Code Quiz: Answer for Section 20 – Flammable Liquid and Gasoline Dispensing, Service Stations, Garages, Bulk Storage Plants, Finishing Processes, and Aircraft Hangars

March 4, 2025

By William (Bill) Burr

A commercial vehicle repair garage is being constructed with one corner of the garage area containing a washroom, office and mechanical room which are separated from the vehicle repair area by an elevated floor area of about 50mm and a substantially constructed non-combustible wall with a self-closing fire door.

Given that the vehicle repair garage area is classified as a Zone 2 hazardous location, what classification would the washroom, office and mechanical room have?

Would the electrical equipment in the office, washroom or mechanical room be required to be suitable for a hazardous location?

Answer:

1. Given the 50mm elevated floor and the non-combustible construction and self-closing fire door, this area is not considered a hazardous location.
2. As the office, washroom, and mechanical room are not considered to be classified as hazardous locations the electrical equipment contained in these areas may be suitable for an ordinary location.

“Section 18 – Hazardous Locations

Rule18-058 Equipment rooms

1) Where walls, partitions, floors, or ceilings are used to form hazard-free rooms or sections, they shall be

a) of substantial construction.
b) built of or lined with non-combustible material; and
c) such that the rooms or sections will remain free from hazards.

2) Where a non-hazardous location within a building communicates with a Zone 2 location or an explosive dust atmosphere, the locations shall be separated by close-fitting, self-closing fire doors.”

“Section 20 – Commercial repair garages

Rule 20-102 Hazardous areas

1) For each floor at or above grade, the entire area up to a level 50 mm above the floor shall be a Zone 2 location except that adjacent areas shall not be classified as hazardous locations, provided that they are:

a) elevated from a service and repair area by at least 50 mm; or
b) separated from a service and repair area by tight-fitting barriers such as curbs, ramps, or partitions at least 50 mm high”

Go HERE for more information on Section 20

Go HERE for more information on Section 18