BCFC Part 4 BCFC Part 4 Flammable and Flammable and Combustible Liquids Combustible Liquids Bob Furlong Bob Furlong BCFC Part 4 BCFC Part 4 Application: Application: –Part 4 pro vide s for the sto rag e, Part 4 provides for the st orag e, handling, use and processing ofhandling, use and processing offlammable liquids flammable liquids and and combustible combustible liquids liquids in in buildings buildings, structures and open , structures and open areas. areas. BCFC Part 4 BCFC Part 4 Part 4 Part 4 DOES NOT DOES NOT apply to: apply to: – – transportation oftransportation offlammable liquids flammable liquids or or combustible liquids combustible liquids – appliances appliances and their ancillary equipment within and their ancillary equipment within the scope of CAN/CSA the scope of CAN/CSA- -B139, “Installation Code B139, “Installation Code for Oil for Oil- -Burning Equipment”Burning Equipment”– – the storage ofthe storage offlammable liquids flammable liquids or or combustible liquids combustible liquids on farms for individual on farms for individual farm use and on isolated construction projects, farm use and on isolated construction projects, or or – – the storage of aerosol products covered under the storage of aerosol products covered under Subsect ion 3.2.5. Subsect ion 3.2.5. Flammable & Combustible Flammable & Combustible Liquids Liquids BCFC focuses on Flash Point (FP) and BCFC focuses on Flash Point (FP) and Boiling Point (BP) to establish a Class Boiling Point (BP) to establish a Class Rating. Rating. Different classes of flammable and Different classes of flammable and combustible liquids pose different combustible liquids pose different hazards and therefore have different hazards and therefore have different rules. rules. Classifying Flammable Classifying Flammable Liquids Liquids Flammable liquid classes: Class IA – F.P. below 22.8°C (73°F), boiling point below 37.8°C (100°F) Class IB – F.P. below 22.8°C (73°F), boiling point at or above 37.8°C (100°F) Class Class IC IC – – F.P F.P. at or above . at or above 22.8 22.8° °C (73 C (73° °F), and F), and bel ow below 37.8 37.8° °C C (100 (100° °F), F), Classifying Combustible Classifying Combustible Liquids Liquids Combustible Liquid Classes Class II – F.P. at or above 37.8°C (100°F) but below 60°C (140°F.) Class IIIA – F.P. at or above 60°C (140°F) but below 93.3°C (200°F.) Class IIIB – F.P. at or above 93.3°C (200°F.) .
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–– Part 4 provides for the storage,Part 4 provides for the storage,handling, use and processing of handling, use and processing of flammable liquidsflammable liquids andand combustiblecombustibleliquidsliquids inin buildingsbuildings, structures and open, structures and openareas.areas.
BCFC Part 4BCFC Part 4
Part 4Part 4 DOES NOTDOES NOT apply to:apply to:–– transportation of transportation of flammable liquidsflammable liquids oror
combustible liquidscombustible liquids–– appliancesappliances and their ancillary equipment withinand their ancillary equipment within
the scope of CAN/CSAthe scope of CAN/CSA--B139, “Installation CodeB139, “Installation Codefor Oilfor Oil--Burning Equipment” Burning Equipment”
–– the storage of the storage of flammable liquidsflammable liquids ororcombustible liquidscombustible liquids on farms for individualon farms for individualfarm use and on isolated construction projects,farm use and on isolated construction projects,oror
–– the storage of aerosol products covered underthe storage of aerosol products covered underSubsection 3.2.5.Subsection 3.2.5.
BCFC focuses on Flash Point (FP) andBCFC focuses on Flash Point (FP) and
Boiling Point (BP) to establish a ClassBoiling Point (BP) to establish a Class
Rating.Rating.
Different classes of flammable andDifferent classes of flammable andcombustible liquids pose differentcombustible liquids pose differenthazards and therefore have differenthazards and therefore have differentrules.rules.
–– containing component/scontaining component/swith a flash point of 100with a flash point of 100°°F orF orhigher which make up 99% orhigher which make up 99% ormore of the total volume of themore of the total volume of themixture, are notmixture, are notconsidered flammable.considered flammable.
more than 1% of a liquid with amore than 1% of a liquid with aflash point below 100flash point below 100°°FF
are considered flammable.are considered flammable.
Fire Tetrahedron
Sustained
Combustion
Flame
Established
Production
of Ignitable
Vapours
Increases
Surface
Temperature
CombustibleFlammable
Liquid
Oxygen
Heat
Source
Fuel
Suitable
Chemical
Reaction
1515
Flammable LimitsFlammable Limits
Lower explosive limit (LEL)Lower explosive limit (LEL)–– minimumminimum concentrationconcentration of of vapourvapour
or gas in air below whichor gas in air below whichpropagation of flame does notpropagation of flame does notoccur on contact with a source of occur on contact with a source of ignitionignition..
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)Upper Explosive Limit (UEL)–– maximummaximum proportionproportion of of vapourvapour inin
air above which propagation of air above which propagation of flame does not occur.flame does not occur.
LELLEL oror UEL areUEL are usuallyusuallyexpressed in terms of expressed in terms of percentage by volume of percentage by volume of vapourvapour in air.in air.
Fire Protection and Prevention
Considerations
BASICS – Management of:Ignition sources
Flammable vapours
Spills or leaks
Ground vegetation and accumulations of combustible materials not essential tooperations.
Contaminated rags and similar materials
Fire Protection and Prevention
Considerations
BASICAccess for fire fightingAccess for fire fighting
Management of Hot WorksManagement of Hot Works
Fire Safety and Emergency PlanFire Safety and Emergency Plan
Flammable and CombustibleFlammable and Combustible
LiquidsLiquids
Electrical Installations
–– Electrical equipment in a location whereElectrical equipment in a location whereflammable liquidsflammable liquids oror combustible liquidscombustible liquids
are present shall conform to the Britishare present shall conform to the British
Canadian Electrical Code (C.E.C.), Part I,Canadian Electrical Code (C.E.C.), Part I,Section 18Section 18 -- Hazardous Locations,Hazardous Locations,identifies three classes of hazardousidentifies three classes of hazardouslocations:locations:
Class IClass I -- Gas and Vapour EnvironmentsGas and Vapour Environments “Explosion Proof” “Explosion Proof”
Class IIClass II -- Dust EnvironmentsDust Environments
Class IIIClass III -- FibersFibers andand FlyingsFlyings EnvironmentsEnvironments
ElectricalElectrical – – Divisions or ZonesDivisions or Zones
Division - prepre--1998 C.E.C.1998 C.E.C.
ZoneZone -- 1998 C.E.C.1998 C.E.C.
Done to here Go back to flash point
• Hazardous atmosphere is expected tobe present during normal operationson a continuous, intermittent orperiodic basis
Div 1
• Volatile flammable liquids or gasesare handled, processed or used but inwhich they would normally beconfined within closed containers orclosed systems from which they canescape only in the event of anaccidental rupture or breakdown of the containers or systems.
Div 2
Done to here Go back to flash point
• Flammable atmosphere highly likely tobe present - may be present for longperiods or even continuously
Zone 0
• Flammable atmosphere possible butunlikely to be present for long periods
Zone 1
• Flammable atmosphere unlikely to bepresent except for short periods of time - typically as a result of a processfault condition.
Zone 2
ElectricalElectrical – – Division Vs. ZoneDivision Vs. Zone
Note:Containerexemptions: (a) Medicines,beverages, foodstuffs,cosmetics,and other commonconsumer items,when packaged accordingto commonlyaccepted practices,shall be exempt fromthe requirements of ….
Container and Portable Tank StorageContainer and Portable Tank Storage
Storage cabinetsStorage cabinets–– Cabinets shall be labeled in conspicuousCabinets shall be labeled in conspicuous
lettering, "Flammable Keep Fire Away"lettering, "Flammable Keep Fire Away"
–– Must be fire resistantMust be fire resistant
–– Contain no more than 60 gallons of Contain no more than 60 gallons of
Class I or Class II nor contain no moreClass I or Class II nor contain no more
than 120 gallons of Class III liquidsthan 120 gallons of Class III liquids–– Specific requirements for metal and woodSpecific requirements for metal and wood
Container and Portable Tank StorageContainer and Portable Tank Storage
Inside storage roomsInside storage rooms
–– Shall be constructed to meet theShall be constructed to meet therequired firerequired fire--resistive rating for theirresistive rating for theiruseuse
–– If used for Class I liquids, electricalIf used for Class I liquids, electricalwiring and equipmentwiring and equipment inin “inside “inside
storage” rooms shall be approved forstorage” rooms shall be approved forClass I, Division 2 Hazardous LocationsClass I, Division 2 Hazardous Locations
–– Provided with either a gravity or aProvided with either a gravity or amechanical exhaust ventilation systemmechanical exhaust ventilation system
Container and Portable Tank StorageContainer and Portable Tank Storage
In “inside” storage roomsIn “inside” storage rooms
–– Maintain one clear aisle at least 3 feetMaintain one clear aisle at least 3 feetwidewide
–– Containers over 30 gallons capacityContainers over 30 gallons capacityshall not be stacked one upon theshall not be stacked one upon theotherother
–– Dispensing shall be by approvedDispensing shall be by approvedpump or self pump or self--closing faucet onlyclosing faucet only
–– Storage shall comply with Table HStorage shall comply with Table H--1313
Storage Inside RoomsStorage Inside Rooms
Fire Protection (1)
ProvidedFireResistance Maximum Size
Total Allowable
Quantities –
gals./sq.
ft/floor area
Yes 2 hours 500 Sq. Ft. 10
No 2 hours 500 Sq. Ft. 4*
Yes 1 hour 150 Sq. Ft. 5*
No 1 hour 150 Sq. Ft. 2
Footnote( 1) Fire protection system shall be sprinkler,water spray,carbondioxide, or other acceptablesuppressionsystem.
Container and Portable Tank StorageContainer and Portable Tank Storage
Office occupanciesOffice occupancies
–– Storage prohibited except if required forStorage prohibited except if required formaintenance, operation of building andmaintenance, operation of building and
operation of equipmentoperation of equipmentShall be kept in closed metal containersShall be kept in closed metal containers
stored in a storage cabinet or in safety cansstored in a storage cabinet or in safety cansor in an inside storage roomor in an inside storage room
Incidental UseIncidental Use
Incidental storage or use of Incidental storage or use of flammable and combustible liquidsflammable and combustible liquids
–– Quantity located outside of an insideQuantity located outside of an inside
storage room or storage cabinet:storage room or storage cabinet:25 gallons of Class IA liquids25 gallons of Class IA liquids
120 gallons of Class IB, IC, II, or III liquids120 gallons of Class IB, IC, II, or III liquids
660 gallons of Class IB, IC, II, or III liquids660 gallons of Class IB, IC, II, or III liquids
–– Kept in covered containers whenKept in covered containers when
not in usenot in use
Fire ExtinguishersFire Extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishment andPortable fire extinguishment andcontrol equipment shall be provided tocontrol equipment shall be provided tomeet the special hazards of operationmeet the special hazards of operationand storage.and storage.
ITM.ITM.
Industrial PlantsIndustrial Plants
Class I liquids shall not be dispensedClass I liquids shall not be dispensedinto containers unless the nozzle andinto containers unless the nozzle andcontainer are electricallycontainer are electricallyinterconnected (grounding).interconnected (grounding).
Spills shall be cleanedSpills shall be cleanedup promptly.up promptly.
Consider the following:Consider the following:–– OccupancyOccupancy
–– Class of liquids that will be presentClass of liquids that will be present
–– Engineering specifications such as fire wall size,Engineering specifications such as fire wall size,fire suppression systems, tank design, etc.fire suppression systems, tank design, etc.
–– Maximum volume restrictionsMaximum volume restrictions
–– Codes and Local BylawsCodes and Local Bylaws
–– Marking and labeling requirementsMarking and labeling requirements
Summarizing StorageSummarizing Storage
RequirementsRequirements The flash point determines if a substance fallsThe flash point determines if a substance fallswithin the scope of the standard.within the scope of the standard.
The flash point and boiling point together,The flash point and boiling point together,determine how substances are stored:determine how substances are stored:
–– Container capacity and spacingContainer capacity and spacing
–– Maximum amount per locationMaximum amount per location
The …. help you determine storage limits,The …. help you determine storage limits,venting capacities, allowable sizes of containersventing capacities, allowable sizes of containersand more...and more...
Summarizing StorageSummarizing Storage
RequirementsRequirements
Assembly & ResidentialAssembly & Residential
When a single class of liquid is stored, thetotal quantity shall not exceed:
Assembly/Residential Quantity (max)
Class I 30 liter
Class II 150 liter
Class III 600 liter
Assembly & Residential
qi + qii + qi ii A < 1
30 150 600
When a two or more classes of liquid arestored in the building, the total quantityshall not exceed:
qI = actual qty. of Class IqII = actual qty. of Class IIqIII = actual qty. of Class III
Assembly & Residential
qi + qii + qi ii A < 1
30 150 600
Example calculation:
Qty of Class I = 15 litersQty of Class II = 60 litersQty of Class III = 100 liters
qI = actual qty. of Class I
qII = actual qty. of Class IIqIII = actual qty. of Class III
Industrial
Storage FacilitiesStorage Facilities
Incidental useIncidental use BCFCBCFC Subsection 4.2.8Subsection 4.2.8..
Storage areasStorage areas BCFCBCFC Article 4.2.7.5Article 4.2.7.5..
Industrial
* Where a building or part of building is designed for the storage of flammableliquids or combustible liquids, thereis no limit on the total quantityof storage per fire compartment providedthe building or part of building is
separatedfrom adjacent buildings or parts of buildings bya)a firewall having a fire-resistance rating of at least 4 h, orb)spatialseparationi n conformance with the British Columbia BuildingCode.
Industrial
When a two or more classes of liquid arestored in the building, the total quantityshall not exceed:
The maximum quantity of flammableliquids and combustible liquids stored in acabinet shall be 500 L, of which not morethan 250 L shall be Class I liquids.
Incidental useIncidental use BCFCBCFC Subsection 4.2.8Subsection 4.2.8..
Applies to industrial occupancies where theuse, storage and handling of flammable liquidsor combustible liquids is secondary to theprincipal activity
Industrial
Incidental useIncidental use Quantity permitted to be located outside of
storage rooms or storage cabinets in any one firecompartment of a building, shall not be morethan: 600 L of flammable liquids and combustible liquids in closed
containers, of which not more than 100 L shall be Class IAliquids, and
5 000 L of Class IB, IC, II and IIIA liquids in storage tanks orportable tanks
Where required for normal plant activity, quantities are
permitted to exceed the above, but shall not be greater thanthe supply for one day of normal operation.
Industrial
Incidental useIncidental use Handling:
Areas in which flammable liquids orcombustible liquids are transferred from onecontainer or storage tank to another, or wherethey are used in such a way as to releasepotentially explosive concentrations of flammable vapours, shall be separated frompossible sources of ignition by a spatialseparation of not less than 6 m, or by a fireseparation.
Industrial
Incidental useIncidental use General Storage:
When a single class of liquid is stored, thetotal quantity in a single fire compartment shall be not more than:
a)2 500 L of Class IB and IC liquids,b)5 000 L of Class II liquids, orc)10 000 L of Class IIIA liquids.
Industrial
Incidental useIncidental use General Storage:
When 2 or more classes of liquid are stored inthe same fire compartment , the total quantitypermitted for each class of liquid shall be:
Industrial
Incidental useIncidental use General Storage:
When 2 or more classes of liquid are stored inthe same individual storage area, themaximum quantity permitted in the individual storage area shall be that permitted for theliquid with the lowest limit of:
a)2 500 L of Class IB and IC liquids,b)5 000 L of Class II liquids, orc)10 000 L of Class IIIA liquids
Storage Rooms BCFC 4.2.9.Storage Rooms BCFC 4.2.9. 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 notless than 1 m.
Industrial
Storage Rooms BCFC 4.2.9.Storage Rooms BCFC 4.2.9. Dispensing of flammable liquids or combustible
liquids from containers having a capacity of morethan 30 L shall be by pumps or through self-closing valves, designed in conformance withgood engineering practice. (See A-4.1.8.3.(1) inAppendix A
within a storage room, the room shall bedesigned to prevent critical structural andmechanical damage from an internalexplosion in conformance with goodengineering practice such as thatdescribed in NFPA 68, “Venting of Deflagrations.” (See A-3.2.8.2.(1)(d) inAppendix A.)
Industrial
Storage Rooms BCFC 4.2.9.Storage Rooms BCFC 4.2.9.Ventilation4.1.7.1. Rooms or Enclosed Spaces1) Where flammable liquids andcombustible liquids are processed, handled,stored, dispensed or used within rooms or
enclosed spaces, ventilation shall conform tothe applicable requirements of this Part andthe British Columbia Building Code. (SeeAppendix A.)
Industrial
Storage Rooms BCFC 4.2.9.Storage Rooms BCFC 4.2.9.VentilationExcept as permitted in Sentence (2), a roomor enclosed space referred to in Article4.1.7.1. shall be provided with one of thefollowing ventilation systems:
a)continuous mechanical ventilation whereClass I liquids are processed, dispensed orused in a manner that releases flammablevapours into the room or enclosed space,b)either natural or continuous mechanical
•Terminates in area which does not impose fire hazard or risk
•Directs spill away from buildings, means of egress, fire dept. access routes,valves controlling flow of flammable liquids or fire fighting water supplies.
Ventilation: 18 cubic meters/hour/squaremeter area (1 CFM per FT2) but not less than250 cubic meters/hour (150 CFM)
Not less than 3 m to any
building opening
Exhaust air is not to dischargeTOWARDS any unprotectedopening within 7.0 meters of thedischarge point
Elevationview
Door
roof
Make-up air: for natural ventilation system,take air from point outside
Make-up air taken from a point remote from exhaust discharge
When average air velocity inthe roomexceeds 0.5 m/second,
make-up air is required.
Elevationview
Door
roof
Make-up air: for mechanical ventilationsystem, taking air from within buildingthru a DAMPER opening
Make-up air taken from a point remote from exhaust discharge
Elevationview
Door
roof
Interlocks: where continuous ventilation isinstalled to maintain 25% LEL, the ventilationshall be interlocked to shut-down activitycreating flammable vapours when ventilation isnot active, AND sound an audible alarm in anattended area.