API RP 752-2009 (R2020)

1.1 General This recommended practice (RP) provides guidance for managing the risk from explosions, fires and toxic material releases to on-site personnel located in new and existing buildings intended for occupancy. This RP was developed for use at refineries, petrochemical and chemical operations, natural gas liquids extraction plants, natural gas liquefaction plants, and other onshore facilities covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 [1]. Buildings covered by this RP are rigid structures intended for permanent use in fixed locations. Tents, fabric enclosures, and other soft-sided structures are outside the scope of this document.

1.2 Guiding Principles

This RP is based on the following guiding principles:

• a) locate personnel away from process areas consistent with safe and effective operations;
• b) minimize the use of buildings intended for occupancy in close proximity to process areas;
• c) manage the occupancy of buildings in close proximity to process areas;
• d) design, construct, install, modify, and maintain buildings intended for occupancy to protect occupants against explosion, fire, and toxic material releases;
• e) manage the use of buildings intended for occupancy as an integral part of the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of a facility.

1.3 Relationship with API RP 753, First Edition

Buildings described in API RP 753, Management of Hazards Associated with Location of Process Plant Portable Buildings, First Edition, June 2007, as “portable buildings specifically designed to resist significant blast loads” and intended for permanent use in a fixed location are covered in this document (API RP 752). All other portable buildings are covered by API RP 753.