Hazardous Materials and Activities (NFC)
Hazardous Materials and Activities (NFC) - Transcription
Slide 1
Hi, my name is Sefton Hyde-Clarke and I am a Technical Advisor for Codes Canada. This presentation is part of a series of presentations on the 2015 editions of Codes Canada.
This presentation will focus on hazardous materials and activities.
Slide 2
Before I begin with the technical content of this presentation, I will speak briefly about the code development system.
It is important to note that the model Codes, which are developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, must be adopted by provincial/territorial authorities to become law.
This may mean that Code requirements enacted by legislation within your province or territory might differ from what is presented here. Please check with your local authority.
Slide 3
It is also important to point out that the National Codes are not a federal regulation.
This means it is not NRC or Codes Canada that decides what goes into the Codes but you!
Codes Canada facilitates an open, transparent, consensus-based process to come up with improvements.
Over 400 committee members volunteer their time to decide on changes to the next Codes.
All committees are balanced between regulators, industry and public interest so that no single category can outvote the other two.
This process is shown on the slide:
- It typically starts with someone requesting a Code change.
- It continues with technical committees developing proposed changes.
- It involves a public review and the final approval by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes.
It's a simple process and it depends on your input.
Please go to the Codes Canada website and find out how you can:
- submit code change requests,
- participate in committees, or
- comment on proposed changes during our public reviews.
Slide 4
And before we start, here are some clarifications on the presentations themselves:
- The presentations cover only the changes from 2010/2011 to 2015 Codes and not how to use or interpret the Codes in general.
- The presentations contain only the significant changes - the details are in the handbook. Each presentation contains a reference to the relevant pages in the handbook.
- The presentations stay strictly within the scope of the National Codes and do not cover provincial or territorial variations.
Slide 5
Today we are going to cover six key areas that include changes to nomenclature and hot work requirements.
Handbook pages 71-77
Slide 6
First, so everyone is at the same level, let's start with the purpose of the NFC.
There is a Preface at the beginning of the NFC that has good information on the scope of the NFC, how it's intended to be applied and information on objectives. While the NBC applies during the design and construction of a building, the NFC applies during the construction, operation and even the demolition phases of the building's life cycle. The NBC and NFC are closely related and when designing or operating a new building one code cannot be considered without the other. For example, while most design requirements are in the NBC, the NFC specifies requirements for safe storage of dangerous goods. These requirements need to be considered during the early design stages of a new building. The opposite is also true and in some cases the NFC will make cross reference to the NBC, such as for means of egress.
So does this mean that NBC applies to existing buildings through reference to the NFC? It's not that simple. Sometimes applying the NBC to existing buildings can be onerous, costly, or challenging, Judgment needs to be used and that means working with the authorities. This complex relationship is explained in more detail in the Preface of the NFC. Let's begin with the first set of changes:
One of the challenges with dangerous goods is with the nomenclature used to classify the goods.
Slide 7
In previous editions of the NFC, the terminology used to identify dangerous goods came from the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
From this point forward in this presentation, I'll refer to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations as the TDG Regulations or just TDG.
The TDG Regulations apply to the transportation of dangerous goods and the required emergency response. So TDG would apply to vehicle transportation or temporary storage of dangerous goods for eg. on a loading dock.
Slide 8
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) was established in accordance with the Hazardous Products Act.
When dangerous goods are stored in a building for use, then WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) kicks in. Employers already apply WHMIS in the work environment and the WHMIS identification system was specifically designed with the users of the products in mind.
WHMIS was introduced in the NFC.
Slide 9
The classification of hazardous products between both WHMIS and TDG is slightly different and could result in the misunderstanding of the hazards associated with the product used, handled or stored, which could lead to an undue risk.
There was a need to harmonize regulated products classified by TDG and WHMIS in order to cover all dangerous goods stored in a building.
The nomenclature uses a descriptive approach to classifying dangerous goods, which is similar to the one proposed by the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) developed by the United Nations. Canada has committed to its implementation through the TDGR and WHMIS regulations.
It also accounts for the revision to the Canadian legislation on dangerous goods to include GHS or Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals nomenclature.
The key takeaway here is that there is a new nomenclature for the classification of dangerous goods in the NFC.
Slide 10
The new NFC Class descriptors for dangerous goods can be found in the explanatory Notes to Division A.
Slide 11
Small quantity exemptions
The NFC has requirements for the maximum exempt amount of dangerous goods that can be stored. These are found in Table 3.2.7.1. which is shown on the screen. Please do not try to read.
The chart has TDG Classes and WHMIS Classes.
In the note you will find a table showing how the dangerous goods are classified under TDG, WHMIS and using the new NFC classification system. The NFC contains exemptions for small quantities of dangerous goods that can be stored with fewer protection requirements. The exemption for small quantities is listed in another table. The table has been expanded and now includes the classification of dangerous goods under TDG, WHMIS, and the new NFC classification system.
It can be challenging for Code users to determine which class of dangerous goods has precedence for the purpose of applying the exemption for small quantities.
Slide 12
To help use the table, a flow chart was developed. Some dangerous goods are covered under multiple WHMIS Classes or TDG Classes. However, for WHMIS, there was no method to determine the precedence of Classes. This method was developed and the flow chart helps to tell a user where to find information related to the precedence of Classes.
With respect to the small quantity exemptions, of particular note is that there was confusion by Code users on the exempted amount for oxidizing gases such as oxygen. This was clarified and the exemption limits for oxidizing gases was reduced based on a literature review and expert advice.
If you are looking for this flow chart, it is located in the explanatory Notes to Part 3 of the NFC.
The main takeaway here is that there is a tool in the Code, a flow chart in the explanatory Notes, that helps Code users to use Table 3.2.7.1. for the maximum exempted amounts of dangerous goods.
Slide 13
Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, can be found in a variety of things (e.g., medical wipes, alcoholic beverages, etc.). However, the changes we will be talking about are ethanol produced for fuel purposes. You probably noticed that when you fill up at the pump for your car, the gas contains ethanol.
The NFC was not clear whether fuel ethanol production should be considered as a process plant or a distillery, each requiring different requirements for specific hazards related to their respective processes. Therefore, it was difficult for engineers, architects, project managers and authorities having jurisdiction to determine which requirements should be applied. This situation led to significant discrepancies of hazard protection and risk assessment throughout the country for the same type of operations.
Changes were made in the NFC to clarify that ethanol produced for fuel purposes is considered a process plant.
Just so that we are all on the same page, a process plant as defined by the NFC means an industrial occupancy where materials, including flammable liquids, combustible liquids or gases are produced or used in a process.
Slide 14
Since we are talking about process plants, let's talk about what has changed for process plants. Note that the image on the screen is an oil refinery.
Previous wording in the NFC was ambiguous and seemed to limit the protection that was required to be provided as well as protection options. The protection seemed to be water-based, automatic suppression systems. It also excluded any fire protection systems designed to control the propagation of fire to protect exposed equipment from structural damage and failure.
A risk assessment is now required to identify applicable fire protection measures to help minimize fire and explosions from occurring and to minimize their effects should a fire or explosion occur.
Slide 15
It's not uncommon to find dangerous goods in labs. You might see compressed gases stored in cylinders, like you see on the left, or you might see highly corrosive liquids in use, like you see on the right.
Whenever a lab uses or stores dangerous goods it's important that the fire services are aware. Fire emergency responders will be looking to the fire safety plan to warn them of the hazards within the building or lab. The Code sets limits on how much you're allowed to have within a lab to mitigate the risk that these dangerous goods present.
This limit does not normally include any dangerous goods that were considered “in use”.
So what's the problem?
Sometimes the amount of material that is considered to be “in use” can be substantial. The maximum quantities of dangerous goods in a lab present the same hazard whether they're being stored or are "in use".
Even subtle differences in the quantities or even the types of dangerous goods can have a serious impact on the proper emergency response. The important thing to understand is that the quantities of dangerous goods in a lab have to be managed properly.
Other changes were made to the protection of labs as well. Specific hazards associated with dangerous goods classified as toxic gases and compressed gases of pyrophoric materials also needed attention.
Previously the NFC was lacking specific measures to address those hazards and adequately protect the people using these dangerous goods or the building in which they're used.
Slide 16
The types of dangerous goods commonly found in a lab can be a hazard to health and safety when airborne. Laboratory workers will conduct experiments under a fume hood (image on your left) to address these kinds of hazards.
The purpose of the fume hood is to exhaust the unwanted gas thereby protecting workers and the lab from the hazard.
Both the NBC and NFC require that the make-up air systems serving the lab be interlocked with the fire alarm system. In the event of a fire with a Code compliant interlock system the fire alarm will shut down the exhaust ventilation, but without exhausting the lab dangerous goods could actually spread throughout the lab, which could worsen the fire scenario and put firefighters at risk.
Interlocking the fume hood ventilation system with the fire alarm system is prohibited for the enclosure exhaust ventilation system in labs. This will prevent the escape of potentially dangerous, toxic, corrosive, or flammable vapours used in the enclosure exhaust ventilation system. If these dangerous substances were to become involved in a fire the resulting increase in the fire intensity could cause dangerous conditions for emergency responders.
Additionally, to help emergency responders quickly assess potentially critical situations, the fire safety plan must be posted at the main entrance of the building. This will help emergency responders to use proper protective equipment and use the correct fire extinguishing techniques.
Slide 17
Hot works is one of the leading causes of fires in buildings.
There are several changes to hot works in the NFC. The first change was intended to simply clarify what is considered hot works. For many, hot works meant cutting, welding grinding and so on, but the NFC never specifically mentioned roofing operations. Now it does. Keep in mind that the list of hot works activities found in the Code was never intended to be all-encompassing.
Hot works is any process that produces heat, sparks or uses an open flame.
Therefore, special attention was taken to improve the current requirements for hot works by looking at other recognized standards dealing with hot works: CSA, NFPA, FM Global, and API.
The Code required a fire watch for 60 minutes after hot works. This requirement is not new but it was clarified that this is a continuous fire watch.
In addition, a final inspection is required of the hot works area after 4 hours. Again this is not new, but now not only does the hot works area require an inspection, but adjacent exposed areas also require one.
Moreover, there are new technologies in place that can be used in lieu of the inspection after 4 hours, for example: thermal scanners and infrared thermometer can be an excellent tool to help detect a fire when a visual inspection is not possible for example in a concealed space.
Rather than a final inspection 4 hours after the work has finished a new option is provided so that workers can perform a more comprehensive final inspection after the 60 minute fire watch. This comprehensive inspection is intended to take full advantage of these new technologies and will include inspection of all concealed spaces, refuse, and building equipment not only in the hot works area but also in adjacent spaces to the hot works area.
Slide 18
In summary we've covered several topics, but there are three main takeaways:
First, the nomenclature for the classification of dangerous goods has changed with the introduction of WHMIS.
Second, there are changes to the requirements that apply to laboratories, including a relaxation for maximum quantities of dangerous goods and the requirement to maintain exhaust ventilation systems functional during a fire.
Finally, there are new requirements for hot works that take advantage of new technologies and strategies to improve the chance of detecting a fire.
Slide 19
I have covered a lot of information in today's presentation. The handbook is a useful resource if you want to review the topics from this presentation in more detail.
It covers the majority of technical changes that were implemented in the 2015 National Building Code, National Fire Code, National Plumbing Code and National Energy Code for Buildings.
The handbook can be purchased on NRC's virtual store as a downloadable PDF or as a hard copy.
Slide 20
Contact Information
| Autre titre | Hazardous Materials and Activities (National Fire Code of Canada: 2015) |
|---|---|
| Téléchargement |
|
| DOI | Trouver le DOI : https://doi.org/10.4224/40002104 |
| Auteur | Rechercher : 1; Rechercher : 1 |
| Orateur | Rechercher : Hyde-Clark, Sefton |
| Affiliation |
|
| Format | Vidéo, Object d'apprentissage |
| Sujet | Codes et guides; construction; bâtiment; incendie; NRCCode |
| Date de publication | 2015 |
| Maison d’édition | National Research Council of Canada |
| Publication connexe | |
| Langue | anglais |
| Exporter la notice | Exporter en format RIS |
| Signaler une correction | Signaler une correction (s'ouvre dans un nouvel onglet) |
| Identificateur de l’enregistrement | e3deb26c-0df9-4262-9acb-50edaa828141 |
| Enregistrement créé | 2021-05-04 |
| Enregistrement modifié | 2022-06-21 |
- Date de modification :