Improperly Ventilated and Improperly Constructed Fueling Bunker : NS Labour and Advanced Education, Hazard Alerts

Improperly Ventilated and Improperly Constructed Fueling Bunker

Date of Issue: January 5, 1996

Hazard Summary

While attempting to vacuum a liquid from the floor of a fueling bunker that was not properly ventilated or constructed due to renovations made by the owner, a fire/explosion occurred whn the shop vac being used acted as a source of ignition, causing the owner to sustain burns to 65% of his body, which in turn proved to be fatal.

As a result of this fatality, the N.S. Department of Labour, the Fire Marshal's Office and the Department of the Environment worked together to develop and distribute this hazard alert to prevent an accident of this nature happening in the future.

Preventive Measures

  • All facilities used for the dispensing or distribution of fuels such as gasoline or diesel must meet the requirements of the “National Fire Code of Canada, Part 4, 1990 edition.” The National Fire Codes provide guidelines for the distribution and storage of these fuels.
  • Any alteration or change to your facilities must be approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and the Department of the Labour and Advanced Education.