Use of Shipping Containers As Storage Facilities
We have noticed an increase in the use of shipping containers as storage
facilities by school districts. While these containers may appear to be quick
inexpensive solutions to a district's storage problems, they must comply with
all applicable provisions of the Manual of Planning Standards and the New York
State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code as a storage building. This
requirement applies to all containers. The temporary or permanent use does not
change the application of these safety requirements.
Two areas of concern regarding the use of this type facility are the exiting and
ventilation requirements. The Building Code of NYS, Section 1003.3.1.8, requires
that exit doors "shall be readily openable from the egress side of the door
without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort." The large cam locks
typically used on these containers do not meet this requirement. Additionally,
these containers seal up very airtight. We want every container to have a louver
added into one side. The louver size should be enough to aid ventilation
according to what you are storing inside. If you have flammable liquids or
anything else that may produce a noxious odor inside your container this louver
may save a life.
This type of facility generally does not require a building permit but does
require a fire safety inspection and a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). To obtain
a CO, the district must send a letter to the Office of Facilities Planning, Room
1060, Education Building Annex, Albany, New York, 12234. A project manager will
be assigned to assist the district through the process. The photos below show
one method of retrofitting the containers to meet NYS Code requirements:
Cam bar removed from right door |
Panic bar installed on right door |
Storage container with proper exit door |
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