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Hazardous Material Storage is Often Overlooked.

Along with high-piled combustible storage requirements, hazardous materials storage requirements are also often overlooked.  This is due to the fact that many agencies view and classify hazardous materials differently.  In fact, the Department of Transportation will let you transport materials that the fire code will not allow you to store.  For instance, the transportation of flammable liquids in plastic IBC's is allowed by the DOT, but the fire code and NFPA strictly prohibit this process.

The fire code classifies hazardous materials into to major categories - physical hazards (flammable and combustible liquids, etc...) and health hazards (toxic, corrosive, etc...).  The requirements are different for each of these, and they must be stored and handled differently.  Most importantly, the quantities and configuration that these may be stored in a warehouse is strictly limited by the fire code, unless extra protection measures are provided.  For instance, rubbing alcohol, and many paints and thinners are limited to 60 to 120 gallons.

In order to store above these quantities, many items must be taken into consideration, and we must pursue a hazardous (H) occupancy permit.  These items include:

• Wall assembly and door fire-resistance ratings
• Security and separation
• Primary and secondary containment
• Explosion and deflagration prevention and proofing
• Fire sprinkler protection
• Class I Division 1 or 2 lighting and electrical equipment
• Fume exhaust and ventilation
• Smoke and heat ventilation
• Generator backup for the ventilation and sprinkler system
• Fire alarm
• Much, much more

Outdoor and tank storage require even more steps to determine compliance.  Add use to this equation, and you definitely need the assistance of a professional service provider such as Active Industrial Fire Protection.  We work with you and your team and the Authority Having Jurisdiction to make sure your storage is compliant.  This is especially critical if you are a 3PL with hazmat requirements from the TSA and other governmental agencies because simply separating and securing these items is not compliant with the requirements.