S-3, r. 2 - Regulation respecting safety in public buildings

Section 44 Disposition versions

2012-09-01

44. Heating oil tanks: No tank may be used under pressure to feed fuel-fired heating appliances.

(1)  Heating oil tanks are permitted:

(a)  inside buildings:

i.  without enclosure, when:

(A)  no more than 230 litres are stored above the basement or above the lowest floor;

(B)  the tank is located in the basement and the capacity of such tank is 2,300 litres or less. In such a case, the total capacity permitted shall be 4,500 litres;

ii.  with enclosure, when the capacity of the tank is greater than 2,300 litres. In such a case, the total capacity permitted shall be 55,000 litres;

iii.  with enclosure and located in a room which is vertically and horizontally separated from the rest of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 hours, when the capacity of the tank does not exceed 90,000 litres. In such a case, the total capacity permitted is 180,000 litres;

(b)  outside buildings and above ground level, in populous areas, when:

i.  the tank does not obstruct any exit;

ii.  the total capacity of such tanks does not exceed 2,300 litres when such tanks are located at ground level; or if

iii.  the total capacity of such tanks does not exceed 230 litres per heating units when such tanks are located above basement level;

iv.  such tanks are fastened by means of fixed anchors made of non-combustible materials;

(c)  underground, when:

i.  such tanks are laid upon solid foundations;

ii.  embedded in running soil and not in dross;

iii.  protected against damages that may result from the passing of vehicles;

iv.  securely fixed to the foundations;

v.  located so that no pressure be exerted by the foundations on such tanks.

(2)  The enclosure required in subparagraphs ii and iii of paragraph a of subsection 1 shall:

(a)  be made of bricks or concrete;

(b)  have a fire-resistance rating of at least 3 hours;

(c)  be fastened to the floor which shall be made of concrete or of fire resistant material;

(d)  have a ceiling of reinforced concrete not less than 125 mm thick or of equivalent material;

(e)  be of such dimensions as to provide a free space of at least 380 mm to allow people to circulate around such tank(s);

(f)  be provided with a fire resistant door equipped with a self-closing mechanism;

(g)  be properly lighted and ventilated.

(3)  Ventilating pipes shall:

(a)  lead outside;

(b)  discharge not less than 600 mm, measured in any direction, from any opening of the building;

(c)  be provided with a protector against bad weather;

(d)  be located high enough above ground level not to be obstructed with snow or ice.

(4)  The distance between a heat source and a non-enclosed tank shall be at least:

(a)  600 mm if the capacity of such tank does not exceed 45 litres;

(b)  1.5 m if the capacity of such tank exceeds 45 litres.

The oil temperature shall never rise higher than 14 ºC above the temperature of the room.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-3, r. 4, s. 44; O.C. 88-91, s. 33.