[NHCOLL-L:1238] Alcohol

[Ross MacCulloch]

I'd like to elaborate somewhat on Brad's earlier query.  Ontario recently adopted new Fire Regulations dealing with flammable liquids; these appear to be similar to the International Code which John spoke of, and they bring Ontario into line with the rest of the country (and world).  Naturally, newly adopted regulations tend to be enforced vigourously by enforcement agencies. 

Many institutions in Ontario now find themselves in violation of the new regulations.  Here at the ROM we have large wet collections in 65-70% ethanol.  Most are stored below grade, which is a serious violation.  We know that these collections must be moved out of the basement.

The ROM's problem is aggravated because it is about to begin a program of renovation of its public spaces.  This will require architectural and construction plans, all of which must be approved.  The approval process will include a visit to the premises by the Fire Department.

Our management is understandably concerned that any such visit will have grave repercussions.  The Fire Dept. has the authority to order any violators to comply with regulations within 60 days or close down.  Management has therefore proposed that all alcohol collections be moved to an off-site facility.  Those of us who deal with curation and collections management naturally want the collections to stay on site.  We believe that existing facilities can be modified and upgraded to reduce the danger of fire.

So I'd like to ask these questions of the collective:  Have you faced a similar problem, and more specifically, did you enter into a dialogue or negotiations with the Fire Authorities before you modified your storage facilities?  Were you successful in getting exemptions or "relaxations" of the regulations as applied to your collection?  If so, we'd appreciate any & all details of this.

Thanks, Ross

Ross D. MacCulloch
Assistant Curator, Herpetology
Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario
M5S 2C6