Rent vs Buy: Chemical & Hazardous Material Storage – Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need proper chemical or explosive storage?
Buildings specifically designed to store hazardous or explosive materials provide a level of safety and control that general-purpose storage cannot. Proper chemical storage is critical for protecting people, property, and the environment.
- Protects the environment from accidental spills or contamination
- Improves worker safety and regulatory compliance
- Prevents theft and unauthorized access
- Maintains proper storage conditions for sensitive materials
- Provides a relocatable, turn-key storage solution
Why should I rent a chemical storage building instead of buying one?
Renting a chemical storage building provides immediate access to a compliant solution without the long timelines, capital expense, and long-term risk associated with ownership.
- Fast delivery compared to custom engineering and construction
- Preserves cash and credit for core business needs
- Converts storage costs to operating expenses (OpEx)
- Avoids long-term obsolescence as regulations evolve
- Maintenance and repairs are typically handled by the provider
- Pay for use, not ownership
How does renting increase flexibility as inventory or storage needs change?
Chemical storage requirements often fluctuate due to production cycles, seasonal demand, or project-based work. Renting allows organizations to adapt without over-committing infrastructure.
- Scale storage capacity up or down as needed
- Add temporary storage for peak inventory periods
- Relocate units as workflows or sites change
- Adjust storage configurations as materials change
What is a sump or secondary containment?
A sump, also known as secondary containment, is the containment area built into the bottom of a chemical storage building. It is typically a 6-inch-deep steel well located beneath a steel grate floor and is designed to collect liquids from accidental spills or leaks, preventing contamination of the ground and surrounding environment.
Are rented chemical storage buildings actually compliant?
Yes. Purpose-built chemical storage rental buildings are designed to support compliance with OSHA hazardous material standards, EPA spill containment requirements, and applicable NFPA fire codes. These buildings are engineered specifically for hazardous materials rather than adapted from general-use structures.
Do I need a fire-rated chemical storage building?
Fire rating requirements depend on the distance between the storage building and occupied structures. Factory Mutual commonly recommends:
- 4-hour fire-rated: Inside or within 10 feet of an occupied structure
- 2-hour fire-rated: Between 10 and 75 feet from an occupied structure
- Non-fire-rated: More than 75 feet from an occupied structure
Local fire officials and building authorities have final approval and should always be involved.
Can I store all hazardous materials together, or do they need to be separated?
Hazardous materials must be evaluated for compatibility. Incompatible substances may require separate buildings or internal partitions to prevent reactions, fires, or contamination. Proper segregation is a critical part of safe storage design.
What size chemical storage building do I need?
Building size is typically determined by the number and size of containers being stored, such as 30- or 55-gallon drums or 5- and 15-gallon pails. Regulations governing stacking height, aisle spacing, and access will also impact the required floor space.
What type of shelving is used in chemical storage buildings?
Chemical storage buildings typically use 16-inch-deep sump-style galvalume steel shelving with a 2-inch containment lip. This design helps prevent small spills from spreading and reduces the chance of liquids entering the sump unintentionally.
How do I know what accessories or features I need?
Building features should be guided by local codes, standards, and site conditions.
- Ventilation and explosion-relief construction
- Fire suppression systems
- Audible and visual alarms
- Interior and exterior lighting
- Heating or air conditioning based on climate
What building options are available for chemical storage?
- Pre-engineered chemical storage buildings
- Secondary containment sump systems
- Climate-controlled storage options
- Fire-rated construction
- Security and controlled access doors
- Interior and exterior lighting systems
REQUEST A QUOTE
Complete our quick quote for a chemical storage building from US Hazmat Rentals, to request complete product specifications, or speak with a chemical storage specialist ready to assist you with your storage needs. Be sure to ask about long-term rental discounts. Our factory representative will be happy to answer any questions and provide hassle a free quote for your next project.
Free Hazmat Storage Planner
Download a free Chemical storage planner and building specification guide to hazardous material storage buildings. The US Hazmat Rentals planner will help make you aware of our storage options for proper chemical storage compliance. Each custom engineered building or storage locker is designed and engineered to meet or exceed OSHA, EPA, and NFPA regulations and are ready to deliver.