Enviro-Safe Storage Buildings are specific purpose structures that are intended for the safe, secure and segregated storage of hazardous materials. Usually these containers are prefabricated (as opposed to being site-built) and provide secondary containment for end users to achieve compliance with U.S. Environmental Agency Regulations from 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).

Which is the best building for you? Here are some guidelines:

Building Type:
There are two types of building 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 the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A more detailed analysis can then be made by the Code of Federal Regulations.

Compatibility:
After you identify your hazardous materials to be stored, the substances compatibility should then be determined so that the number of buildings (or the need for partitions within one building) can be established.

Size:
Size is usually expressed in terms of the type of building, the number and size of the primary containers to be stored. Such containers might be 30/55-gallon steel drums or 5/15-gallon pails. Keep in mind that regulations limiting the stacking of primary containers will affect the amount of floor space required.

Location:
It may be located inside or outside of an existing facility, but depending on the amount and nature of materials stored, various codes may require that the building be placed outdoors with a specified minimum distance from existing structures and property lines. These codes will also determine if the building will require a fire rating.

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 may dictate location as well as need for fire rating.

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:
Carlisle Building Systems 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 shelving and custom door systems.