Chemical Storage Frequently Asked Questions
How is a building designed for chemical storage different?
Chemical storage buildings are designed to prevent hazardous materials, especially liquids, from leaking out the open environment in case of a spill. Chemical storage buildings have a steel grate and sump in the floor of the building that collect and contain spilled hazardous chemicals. The building may also have partitions to segrate the different substances.
Does a chemical storage building need to be fire-rated?
It depends on the chemicals. You should review the appropriate OSHA Material Safety Data Sheets that are required by OSHA and contact your local Fire Marshall.
If you you can situate the building at least 50 feet from an occupied building, a fire-rated storage building may not be required.
What size of building is needed?
This depends on how many containers you have and their size. There are regulations that prohibit or limit how containers can be stacked, which impacts the floor space available.
What other safety features does a chemical storage building require?
Hazardous chemicals that are classified as "1-A" flammable by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) may require forced venting, explosion-relief panels and safety annunciators.
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