Methods for locating portable buildings for explosion hazards

Three zones for siting portable buildings based on external vapor cloud explosions (Figure 1), was established.  These zones are defined by standoff distances as a function of congested volume. Congestion volume being the volume of congestion that is calculated by considering the size (perimeter boundary and height) of the congestion.  

The following requirements apply to siting portable buildings near congested volumes from 7,500 to 1,000,000 cubic ft using figure 1:

  • Zone 1: Light wood trailers intended for occupancy shall not be located within Zone 1 under any circumstances.   All portable buildings intended for occupancy other than light wood trailers require a Detailed Analysis and may house only essential personnel.
  • Zone 2: Siting of all portable buildings intended for occupancy including light wood trailers requires a Detailed Analysis
  • Zone 3: Any portable building can normally be located in Zone 3

Figure 1 – Portable Buildings Location Guidance

Newsletter Sign-Up



1600, 503 - 3rd Street SW Calgary, AB T2P 3E6 | MAIN: 403 244-7441
FAX: 403 244-7443 | TOLL-FREE: 1 877 441-9233 | info@paramountstructuresinc.com
Calgary Web Design: Morad Media Inc. Proudly Powered by: Morweb CMS

Siting Portable Structures