Types of Storage Facilities

B. In developing the current system of identification by transportation placards and labels,

terminology such as compatibility and reactivity has been considered. However, these terms

should be used with extreme caution since so many variables are involved. Generally, contact

between incompatible materials will produce a reaction such as fire, explosion, polymerization,

boiling or spattering, severe heat, or the release of poisons or hazardous gases. The matter is

made even more complex by the fact that reactivity of chemicals with the same molecular

formula may differ because they possess different structures. The unpredictability and

complexity of the hazard must be understood when planning and allocating storage facilities.

The following examples are presented for information:

1. Certain chemicals may have the same molecular formula but be assigned different hazard

classes when offered for transportation because the DOT regulation is open to interpretation in

some cases.

2. Varying interpretations of regulations, or sometimes conflicting regulations published by

different agencies, may result in the same chemical being classified in different hazard classes for

purposes of transportation further complicating the problem of assuring that incompatible

hazardous materials are properly segregated in storage. For example, one manufacturer has

shipped 110-gallon containers of p-toluidine as NA1993, combustible liquid, n.o.s., or as IMO

Division 6.1, poison, for export via ocean going vessels. On the other hand, another has shipped

the same material as a nonregulated solid. Still another company has simply described the

material as a combustible liquid (OSHA-regulated class III).

C. Storage areas shall be arranged in a manner that facilitates manual (4-foot aisles) and/or

MHE (10-foot aisles) access and handling, maintains stability, allows inspections, and promotes

good housekeeping.

4.6 Types of Storage Facilities

A. The definitions applicable to types of storage facilities are found in the Joint Service Manual

for Storage and Materials Handling (TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFJMAN 23-210/MCO

4450.14/DLAM 4145.12) and include:

General Purpose Warehouse

Controlled Humidity (CH)

Refrigeration

Hazardous Materials Facility

Dry tank

Shed

Transitory

Above-ground Magazine

Earth-covered Magazine

Nontraditional Warehouse

Open Storage Space

B. Within facilities, two other defined areas are required:

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