Township of Lower Providence, PA Chapter 100 Kerosene Heating Units

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Lower Providence 1-9-1984 by Ord. No. 303. Amendments noted where applicable.]

GENERAL REFERENCES

Fire prevention - See Ch. 83.

§ 100-1 Use generally.

The use of portable kerosene heating units shall be permitted only in single-family, twin or half-double residential units, permanently affixed to a below-grade foundation.

§ 100-2 Restrictions on usage.

A. The use of portable kerosene heating units shall be prohibited in apartment houses, multiple dwellings with two or more dwelling units, in boardinghouses, motels, hotels or mobile homes.

B. Commercial establishments.

(1) The use of portable kerosene heating units is not permitted in commercial establishments, industrial establishments or public offices, except where the protection required by this chapter is provided.

(2) The required protection for use of portable kerosene heating units in commercial establishments, industrial establishments and public offices is as follows:

(a) The portable kerosene heating unit shall be surrounded by a one-half-inch-square wire mesh frame so as to prevent persons from coming into contact with the portable kerosene heating unit.

(b) The portable kerosene heating unit shall have a minimum six-inch clearance in all directions between the kerosene heating unit and the wiremesh frame protection screen.

(c) All protection material shall be noncombustible.

C. Portable kerosene heating units shall be prohibited in places of public assembly, including but not limited to schools, institutions, restaurants, movie theaters, skating rinks, retail stores, etc.

D. Under no circumstances are portable kerosene heating units permitted in structures where hazardous or highly flammable materials are stored, as defined in the 1981 BOCA Fire Prevention Code and any amendments thereto.

E. Indoor storage.

(1) All containers used for the indoor storage of kerosene fuel shall be metal construction with positive screw-type spout, shall be an approved safety can under Underwriters Laboratories regulations, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal regulations, with a maximum size of five United States gallons. The container shall be labeled "kerosene" with at least two-inch high letters. A total maximum of 10 gallons may be stored in a building subject to the regulations contained herein. Storage must be at least 10 feet distant from any flame, heating unit, boiler, furnace or wood-burning stove or the portable kerosene heating unit.

(2) Under no circumstances may kerosene be stored in living areas, kitchens, bathrooms, closets, bedrooms or in a hallway or means of ingress or egress of a residential dwelling or in a room that does not have adequate ventilation.

§ 100-3 Provisions supplementary to other regulations.

The regulations contained herein shall be a supplement to applicable regulations of the 1981 BOCA Fire Prevention Code and any amendments thereto and all applicable regulations issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal's office.

§ 100-4 Violations and penalties.

Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter or fail to comply with any order of the Lower Providence Township Fire Marshal issued pursuant to this order shall be guilty of a summary offense punishable by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $300 or by imprisonment for not less than three days nor more than 30 days, should said fine not be paid. The imposition of one penalty for any violation shall not excuse the violation or permit it to continue. Each day that a prohibited condition exists shall constitute a single and separate offense subjecting the violator to a single and separate punishment for each violation, each day.