General Storage Conditions (Above Ground)

  1. All liquids must be stored with secondary containment.
  2. Materials used for secondary containment must meet the following conditions:
    • Must be compatible with, and impermeable to, all substances stored within the structure.
    • Must be resistant to weathering.
    • Must be able to bear any load that would result from the rupture of a primary storage container.
    • Must be noncombustible if flammable or combustible liquids are in the area.
  3. A secondary containment area must be large enough to withhold a complete spill of the largest primary container, even if other items are in the containment area.
  4. All materials stored within a secondary containment unit must be compatible with each other and with all primary containers in the area.
  5. Primary containers must be placed to allow for inspection of both primary and secondary containers.
  6. Storage rooms for flammable liquids must have mechanical venting. All electrical fixtures must be explosion proof. The rooms must be free of open flame furnaces and other ignition sources.
  7. Solid materials must be in sound packaging protected against moisture and other potential damage.
  8. Compressed gas cylinders must be secured to a stationary object or affixed in a welding cart.
  9. Storage rooms for compressed gases must have accurately calibrated low oxygen monitors and must be mechanically vented. All heat sources and electrical fixtures must be explosion proof if flammable gases are stored.
  10. Gas specific monitors are required for storage of gases identified by SARA Title III as extremely hazardous.
  11. Compressed gases stored outdoors, including liquid propane, must be protected from vehicles, vandalism, and other sources of damage.
  12. Floor drains (PDF) are discouraged. They will only be accepted in three situations:
    • The drain discharges to a municipal sanitary sewer system where treatment plant officials agree that the system can accept a full release of the materials stored.
    • The drain discharges to a sealed holding tank that is pumped by a transporter who is licensed to handle the waste.
    • A permit has been received from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to discharge the drain into the environment.