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Outdoor Chemical Storage Buildings
Document Number: 257
Introduction
A common problem for many
companies today is the safe storage of hazardous materials and wastes at
their facilities. One solution to this problem is the use of an Outdoor
Chemical Storage Building. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) defines
an outdoor chemical storage building as “…a prefabricated structure, manufactured
primarily at a site other than the final location of the structure, and transported
completely assembled or in a ready-to-assemble package to the final location”.
These buildings can be a cost-effective means of providing storage and secondary
containment for hazardous materials without having to resort to building a
new permanent structure.
When selecting an appropriate storage building, a
number of things need to be considered, including (but not limited to)
the type of materials to be stored, location of the building, and design requirements.
The following are some guidelines to consider when selecting a building.
Type
of Material to Be Stored
If the materials you will be storing are either
flammable or combustible, you will need a building that meets the NFPA
Code 30, Uniform
Fire Code (UFC) Articles 79 and 80, or an equivalent local code. Check
with your local Fire Marshall to determine which code is locally enforced.
The
class of the flammable /combustible material (refer to NFPA Code 30)
can also determine what type of building construction is required. Highly
flammable
or combustible materials, such as Class I and Class II liquids, will
require either a Non-Combustible building or a Fire-Rated building. Non-Combustible buildings are constructed of non-combustible material (such as steel),
whereas
a Fire-Rated building are constructed of non-combustible materials
and include fire resistant insulation in the walls. Fire-Rated buildings
are further divided
into categories based on the fire resistance of the walls, roof, and
openings (doors and vents).
When storing liquids that are neither flammable
nor combustible
(such as corrosives or toxics), a Non-Combustible building should be
sufficient.
Storage vs. Dispensing
The design of the building will also
be affected by
whether or not you will be dispensing from the container stored in
the
building. If you will be dispensing a Class IA or Class IB liquid within
the building,
additional design features such as explosion-proof wiring, explosion-relief
panels, and a ventilation system may be required.
Amount of Material
to Be Stored
The interior size of the building should easily accommodate
your required
number of containers in a single layer. Additionally, the building
should have an adequate sump capacity to comply with the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Secondary Containment Requirements (40 CFR 264).
To meet
this regulation, the building sump containment should be large enough
to
hold 100%
of the volume of the largest container stored in the building or 10%
of the total volume of all containers stored in the building, whichever
is larger.
Location
The type of building you select will also have a bearing on
the chosen location. Factory Mutual (FM), an insurance and testing agency,
specifies
minimum distances between the storage building and any other main (occupied)
building on the site and the property line of the facility. The following
distances are specified by FM:
Type of Building |
Distance from Main Building or Property Line |
| 4 Hour Fire Rated: (Walls rated for 4 Hours, Roof and Opening Rated
for 3 Hours) |
< or =10 ft. |
| 2 Hour Fire Rated: (Walls rated for 2 Hours, Roof
rated for 1 Hour, and Openings rated for 1 1/2 Hours) |
10-50 ft. |
| 1 Hour Fire Rated: (Walls rated for 1 Hour, Roof rated
for 1 Hour, and Openings rated for 3/4 Hour) |
50-75 ft. |
| Non-Combustible: (No Fire Rating) |
>75 ft. |
Compliance and Approvals
As mentioned
earlier, construction of these building must comply with a number of
regulations including EPA 40 CFR, OSHA 29 CFR 1910, NFPA Codes 30 and 70,
and UFC Article
79 and 80. In addition to the construction requirements, certain approvals
may also be required for these buildings. These approvals include UL (Underwriter’s
Laboratories) Classification and FM Approval.
Additionally, certain states require
that a Professional Engineer apply a Seal of Approval to the building,
indicating that it meets all state regulations. Please contact your local
Fire Marshall
or the agency in your jurisdiction for more details on this State Seal
Program and to confirm if your state requires this approval seal.
Options
A variety of
options are often available for these buildings, helping you to meet
all regulatory codes, or to simply customize the building to your needs.
Available options include
electrical service, heating and cooling systems, fire suppression systems,
shelving, insulation, and explosion-resistant features.
More Assistance
If you have further
questions regarding Outdoor
Chemical Storage Buildings or if you
would like help selecting and designing a building to meet your needs,
please feel free to contact
Lab Safety Supply’s Technical Services Department at phone number
1-800-356-2501 or via e-mail at techsvc@labsafety.com..
Commonly Asked Questions
| Q. |
Can an Outdoor Chemical Storage Building be moved from one location to
another? |
| A. |
Yes. These buildings are designed to be portable. When moving a building
to a new location, be sure to confirm that the new location meets all required
distances and local codes. A building can also be moved indoors if needed.
Buildings being relocated indoors should have a continuous ventilation system
that is exhausted to the outdoors, a 4-Hour fire rating, a fire suppression
system, and explosion relief panels directed towards a safe exterior location.
Again, be sure to consult your local Fire Marshall to insure compliance with
all local and/or state codes. |
Sources for more Information
29 CFR 1910.106 Flammable and Combustible
Liquids
40 CFR 264 Standards for Owners and Operators of Hazardous Waste
Treatment, Storage
and Disposal Facilities
National Fire Protection Association
Code 30 Flammables and Combustible Liquid Codes
National Fire Protection Association
Quincy, MA
617-770-3000
www.nfpa.org
Factory Mutual
Norwood, MA
781-762-4300
www.fmglobal.com
FREE Technical Support
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experts. They'll answer your questions about product specifications,
chemical compatibility, regulatory issues, and general worker safety
and health.
Call our Safety TECHline™ Technical Support toll-free:
800-356-2501 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, Monday - Friday). Or e-mail our
Technical Support Staff at techsvc@labsafety.com
anytime!
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Please Note: The information contained in this
publication is intended for general information purposes only. This
publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government
regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice
or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited
regulation or consult with an attorney.
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