How to select your hazardous materials storage building
U.S. Chemical Storage buildings are specific purpose structures that are intended for the safe, secure and segregated storage of hazardous materials. Usually these buildings are prefabricated (as opposed to being site-built) and provide secondary containment to achieve compliance with U.S. Regulatory agencies like EPA, OSHA, etc.
It is important to note that currently no environmental regulations govern the construction of such buildings; the structures simply provide certain features that allow the users to achieve regulatory compliance as prescribed by the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 264.175).
What is “Chemical Storage”?
It is storage designed and manufactured specifically for housing chemicals, hazardous materials (also known as ‘hazmat’) and hazardous waste. For more information, visit the Environmental Protection Agencies’ website at the following links:
EPA's Hazardous Waste Identification, Characterization and Delisting Information
EPA's Hazardous Chemical Storage Reporting Requirements
Why is there a need for chemical storage buildings?
Chemical storage buildings are designed to storage hazmat in safe, segregated and secure areas, and to prevent chemicals from leaking out into the environment in case of a spill. The term secondary containment refers to the sump area in the bottom of the building. The sump is what differentiates the chemical storage building from other storage buildings. The sump is usually a 6-inch deep steel well that is designed to collect liquids through the steel grate flooring.
What is a "SUMP" or “Secondary Containment” in a Building?
The definition of a “sump” (noun) is a pit or reservoir serving as a drain or receptacle for liquids; a pit at the lowest point in a circulating drainage system. Basically, what the risk management industry calls a “sump” in the case of a chemical storage building is a 6-7” deep well in the bottom of the prefabricated steel building which is continuously welded to be “leak-proof”. This sump is then covered by a steel or fiberglass floor grating and is often equipped with a “sump liner” of a plastic nature to catch accidental spills.
Do I need a fire-rated building?
There are two types of buildings to consider: Fire Rated and Non-Fire Rated steel buildings. First identify the materials to be stored and then group them by hazard. A good preliminary step is to refer to the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets that are required by OSHA, and get in touch with your local fire marshall. A more detailed analysis can then be made by the Code of Federal Regulations.
What size do I need?
Size is usually expressed in terms of the number and size of the containers to be stored. The containers might be 30/55-gallon steel drums or 5/15-gallon buckets. Keep in mind that regulations limiting the stacking of containers will affect the amount of floor space required.
What about the shelves?
Our shelves are Galvalume ™ Steel 16" containment sump shelving with a 2" lip. US Chemical Storage Shelving is 100% hand-welded to be leak proof so you can meet Codes and Standards. This lip will prevent small spills from entering the sump in the floor.
Will location affect the type of building I need?
Location of the building can be either inside another building or outside to fit your needs. The distance from an occupied building will determine the amount of fire rating needed. Again, the best thing to do is to check with your local fire Marshall. If you have flammables or combustibles, and you can locate your building 75' (seventy five) feet or more from an occupied building, you usually will not be required to have a fire rated building.
Active Storage vs. Inactive Storage
How will the building be used? Will it be a permanent structure or a temporary storage location? Will there be frequent movement of materials in and out of the building? Will chemicals be handled inside of the building?
Answers to these questions will dictate fire rating as well as need for mechanical ventilation or explosion relief panels. Call your fire Marshall, and you will get the answers you need.
Construction Features
Again, local codes, standards and regulations should be the most important guide during the selection of building features. Chemicals classified as 1-A Flammable by the National Fire Protection Association, for example, may require mechanical venting, explosion relief panels and alarms.
Building Options
U.S. Chemical Storage offers both pre-designed and custom engineered options to properly protect the contents of your building. Options included heating and air conditioning, fire suppression systems, alarms, interior and exterior lights, floor grates, industrial grade sump shelving and custom door systems. We also offer you a selection of colors so your building will match existing structures. Click here for the accessories page!
