We live in a world of acronyms and abbreviations many of which, at least in text messages, defy the author’s interpretation. A common one in pilot plant and laboratory operations is the maximum allowable quantity or MAQ. This is the maximum amount of hazardous materials that are allowed in a building by the building code. If you exceed the MAQ you are (1) unsafe and (2) likely to receive a costly public citation for violating the fire code. The fire department can, in some circumstances, require you to shut down your operations until the problem is corrected.
What is the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) of Hazardous Materials Allowed by Code in a Laboratory or Pilot Plant Area?
