The indoor and outdoor storage of dangerous goods must comply with the regulations set out in PGS 15. PGS 15 contains the principles, applicable from the Environmental Management Act and the Working Conditions Act, for the storage of dangerous goods. The structure of PGS 15 aligns with the Building Decree by considering a storage area as a fire compartment. Because a fire compartment cannot be tested in its entirety in a furnace, PGS 15 is based on an assessment of the constituent certified building components. PGS 15 is a guideline. Therefore, the competent authority may depart from the PGS 15 guideline with a reasoned justification.
ADR classifications
The classification of hazardous substances is internationally laid down in the European agreement ADR. PGS 15 uses this ADR classification and also includes CMR substances using the same methodology. However, ADR categories 1 (explosives), 7 (radioactive substances) and most infectious substances (ADR 6.2) fall outside the scope of PGS 15.
WBDBO 60
In accordance with NEN 6068, a fire compartment must guarantee a fire resistance rating (WBDBO - Resistance to Fire Spread and External Fire Spread) of at least 60 minutes. This WBDBO of 60 minutes applies to fire loads from inside to outside as well as from outside to inside. For indoor storage, this WBDBO of 60 minutes must be achieved by using fire-resistant materials. For outdoor storage, the WBDBO of 60 minutes can also be achieved with fire-resistant materials, but alternatively by maintaining a distance from buildings and property boundaries.
PGS 15 brandcompartiments
In the event of fire, fire compartment doors must close automatically. The self-closing doors must also be EI-1-60 certified. This certificate indicates that, under fire load in accordance with NEN 6069, the door construction will remain fire-resistant for at least 60 minutes and that the average temperature on the non-fire side will not rise above 140°C. The automatic closing of the doors can be achieved by using fusible links that melt in case of fire or by electromagnetic locks connected to the fire alarm control panel.
If liquids are stored in a fire compartment, there must be a containment system for leaked or spilled liquids. The containment system must have a capacity of 10% of the total volume stored in the storage area or, if greater, 110% of the largest container present in the storage area.
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