A modular prefabricated building for hazmat and flammable chemical storage is useful for any business or organization that utilizes chemicals. One from a reputable company like U.S. Chemical Storage, can keep you fully code-compliant and within all environmental, health, and safety regulations. 

However, due to the prefabricated nature of a building to get to it’s final location from the factory, the size is limited by the DOT to what is allowable on U.S. highways.

Modulars can also be designed on a smaller scale. For instance, if you need to manage your flammable chemicals inside an existing structure, but the doorways are small or it has a tight turn to maneuver. A building can be built in pieces to get it inside to reassemble at its desired locations. 

That is why modular buildings are great solutions. They can still be built fully prefabricated and tested, then broken apart and shipped on multiple trucks to you. You can then have a building ANY size for unlimited options.

First consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to determine the type of chemical you’re storing and any storage requirements listed. There are two main classifications of buildings to consider: fire-rated and non-fire-rated steel buildings.

There are three main questions you should answer before engineering or design can begin on your building: what is to be stored, how much of it is being stored, and where is the location it will be stored? You will also need to consult with your local “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) or local code expert to determine your area’s specific storage building requirements.

Our team at U.S. Chemical Storage has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and resources to help analyze your storage needs, but the final approval is made by the local AHJ, so you will need to ultimately ask them about your requirements early in the planning process.

Chemical storage buildings manufactured by U.S. Chemical Storage are designed to get your operation compliant. Contact one of our technical sales engineers to learn how we can find the best solution for your compliance needs.

You will also want to learn more about specific chemical storage requirements in your specific area by contacting your local “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) who could be a local fire marshal, a municipal code official, or a city environmental department. The are often “the last word” on what you can or can not do, so building a relationship with them early in the process is important to your project’s success.

Building size is determined by the amount of hazardous material you are planning to store, the need for occupancy or inspection around these materials, and must take into consideration the most efficient way of moving these materials into and out of your chemical storage building.

Location of the building can be either inside another building or outside to fit your needs. Fire Separation, which is the amount of fire rating required between two occupancies, or the separation distance between those two occupancies, is determined by the type of chemical or hazard being stored, and distances between buildings, egress pathways, or environmental features. To determine the required fire separation, it is best to consult with your local code authority. Inside another building or within 10 feet of another building, you’ll be required to have a 4-hour fire rating. If your hazmat storage building is located at distances 30 feet or greater your building may not be required to have a fire rating at all.