(a) Scope.
(1) No person shall install oil-burning, or oil storage equipment for use within the City of New York except as provided in these rules.
(2) These rules shall not apply to gas companies storing or using oil in the manufacture of illuminating gas for public use.
(b) Definitions. For the purpose of these rules the following terms shall be interpreted in accordance with these definitions:
Approved. "Approved" shall mean devices hereafter approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals and also, when required by the Board of Standards and Appeals, approved, listed as standard, and/or labeled by any nationally recognized standard testing laboratory not operated for commercial profit, provided all such devices are installed in accordance with these rules. Such approval is subject to suspension or revocation for non-compliance with these rules. All devices approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals prior to the adoption of these rules shall be accepted.
Automatic pump. "Automatic pump" is a pump not an integral part of the burner, which automatically pumps oil from the supply tank and delivers the oil by gravity under a constant head to an oil burning appliance. The pump is designed to stop pumping automatically in case of total breakage of the oil supply line between the pump and the appliance.
Burner. "Burner" shall mean a device designed for the purpose of burning oil.
Certificate of operation. A "certificate of operation" as provided for in § B26-58.0 of the Administrative Code, shall mean the operating certificate or certificate of operation issued when required by the Bureau of Air Resources upon completion of the installation of new or remodeled or reconstructed oil burning equipment.
Commercial installations. "Commercial installations" shall mean oil burner installations in buildings, other than dwellings when used for heating and/or generation of power for use on premises.
Controls. "Controls" shall mean such electrical or mechanical devices as are installed for the purpose of providing safe and continuous or intermittent operation.
Discharge line. "Discharge line" shall mean that portion of the line between the discharge outlet of the pump and the burner oil inlet connection.
Domestic installations. "Domestic installations" shall mean oil burner installations installed in dwellings as defined in these rules.
Dwellings. "Dwellings" shall mean buildings used exclusively for dwelling purposes and occupied by one or two families, including convents, rectories, and monasteries.
Electrically grounded. "Electrically grounded" for protection against lightning shall mean storage tanks set directly in or on the ground and/or with underground piping connections. Where storage tanks without underground piping connections are built on bases above the surface of the earth outside of buildings, such storage tanks shall be grounded at two (2) points 180° (degrees) apart as follows:
(i) The conductor from tank to ground connection shall be of copper not smaller than No. 6 (.162") A.W.G. wire, or pipe not less than one-half inch (1/2") in diameter.
(ii) One end of conductor shall be permanently and electrically bonded to tank. The other end shall be bonded to a ground connection consisting of a water pipe or a rod, pipe or plate having a surface area of not less than one hundred and ninety (190) square inches, buried in moist earth not less than two feet (2') below the surface of the earth.
Fill pipe. "Fill pipe" shall mean that portion of the line between the fill pipe terminal and the fill pipe connection in the storage tank.
Fire retarding materials.
(i) One half (1/2) inch plaster boards or asbestos boards, or three-eighths (3/8) inch gypsum wall boards weighing not less than 16 pounds per square yard with pointed joints covered with No. 26 U.S. gauge sheet metal with one (1) inch lapped seams nailed to the wood beams when spaced not more than sixteen (16) inches on centers, or nailed to furring strips when the floor beams are spaced more than sixteen (16) inches on centers, or
(ii) Two thicknesses of one-quarter (1/4) inch asbestos boards laid with tight staggered joints and nailed to the beams, when spaced not more than sixteen (16) inches on centers, or nailed to furring strips when the floor beams are more than sixteen (16) inches on centers, or
(iii) Metal lath weighing not less than three pounds per square yard, attached to furring strips and plastered with Portland cement mortar at least three-quarters (3/4) inch thick.
(iv) Note – All fire retarding material to be applied as required in rules for fire retarding material of the Board of Standards and Appeals.
Ground. "Ground" shall mean an electrical conductor having capacity to absorb current.
Industrial installations. "Industrial installations" shall mean oil burner installations for industrial purposes under same requirements as for Commercial Installations.
Oil. "Oil" shall mean any liquid mixture, substance or compound derived from petroleum, including kerosene and fuel oil as defined in § 26-47.0 of the (pre-1968) Administrative Code and 2 RCNY § 4-14(c).
Oil burning equipment. "Oil burning equipment" shall mean any device including burners, oil burning heaters, internal combustion engines used for heating; power or other purposes designed for and/or using oil as defined in these rules.
Oil level indicating device. "Oil level indicating device" shall mean a means by which the level of the oil in a storage tank may be indicated.
Overflow pipe. "Overflow pipe" shall mean a pipe which conveys, by gravity, the oil from the maximum level of an auxiliary tank to the storage tank or from the pump to the storage tank.
Permanent deformation. Wherever phrase, "without permanent deformation," is used in these rules it shall mean that the tanks or containers shall, after release of test pressure, resume their original size and shape.
Permit. "Permit" shall mean permit for storage of oil.
Portland cement concrete. "Portland cement concrete" shall mean a mixture of one (1) part cement and not more than two and one-half (2 1/2) parts sand and five (5) parts of coarse aggregate and complying in all other respects with the requirements of § 27-267 of the Administrative Building Code.
Preheater. "Preheater" shall mean a device designed for heating oil for the purpose of decreasing the viscosity.
Relief line. "Relief line" shall mean that portion of the line between the by-pass connection of the relief valve and the supply line or storage tank.
Relief valve. "Relief valve" shall mean a valve held shut by a spring or other means of automatically relieving pressure in excess of its setting.
Remote control. "Remote control" shall mean a hand, electric, or mechanically-operated device to shut off the oil supply. A thermostat is not acceptable as a remote control.
Scavenging line. "Scavenging line" shall mean a line installed to permit the removal of water or foreign matter from a storage tank.
Shop fabricated. "Shop fabricated" shall mean completely built in the shop of the tank manufacturer.
Shut-off valve. "Shut-off valve" shall mean a device that can be actuated to prevent the flow of liquid in a line of pipe.
Storage container. "Storage container" shall mean any container for oil connected to a burner or oil-burning heater and having a capacity of six (6) gallons or less.
Storage tank. "Storage tank" shall mean any tank for oil having the capacity of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons or more, having a fill line and vent line connected thereto.
Storage tank auxiliary. "Storage tank auxiliary" shall mean any container for oil having a capacity of not over 60 gallons and used as an intermediary tank for gravity feed and equipped with an automatic or manually operated pump.
Supply line. "Supply line" shall mean that portion of the line between the storage tank and the pump oil inlet connection or hand valve. Where a pump is not used, it shall be that portion of the line between storage tank and burner and burner oil inlet connection or hand valve.
Test well. "Test well" shall mean an opening in the top of the storage tank or a straight pipe connected to such opening through which a gauge stick may be inserted into the storage tank.
Transfer pump. "Transfer pump" shall mean an oil pump, automatically or manually operated, which transfers oil through continuous piping from a supply tank to an oil burning appliance or to an auxiliary tank and which is not designed to stop pumping automatically in case of total breakage of the oil supply or return lines.
Vent pipe. "Vent pipe" shall mean that portion of the line between vent pipe terminal and vent pipe connection in the storage tank.
(c) Oil permitted. Oil permitted under these rules shall be any hydrocarbon oils free from acid, grit and fibrous or other foreign matter. The fuel oils shall be classified as provided in current Commercial Standard published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and shall have a flashpoint not lower than 100 degrees Fahrenheit when tested in a Pensky-Martens closed cup tester (American Society for Testing Materials Method D-93-36) and marketed under the following commercial grades:
Range Oil
No. 1 Fuel Oil
No. 2 Fuel Oil
No. 4 Fuel Oil
No. 5 Fuel Oil
No. 6 Fuel Oil
(d) Standards for approval of oil burners by the Board.
(1) Approved burners, including oil-burning heaters, shall be an assembly of approved parts and electrical controls suitable for use with each other for the service intended, as approved, such burners shall be provided with suitable safeguards to prevent abnormal discharge of oil.
(i) When assembled each burner shall be tested for defects and proper functioning throughout its operating range. Parts shall be so designed as to maintain alignments and to permit interchangeability.
(ii) The CO2 in the flue gas shall be maintained at not less than 8% without smoking and throughout the operating range of the capacity of the burner when tested.
(iii) Flexible tubing used as an integral part of burner shall be not longer than 72 inches and of an approved type.
(2) Approval of burners or oil-burning heaters designed for installation with storage of not more than six (6) gallons shall include approval of storage containers and limitations of installation. If more than six (6) gallons' storage is desired for such burners or oil-burning heaters, a storage tank shall be installed as provided for in these rules. Portable containers of not more than six (6) gallons' capacity may be filled from such storage tanks by means of an approved hand pump located above the top of the tank.
(3) The requirements of these rules shall not apply to the use and installation of portable burners not requiring a connection to a flue where such burners are of the type commonly used for household purposes including oil stoves, oil heaters and oil lamps equipped with a woven wick, nor do the requirements of these rules apply to such portable apparatus such as blow torches, soldering pots, tar heaters, snow melters, etc.
(e) Material and construction of tanks.
(1) Cylindrical tanks (except vertical tanks located outside of the buildings above ground).
(i) All tanks for the storage of fuel oil shall be built of steel plates made by the open hearth process and known to the trade as "tank steel." Such plate shall be free from physical imperfections, such as laminations, cracks, mill scale, etc. All steel must be new in good condition and free from rust. The thickness of steel required and the size and spacing of rivets shall be as stated in the table given below.
(ii) All tanks shall be welded or riveted and caulked, or riveted and welded. Flanges or other pipe connections may be welded. All caulking shall be done with round nose tools and without injury to the plates. Filler of any kind between plates is prohibited.
(iii) Thickness of cylindrical tanks, except tanks of 275 gallons capacity or less:
Tanks 36 in. in diameter and less – 1/4 in. shell, 1/4 in. heads.
Tanks 37 to 72 in. in diameter – 1/4 in. shell, 5/16 in. heads.
Tanks 73 to 120 in. in diameter – 5/16 in. shell, 3/8 in. heads.
Tanks over 120 in. in diameter to be of 3/8 in. steel and to be stiffened by angle rings or equivalent members so as to retain their cylindrical form.
(iv) All cylindrical, oval or round storage tanks shall have dished heads with a curvature the radius of which is not greater than the diameter of the tank. Dished heads shall be formed with an adequate cylindrical extension rim to provide welding or riveting surface. Should flat heads be used they shall be braced in the same manner as described for the bracing of flat sides of rectangular tanks.
(v) Diameter and spacing of rivets: Riveting in single lap seams shall not exceed a pitch as follows:
In shell 1/4 in. thick, 5/8 in. in diameter rivets 2 1/4 in. pitch.
In shell 5/16 in. thick, 5/8 in. in diameter rivets 2 3/8 in. pitch.
In shell 3/8 in. thick, 3/4 in. in diameter rivets 2 1/2 in. pitch.
(2) Rectangular tanks.
(i) All rectangular tanks shall be built of steel plates of the quality required for cylindrical tanks, and of a thickness of not less than 5/16 of an inch.
(ii) Corners may be made up by bending the plates or by use of angles.
(iii) Rivets in seams shall be 5/8 of an inch in diameter and spaced not more than 2 1/4 inches center to center.
(iv) All flat surfaces of rectangular tanks are to be braced. Bracing shall be done either by using structural steel members which will act as girders and which will safely carry the load with a factor of safety of five (5), or by using bars from side to side, end to end and top to bottom of the tanks as the case may be.
(v) When structural steel members are used such as angle, channels or beams, etc., the distance from center to center of the rivet lines on these members must not be in excess of twenty-four inches, and the rivet spacing must be such that it will develop the full strength of the members. In no case shall the rivets be in excess of six (6) inches center to center on these members.
(vi) When structural steel reinforcing members are tied together with braces in order to reduce the effective length, the braces shall not be stressed higher than nine thousand (9,000) pounds per square inch taken in the minimum net section.
(vii) If structural steel members are omitted and the sides of the tank are braced by means of rods or bars, these members should not be spaced farther apart than twenty-four (24) inches center to center, in all directions. The unit stress permitted in these members shall not be in excess of nine thousand (9,000) pounds per square inch on the minimum net section.
(viii) The connection between these members and the sides of the tank must in all cases be such that it will develop the full net sections of the bars so that the bar will break before the connection will let go.
(3) All tanks except vertical above-ground storage tanks.
(i) All storage tanks for oil of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons' capacity or less, except buried tanks, shall have a minimum thickness of shell and head plates of manufacturers Standard 10 gauge (.134"). Auxiliary storage tanks of 60 gallons or less shall be similarly constructed but need not be of a gauge thicker than U.S. Standard No. 14.
(ii) At time of installation all storage tanks shall bear a permanently fixed plate, spot-welded or equivalent, bearing the name of tank manufacturer, the gauge of material and capacity of tank. All shop fabricated storage tanks shall be installed without structural alteration.
(iii) All openings shall be through the top of the storage tank except that storage tanks of 275-gallons may be provided with a three-quarter inch (3/4") opening for gravity discharge and a one-inch (1") opening in the bottom for cleaning and protection against corrosion.
(iv) All buried storage tanks shall have a thorough coating on the outside of two coats of red lead protected by hot tar, asphaltum, or other equivalent rust-resisting material. All such tanks, unless in direct contact by shell or piping with the ground, shall be electrically grounded.
(v) Manholes: Tanks for oils having a viscosity less than 500 sec. Saybolt Universal at 100° F. need not have manholes; where used for such oils the manhole covers shall be bolted and made gastight; where used for oils having a viscosity greater than 500 sec. Saybolt Universal at 100° F. (No. 5 or No. 6 Commercial Standard grades) shall have manhole covers bolted or otherwise secured to the tanks and kept hydrostatically tight at all times.
(4) Vertical storage tanks over 1,000 gallons capacity located outside of building above ground.
(i) Vertical tanks located outside of buildings above ground shall be built of steel plates of the quality required for cylindrical tanks.
(ii) The minimum thickness of shell or bottom plates shall be 1/4 inch and the minimum thickness of roof plates 1/8 inch. The thickness of shell plates shall be figured in accordance with the following formula:
t = P × r × F
T × E
T × E
P equals head pressure at bottom of ring under consideration.
r equals radius of shell in inches.
F equals factor of safety (taken as 5).
T equals tensile strength of plate in pounds per square inch (55,000 pounds per square inch).
E equals efficiency of vertical joint in ring under consideration (calculations to be based on formulas as given in Bulletin No. 14 of the New York State Industrial Commission).
(iii) Roof plates shall have single lap riveted or welded watertight seams and the roof shall be built to shed water. Bottom plates shall have single lap riveted or welded seams. Shell plate seams shall be designed with proper efficiency to meet requirements of above formulas for shell plates.
(iv) In all cases, steel tanks for the storage of fuel oil must be built metal to metal. No filler of any kind will be permitted.
(5) Storage containers. Storage containers for oil of six (6) gallons capacity or less used in connection with burners or oil-burning heaters shall be designed to withstand a hydrostatic pressure test of five (5) pounds per square inch without permanent deformation, rupture or leakage and shall be approved as provided in 2 RCNY § 4-14(d)(2). Glass storage containers shall not exceed three gallons capacity, protected with a metal jacket provided with hand grips and designed to be rigidly fastened to stand or wall and shall be approved as provided in 2 RCNY § 4-14(d)(2).
(f) Location of tanks.
(1) Inside of buildings, above ground.
(i) Storage tanks having a capacity of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons and auxiliary tanks may be installed above ground in or on the lowest story of a building, provided such tanks shall be mounted on substantial incombustible supports, with tank permanently attached thereto, and located not less than seven feet (7') of clear unobstructed space measured horizontally from any furnace or source of exposed flame unless tank is protected as provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-14(f)(1)(ii). Such storage tanks inside buildings shall have an individual capacity of not more than two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons capacity and not more than two such tanks each of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons capacity may be connected to one burner provided the installation also complies with 2 RCNY § 4-14(h)(1). Not more than two (2) two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons storage tanks shall be installed in a building above ground without protection as provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-14(f)(1)(ii).
(ii) Storage tanks having a capacity of more than two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons, when installed inside of buildings shall be located on the lowest floor level and all portions of such tanks above the floor shall be protected by not less than four inches (4") of masonry with weep holes along the bottom one inch in diameter not more than 3 ft. apart. The masonry walls of a structure may be used as part of the protection. Storage tanks may be placed in a protective enclosure having solid masonry walls not less than eight inches (8") thickness and of dimension not less than fifteen inches (15") greater on all sides than the outside dimensions of the storage tanks. The walls of enclosure shall be carried up to a height not less than two feet (2') above the top of the tank or to the ceiling where the ceiling is less than two feet (2') above the top of the tank. A fireproof access door shall be installed in the enclosure above the point where the enclosure has a capacity equal to the largest tank installed, and for each additional 10 feet or fraction thereof by which the longest inside dimension of the enclosure exceeds 35 feet an additional fireproof access door shall be similarly installed at one or more intervals of not less than 10 feet. Columns, pipes, or similar obstructions, may project into the required fifteen inches (15") of space within the enclosure, provided that access door or doors are so arranged that all portions of the enclosure are accessible. The ceiling above the tank enclosure shall be either fireproof or fire-retarded.
(iii) The capacity of individual storage tanks located inside of buildings shall not exceed twenty thousand (20,000) gallons. All buried storage tanks shall be constructed of metal not less than 1/4" in thickness.
(iv) All storage containers used in connection with burners or oil-burning heaters shall be installed in a substantial and workmanlike manner with rigid metal fasteners to wall or floor and protected against mechanical injury.
(2) Inside of buildings, below ground.
(i) Storage tanks having a capacity of 275 gallons or more may be buried inside a building with the top of the tank not less than two feet below floor level. In lieu of two feet of earth over the tank, the tank may be covered by concrete flooring equivalent to the basement floor but not less than the equivalent of 4 inches of reinforced Portland cement concrete with not less than No. 20 gauge steel wire cloth 2" × 2" mesh. Tanks shall be placed in firm soil and shall be surrounded by clean sand or well tamped earth, free from ashes or other corrosive substance, and free from stones larger than will pass through a one-inch mesh. When necessary to prevent floating, tanks shall be securely anchored. Storage tanks, buried below the floor, prior to or at the time of installation, shall be thoroughly cleaned and coated on the outside with two coats of red lead and coated at the site with hot tar, asphalt or other equivalent rust-resisting material.
(ii) Storage tanks buried below the floor shall not be less than 1/4" in thickness.
(iii) No tank shall be buried as to be nearer than three feet to any foundation wall or foundation footing.
(3) Outside of buildings, below ground.
(i) Storage tanks located outside of buildings, below ground, shall be buried with the top of the tank not less than two feet (2') below the natural grade of the surface of the ground. Tanks shall be placed on firm soil and shall be surrounded by clean sand or well tamped earth, free from ashes or other corrosive substance, and free from stones larger than will pass through a one-inch (1") mesh. When necessary to prevent floating, tanks shall be securely anchored.
(ii) No tank shall be buried so as to be nearer than 3 feet to any foundation wall.
(iii) All buried storage tanks prior to or at the time of installation, shall be thoroughly cleaned and coated on the outside with two (2) coats of red lead and coated at the site with hot tar, asphalt or other equivalent rust-resisting material. All tanks shall be electrically grounded.
(iv) All buried storage tanks shall be constructed of metal not less than 1/4" in thickness.
(4) Outside of buildings, above ground.
(i) Storage tanks of a capacity greater than 275 gallons located outside of buildings above ground shall be not less than one and one-quarter (1 1/4) tank diameters and in no case less than ten feet (10') from the line of adjoining property, the nearest building or adjacent tank. Such tanks shall be electrically grounded. The maximum capacity of individual tanks located outside of buildings above ground shall be fixed by the following schedule:
If distant 25 feet from line of adjoining property which may be built upon | 16,000 gallons |
If distant 30 feet | 24,000 gallons |
If distant 40 feet | 36,000 gallons |
If distant 50 feet | 48,000 gallons |
If distant 60 feet | 60,000 gallons |
If distant 75 feet | 96,000 gallons |
If distant 85 feet or more | 100,000 gallons |
Two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallon tanks shall be located so as not to interfere with or obstruct any means of egress.
(ii) Each such storage tank shall be protected by an embankment or a dyke. Such protection shall have a capacity of not less than one and one-half (1 1/2) times the capacity of the tank so surrounded and shall be at least four feet (4') high but in no case higher than one-fourth (1/4) the height of the tank when the height of the tank exceeds sixteen feet (16'). Embankments or dykes shall be made of earthwork with clay core; or of masonry, or of impervious reinforced concrete. Earthwork embankments shall be firmly and compactly built of good earth; free from stones, vegetable matter, etc., and shall have a flat section at the top of not less than three feet (3') and a slope of at least one and one-half (1 1/2) to two (2) on all sides. Concrete or masonry dykes shall be so designed as to safely carry the entire volume of the oil in the tank so surrounded. Embankments or dykes shall be continuous and unpierced, § 27-4053 of the Administrative Code.
(iii) All above ground storage tanks prior to or at the time of installation, shall be thoroughly cleaned and coated on the outside with two (2) coats of red lead and coated at the site with hot tar, asphalt or other equivalent rust-resisting materials. All tanks shall be electrically grounded. All above ground two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallon tanks shall be protected against injury in a manner satisfactory to the Administrative Official.
(5) Tanks located along line of subways.
(i) Along the line of subways no buried tank shall be placed within twenty feet (20') from the outside line of the subway wall, and where practicable, tanks shall be placed in a lower position than the roadbed of the subway, except as may be modified in specific instances by the Board of Standards and Appeals. Where an above ground tank within a building is located within the outer lines of the subway, or within twenty feet (20') from the outside line of the subway wall, such tank shall be placed within a welded steel oil-tight pan of not less than 18 gauge metal of adequate capacity to contain the contents of the tank.
(ii) For the purpose of this paragraph (5) a subway shall be deemed to be any covered subsurface railroad or rapid transit roadbed.
(g) Piping.
(1) Installation of piping and tubing.
(i) Piping and tubing shall be run in a substantial and workmanlike manner. Exposed piping shall be protected against mechanical injury and shall be securely supported with rigid metal fasteners or hangers. All pipes connected to buried tanks except test well piping shall be provided with double swing joints at tank.
(ii) Only new standard full-weight iron, steel or brass pipe, or new extra-heavy copper, brass or aluminum alloy tubing, properly marked and duly approved, may be used. Drawn metal tubing when used for conveying oil, shall be adequately protected. Such tubing unless protected against mechanical injury shall be used only in the same room in which the burner is installed. Drawn tubing when used in domestic-installations shall be not less than three-eighths inch (3/8") inside diameter up to shut-off valve at burner. Soldered connections are prohibited.
(iii) Overflow pipes where installed shall not be smaller in size than the supply pipe.
(2) Relief valves.
(i) Where a shut-off valve is installed in the discharge line from an oil pump a relief valve shall be installed in the discharge line between the pump and the first shut-off valve.
(ii) Oil preheaters shall be of approved type and provided with a relief or pressure regulating valve in the piping system to prevent excessive oil pressure. Oil preheaters shall not be installed in the steam or water space of the boiler and shall be so designed that in the event of oil leakage within the preheater, the oil shall be prevented by an approved method from entering the water or steam circulation system. Water piping connection shall be equipped with a blow-down system providing positive flushing of the water side of the preheater. Two (2) thermometers shall also be installed, one on the intake oil lines of the preheater and the other on the discharge oil line.
(iii) Relief valves shall be set to discharge at not more than one and one-half (1 1/2) times the maximum working pressure of the system. The discharge from relief valves shall be returned to storage tank or to the supply line. Pressure regulating valves and viscosity valves are not included within the scope of this subdivision (g). There shall be no shut-off valve in the line of relief.
(3) Vent pipe.
(i) An open vent of iron or steel, without trap, and drainage to the tank, shall be provided for each storage tank. The lower end of the vent pipe shall not extend through the top of the storage tank more than one inch (1"). Cross connection between vent pipe and fill pipe is prohibited.
(ii) Where a battery of storage tanks, designed to hold the same grade of oil, is installed, vent pipes may be run into a main header.
(iii) Vents shall be not less than one and one-quarter inches (1 1/4") in diameter for storage tanks up to 1,100 gallons' capacity and not less than two inches (2") in diameter for storage tanks of 1,100 gallons and more. Vents for auxiliary storage tanks shall not be less than 1/2 inch in diameter and may be run into the storage tank vent.
(iv) Vent pipes shall be provided with an approved weatherproof hood having a free area of not less than the pipe size area and shall terminate outside the building not less than two feet (2') from any building opening and not less than two feet (2') nor more than twelve feet (12') above the fill pipe terminal, except as may be otherwise approved by the Board. When such openings are fixed and constructed of incombustible materials they shall not be deemed openings within the intent of this rule. If the vent pipe terminal is not visible from the fill pipe terminal location, a one-inch (1") line shall be connected to tank and shall parallel the fill pipe and terminate at the fill pipe terminal with unthreaded end. Such tell-tale lines shall be provided with a check valve set to prevent flow of surface water to storage tank.
(4) Fill pipes.
(i) Fill pipe shall terminate outside the buildings with the fill pipe terminal located at or above grade at least two feet (2') from any building opening and five feet (5') from any subway grating, at or below the level of the fill pipe terminal. No fill pipe shall be less than two inches (2") in diameter and no fill pipe for #6 oil shall be less than three inches (3") in diameter. Where #6 oil is used, the fill pipe terminal shall be located within three feet (3') of the curb, unless otherwise required by the Bureau of Highway Operations or the Transit Authority. Where there are facilities for the delivery tank truck to drive onto the premises, the fill terminal may be located elsewhere than at the curb provided that the location complies with the other requirements of this rule.
(ii) Each storage tank shall be provided with a separate fill pipe except where a battery of tanks is installed, containing the same grade of oil, a common fill and header pipe may be installed provided the area of common header pipe is no smaller than the largest branch fill pipe. When different grades of oil are piped to separate tanks from a common fill line, each branch fill pipe shall be provided with a shut-off valve.
(iii) Where the top of the storage tank is above the fill pipe terminal the fill pipe shall be connected to the top of the tank and be provided with a shut-off valve and swing check valve which shall be located at the fill pipe terminal, or the shut-off valve may be located inside the building at or below the level of the fill pipe terminal, in an accessible location.
(iv) All fill pipe terminals shall be approved type constructed of a suitable material, provided with lugs for embedding in concrete or in lieu thereof a set screw to fasten terminal to fill pipe. The outer flange of the fill pipe terminal or the seal cap shall be provided with letters reading "Fuel Oil" and the calendar number under which the fill pipe terminal and the seal cap have been approved. The fill pipe terminal shall be separately threaded or provided with other approved means to receive the seal cap and the fill pipe and such seal cap shall be suitably slotted for a special opening wrench. An oilproof gasket inserted in a groove in the fill pipe terminal shall be provided so as to render the fill pipe terminal leakproof. A strainer is not required but if used must be of not less than one-eighth inch mesh. Where there is a storage system of volatile flammable oil and a storage system for fuel oil to be used in the same premises, the terminal of the fuel oil pipe shall be provided with a left-handed thread, and the fill pipe fitting shall be a different size than that required for the fill pipes to gasoline tanks.
(5) Heating coils in storage tanks. All heating to reduce viscosity of oils in storage tanks shall be only by means of hot water or low pressure ten (10) pounds per square inch maximum steam coils or electric heaters approved for oil storage tanks.
(6) Scavenging line. When a scavenging line is installed it shall terminate outside of the building and shall be capped oil tight when not in use.
(h) Valves and control of oil flow.
(1) Each supply line from storage tanks of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons' capacity and from auxiliary storage tanks shall be provided with a shut-off valve at the tank, and may be connected by a common feed pipe with a shut-off valve at the burner and when connected to burners designed for gravity feed, shall be provided with an approved constant level device. Such tanks shall be on the same level and with a common fill pipe complying with 2 RCNY § 4-14(g)(4) and a common vent pipe complying with 2 RCNY § 4-14(g)(3). All valves shall be brass gate or globe valves of 125 lbs. per sq. in. rating.
(2) Each supply line for storage tanks of more than two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons' capacity, shall be provided with a shut-off valve at the burner and where the top of the tank is above the oil inlet connection to the burner and/or transfer pump, shall be provided with an approved anti-syphon device located at the highest point in the supply line, except that where heavy oil (No. 6 Commercial Standard Grade) having a viscosity of one hundred (100) seconds or more Saybolt Furol at one hundred and twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit (122° F.) is used, the anti-syphon device shall not be required. No anti-syphon device shall be required where a foot valve is installed at the inlet of the suction line.
(3) Except as may be modified in specific instances by the Board of Standards and Appeals, oil from storage tanks of two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons' capacity or more may be delivered to burners installed above the lowest floor of a business building only under the following provisions:
(i) Plans for such installation shall be submitted for approval to the administrative official having jurisdiction before such installation is made.
(ii) Such burners shall not be installed in any story of any building the floor of which is more than fifty (50') above the street level. Only one oil delivery line shall be installed for each floor.
(iii) Oil delivery lines to burners located above the lowest floor of a building shall not be larger than two inches (2") iron pipe size.
(iv) The pressure in oil lines to burners located above the lowest floor of a building shall not be more than is necessary to deliver oil to the burners and such pressure shall not in any case exceed thirty (30) pounds per square inch. With each automatic burner there shall be installed and maintained in good working order a set of suitable safety controls of the electric or mechanical type. The proper control for each burner is to be listed in the resolution under which the burner is approved. The controls are to provide the following functions:
Temperature control
Ignition control
Stack or Combustion control
Pressure control Gravity control
(4) A remote control shall be provided whereby the flow of oil to any burner can be stopped, and such remote control shall be located outside the entrance to the room in which the burner is located and as close to such entrance as practical, except when outside location is impracticable such control may be located immediately inside the room in which the burner is located if such location is accessible at all times. All such controls shall be legibly labeled "Remote Control for Oil Burner." On auxiliary storage tanks used with manually operated burners such remote control may be installed on feed lines between tank and burner.
(5) Except as provided by 2 RCNY § 4-14(d)(2) for approved combination burner and storage container devices, pressure in storage tank or container for the purpose of discharging oil is prohibited.
(6) In systems where either steam or air is used for atomizing the oil, the oil and the atomizing supply shall be interlocked, so that in case of the interruption of the atomizing supply, the supply of oil will immediately be cut off. Except that this requirement shall not apply to air and oil supply units directly connected to a common driver.
(i) Oil level indicating devices and test wells.
(1) All tanks located inside the buildings shall be provided with an oil level indicating device. Test wells shall not be permitted in tanks located inside of buildings. Unused tank openings shall be permanently sealed to prevent removal of plugs or cover.
(2) Oil level indicating devices shall be constructed of substantial materials so designed that there can be no leakage of oil or oil vapor.
(3) Test well shall be capped oil tight and kept closed when not in use.
(j) Permits, plans, inspection and tests of storage tanks and piping.
(1) Permits.
(i) No oil burner installation of more than six (6) gallons capacity shall be operated until after a Certificate of Approval has been issued by the Commissioner of Buildings and a permit for the storage of fuel oil has been issued by the Fire Commissioner, except that temporary operation shall be permitted upon the filing by the licensed oil burner installer of a certified statement that such equipment conforms with the approved application for a work permit and plan submitted therewith, and with applicable provisions of law.
(ii) Application for Fire Department permit for the storage of fuel oil shall be made within ten days after the completion of the installation by the installer who holds a Certificate of License issued by the Commissioner of Buildings on forms furnished by the Commissioner of Buildings which shall include the location of the building in which the installation has been made, name and address of installer, quantity of fuel oil to be stored and signature of the owner.
(iii) No certificate of approval shall be issued by the Commissioner of Buildings and no fuel oil storage permit shall be issued by the Fire Commissioner until the installer has furnished a certified statement to the Commissioner of Buildings that the installation complies with all requirements, and that the CO2 content of the flue gas by actual test of the completed installation is not less than 8 percent without smoking.
(2) Plans to be filed where structural considerations are involved. The installer shall file with the Commissioner of Buildings plans showing the size and location of all storage tanks having a capacity greater than 275 gallons where such tanks are to be installed either inside of buildings in or below the lowest floor level or outside of buildings below ground. Plans, however, shall be filed where 275 gallon tanks are to be buried and for all multiple dwellings and for all places of public assembly. All such plans shall show compliance with all structural requirements and shall show all salient features of the installation. Plans shall also be approved by the New York City Transit Authority within the limitation in 2 RCNY § 4-14(f)(5)(i) for all tanks located in or outside of buildings along the line of subways under its jurisdiction.
(3) Inspection and tests of installations of storage tanks and piping.
(i) All fuel storage tanks and piping installed, as required to be tested by these Oil Burner rules, shall after installation, except as indicated in this paragraph (3), be tested by the installer in the manner and to the pressures set forth in this paragraph (3), and proved tight before any fuel oil system shall be placed in operation. A certified statement by the installer attesting to such installation and test shall be filed with the Commissioner of Buildings.
(See Sections of the Administrative Code § 27-4020, as amended by Local Law 46 of 1951 and 27-4254)
(ii) Storage tanks of more than two hundred and seventy-five (275) gallons' capacity and all piping for oil connected thereto shall show no change in a shape, rupture or leakage when subjected to a hydrostatic test with water or oil as follows:
(A) Oval, or round, rectangular and specially shaped storage tanks and piping connected thereto twenty-five (25) pounds per square inch.
(B) Cylindrical storage tanks and piping connected thereto, fifty (50) pounds per square inch. Pressure shall be applied for a period of thirty minutes. When oil is used there shall be no fire or flame in the room or rooms in which the test is being conducted. The contractor shall furnish all necessary equipment for conducting tests. Such tests may be made with oil in freezing weather for tanks located outside of building.
(iii) Defective tanks, if repaired by welding, shall have all oil removed and shall be purged of all explosive gases or vapors. Fuel oil tanks may be repaired with non-metallic materials when said materials and methods are approved by the Board.
(iv) The anti-syphon devices, where used as provided for in these rules, shall be approved devices.
(v) All piping conveying oil from a transfer pump to a burner subjected to a pressure in excess of 50 lbs. per sq. inch shall be tested for a pressure of 1 1/2 times the working pressure.
(4) [Repealed.]
(5) Except as otherwise provided for in 2 RCNY § 4-14(k), oil burning installations shall be inspected as required by the Commissioner of Buildings and if it is determined that the installation complies with the requirements of the Administrative Code, the rules of the Board of Standards and Appeals and all laws and regulations applicable thereto, a certificate of approval shall be issued by the Commissioner of Buildings.
(k) Inspection of installations with not more than six (6) gallons' storage capacity. All installations of burners with not more than six (6) gallons' storage capacity except where such installations are made in dwellings shall be reported by installer to the Fire Commissioner giving location of building in which installation is made, name and address of owner and/or occupant name and address of installer and the make and approval number of burner. Such reported installations shall be inspected as required by the Administrative Code.
(l) Ventilation.
(1) No burner shall be installed in any boiler, heater, range or stove unless each boiler, heater, range or stove be connected to a legal chimney, complying with Subchapter 12 of Chapter 1 of Title 27 of the Administrative Code, except that several units may be connected to a common chimney.
(2) Adequate ventilation, at least 15 square inches clear opening per gallon of oil per hour, required to fire the equipment to gross output shall be provided in all rooms in which burners are installed. If the fixed ventilation is supplied mechanically, it shall be electrically interlocked with the burner, and it shall be capable of supplying at least 36 CFM of air per gallon of oil per hour, required to fire the equipment to gross output. It shall also be capable of maintaining an air pressure in the boiler room when the burner is in operation, no less than the outdoor atmospheric pressure at the same time and elevation.
(3) Dampers shall be so constructed that they cannot completely cut off the passage of flue gases at any time. Approved automatic draft controls may be installed when necessary to provide proper draft where the draft is excessive.
(m) Automatic pumps. Automatic pumps, when not an integral part of the burner shall be of approved type, provided with automatic means for preventing continuous discharge of oil in case of pipe breakage.
(n) Fire protection. Note: In order that the intent of Local Law No. 32 of 1958 be carried out, Section C26-693.0 sub. d, par. 1, 2, 4 is superseded by the following:
(1) The clear distance between smoke pipe connections, of any boilers, furnaces or other heating apparatus to flues, and combustible material shall not be less than eighteen (18) inches, except that this clearance may be reduced to nine (9) inches where a baffle consisting of not less than No. 29 gauge sheet metal backed by 1/4 inch thick asbestos is placed two (2) inches above and extending along the entire length of the smoke pipe connections and twice the width thereof and such baffle is securely fastened from the ceiling with substantial hangers. In lieu of such baffle the combustible material may be covered with fire-retarding material as defined in these rules.
(2) The clear distance between any non-insulated heat-producing parts of boilers, furnaces or other heating apparatus and combustible material shall not be less than twenty-four inches (24"). Where such parts are insulated by two inches (2") of asbestos, or equivalent, the clear distance shall be not less than twelve inches (12"), or, in lieu of such insulation the combustible material shall be covered with fire retarding material as defined in these rules extending 8 ft. in front and 4 ft. side and rear of the apparatus.
(3) No movable combustible material shall be stored or maintained within five feet (5') of heating apparatus, except where same is protected by fire retarding material.
(4) Burners and all accessories, including tanks and piping shall be maintained oil tight and kept clear at all times.
(5) The floor beneath boiler or furnace and within two (2) feet in all directions, shall be protected by fireproof construction or a protection consisting of a 1/8 inch steel plate covered with 1/2 inch sheet asbestos and 4 inches of terra cotta. Suspended furnaces shall comply with the requirements of 2 RCNY § 4-14(n)(2).
(6) Oil burning devices designed for installation with storage of not more than six (6) gallons shall be set level and firmly anchored. The floor beneath stoves or any such heating devices shall be protected by a shield of 1/2"asbestos or equivalent extending at least twelve inches (12") beyond the projected area of such device where required within the specific approval of each burner. Approved safety cans only shall be used for the storage and filling of oil containers. The fuel oil used for these burners shall be range oil or No. 1 or No. 2 fuel oil. The manufacturer or installer of these burners shall within 48 hours after each installation notify the Fire Department in writing of the name of the person to whom this burner is sold and the address of the premises where installed.
(7) Near each boiler, furnace or suspended fuel oil-burning unit there shall be immediately available one (1) approved hand fire extinguisher of not less than two quart capacity suitable for oil fires or two (2) rounded bottom pails filled with sand.
(o) Instruction cards and certificate of fitness.
(1) Cards giving complete instructions for the care and operation of the system shall be permanently fixed near the apparatus in readable condition. Where burners or oil-burning heaters designed for use with storage of not more than six (6) gallons' capacity are installed, there shall also be posted a copy of the specifications under which it was approved by the Board of Standards and Appeals in addition to the instruction card herein provided for.
(2) [Repealed.]
(p) Modification. When, for any reason, it may be impracticable to comply strictly with the foregoing rules, the administrative official having jurisdiction shall have power to accept substitute methods provided the spirit and substance of these rules shall be complied with.
(q) Existing installations. Oil burner systems heretofore installed and duly approved as complying with all laws and rules then applicable thereto shall be deemed acceptable, provided there have been no subsequent alterations to the apparatus, except as to 2 RCNY § 4-14(o)(2).
(Renumbered and amended, City Record 4/4/2019, eff. 5/5/2019)