The use of heavy equipment or technological machinery is necessary for many manufacturing facilities. To keep the necessary parts of the business maintained, lubrication as well as cleanup from oil and flammable liquids is critical. Oil and flammable liquid storage on site can be dangerous for personnel and investments alike. Utilizing chemical storage buildings to store flammable and combustible chemicals can increase the safety of facilities and personnel working inside and outside of those facilities.
NFPA Codes For Oil and Flammable Liquid Storage
The NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 400 Hazardous Material Code and the NFPA 1 Fire Code offer an understanding for handling hazardous materials safely. Property setbacks, oil and flammable liquid storage materials and the space between chemical storage buildings must all be considered when storing hazardous material inventory inside a chemical storage locker.
FM Approved Oil and Flammable Liquid Storage Buildings
FM Approval requires a product design standard that chemical storage lockers must meet “Class 6049 Storage Buildings and Lockers.” These standards include roof, wall and flooring designs to show compliance ratings for non-fire rated and fire rated chemical storage lockers constructions.
Ventilation for Storage Building
Ventilation is required for chemical storage buildings when storing flammables and combustibles. Chemical storage buildings can be equipped with natural ventilation or mechanical ventilation accessories, depending on the amount and toxicity of the chemicals. Chemical storage ventilation systems help rid chemical storage buildings of toxic fumes that may be harmful to personnel entering or working around facilities.
Secondary Sump Containment
The EPA requires all chemical storage buildings to have a compliant secondary sump containment system. Chemical storage buildings are engineered with built-in, leak-tested secondary containment systems to capture any spills, leaks or hazardous events.
The type of hazmat to be stored will determine the appropriate proximity to occupied facilities and property lines. The International Building Code specifies minimum distances, shown below.
Fire-Rating Distance from Occupied Facilities or Property Lines
U.S. Chemical Storage Provides Safe Oil and Flammable Liquid Storage Solutions
Keep your workplace and personnel safe when handling and storing oil and other flammable liquids. To learn more about flammable chemical storage buildings or receive a free chemical storage quote, call 1-800-233-1480 or visit us online.
