Preface
This is the second edition of CSA B376, Portable containers for gasoline and other petroleum fuels. It supersedes the previous edition published in 1980 and reaffirmed in 2019; B144-1974, Portable plastic containers for petroleum fuels; and B252-1976, Portable metal containers for gasoline and other petroleum fuels.
Major changes to this edition have been made to:
a) address the wide variety of configurations in the contemporary marketplace and the influence that enhanced environmental and safety considerations have had on portable fuel container system designs;
b) broaden the scope to include all types of containers intended for use by consumers in the transportation of flammable and combustible fluids from the fuel supply station and the storage and dispensing of these fluids for use in internal combustion engines; and
c) harmonize with international norms in test fuel specifications, material property verification and safety marking practices.
In addition, this edition has been reformatted to current CSA Group editorial requirements.
Nothing in this Standard should be considered in any way as indicating a measure of quality beyond compliance with the provisions it contains. It is designed to allow compliance of products which may exceed that specified in the provisions herein. In its preparation, full recognition has been given to possibilities of improvement through ingenuity of design. This Standard is subject to revision as further experience and investigation may show it is necessary and desirable.
Users of this Standard are advised that the devices/products/activities within its scope might be subject to regulation at federal, state, provincial, or local levels. Users are strongly urged to investigate this possibility through appropriate channels. In the event of a conflict with this Standard, the federal, state, provincial, or local regulations should be followed. This Standard may be used in conjunction with the requirements of the National Fire Code of Canada and the local authority having jurisdiction.
This Standard is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the Standard.
This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group.
Scope
1.1 Inclusions
This Standard sets forth a set of minimum performance requirements for PFCs up to and including 32 L (8.45 US gallons) rated capacity, made from steel or plastic, and intended for re-use by consumers for the transportation and temporary outdoor storage of petroleum-based flammable and combustible liquids. It includes dual compartment PFCs for separate gas and oil storage and containers intended for mounting on off-road vehicles for recreational use.
The PFC system includes the container, closures, and any other components sold with or for PFCs. Components that are sold separately and are intended for use with PFCs fall within the scope of this Standard.
This Standard defines performance requirements for PFCs that can reduce fuel spillage and emissions when used in accordance with the manufacturer's (marked) warnings, operating instructions, and limitations of use.
1.2 Exclusions
This standard does not apply to containers sold with contents (prepackaged), single-use containers as addressed in ASTM F2874, or safety cans that are in conformance with ANSI/CAN/UL/ULC 30.
It also does not include portable engine fueling systems intended to supply fuel to a marine internal combustion engine while the engine is operating, as these are addressed in CSA B306.
This standard does not provide assurance that PFCs meeting the requirements are suited to all fueling applications and conditions.
This standard does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with testing. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices, and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 Terminology
In this Standard, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.
Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.
Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.
Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.
1.4 Units of measure
The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.