For the longest time, when it came to additional space within a chemical plant or refinery, the industry looked to temporary modular buildings to fill their needs. These buildings came in multiple sizes, were quick to set up and use, and offered the space to accommodate the needs of the turnaround or shutdown. They were used as office space, breakrooms, tool rooms, training buildings, first-aid stations, etc. However, after the accident in Texas City, Texas, the industry had to take a hard look at finding a safer solution for their workers who needed to be in the blast zone. At first, the office space was moved outside the blast radius, but the inefficiencies of constantly moving the workforce in and out of the plant was not practical.
Then came the introduction of the blast-resistant module (BRM). The original BRMs were simply modified “sea containers,” which offered protection but didn’t offer enough square footage for workers. The BRM industry has since diversified away from these containers and now offers reinforced steel BRMs to meet the needs of end users. These reinforced steel BRMs were built to withstand a blast and still protect the inhabitants inside.
BRMs come in many sizes and configurations to accommodate any size space requirement. The singlewide sizes range from 8 feet by 20 feet to 12 feet by 40 feet, with the 12 feet by 40 feet module being considered the primary standard for the industry. Singlewides give the flexibility to be scattered throughout a plant in areas with limited space or work areas that require a minimal number of workers. BRMs can also be assembled as a complex, allowing them to flex in square footage to meet whatever size requirements are needed. In areas that have space restrictions, the modules can be stacked to double the square footage without doubling the footprint. The applications have grown exponentially to meet the ever-changing need to provide a safe work environment inside the blast zone.
While BRMs were originally designed to provide temporary safe space during shutdowns and turnarounds, they are now being designed and built to replace older permanent control rooms and administrative offices that are in the blast zones as well. These areas often require a higher level of protection than the older buildings provide. The possibilities are endless as far as what can be done with this new and ever-expanding product. These buildings can be designed to mirror all the comforts of traditional construction and still add the extra level of protection needed to keep employees safe. It’s important workers feel safe and comfortable while performing their daily tasks, and blast-resistant buildings offer both.
While BRMs are the safest option when working inside the blast zone, they are not usually required in all areas of the plant. For areas that are clearly outside the blast radius, other temporary space might be a better alternative for housing workers during shutdowns and turnarounds. Designed for both temporary and permanent use, yet built with modern conveniences, traditional modular buildings can accommodate any space requirement and are built to meet all local building codes. The comfort and cost savings of utilizing modular buildings to meet your specific space requirements can keep your projects on budget and on time.
Once you recognize your need for space, whether it is inside or outside the blast zone, where do you go to get your questions answered? How do you determine how much space you need and what products will be the best fit to keep your employees safe? Today, the industry has become compartmentalized when it comes to offering space solutions to match the needs of the petrochemical industry. The focus has gone to either blast resistant or traditional modular, but not both. There are very few providers that can handle all of your space needs with one call. Make sure your modular space partner has the capability to handle the design and construction and installation of all of your space needs for your workers, regardless of their location inside or outside of the blast zone.
For more information, visit www.satelliteco.com/products/blast-resistant or call (800) 453-1299.
