipelines and stored in tanks either above or
underground. These bulk supplies are stored for the purpose of local distribution.
Subsection 4.6.2. - Storage
Flammable and combustible liquids will give off flammable vapours that are easily ignited. The liquids
must be stored in closed containers or proper storage tanks so that vapour release is kept to a
minimum. This conserves the liquid, protects the environment and greatly reduces the fire hazard. These
containers and storage tanks, whether aboveground or underground, located outside of buildings, must
conform 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 flammable or combustible
liquids in bulk via railroad tankcars. Transport Canada General Order No O-32 specifies a minimum
distance required from any storage tank and 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 separation
distance allows the vapour to dissipate before reaching an area where there could be a source of ignition
such as a passing locomotive.
Containers used to store flammable or combustible liquids indoors must conform with Subsection 4.2.7.
Outside storage of containers of these liquids must be organized in such a way as to provide fire
department access. This unobstructed access must be at least 6 metres wide and to within 60 metres of
each 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, their
containment 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 concern is
for hydraulic shock pressure created by "hydraulic hammer" as large flow rates are impeded when valves
are shut or opened quickly. Temperature induced pressures are not a concern as the systems operate
under low pressures and significant temperature changes are not encountered in the normal operation of
these plants.
The word "arranged" in Article 4.6.2.4. should be interpreted to include how containers are stored, (i.e.
solid pile, rack storage, storage height, protection) inside the building, not just how the containers are
arranged.
Subsection 4.6.3. - Dispensing
The dispensing systems of flammable liquids must never be interconnected with the dispensing systems
of combustible liquids. The vapour space above the flammable liquid is normally too rich to burn
whereas the vapour space above a combustible liquid is normally too lean to burn. Interconnecting the
dispensing systems of these two classes of liquids may change the vapour space above the liquid from
too rich or too lean to within the explosive range. Avoiding the interconnecting of the dispensing systems
will prevent the creation of a dangerous fire hazard.
Dispensing flammable liquids into the fuel tanks of vehicles of the general public must be physically
separated from the rest of the bulk plant by a fence conforming to Sentence 4.6.2.6. or by an equivalent
barrier. The general public is not aware of the fire hazards that can exist around storage tanks, pumping
equipment and loading/unloading facilities.
When dispensing or transferring a flammable liquid inside a building, this activity must be done in
conformance with Subsections 4.1.7. and 4.1.8. since there will be a release of flammable vapours that
can 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 unloading
of tank vehicles or railroad tank cars.
Flammable vapours will always be released by the loading and unloading of flammable and combustible
liquids. This Subsection specifies separation distances from a filling or loading spout on a
loading/unloading facility or from the unloading vehicle (tank truck or tank car) to any aboveground tanks,
buildings and property lines. The separation distance is used to increase the possibility of controlling a
fire originating at the tank vehicle before it spreads to nearby tanks or buildings. The separation
distances are measured horizontally and are 7.5 metres for flammable liquids and 4.5 metres for
combustible liquids. Buildings such as shelters for personnel involved in the loading or unloading
operations or to house the pumps used in the operation, are considered a part of the loading or unloading
operation and the specified separation clearances do not apply.
Backflow preventers or check valves must be installed in piping systems where a flammable or
combustible liquid is discharged from tank cars, tank trucks or marine vessels into tanks or process
vessels. Reverse flow could occur whenever the flow is stopped, such as when the pump is shut down, if a
liquid level differential between the source vessel and the receiving vessel exists. The hydraulic head
would cause a gravity flow and the source vessel could overfill and spill. Check valves in these pipelines
would allow for flow in only one direction and prevent such accidents.
When loading a tank vehicle with flammable or combustible liquids through open domes or hatches,
the valve used to control the flow must be of the self-closing type and shall be manually held open except
where automatic means are provided for shutting off the flow when the tank is full. These safeguards
prevent 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 the
tank but requires other safeguards. For example, a preset delivery meter may be used to automatically
stop 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 preset
meter. The shutoff device will stop the flow of liquid when the tank is full. Such dual shutoff systems are
considered adequate where vapour recovery is employed, so that it is unnecessary to open the top
hatches of the tank during filling operations.
Filling tank vehicles at high flow rates through open domes or hatches, has always presented a risk of
igniting the flammable vapours present by a static electrical discharge. In order to ensure that the fill spout
and the tank opening are at the same electrical potential, the filling line should be bonded to the vehicle
tank. The chance for a static discharge between the fill line and the tank opening is minimized with this
procedure. Usually, either the vehicle or the fill line and often both are grounded so that any static charge
can be bled off safely to earth. Since the operator may not have knowledge of previous cargoes, the
bonding 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 the
loading/unloading facility structure in electrical contact with the fill spout in accordance with Subsections
4.1.4. and 4.1.8. The free end of such bond wire shall be provided with a clamp or equivalent device for
convenient attachment to some metallic part in electrical contact with the cargo tank of the tank vehicle.
Before any dome covers are opened, the bonding connection must be made to the vehicle or tank. The
connection must remain in place until loading is completed and all dome covers closed and secured.
In bulk plants where flammable and combustible liquids are transferred, the railway tracks on which
railway cars sit while being loaded or unloaded must be electrically isolated from other rail lines. An
insulator must be installed at either end of the loading/unloading facility spur line in accordance with
Transport 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 insulator
ineffective. 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 rail
ends. This is achieved by attaching a ground wire permanently to each rail end and permanently attaching
to the adjacent rail end to provide electrical continuity. The rails must be connected to the
loading/unloading facility piping and to a ground rod.
Loading operations commonly generate static electrical charges when liquids in motion contact other
materials. High flow rates and free falling or splash filling during top loading are conditions that significantly
increase the buildup of static electricity. Splash filling produces considerably more vapours that can be
easily 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 to
minimize turbulence in the discharged liquid. (See static electricity section at the end of this commentary
for additional information.)
Switch loading occurs when a flammable liquid is loaded into a tank truck or tank car that previously
contained a combustible liquid or a combustible liquid is loaded into a tank previously containing a
flammable liquid. Special care should be given to these situations since the vapour space in the tank
contains an air/vapour mixture that is too rich if the tank previously was filled with a flammable liquid or
too lean if the tank was previously filled with a combustible liquid. Too rich means there is insufficient air
(oxygen) present to support combustion and too lean means there is insufficient fuel (i.e. vapour) present
to support combustion.
When switch loading occurs, the vapour space in the tank goes from too rich to too lean or vice versa
depending on the switch of liquids. The air/vapour mixture of the tank vapour space is in the explosive
range during the transition. Any spark in the mixture would result in a very serious explosion. Switch
loading should be avoided whenever possible. At times when switch loading is unavoidable, the tank
vapour space should be purged of its flammable vapours. Residual liquids should also be removed from
the tank and its associated piping. An inert gas or steam can be used to remove the vapours. Removing
any 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 for
switch loading must be developed and followed.
A tank vehicle should be considered as a storage tank for the purpose of applying the requirements of
Sentence 4.1.8.2.(2) in Article 4.6.4.6.
Subsection 4.6.5. - Fire Protection
Many fires start as small fires and can frequently be extinguished by trained personnel using an
appropriate fire extinguisher. It is a requirement of this Subsection to provide at least two 20BC rated
portable fire extinguishers at all bulk plants where loading or unloading of flammable or combustible
liquids occurs. The two required fire extinguishers may be provided and carried on tank vehicles that are
filled 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.
Subsection 4.6.6. - Spill Control
Spills or leaks of flammable and combustible liquids must be contained and controlled as outlined in
Subsection 4.1.6. All waste flammable or combustible liquids must be disposed of in accordance with
the requirements of the Environmental Protection Act.
SECTION 4.7 PIERS AND WHARVES
Since the majority of piers and wharves fall under federal jurisdiction, no commentary is provided for this
Section at this time. If it is determined that a commentary is required, for this Section, it will be developed
at a later date. (See also Communiqu; 97-034 entitled, "Fire Safety Inspections of Federal and Provincial
Government 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 are
emptied in a safe fashion to minimize the fire hazard resulting from a potential spill. Some operations may
have cargo hoses and couplings/adapters that would prevent the liquid from draining. These fittings are
designed to industry standards such as RP1004, ASTM F1122 or Military standard A-A-59326. These dry
disconnect hose assemblies need not be drained.
SECTION 4.8 PROCESS PLANTS
Subsection 4.8.1. - ApplicationScope
Processing plants may use flammable or combustible liquids in chemical reactions such as oxidation,
reduction, halogenation, hydrogenation, alkylation and polymerization and physical processes such as
distillation, evaporation, condensation, filtration, heating, cooling, mixing and blending. This Section
applies to refineries but not to ethanol distilleries that are covered in Section 4.9. This Section does not
apply to marketing terminals associated with an oil refinery to which the Gasoline Handling Act applies.
For the purpose of applying Section 4.8, industrial processes referred to in Sentence (1) include but are
not 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.
Subsection 4.8.2. - Outdoor Processing Equipment
Processing equipment is frequently located outdoors at ground level or in an open multi-level structure as
done in the refining industry rather than a building to reduce the risk of fire as a result of accumulation of
vapours. 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 or
explosion venting features since the trapping of any vapour release is not a problem. A flare system is
sometime used to safety burn any flammable gases released from process vessels. Fire and explosion
resistant control rooms are often located a safe distance from the processing equipment which is operated
remotely. Staff may be prohibited from entering or being present for significant periods of time in process
locations 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 capacity
of a storage tank. However, process vessels are designed to operate while partly filled with liquid with the
remainder of the vessel filled with gas or vapour. The liquid capacity is the important component. The
"nearest important building on the same property" refers to a building on the same property that is not
directly involved in the process. The distances are measured from the vessel itself since the vessel may or
may not be housed in a building.
A liquid that will not undergo violent decomposition or reaction at or near normal temperatures and
pressures and is chemically stable when subjected to shock or impact is considered a stable liquid.
Unstable liquids require 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 relief
system. 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 exposure
protection in the different types of tanks. The intent of this is to identify the availability of exposure
protection to prevent the ignition of adjacent tanks or properties. Adequate exposure protection also
depends on the availability of a fire protection agency through either a public fire department or a plant
fire 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 building at a minimum rate of 10 L/min/m
2
of surface
area for a period of at least 4 hours.
Subsection 4.8.3. - Processing Buildings
Processing buildings must be capable of safely venting pressures generated by an explosion while
maintaining the building integrity. NFPA 68, "Guide for Venting of Deflagrations", provides design criteria.
Article 4.8.3.1. now sets the minimum standard to which explosion venting should be provided when
required by the Fire Code.
A fire separation with at least a 2 hour fire-resistance rating must separate pilot plants or small scale
unit processes used for research or experimental purposes from the remainder of the building. New
processes, equipment and chemical reactions are developed and evaluated in pilot plants before scaling
up to full size production. Problems that are encountered during the pilot phase are ironed-out before full
production is contemplated. Increased risk of fires and explosions occur during these trials. The required
fire separation should protect adjacent personnel and process areas.
As most flammable vapours are heavier-than-air, processing buildings must 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 of
Class I liquid in safety containers can be stored in basements. Other than this, Class I liquids shall not be
stored, handled or used in basements of process plants.
The fire protection evaluation required by Article 4.8.4.3. would also be able to identify any fire or
explosion hazard associated with a basement or pit located in a building where flammable liquids are
processed . This evaluation should result in implementing appropriate mitigating measures to alleviate the
fire or explosion hazard.
Where existing process buildings have basements or covered pits into which vapours can travel or
accumulate, mechanical ventilation should be provided to a minimum level of 18 m
3
/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 buildings must be provided with ventilation in accordance with Subsection 4.1.7. NFPA 30,
"Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code", provides additional guidance on fugitive emissions
associated with process equipment.
Subsection 4.8.4. - Fire Prevention and Protection
Processing equipment such as pressure vessels, tanks, heaters and pumps are interconnected with piping
and valves. The inherent hazards of the process liquids dictate that the equipment be designed, arranged,
installed 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 vapour
concentration is between the LEL and UEL and suitable precautions have not been taken. Particular
attention should be paid regarding conditions during start-up, shut-down and abnormal operating
conditions. Precautions must include:
1. designing and maintaining process equipment to withstand an internal explosion without damage to
the equipment;
2. providing and maintaining explosion venting per NFPA 68; or
3. 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 explosion
risks. 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 appropriate
technical staff to develop the detailed design requirements and procedures for fire prevention and
protection. The use of outside consultants and design engineers familiar with the operations and fire
prevention and protection design should also be considered. Good engineering principles should be
applied to the following:
1. fire detection and automatic suppression systems, including the type, quantity and location of the
protection equipment in conformance with Part 6;
2. automatic suppression systems to protect key and high risk processing equipment and their support
structures (i.e. to prevent equipment failure or collapse that would contribute to the fuel load); and
3. 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 with
one another.
Part 4 requires that the evaluation and fire safety measures be put in writing and be available for review by
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 emergency
procedures.
SECTION 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 fire
protection needs different from most flammable liquids. Ethyl alcohol, unlike most petroleum based
products, is completely miscible in water. Due to its miscibility in water, water is the most effective
extinguishing agent for ethyl alcohol.
The vapour-air density of ethyl alcohol is 1.6 times that of air. Ethyl alcohol vapours are invisible, and the
distance they will travel is not always predictable. Testing carried out by the Distilled Spirits Council of the
United States indicates that beyond 0.5 metres from the source, vapours are generally less than 25% of
the LEL and beyond 1.65 metres they are usually negligible.
The following two tables provide some physical properties of ethyl alcohol/water solutions.

% Ethyl Alcohol
Closed Cup Flash
Point, C
100 12.8
95 17
90 18
80 20
70 21
60 22
50 24
40 26
30 29
20 36
10 49
% Ethyl Alcohol
Heat of
Subsection 4.9.1. - Scope
The principal distillery operations are grain handling, mashing and fermentation, distillation, alcohol
processing, barrel warehousing, storage of empty bottles and packaging materials, bottling, and storage of
finished goods. This Section applies only to those areas or buildings where distilled beverage alcohol
or ethyl alcohol is distilled, concentrated, blended, mixed, stored or packaged. Liquids that contain less
than 20% by volume of ethyl alcohol such as beer, wine, and some spirits are not considered to be
flammable liquids. Section 4.9 does not apply to these liquids or to wineries where distilled beverage
alcohol is used to fortify wine. Distilled beverage alcohol in this Section is an ethyl alcohol/water
mixture. The alcohol content in distilleries is usually not as high as 94% (neutral spirits) but mostly at
65% (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 the
Federal Excise Regulations concerning the security of the product and measurements, the Federal Excise
Regulations shall govern.
Subsection 4.9.2. - General
Explosion venting as per 4.2.9.6. is required in the area or room where the distillation of ethyl alcohol
takes place. The concentration of alcohol vapour in the air within a distillation still usually exceeds the
UEL. Any vapours escaping from a still may become explosive when mixed with air, however, extensive
testing has shown that the vapour dissipates to safe concentrations within 1 metre of the point of release.
Subsection 4.9.3. - Storage Tanks and Containers
Storage tanks, wooden vats, aging barrels, drums or containers used to store or process alcohol must be
designed, fabricated and tested in accordance with good engineering practices to withstand the
anticipated maximum operating pressure or temperature. Storage tanks used for ethyl alcohol may be
steel or stainless steel (for purity). Good engineering practices are provided in a guide recommended by
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Inc., entitled "Recommended Fire Protection Practices for
Distilled Spirits Beverage Facilities."
Since exposed steel supports do not have a 2 hour fire-resistance rating they require protection as do
the timber supports for tanks. Automatic sprinklers have proven to be an effective means of achieving the
required 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 vapours
inside the building is prevented. New tank installations can achieve this by directing breather vents and
emergency vents, equipped with flame arresters or pressure/vacuum valves, to the outside of the
building.
If ventilation design principles are applied to the building ventilation, venting into the building space may
be 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
automatic sprinklers throughout the tank room and under any raised tanks greater than 1.2 metres in
diameter; 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 objectives
of Article 4.9.6.1.; and training of personnel in safe operating procedures.
Subsection 4.9.4. - Storage
Unless the building is equipped with sprinkler protection conforming to NFPA 13, "Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems", inside tank storage of ethyl alcohol is restricted to a maximum of 25,000
L. Where the building is protected by automatic sprinklers, no limits are placed on quantities of ethyl
alcohol storage. Tests and fire losses have shown that sprinkler protection quickly controls and
extinguishes a fire where ethyl alcohol is involved.
Subsection 4.9.5. - Piping and Pumping Systems
The design, fabrication, assembly and inspection of piping and pumping systems should be in accordance
with recognized good engineering standards and accepted industry practices. A good guideline to consult
is the "Recommended Fire Protection Practices for Distilled Spirits Beverage Facilities", published by the
Distilled Spirits Council of the United States Inc. (DISCUS), second edition October 1992.
Subsection 4.9.6. - Ventilation
The vapour concentration in enclosed areas where ethyl alcohol is being handled or used should be
maintained at or below 25% of the LEL. The area should be ventilated at a rate sufficient to maintain this
concentration and the concentration should be confirmed by sampling the actual vapour concentration
under normal operating conditions. Natural building ventilation may be sufficient in building areas where
ethyl alcohol is stored in tanks, barrels or as finished product. Local mechanical ventilation will likely be
required for dispensing operations and in a distillation room or area.
Subsection 4.9.7. - Spill Control
Provisions should be made to prevent accidental spills from endangering either important facilities or
adjoining property. An emergency drainage system must direct any spill together with water used for fire
fighting to a safe location. Curbs, scuppers, special drains, or other suitable means must be implemented
to prevent the flow of spills throughout the building. Intermediate curbs or trench drains are desirable in
large tank rooms to improve separation and spill control.
Subsection 4.9.8. - Fire Protection
Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in conformance with Part 6 and in conformance with the
following requirements:
1. in aging or maturing warehouses, at least one 4A:30BC rated fire extinguisher shall be provided at
each building exit; 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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