Buildings, including their doors, where flammable or oxidising substances are stored or used must be fire resistant.
Storing
There are four types of buildings that can be used for storing flammable or oxidising substances: types A, B, C, and D. The fire resistance rating is lowest for type A and highest for type D.
In the regulations, storing is described as cases where the packages or containers remain closed.
Using
There are three types of buildings that can be used for using flammable or oxidising substances: types 1, 2, and 3. The fire resistance rating is lowest for type 1 and highest for type 3.
In the regulations, using is described as cases where the packages or containers are open. Buildings for using these substances are referred to as workrooms.
Building Code
The building requirements for storing or using flammable or oxidising substances under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) also form the basis of Verification Method F3/VM1 of the Building Code. Compliance with the requirements of HSNO and the Building Code is necessary in order to obtain a building consent.
Location of a building (separation distances)
A building storing or using flammable or oxidising substances must be separated from areas that require protection from the effects of a fire involving those substances. This may include areas on the same site as well as across the boundary of the site.
Factors that affect the required separation distance:
type of substance
quantity of the substance
size of container the substance is stored in
whether the container is open
whether the substance is in a bulk tank
fire resistance rating of the building or workroom
type of occupancy of the adjacent building or site.
The required separation distance to adjacent areas reduces as the fire rating of the building increases and the quantity and hazard classification of the substances reduce. The separation distances are given in Regulations and codes of practice below.
The building requirements apply regardless of whether the quantity of substance requires the establishment of a hazardous substance location.
Do I need a test certificate for a building?
Buildings don’t require test certificates, but if a Location Test Certificate is needed for a site, the certificate can only be obtained if the required separation distances for the building are met.