Companies that provide chemicals and other products to the ‘upstream’ oil industry often have tanks that do not comply with the Alberta Fire Code. Unless the tank is located and used by a company with an ERCB license the tank must be installed in accordance with the Fire Code. The Fire Code does not permit use of API 12F specification tanks. The Alberta Government has issued a Standata allowing existing tanks to be upgraded. The most significant deficiency with existing 12F tanks is the lack of emergency venting. The Fire Code Variance can be viewed by clicking here. A venting guide has been prepared by the PTMAA. It should be noted that the Fire Code permits use of API 650 tanks but the PTMAA has identified tanks that are labeled API 650 but do not meet all of the requirements of the specification. The customer purchasing API tanks has to be informed of regulatory and technical requirements as the tank manufacturer may not be building tanks to a standard that is audited by the American Petroleum Institute. On the other hand, tanks which have a ULC marking offer a consistency in line with Underwriters Laboratory of Canada qualification requirements. Do not hesitate to contact the PTMAA office with inquiries about API tanks installed before April 1, 2009 or if you are contemplating the installation of new tanks.