WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR CHEMICAL STORAGE BUILDINGS?

Chemical storage buildings are designed to store hazmat in safe, segregated and secure areas. They are used to prevent chemicals from leaking out into the environment in case of a spill. This hazmat can be flammables, combustibles, oxidizers, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, or any other hazardous material.

WHAT IS A SUMP?

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. Factory Mutual requires that a sump have the capacity to hold 25% of the building's stored contents.

DO I NEED A FIRE-RATED BUILDING?

The location of your building will determine its fire rating. Factory Mutual recommends the following fire ratings for their locations. 4 Hour Fire Rated; for buildings located inside or within 10 feet of an existing, occupied structure. 2 Hour Fire Rated; for buildings located between 10 feet and 75 feet from an existing, occupied structure. Non Fire Rated: for buildings located 75 feet or more away from an existing structure. Remember, your local official has the final decision on your requirements so keep them involved in your decision to store safely.

CAN I STORE ALL MY MATERIALS TOGETHER, OR DO THEY NEED TO BE SEPARATED?

After you identify your hazardous materials to be stored, the substance compatibility should then be determined so that the number of buildings (or the need for partitions within one building) can be established. US Hazmat Rentals has engineers in house to assist with these decisions.

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 primed and painted 16" deep sump shelving with a 2" lip. This 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 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. Hazmat Rentals 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 wide selection of colors so your building will match existing structures.