Building design requirements for multi-hazard protection

In hazardous industrial environments, safety is no longer defined by blast resistance alone. Fires, toxic gas releases, projectiles, and extreme weather demand a new standard of protection—one that prioritizes occupant vulnerability as much as structural performance. The recent updates to API RP 752/753 reflect this shift, encouraging facility owners and operators to adopt more comprehensive approaches to building safety.

As detailed in “Building Design Requirements for Multi-Hazard Protection” by Karen R. Vilas and Thomas Mander, published in Process Safety Progress, the industry is moving toward Multi-Hazard Resistant Buildings (MRBs)—structures designed to safeguard both people and critical infrastructure against a range of threats. This approach, backed by real-world testing and case studies, emphasizes that true resilience means more than surviving a blast; it means ensuring a safe and functional environment during any critical event.

For the full peer-reviewed article, download here.
Vilas KR, Mander T. Building Design Requirements for Multi-Hazard Protection. Process Safety Progress. 2025;1–12. Copyright © 2025, American Institute of Chemical Engineers.