Can combustible/flammable liquids be stored inside a building?
A. Yes. While the Part 160 rules do not adequately address the subject, the OSFM does allow indoor storage of flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks. Until rules can be modified to address the issue, the OSFM governs such installations by policy. (All nationally recognized codes allow for the storage of indoor flammable and combustible liquid storage tanks, and the OSFM, in an attempt to allow reasonable business practice while ensuring fire safety, also allows such storage with particular restrictions). Indoor storage tanks must be separated from the remaining areas of the occupancy by 2-hour fire rated construction or a fire resistant or protected AST must be used. Tanks must also be filled from, and vented to, the exterior of the building. Also, OSFM policy now allows relaxation of the rules specifically for Class IIIB combustible liquid storage tanks – see Question #21.
