Rain covers within plant structures? acceptable pratice?

[jamesbanda]

In a plant design I am reviewing it is proposed to have several roofs within the plant structure. They are for rain protection while operators change filters. The chemical manufactured in the area will not meet customer specs if it gets wet. It also makes the operators job easier.

These are typically 2 m width by 10 meters long. Only a roof no sides or walls. So.. are they any guiding layout codes or safety codes i should check?

the materials we make are typiclly flash point 55 C, to -5 deg C depending on area. Covered areas are only flash point of 55deg C or higher.

I think its ok.. so far i have checked internally and found no objectections but we are still working through the reivews..

i am really after where i s hould constult a safety manual or design codes?

 

[BigInch]

I don't believe you will find any prohibitions in the usual design codes for any type of sheltering structure, (rain or sun shades, snow & ice, etc.) especially those types of structures having open sides. A lot of codes get sticky about enclosed spaces, underground vaults, working in enclosed environments, possible containment of explosive vapors or atmospheres, etc., but are generally pretty liberal about allowing most well ventilated areas. In your case, it certainly sounds like something is needed, so its only a question of deciding if it should have walls or not. If there is minimal potential to create a hazardous atmosphere and containment of a possible process hazard is not needed, there will generally be no prohibitions by code.

My only real comment is to pay attention to possible restrictions to access for equipment maintenance or replacement in the future, especially overhead lifting requirements.

It is possible that you may have company standards to contend with, so check all of those.

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