Interpretation Bulletin

Office of the Fire Commissioner

July 22, 2003

No. IB 017

SIGNS AT FUEL DISPENSING STATIONS

Clarification of the OFC position and interpretation of the BC Fire Code is offered in response to conflicts in requirements within the BC Fire Code regarding the posting of signs at fuel dispensing stations.

Sentences 4.5.8.6.(2) of the BC Fire Code states;

“It is permitted to dispense a Class II or IIIA liquid into the fuel tank of a motor vehicle while its engine is running provided it is dispensed not less than 6 m away from any Class I liquid dispenser.”

Sentence 4.5.8.8.(2) of the BC Fire Code states;

“The sign required in Sentence (1) shall indicate that smoking is not permitted in the vicinity of the dispenser and that the ignition must be turned off while the vehicle is being refueled.”

Sentence 4.5.8.6.(2) exempts diesel powered vehicles that comply with the distance requirement, from having to shut off their engines while being refuelled. However, Sentence 4.5.8.8.(2) requires a sign to be posted to indicate that the ignition is to be turned off, while the vehicle is being refuelled and that smoking in the vicinity of the dispenser is not permitted.

It is the opinion of the Office of the Fire Commissioner that the exemption in Sentence 4.5.8.6.(2) overrides the signage requirement in Sentence 4.5.8.8.(2) to turn off the ignition. The intent of the signage to turn off the ignition is to address the hazards associated with flammable liquids (Class I) dispensing operations that are in close proximity to running diesel engines.

Appendix Note A-4.5.8.6.(2) states;

“When gasoline vapour is allowed to enter into a diesel fuelled engine through the air intake, there is a potential for the diesel engine to run away. In a runaway condition, a diesel engine would accelerate in an uncontrolled manner even if the ignition is switched off, resulting in damage to the engine and potentially causing fire.”

Smoking is still prohibited while dispensing both flammable and combustible liquids and therefore the requirement in Article 4.5.8.8., for no smoking signs, is applicable for Class II and IIIA fuel dispensers.

Interpretation Bulletins are distributed by the Office of the Fire Commissioner, in order to provide direction for the application and interpretation of the Fire Services Act, and pursuant regulations. Where applicable, the Fire Commissioner will issue accompanying approval or interpretative Orders, under the authority of Part 1 of the BC Fire Code.

For further information contact: Office of the Fire Commissioner, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General,
Mailing address - PO Box 9491, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria B.C., V8W 9N7 / Location - Suite 200, 645 Tyee Road, Victoria B.C. Telephone (250) 356-9000, Facsimile (250) 356-9019, E-mail: OFC@gov.bc.ca, Internet: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/firecom

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