Q & A of the Day - Requirements for a paint store – explosion-proof?

Question: We require a temporary paint store on our construction site. Our contractor is proposing to supply a 40ft container and modify it to suit site conditions. We have insisted that everything be explosion-proof because of the nature of the materials being stored. However as some of the paint has to be kept at a certain temperature and we are in the tropics, the contractor wants to install a normal AC unit, but as this does not meet the requirements I need a regulation to quote so that I can enforce this stand.

Can you help me please?

Answer: I can't find any specific document on paint stores - these may well have been superseded when BS EN 60079 series came out.

HSE does, however, issue some information and you may find ACOP L135 useful.

Of course, any area used for the storage of hazardous/flammable aterials/liquids (such as some paints) will need to be classified according to the materials/liquids being stored, and appropriate ventilation - whether mechanical or natural - will be required. If container is to be installed in tropics, you will need to establish whether any specific conditions exist.

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