1. PURPOSE: This SPI has been developed to ensure compliance to government regulations and to provide clear standards for storage of compressed gases. 2. CONTEXT The storage of compressed gases is legislated by the Fire Code [O. Reg. 213/07]. There are also guidelines established by the National Fire Prevention Association - Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed and Liquefied Gases in Portable Cylinders [NFPA 55, 2010 Edition]. 3. SCOPE Compressed gases covered by this standard include: 3.1 Flammable gases (a) Lighter than air (b) Heavier than air 3.2 Poisonous gases 3.3 Corrosive gases 3.4 Reactive gases 3.5 Other gases i.e. non-flammable, non-poisonous, non-corrosive, non-reactive gases. Compressed gases stored in cylinders marketed and labelled for consumer use are not covered by this standard; i.e. 400 g. propane cylinders. 4. DEFINITIONS N/A 5. SPECIFICATION 5.1 General Requirements for all compressed gases: 5.1.1 The requirements in clauses 5.1.1 to 5.1.6 are applicable to all compressed gases described in clause 3.1. 5.1.2 Cylinders containing compressed gas shall be protected against mechanical damage. 5.1.3 Cylinders containing compressed gas shall be stored to hold them securely in place (a) on racks, (b) by nesting, or (c) by approved methods or devices; e.g. chained in position 2/3 the height of the bottle. 5.1.4 Valve damage - Cylinders containing compressed gas which are in storage shall be protected against valve damage. 5.1.4.1 Where compressed gas cylinders are designed to accept valve protective caps, the user shall keep such caps on compressed gas cylinders at all times except when being filled or connected for use. Page 1 of 7
5.1.4.2 Where gastight valve outlet caps or plugs are provided, the user shall keep such devices on the valve outlet at all times except when compressed gas cylinders are being filled or connected for use. 5.1.5 Temperature limitations - Cylinders containing compressed gas shall be stored in areas where the ambient air temperature does not exceed 52 C. 5.1.6 Where cylinders containing compressed gas are stored indoors, the storage areas or rooms shall be dry, and ventilated in accordance with clause 5.5. 5.1.7 Signs - Storage rooms shall have exterior signs with minimum 50 mm high letters indicating the nature of the compressed gases. 5.1.8 Signs prohibiting smoking or open flames within 6.1 m shall be provided in areas where compressed gases are produced, handled, stored, or used. 5.1.9 Compressed gas cylinders must have supplier label affixed, identifying the contents and hazards according to WHMIS labelling criteria. 5.1.10 compressed gas cylinders must not be stored in a corrosive atmosphere. 5.1.11 floors of storage areas shall be of non-combustible construction. 5.1.12 shelves used for the storage of cylinders shall be of non-combustible construction and designed to support the weight of the cylinders stored. 5.2 When two or more compressed gases are stored in a gas cabinet, the gases shall be compatible. 5.2.1 For separation from incompatible or combustible materials, storage of compressed gases shall be: (a) segregated from any incompatible or combustible materials storage by a minimum distance of 6.1 m; or (b) isolated from any incompatible or combustible material storage by a barrier of non-combustible material at least 1.5 m high that has a minimum fire resistance rating of 1/2 hour. Page 2 of 7
5.3 Additional Criteria for Compressed Gases as defined by clause 5.3.1. 5.3.1 The requirements in clause 5.3.2 are applicable to all compressed gases described in clauses 5.3.1.1 to 5.3.1.4. 5.3.1.1 compressed flammable gas if the quantity exceeds 25 kg; 5.3.1.2 any quantity of poisonous gas; 5.3.1.3 any quantity of corrosive gas; or 5.3.1.4 non-flammable, non-corrosive, non-poisonous gases if the quantity exceeds 150 kg. 5.3.2 Outside Storage 5.3.2.1 Outdoor platforms Where cylinders containing compressed gas are stored outdoors, they shall be supported on raised concrete or other non-combustible platforms protected from the weather by a non-combustible canopy in an enclosure surrounded by a firmly anchored fence and used for the sole purpose of such storage. Page 3 of 7
5.3.3. Fencing 5.3.3.1 The fence required in Article 5.3.2.1. shall (a) be designed to discourage climbing, (b) be substantially constructed with a minimum height of 1.8 m, and (c) be equipped with a gate to be kept locked when the enclosure not staffed. 5.3.4. Clearance from building openings: 5.3.4.1 Cylinders containing compressed gas and located outdoors shall be (a) at least 1.5 m from any building opening if the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is not more than 170 m 3. (b) at least 7.5 m from any building opening if the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is over 170 m 3 but not more than 500 m 3, or (c) at least 15 m from any building opening if the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is over 500 m 3. 5.3.4.2 Clause 5.3.4.1 does not apply if the building opening is into a room that conforms to Sentence 5.4 5.3.5 The storage shall be provided with physical protection from vehicle damage. 5.4 Additional requirements for indoor storage of flammable compressed gases when the quantity is greater than 25 kg. 5.4.1 Except as provided in 5.4.2 and 5.4.3 cylinders containing flammable compressed gas stored indoors shall be located in a room that: (a) is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a 2-hr fire-resistance rating, (b) is located on an exterior wall of the building. (c) can be entered from the exterior. (d) if it has doors into the interior of the building, they are equipped with self-closing and latching devices, have a fire-protection rating of at least 1.5 hr and are constructed so as to prevent migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building. (e) is constructed so that an exterior wall provides explosion venting i. in the ratio of 0.2 m2 for each cubic metre of room volume, or ii. in the ratio computed in accordance with NFPA 68. "Guide for Venting of Deflagrations", except in no case less than 650 cm2 of vent area for each cubic metre of room volume, iii. has ventilation conforming to clause 5.5.1. Page 4 of 7
(f) does not contain fuel fired equipment or high temperature heating elements & (g) is used for no purpose other than the storage of compressed gas (h) smoking and open flames shall not be permitted in storage areas or within 6.1 m of storage areas. (i) gas cylinders shall be stored a minimum distance of 6.1 m from storage of flammable and combustible liquids and solids. 5.4.2 The requirements of clause 5.4.2.1 applies to flammable compressed gases lighter than air when the quantity stored is greater than 25 kg. 5.4.2.1 Cylinders of flammable, lighter than air compressed gas may be stored in rooms other than those described in 5.4.1: (a) in a building of combustible construction that is not sprinklered where the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is not more than 60 m 3, (b) in a sprinklered building of combustible construction where the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is not more than 170 m 3, or (c) in a building of non-combustible construction where the aggregate capacity of expanded gas is not more than 170 m 3. 5.4.3 The requirements of clause 5.4.3.1 applies to flammable compressed gases heavier than air when the quantity stored is greater than 25 kg. 5.4.3.1 Cylinders of flammable compressed gas which are heavier than air may be stored in rooms other than those described in 5.4.1 if they are stored in a fire compartment having a fire-resistance rating of at least 3/4 hr and (a) the aggregate capacity does not exceed 100 kg, (b) the number of cylinders does not exceed 3, (c) the cylinders are not located in the basement or other areas below grade, and (d) the fire compartment has ventilation conforming to clause 5.5.1. 5.4.4 Inside Storage for Non Flammable Gases 5.4.4.1 Floors must be dry and area well ventilated. 5.4.4.2 Keep cylinders away from sources of open flames, electric arcs, molten slag, sparks and radiators (to avoid melting fusible plug). 5.4.4.3 Storage shall not create walkway congestion, especially near doorways and in stairwells. Page 5 of 7
5.5 Ventilation 5.5.1 The ventilation required by Clauses 5.4.1(e)(iii) and 5.4.3.1(d) shall be: (a) (b) mechanical ventilation to the outside that ensures at least 1 air change per hour, or natural ventilation to the outside through non-closeable louvred openings with i. at least one opening no more than 0.3 m from the ceiling and one opening no more than 0.3 m from the floor, ii. iii. iv. all openings at ceiling level having an aggregate free opening area of at least 0.2 m 2 per 100 m 2 of the floor area, all openings at floor level having an aggregate free opening area of at least 0.2 m2 per 100 m2 of the floor area, and the openings located to ensure cross ventilation. 5.6 Additional requirements for acetylene cylinders 5.6.1 Except when being transported, acetylene cylinders shall be kept in an upright position. 5.7 Additional requirements for poisonous compressed gases 5.7.1 Cylinders containing poisonous compressed gas shall not be stored in a room containing combustible or flammable material. 5.8 Additional requirements for oxygen cylinders. 5.8.1 Oil or grease shall not be used for the lubrication of valves or fittings on oxygen cylinders. 5.9 Additional requirements for Reactive gases 5.9.1 Except as provided in clauses 5.9.2 and 5.9.3, cylinders containing compressed gases that may react with one another shall be stored in separate fire compartments separated by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 hr. 5.9.2 Cylinders containing compressed gases that are lighter than air and that may react with each other may be stored in the same fire compartment if they are separated (a) by a distance of at least 7.5 m, or (b) by a concrete or masonry wall having a height of at least 2.0 m and projecting at least 1.0 m beyond the cylinders. 5.9.3 Cylinders containing compressed gases that may react with each other and are heavier than air may be stored in the same fire compartment if they are separated (a) by a distance of at least 15 m, or (b) by a concrete or masonry wall having a height of at least 1.5 m, and projecting such that the minimum vapour travel distance between two cylinders of gases that may react with each other is not less than 15 m, measured horizontally. Page 6 of 7
6. TRAINING Persons responsible for, or working in the area where compressed gases are stored, shall be trained in the chemical and physical properties of the materials and appropriate emergency response measures. 7. REVISIONS This SPI should be reviewed as required when the referenced standards, new standards arise, or regulatory requirements change; a formal review shall be required within three years of the revision date. REVISION TRACKING Page 7 of 7