The phrase “important building” is used in many hazardous material(s) standards and codes. OSHA, IFC, and NFPA all use the phrase, yet the phrase is not defined in any of these codes. And because of this lack of definition, there are usually needless debates about their role in safety or the hazards they may present. Here is OSHA’s use of the phrase…
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1910.106(c)(2)(iv) Low-melting materials When low-melting point materials such as aluminum and brass or materials that soften on fire exposure such as plastics, or non-ductile materials such as cast iron, are necessary, special consideration shall be given to their behavior on fire exposure. If such materials are used in above ground piping systems or inside buildings, they shall be suitably protected against fire exposure or so located that any spill resulting from the failure of these materials could not unduly expose persons, IMPORTANT BUILDINGS or structures or can be readily controlled by remote valves. 1910.106(c)(3) Pipe joints Joints shall be made liquid tight. Welded or screwed joints or approved connectors shall be used. Threaded joints and connections shall be made up tight with a suitable lubricant or piping compound. Pipe joints dependent upon the friction characteristics of combustible materials for mechanical continuity of piping shall not be used inside buildings. They may be used outside of buildings above or below ground. If used above ground, the piping shall either be secured to prevent disengagement at the fitting or the piping system shall be so designed that any spill resulting from such disengagement could not unduly expose persons, IMPORTANT BUILDINGS or structures, and could be readily controlled by remote valves. |
So without any formal definition or quantification of what an “important building” is, how do we establish a baseline?
Look no further than NFPA 30 Appendix A. Granted, this is an appendix, but it is an excellent and fair basis to define “important building”.
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A.3.3.8.1 Important Building. Examples of important buildings include occupied buildings where egress within 2 minutes cannot be reasonably expected and control buildings that require presence of personnel for orderly shutdown of important or hazardous processes. Important buildings can also include unprotected storage where products from fire can harm the community or the environment or buildings that contain high-value contents or critical equipment or supplies. |
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