Guidelines for Facility Siting and Layout

by Center for Chemical Process Safety

Copyright 2003 American Institute of Chemical Engineers

Appendix A. Typical Spacing Tables

The following comments should be applied to the Tables contained in Appendix A.

NA = Not applicable. No measurable distance is appropriate.
NM = No minimum spacing requirement has been established for reasons of fire protection. Use engineering judgment for spacing and
provide access for fire fighting and maintenance.
S = Spacing is based on security needs and not on fire, explosion, or
toxic concerns.

CAUTION:
1. Tables A through include typical spacing values. Explanatory text
is included in Chapters 5 and 6.
2. The typical spacing distances cited in Tables A through are based
on potential fire consequences (explosions and toxic concerns may
require greater spacing). Variations in spacing may be warranted
based on site-specific hazards and risks. Distances may be reduced
or increased based on risk analysis or when additional layers of protection are implemented (such as: fire protection or emergency shutdown systems).
3. These tables are not applicable to enclosed process units.
Miscellaneous typical spacing values are included in Table E.

NOTES:
1. Distances are measured horizontally.
2. Typical horizontal distances between buildings, process equipment,
and property lines are shown and apply to the closest edge to closest
edge dimensions.
3. Where unusual conditions require closer spacing, appropriate risk
reduction measures should be considered.
139

CCPS Grtdemw for Facility Sillne ami Uyoul

AooendfcA

1. Tables A trirough include typical spacing values. Explanatory text is included in Chapters 5 and 6.
2. The typice) spacing distances cited in Tables A through are based on potentialfireconsequences (explosions, tonic end security concerns may require greater spacing). Variations in spacing may be warranted based on site-specific
hazards and risks. Distances may be reduced or increased based onriskanalysis or when additional layers of protection ere Implemented (such as: tire protect ion or emergency shutdown systems).
3. This table is noiappHcabie to enclosed process urrils.
NOTES;
1. Distances are measured horizontally
2. Typical horizontal distances between buddings, process equipment and property lines ere shown and apply to the dosest edge to closest edge dimensions.
3. Where unusual conditions require closer spacing, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered

CAUTION:

l = ^applicable.
MM = No minimum spacing requirement has beef established tor reasons offireprotection. Use engineering judgement for spacing and provide access for fire lighting end maintenance.

TabieA
TYPICAL SPACING FOR PLANT EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE CONSEQUENCES
Explosion & Toxic concerns mayrequiregreater spacing
Horizontal Distance (Ft)

CCPS Guttetnes kr Fac*ty Srtng and Layout

NA

NA

6.8.6

6.8.6

6.8.6

EiOiangcrs (< autoignilion or non soil Sensing)

Eichangers (> autoignilion or see-igniong)

Fvm Heaters

NM

81

NM
61

IS

76

61

NM

NM

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

1S

15

15

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

IS

15

15

15

15

15

15

16

15

15

1S

15

15

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

s
t

fI

IS

76

61

15

30

30

NM

15

76

61

15

30

30

NM

NM

78

61

30

15

76

61

30

30

30

30

30

IS

30

30

NM

30

30

ao

15

76

46

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

IS

NM

2. Typical horizontal distances between buildings, process equipment and property lines are shown and apply to the closest edge to closest edge dimensions.

3. Where unusual conditions require closer spacing, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered

76

61

15

NM

15

15

78

61

IS

IS

15

NM

15

76

61

NM

15

76

61

NM

NM

15

15

15

3
NM

I f1
1

51

-s

e
a

61

61

16

NM

15

Is

MM

|
|

NM

NM

NM

I I
1 I fI
1 f
i I 1
|
I 1i 11I
1 1i i f|
11I
I
t

1
s

&

| 1 I
i I

1
1
1
I
I
s

NA = Not applicable.
NM - No minimum spacing requirement has been established for reasons of fire protection. Use engineering judgement for spacing and provide access for firefightingand maintenance.
CAUTION:
1. Tables A through include typical spacing values. Explanatory text is included in Chapters 5 arid 6.
2. The typical spacing distances cited in Tables A through are based on potential fire consequences (explosions, toxic, and security concerns may require greater spacing). Variations in si
hazards and risks. Distances may be reduced or increased based onriskanalysis or when additional layers of protection are implemented (such as: fire protection or emergency shutdown sy
3. This table is not applicable lo enclosed process units.
NOTES;
1. Distances are measured horizontally

6.6.18

Process Piperacks

15

30

NM

107

76

NM

5.8.8

5.8.8

15

61
61

15

81

61

61

61

30

61

61

61

61

NM

NM

15

16

15

15

16

15

15

15

IS

15

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM
NM

NM

| 1
I

61

61

Main Piperaeks (piping not axsociatM Mm unit)

Central Loading Recta 'or Trucks and Rail Cars

[encept LFG1
Any Liquified Flemmacte Gas Loadng Racks
(Trucks and Rail Cars)

61
61

NA

61

61

61

61

30

30

61

61

61

NM

NM

NA

NA

5.8.8

6.8.11
5.8.5
6.8.11

Pumps handing Flammables autoignrBon or

seH-igniting
Pumps handling Flarrenabies < aumignitKni or
non setf-toitino

Transfer Equipment

8.6.10

Gas Compressor. Exoendeis

Rotatktg Equipment

30

5.5.6

NA

30

NA

5.5

Air coMed neat exchangers process

Boders, Air Compressors. Power Generation

lUUKyAreat
Cooimg Towers

6.8.7

NA

Towers, Drums. Knock Out Pots. Ov*te Smrage 6.8.3

6.8.5
Tar**

Heal Transfer Equipment

NA

NA

15

NM

NM

61

NM

NM

NM

15

6.8.4

Reectors and Desaters

Equip handling non flanimMfe, non combustible.

6.9.2

6.8.14

Water Spray 8 ESD Activation Switches

Process Vessel

66.16

Hydrants. Monitors

FTO Pumps

ESO Vatves - Manual

6.815

61

5.2.5

Emergency

30

I
il

S.7.3
6.8.1

Process Ural Battery LinWS

Boundarie*

Text
References

Copynghl 2O03. ACHE

May KK be reproduced wlTKmt permiseion

Table A (metric)
TYPICAL S P A C I N G F O R P L A N T E Q U I P M E N T FOR FIRE C O N S E Q U E N C E S
Explosion & Toxic concerns may require greater spacing
Horizontal Distance (m)

June 9, 2003

5.2.5

5.2.5

5.2.5

5.7.3
6.8.1

5.5

5.8.2

6.8.15

Property Boundry or Adjacent

Industry

Public Access Rgiht of Way

(road, rail lines, partes)

Off-site populations: housing,

offices

Process Area battery limits

(excepting portabie containers
related to the process)

Utility Battery Limits (excepting

portable containers related to
the utility)

Fire water pumps (excepting the

fuel source for the pump)

ESD and mitigation system

activation points (activation point
must be outside of tank diked
area.)

Text Reference

Text
References

Horizontal Distance (Ft)

50

50

25

25

50

50

25

50

200

100

100

250

100

100

50

200

100

100

500

200

200

5.9 and 6.8.20

Atmospheric
Atmospheric and
and Low
Atmospheric
Low Pressure
Pressure
Storage (boil
Storage (non-boil Storage (nonover
over) less than
boil-over)
potential)
10,000 gals
greater than
10.000 gals

Explosion and toxic concerns may require greater spacing

50

250

250

250

350

250

200

Pressurized
Storage

50

200

100

100

250

250

200

Refrigerated
Flammable
Storage

50

100

25

25

25

10

10

Pressuized
flammable gases
(e.g. LPG and
LFG) < 500 lbs
total storage

50

200

50

50

100

50

50

5.8.14

Pressuized
flammable gases
(e.g. LPG and
LFG) 500 lbs to 1
ton total storage

Portable Containers

50

200

100

100

250

100

100

Pressuized
flammable gases
(e.g. LPG and
LFG) 1 to 5 ton
total storage *

TYPICAL FLAMMABLE A N D COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS A N D LIQUIFIED FLAMMABLE G A S E S T A N K

SPACING T O OTHER A R E A S A N D EQUIPMENT FOR FIRE CONSEQUENCES

Table

area.)

must be outside of tank diked

activation points (activation point

6.8.15

5.8.2

Fire water pumps (excepting the

fuel source for the pump)

ESD and mitigation system

5.5

6.8.1

5.7.3

5.2.5

5.2.5

5.2.5

Utility Battery Limits (excepting

portable containers related to the
utility)

Process Area battery limits

(excepting portable containers
related to the process)

Off-site populations: housing,

offices

(road, rail lines, parks)

Public Access Rgiht of Way

Industry

Property Boundry or Adjacent

Text Reference

Text
References

Horizontal Distance m)

15

15

15

15

15

61

30

30

76

30

30

Atmospheric
Storage (boil
over potential)

15

61

30

30

152

61

61

5 9 and 6.8.20

Atmospheric and Atmospheric and

Low Pressure
Low Pressure
Storage (non- boil- Storage (non-boilover) greater than
over) less than
37,854 L
37,854 L

Explosion and toxic concerns may require greater spacing

15

76

76

76

107

76

61

Pressurized
Storage

15

61

30

30

76

76

61

Refrigerated
Flammable
Storage

Portable Containers

15

30

15

61

15

15

30

15

15

5.8.14

15

61

30

30

76

30

30

Pressurized
Pressurized
Pressurized
flammable gases
flammable gases
flammable gases
(e.g. LPG and
(e.g. LPG and LFG)
(e.g. LPG and
LFG) 227 kg to
907 kg to 4535 kg
LFG) < 227 kg
907 kg total
total storage *
total storage
storage

S P A C I N G T O O T H E R A R E A S A N D E Q U I P M E N T F O R FIRE C O N S E Q U E N C E S

T Y P I C A L F L A M M A B L E A N D C O M B U S T I B L E LIQUIDS A N D LIQUIFIED F L A M M A B L E G A S E S T A N K

Table (metric)

145

Appendix A. Typical Spacing Tables

Table C

TYPICAL TANK TO TANK SPACING FOR FIRE CONSEQUENCES

Explosion and toxic concerns may require greater spacing
D = Diameter (larger of two tanks); Horizontal Distances (Ft)

0.5 D

FLOATING Roof Tanks

(10,000 to 300.000 bbl)

5.9

1 xD

1xD

1 xD

CONE Roof Tanks. Inerted Class I

prod. (10.000 to 300,000 bbl)

5.9

1 xD

1 xD

1 xD

1 xD

CONE Roof Tanks, Class II & III

Product (10,000 to 300,000 bbl)

5.9

0.5 D

0.5 D

1 xD

1xD

0.5 D

FLOATING & CONE Roof Tanks

(>300.000)

5.9

1 XD

1 xD

1 XD

1 xD

1 xD

1 (D

Low Pressure Storage (up to 15 PSIG)

< 10,000 gals

5.9

1 XD
50' min

1 xD
50' min

1xD
50' min

1 xD
50' min

1 xD
50' min

1 xD
50' min

1 xD
10' min

Low Pressure Storage (up to 15 PSIG) > 10,000 gals

Low Pressure Storage (up to 15 PSIG)

> 10,000 gals

5.9

1.5x0
1.5 D
100'min 100'min

1.5 x D
1.5x0
1.5 I D
100' min 100' min 100' min

2XD

1 xD
50' min

1 xD
50' min

High Pressure Storage (Bullet.

Spheres)

5.9

2KD
2xD
2xD
2xD
2x0
100' min 100' min 100' min 100' min 100' min

2XD

2xD
2xD
100" min 100' min

Refrigerated Dome Roof Storage

Tanks

5.9

2xD
2xD
100' min 100'min

2XD

1 xD
2xD
1 xD
2xD
100'min 100' min 100' min 100' min

2xD
2xD
2xD
100' min 100' min 100' min

1 xD

Refrigerated Dome Roof Storage Tanks

0.5 x D

High Pressure Storage (Bullet, Spheres)

5.9

Low Pressure Storage (up to 15 PSIG) < 10,000 gals

FLOATING & CONE Roof Tanks

(3,000 (010,000 bbl)

FLOATING & CONE Roof Tanks (>300.000)

0,5 x D

CONE Roof Tanks. Inerted Class I prod. (10,000 to

300,000 bbl)

5.9

FLOATING Roof Tanks (10,000 to 300,000

bbl)

FLOATING 8 CONE Roof Tanks (<

3,000 bbl)

FLOATING 8 CONE Roof Tanks

(3,000 to10,000 bbl)

Text
References

FLOATING 8 CONE Roof

Tanks (< 3.000 bbl)

CONE Roof Tanks. Class II & III Product (10,000 to 300,000

bbl)

Extracted from IRI IM.2.5.2

* Cone Roof Tanks, not inerted, containing class 1 materialssee text

CAUTION:
1 Tables A through include typical spacing values. Explanatory text is included in Chapters 5 and 6.
2. The typical spacing distances cited in Tables A through are based on potential fire consequences (explosions, toxic, and security concerns may require grea
spacing). Variations in spacing may be warranted based on site-specific hazards andrisks.Distances may be reduced or increased based on risk analysis or when
additional layers of protection are implemented (such as: fire protection or emergency shutdown systems).
3. This table is not applicable to enclosed process units,
NOTES:
1. Distances are measured horizontally
2. Typical horizontal distances between buildings, process equipment and property lines are shown and apply to the closest edge to closest edge dimensions.
3. Where unusual conditions require closer spacing, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered

Guidelines for Facility Siting and Layout

146

Table C (metric)
TYPICAL TANK TO TANK SPACING FOR FIRE CONSEQUENCES
Explosion and toxic concerns may require greater spacing
D = Diameter (larger of two tanks); Horizontal Distances (m)
Extracted from IRI IM.2.5.2

8?

oo" r-

Text
References
FLOATING & CONE Roof
Tanks (< 477 m )
3

FLOATING & CONE Roof

Tanks (477 to 1,590 m )
3

FLOATING Roof Tanks

(1.590 to47,696m )
3

CONE Roof Tanks, Inerted

|Class I prod. (1,590 to 47,69
CONE Roof Tanks, Class II &
III Product (1,590to47,696
m)
3

FLOATING & CONE Roof

iTanks (>47.696 m )
3

lLow Pressure Storage (up to

1 atm) < 38 rr?

1 xD
1 xD
1xD
1 xD
1xD
1 xD
15 m min 15 m min 15 m min 15 m min 15 m min 15 m min

1 xD
3 m min

Low Pressure Storage (up to

1 atm)>38nf

1.5 D
1.5 x D
1.5xD
1.5 x D
1.5 x D
30 m min 30 m min 30 m min 30 m min 30 m min

1 XD
1 xD
15 m min 15 m min

High Pressure Storage

!(Bullet, Spheres)

2xD
2xD
2xD
2xD
2D
30 m min 30 m min 30 m min 30 m min 30 m min

| Refrigerated Dome Roof

iStorage Tanks

S.9

2xD
2xD
2xD
2xD
2xD
30 m min 30 m min 30 m min 30 m min 30 m min

2XD

2xD
2xD
30 m min 30 m min
2XD

2 xD
1 xD
2xD
1 xD
30 m min 30 m min 30 m min 30 m min

* Cone Roof Tanks, not inerted, containing class 1 materials - see text
CAUTION:
1. Tables A through include typical spacing values. Explanatory text is included in Chapters 5 and 6.
2. The typical spacing distances cited in Tables A through are based on potential fire consequences (explosions, toxic, and security concerns may require greater
spacing). Variations in spacing may be warranted based on site-specific hazards and risks. Distances may be reduced or increased based on risk analysis or when
additional layers of protection are implemented (such as: fire protection or emergency shutdown systems).
3. This table is not applicable to enclosed process units.
NOTES:
1.
2.

Distances are measured horizontally

Typical horizontal distances between buildings, process equipment and property lines are shown and apply to the closest edge to closest edge dimensions.

3.

Where unusual conditions require closer spacing, appropriate risk reduction measures should be considered

100
100

50

50

NM

5.6.3
6.8.21

5.6.3
6.8.21

5.10.1

5.10.1

5.10.1

5.6.5

5.6.5

Substation, Motor Control

More Than One Unit

Substation, Motor Control

One Unit

Control RoomMain

Control Room
More Than One Unit

Control Room
One Unit

Satellite Instrument Mouse

More Than One Unit

Satellite Instrument House

One Unit

NM

NM

NM

NM

ioo

100

100

100

100

NM

50

5.6.2

Substation, Motor ControlMain

100

NM

5.8.2

100

NM

Fire Station, Medical, Emergency

Command Center

5.5

Utilities

5.2.5

Property
Boundary

5.103

Text
Reference

Office, Lab, Maintenance, Warehouse

Text Reference

On-Site Building
(refer to Section 5-9)

50

100

50

100

200

50

50

200

200

10

30

10

30

100

10

25

100

100

100

5.8.6

5.7.3
6.8.1
200

Main Pipe
Racks

Process
Equipment

10

100

10

100

100

10

25

100

100

100

6.8.19

Process
Unit Pipe
Racks

50

100

50

100

100

50

250

250

250

250

250

250

250

250

100
100

250

250

5.9 and 6.8.20

Atmospheric &
Low Pressure
Flammable and
Combustible
Storage Tanks
(up to 15 PSIG)
>10,000gals

100

50

Atmospheric & Low

Pressure
Flammable &
Combustible
Storage Tanks (up
to 15 PSIG)
<10,000gals

Table D
TYPICAL SPACING REQUIREMENTS FOR ON-SITE BUILDINGS FOR FIRE CONSEQUENCES
Caution: Explosion and toxic concerns may require greater spacing (refer to Section 5.9)
Horizontal Distances (Ft)

250

350

250

350

35

250

250

35

350

35

200

200

200

200

200

200

200

5.8.8

250

350

250

350

250

250

350

5.88

Any LPG and

Any Loading LFG Loading
High
and
Pressure and Unloading
Unloading
Flammable Racks(nonRacks
and
LFG)
LPG
Storage

15

15

15

5.6.2

5.6.3
6.8.21

5.6.3
6.8.21

5.10.1

5.10.1

5.10.1

5.6.5

5.6.5

Substation, Motor ControlMain

Substation, Motor Control

More than One Unit

Substation, Motor Control

One Unit

Control Room
Main

Control Room
More than One Unit

Control Room
One Unit

Satellite Instrument House

More than One Unit

Satellite Instrument House

One Unit

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

NM

5.8.2

Fire Station, Medical,

Emergency Command Center

NM

5.2.5

Property
Boundary

5.10.3

Text
Reference

Office, Lab, Maintenance,

Warehouse

Text Reference

On-Site Building
(refer to Section 5.9)

Horizontal Distances (m

30

30

30

30

30

30

30

NM

30

30

5.5

Utilities

15

30

15

30

61

15

15

61

61

30

30

30

30

5.8.6

5.7.3
6.8.1
61

Main Pipe
Racks

Process
Equipment

30

30

30

30

30

30

6.8.19

Process
Unit Pipe
Racks
3

15

30

15

30

30

15

30

30

30

15

Atmospheric &
Low Pressure
Flammable &
Combustible
Storage Tanks
(up to 1 aim)
<38 m

Explosion and toxic con cerns may require greater spacing (refer to Section 5.9)

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

76

5.9 and 6.8.20

Atmospheric &
Low Pressure
Flammable and
Combustible
Storage Tanks
(up to 1 atm)
>38m

76

107

76

107

107

76

76

107

107

107

High
Pressure
Flammable
Storage

TYPICAL SPACING R EQUIREMENTS FOR ON-SITE BUILDINGS FOR FIRE CONSEQUENCES

Table D (metric)

61

61

61

61

61

61

61

61

61

61

5.8.8

76

107

76

107

107

76

76

107

107

107

5.8.8

Any Loading Any LPG and

and Unloading LFG Loading
Racks (non- and Unloading
LPG and LFG)
Racks

Table
M I S C E L L A N E O U S T Y P I C A L S P A C I N G DISTANCES F O R FIRE
CONSEQUENCES
Explosion and toxic concerns may require greater spacing
Horizontal Distances (Ft)
Spacing From

To

Process-unit battery limit

On-site unrestricted roadway

Emergency shutdown valve, manually

operated

Edge of a potential pool fire involving the

equipment the valve is isolating
Equipment handling flammables,
continuous ignition sources
Process Unit Battery Limits

Wastewater separators
Multi-unit blowdown drums

All other facilities

Transfer pumps, OSBL, handling
flammable and combustible liquids
Off-property main railway
On-property main railway
On-property railway loading or platform
On-property railway spur

Minimum
Distances
50
50
100
100
200

Unit Substation

50

Main Substation
Equipment and storage tanks handling
flammables
Equipment and storage tanks handling
flammables
Equipment and storage tanks handling
flammables
Equipment and on-site storage tanks
handling flammables

200
200
100
100
25

Off-site storage tanks handling flammables

100

Wharves handling flammable liquids

Equipment handling flammables

200

Continuous sources of ignition

250

Wharves handling LPG and LFG

Cooling Tower (large, multi-cell,
combustible)

All other facilities

Office, Lab, Emergency Center, Main
Substation, Main Control Room
Warehouse, Single or Mulit-Unit
Substation, Control Room, or SIH

250

Unit Substations

Process equipment handling Flammables

50

Electrical switch racks supporting

shutdown or emergency functions

Equipment handling hydrocarbons

20

Fired heaters or gas compressors

50

Elevated and Grade level flares and burn

pits (if calculations are not used to
determine the radiation levels)

200
50

Enclosed ground flares

Fire training areas
Atmospheric storage tanks within process
unit battery limits

All other facilities

500

Property line, equipment handling

flammables
All other facilities

200

Equipment handling flammables

Adjacent unit equipment containing

Satellite Instrument House - Blast resistant
flammables
Equipment in the same unit that contains
Satellite Instrument House
flammables
Operator Shelter
Equipment handling flammables

100

30
50
50
50

Spacing From

To

One process unit accessway

Another accessway

Fire hydrants protecting process units

Fire hydrants in tank farms

Another fire hydrant

Maximum
Distances
200
200

Another fire hydrant

200

Firewater Monitors

Fire risk area

50

Table (metric)
MISCELLANEOUS T Y P I C A L S P A C I N G D I S T A N C E S F O R
FIRE CONSEQUENCES
Explosion and toxic concerns may require greater spacing
Horizontal Distances (m)
Spacing From

To

Minimum
Distances

Process-unit battery limit

On-site unrestricted roadway

15

Emergency shutdown valve, manually

operated

Edge of a potential pool fire involving the

equipment the valve is isolating

15

Wastewater separators

Equipment handling flammables,

continuous ignition sources

30

Multi-unit blowdown drums

Transfer pumps, OSBL, handling
flammable and combustible liquids

Off-property main railway

On-property main railway
On-property railway loading or platform
On-property railway spur

Wharves handling flammable liquids

Process Unit Battery Limits

30

All other facilities

61

Unit Substation

15

Main Substation

61

Equipment and storage tanks handling

flammables
Equipment and storage tanks handling
flammables
Equipment and storage tanks handling
flammables
Equipment and on-site storage tanks
handling flammables
Off-site storage tanks handling
flammables
Equipment handling flammables

61
30
30
8
30
61

Continuous sources of ignition

76

All other facilities

76

Office, Lab, Emergency Center, Main

Substation, Main Control Room

61

Warehouse, Single or Mulit-Unit

Substation, Control Room, or SIH

15

Unit Substations

Process equipment handling Flammables

15

Electrical switch racks supporting

shutdown or emergency functions

Equipment handling hydrocarbons

Fired heaters or gas compressors

15

Wharves handling LPG and LFG

Cooling Tower (large, multi-cell,
combustible)

Elevated and Grade level flares and burn

pits (if calculations are not used to
All other facilities
determine the radiation levels)

152

Enclosed ground flares

Property line, equipment handling

flammables

30

Fire training areas

All other facilities

61

Atmospheric storage tanks within process

Equipment handling flammables
unit battery limits
Adjacent unit equipment containing
Satellite Instrument HouseBlast
Resistant
flammables
Equipment in the same unit that contains
Satellite Instrument House
flammables

15

Operator Shelter

Equipment handling flammables

15

Spacing From

To

15

One process unit accessway

Another accessway

Maximum
Distances
61

Fire hydrants protecting process units

Another fire hydrant

61

Fire hydrants in tank farms

Another fire hydrant

61

Firewater Monitors

Fire risk area

15