Propane-Fuelled Floor Buffers : NS Labour and Advanced Education, Fuel Safety

Memo

The following requirements shall apply to the use of propane-fuelled floor buffing equipment within the Province of Nova Scotia:

  • A floor buffer shall be certified and shall display the label of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or other approved certification agency. If a buffer is not certified, it is not approved for operation in the Province of Nova Scotia.
  • All buffers shall be serviced, and have their emissions systems tested and serviced, in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
  • An approved floor buffer shall not be used in any occupancy where the persons are not ambulatory for any reason. (Hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities, etc.)
    In all other facilities, the buffers shall only be used after closing hours.
    In 24 hour operations , such as supermarkets, the buffers shall only be used between the hours of 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
  • Whenever a propane cylinder is attached to a buffer, while the buffer is within a building, it shall have an operator in attendance at all times.
  • When a buffer is not in use and stored within any structure, the propane cylinder(s) shall be removed and stored outdoors in a well ventilated space. The cylinder storage area must be secure and protected from damage. This applies to any structure.
  • Connection and disconnection of propane cylinders shall be done in a well ventilated area with no sources of ignition within ten (10) feet from the point of connection. Cylinder connections shall be checked for leaks at that time.
  • Any spare propane cylinders which are not in use, whether full or empty, shall be stored outdoors in a secure location that complies with the requirements of the Propane Storage and Handling Code, CSA-B149.2-00. Such locations are limited to a total aggregate capacity of 200 pounds of propane and shall have a sign indicating "NO SMOKING" prominently displayed.
  • A propane cylinder connected for use on a buffer shall not have a capacity that exceeds 33 1/3 pounds of propane.
  • Propane cylinders, and buffers with cylinders attached, shall be transported in an open vehicle.
    An enclosed van is not acceptable for this usage.
Should there be any questions regarding this directive, please contact the Fuel Safety Division of the Office of the Fire Marshal at 424-5721 or 1-800-559-3473.

Dale C. Stewart
Chief Inspector - Fuel Safety

EFFECTIVE: March 1, 1998