Pipeline valve shelters & Building code

[NunavutEng]

Hello everyone.

Quick question - are valve shelters along a pipeline usually subject to building code requirements with Fire Exits, panic bars, all that fun architectural stuff?

I have a project where we have prefab shipping containers with valves, vacuum breakers, etc. and I'm wondering if there's some precedents for those kind of service "buildings" along a pipeline. Ideally I would like to just put a door on my C-Can and call it there.

Thanks, cheers.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

From International Building Code 2015 Definitions,

BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

I would think that fits your application, if the IBC is enforced in your area.

 

[LittleInch]

Quick question? Why have got a shelter?

What's in the pipeline?

But if its a place of work or open to the public (seems unlikely) then yes.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[NunavutEng]

Thanks for the feedback.

The purpose of the shelters is to include some degree of sabotage/tampering protection. Also to protect the mechanical equipment/pig launchers during blizzards. Those shelters would be vacant during the winter and accessed during the start up of the line each year and the pigging operation in the end of summer. Maybe accessed a couple of time during the operational period for maintenance follow-ups as well, but nothing more.

There's no power line so no power is available in the shelters.

It's a water pipeline discharging to sea. Slightly saline, about the same as the discharge point within decimal percentage points.

 

[1503-44]

It would seem that you must consider OSHA requirements. Will you ever do welding, blow torches or anything that might be considered hazardous inside, not only operating, but when doing maintenance or repairs? Is the pipeline operated at high pressure? If so, you may need two exit points.



Einstein gave the same test to students every year. When asked why he would do something like that, "Because the answers had changed."

 

[NunavutEng]

No hot work in those shipping containers. Also the simplest models are 20' shipping containers with pipes going through the long side.

It's akin to entering a shed or a mechanical room - even if I wanted to add more exits there's literally no path other than the way you came from, 5 to 10' behind you.

Operating pressure is not very high, around 100 psi.

 

[FacEngrPE]

If this situation is exempt it is likely a provision buried in the state / local law covering appurtenances to utility pipelines.