Reply To: Chip Truck Inspections

[Lukasz Kasprzyk]

Woodstock has a chip wagon mobile vendor licencing bylaw which applies to a chip wagons that are mobile or anchored at a specific location. So if it’s anchored and made permanent (see below explanation) we require compliance with articles 2.6.1.12. and 2.6.1.13 which is the whole NFPA96 standard. If the chip wagon is mobile, we are more relaxed on 2.6.1.12 but expect records for 2.6.1.13 because technically the fire code does not apply to vehicles or wagons. No records for 2.6.1.13 means no mobile vendor licence under the bylaw which is enforced by bylaw officers. The bylaw also requires a certificate of inspection under TSSA for propane connections.

Here is info from OFM Opinions & Applications for the Fire Code that they put out years ago which is no longer available on their website which pertains to application of article 2.6.1.12 Commercial cooking installation:

Question: Does this article apply to chip wagons?
Answer: No. Chip wagons, vans or trailers are typically motorized highway vehicles that have been equipped with commercial cooking equipment consisting of at least a deep fat fryer. As a highway vehicle, a chip wagon does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Fire Code.

Question: Does this Article apply to a chip wagon that is located at one site?
Answer: The Fire Code definition for a building is less prescriptive than found in the Building Code and deals with a structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. Where a chip wagon has taken on sufficient elements of site permanence, Fire Code provisions could be used to require exhaust and fire protection systems for an active business. Elements of permanence could be: lack of or expired licence plates, foundation under axles or frame, permanent attachment of services (power, water, sewers)
removal of engine, modification of vehicle to render it untowable, regular hours of commerce.

Fire departments should be aware of the provisions of other laws or by-laws that could also apply, such as those relating to building permits, zoning approval, spatial separations, parking, access and air emissions. Nevertheless, a specific by-law identifying the controls required by the municipality for chip wagons (particularly those which are mobile) would provide the clearest path to obtaining fire protection and exhaust systems.