While almost every household in PEI has a heating system and an oil tank, many homeowners do not realize an improperly installed oil tank can represent a major health and safety risk. Installation of an oil tank inside a residence or garage without proper venting to the outside is one of the most frequent installation errors encountered in PEI.
Not venting the oil tank to the outside can lead to a buildup of toxic fumes inside the home, creating or contributing to respiratory and other health problems. A buildup of fumes also increases the danger of an explosion in the event of an open spark or fire occurring within the building. If a fire does break out, a properly vented system will ensure combustible off-gases escape to the outdoors reducing the risk of explosion.
The proper venting of home heating systems is governed by the "Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment" (CAN/CSA-B139-M91). In effect right across Canada, in Prince Edward Island these standards are enforced by the PEI Fire Marshal's Office. The Installation Code for Oil Burning Equipment details three main points for homeowners to keep in mind when examining their present installation or when installing a new fuel oil tank:
1) Each oil tank over 45 L (10 gal) capacity shall be vented.
2) Vent openings and vent pipes shall be of adequate size and in no case shall the vent opening on the vent pipe be less than 32 mm (1-1/4 inches) in diameter.
3) An oil tank installed inside a building shall have a vent pipe vented to fresh air outside the building.
If any of the above clauses are not adhered to, the installation is considered improper and illegal and the homeowner can be made to carry out a proper installation at his or her own expense.
For more information on the proper venting of home heating systems contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 368-4869 or contact the Department of Technology and Environment at 368-5042.