Directive: Gas Fired Pottery Kilns

This directive is being issued by a provincial safety manager pursuant to section 30 of the Safety Standards Act.

Scope

The CSA B149.1 Natural gas and propane installation code (B149.1) does not include requirements for the installation of gas fired pottery kilns. This directive details the terms and conditions applicable to installation permits issued for gas fired pottery kilns, to support their safe installation and operation.  

Details

In accordance with section 18 (1)(b) of the Safety Standards Act, the following terms and conditions apply to installation permits involving all gas fired pottery kilns.

1. It must not be installed within the living area of a residence.
2. Where installed in a room adjacent to a work area, the kiln area must be partitioned or screened off from the work area in a manner acceptable to the building authority having jurisdiction.
3. Gas fired pottery kiln’s must be approved by an accredited inspection body in accordance with Technical Safety BC's unapproved gas appliance bulletin.
4. The minimum clearance from the top, sides and rear of a kiln to combustible construction must be 48 inches (120 cm). Clearances may be reduced in accordance with the provisions allowed under the B149.1, however any clearance must not be less than 24 inches (60 cm).
5. When an updraft type gas fired pottery kiln is vented by means of a canopy and single wall metal vent, the clearance from the vent to combustible construction must be a minimum of 18 inches (45 cm).
6. If installed in a building or attached to an occupied building, the installation area must be provided with a combustion air intake near floor level. The openings must be 50 per cent greater in area than calculated under the B149.1.
7. An interior metal chimney must have a minimum 36-inch clearance of from combustible construction.  
8. Where a metal chimney passes through combustible roof construction, the clearance may be reduced to 12 inches (30 cm) provided the chimney is guarded by a metal thimble extending at least 9 inches (23 cm) above and below the roof construction. Such thimbles must have double walls with a ventilated space between the walls and between the metal chimney and thimble. The clearance between the metal thimble and combustible material must not be less than 6 inches (15 cm).

Provincial Safety Manager, Gas

References:  

Safety Standards Act

Gas Safety Regulation

CSA B149.1 - Natural gas and propane installation code