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Tire Storage
Tires present a significant disposal challenge in the Yukon . They do not break down in the natural environment and so can accumulate indefinitely. They take up valuable landfill space, provide a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, and are a serious fire hazard when stored in piles above ground.
To minimize the potential fire hazard created by tire stockpiles, the National Fire Code (1995) sets out the rules for both outdoor and indoor storage of rubber tires. All operators of tire depots must be aware of and follow these requirements.
This fact sheet summarizes Section 3.3 of the Code, which addresses the outdoor storage of tires. Some clauses below reference specific Section and Part numbers in the Code, which may not have been reproduced in this sheet. Note that this sheet is provided for ease of reference only, and is not a document of which legal notice must be taken. For further information, including copies of the Code and information on indoor storage, please contact the Fire Marshall's Office at the number listed below.
Outdoor Storage
The following rules apply to the short or long term outdoor storage of rubber tires - both new and used - except at landfills or where the total storage area at a site is not more than 100m2 (but even in that case the required distances between stored products and a building still apply). However, all solid waste disposal facilities that accept tires for disposal are encouraged to adopt these guidelines as best management practices for the storage of used tires. Tire depots permitted under the Designated Materials Regulation must adhere to these rules as part of their permit conditions.
1. Individual Storage Areas and Clearances
The size and clearance limits for Individual Storage Areas (ISAs) for rubber tires are:
- Maximum Base Area: 1,000m 2
- Maximum Height of Storage: 3m
- Minimum Clear Space Around Each ISA: 15m
The minimum clear space requirement above may be waived if an ISA has a base not greater than 5 m 2.
There must also be a clear space of not less than:
- 30m between stored products and brush or forested areas; and
- 6m between stored products and uncontrolled grass or weeds
2. Power Lines
Tires shall not be stored beneath electrical power lines.
3. Fire Department Access
An access route, constructed in conformance with Subsection 3.2.5 of the National Building Code of Canada (1995), shall be provided to permit the approach of fire department vehicles to within 60m travelling distance of any part of an individual storage area. Where the total storage area exceeds 6,000m2, this access route shall be connected with a public thoroughfare in at least 2 locations.
Furthermore, in the case of rubber tires specifically, this access route shall be located so that a clear space of not less than 6m is provided between the stored tires and the nearest side of the access route.
4. Fencing
An outdoor storage area shall be surrounded by a firmly anchored fence that is:
a) substantially constructed to discourage climbing and unauthorized entry;
b) not less than 1.8m high; and
c) provided with gates that shall be locked when the storage area is not staffed.
Also, when in a fire department access route, the gates required in point (c) above shall be of adequate width, design and in such a location as to readily permit the entry of fire department vehicles.
5. Maintenance
All required access routes, gateways, and clear spaces shall be
a) maintained in conformance with Section 2.5 {not reproduced}; and
b) kept free of obstructions and piles of snow.
Private hydrants, fire department connections and private valves controlling water supplies to fire protection systems shall be:
a) maintained in conformance with Part 6 {not reproduced}; and
b) kept accessible to fire fighters and their equipment at all times.
6. Ignition Sources
Unless controlled in a manner that will not create a fire hazard, a device, operation, or activity that produces open flames, sparks or heat shall not be permitted in an outdoor storage area.
Except as provided in Subsection 2.4.2 {not reproduced}, smoking shall not be permitted in an outdoor storage area.
Except as provided in Subsection 2.6.2 {not reproduced}, the burning of materials in an outdoor storage area shall be performed only in a burner that is:
a) designed, constructed and maintained in conformance with good engineering practice; and
b) located not less than 15m from a building or stored products.
7. Fire Protection Plan
A fire safety plan conforming to Section 2.8 {not reproduced} shall be prepared. This fire safety plan shall identify:
a) the location and classification of the products currently stored;
b) the method of storage, including the clear spaces required and the maximum permitted size of individual storage areas;
c) the location of fire alarm systems and fire fighting equipment; and
d) the control of fire hazards in and around the outdoor storage area.
At least one copy of the fire emergency procedures shall be prominently posted at the outdoor storage site.
8. Portable Extinguishers
Any building located in an outdoor storage area shall be provided with portable extinguishers in conformance with Part 6 {not reproduced}.
Each motorized vehicle operating in an outdoor storage area shall be equipped with at least one portable extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2-A:10-B:C and conforming to Part 6.
9. Site Preparation
The storage site shall be:
a) level; and
b) solid ground or paved with asphalt, concrete, or other hard surface material.
10. Fuel Dispensing
The dispensing of flammable or combustible liquids into the fuel tank of a vehicle shall conform to Section 4.5 {not reproduced}, except that a clear space of not less than 6m shall be maintained between the stored products and dispensers.
11. Spill Control
Provision shall be made for the safe drainage and containment of waste oils or dangerous goods emptied or escaping from stored products under normal storage conditions or in a fire situation, in conformance with Section 4.1.6 {not reproduced}.
12. Fire Separation
It is permitted to reduce the prescribed clear space between individual storage areas if a noncombustible fire separation or a dirt berm of not less than 1.5 times the height of the products, is provided.
13. Fire Protection
It is permitted to increase the prescribed height and size of individual storage areas if fire extinguishing measures conforming to good engineering practice are provided.
Protective Services Branch (C-20)
Department of Community Services Phone: (867) 667-5230
Box 2703 Toll Free: 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5230
Whitehorse , YT Y1A 2C6 Fax: (867) 667-3165
For more information the Designated Materials Regulation, please contact the Environment Programs Branch