There should be no water or steam pipes, but sufficient heat should be maintained to prevent moisture condensation due to atmospheric changes. Ventilation at a high spot in the room is desirable to vent any hydrogen that may be released by accidental contact of alkali metal with moisture. Large quantities of alkali metals are often stored outdoors in above ground tanks. Tanks used for storage should be intended for that capacity. A weatherproof enclosure should cover the tank's manholes and the free space within the tank should contain a nitrogen atmosphere under positive pressure.
Continuous monitoring is necessary to verify the integrity of the nitrogen blanket.
Therefore, a pressure monitoring device and a low-pressure alarm should be components of the storage tank. It is DOE's position that sodium metal should be stored in a manner consistent with guidelines contained in the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook.