According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 1,210 fires in warehouses every year. These fires result in an annual average of $155 million in direct property damage. They also cause the death or injury of 22 individuals. Further, upon investigation, the leading causes of warehouse fires are most often found to be either arson or electrical.
Rack Fire Suppression Requirements
Many municipalities require warehouses to be equipped with wet pipe sprinkler systems. When properly installed, these systems are one of the most effective ways to reduce potential damage and deaths. However, their use must be in conjunction with correctly designed rack. That is, a system designed to permit heat to rise and water to flow through it in the most optimal manner.
Recognizing this, RMI is an active participant in the NFPA committee that creates and revises national standards specific to the safe design of sprinkler systems. RMI’s input helps support the development of better fire prevention measures in and around storage racking.
Further, to ensure the proper design and integration of a facility’s sprinkler system and racking so both work together effectively, it is critical to work with a qualified, fire protection professional. This engineer is familiar with the pertinent warehouse fire sprinkler design and building codes, including:
- NFPA 13, a design standard for the installation of sprinkler systems.
- The International Code Council (ICC) International Fire Code (IFC), regulations to safeguard life and property from fires and explosion hazards.
- FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets, providing engineering standards to reduce the potential for fires.
Key Factors in Designing a Fire Suppression System
Based on the building and its location, the professional rack designer or engineer will ascertain which rules need to be followed when developing a facility’s fire suppression system. Key factors include:
The types of items stored.
Class 1 (non-combustible on pallets, single-layered carton); Class 2 (non-combustible in wooden crates, multiple layered cartons); Class 3 (wood, paper, or natural fiber products; Group C plastics); Class 4 (Group B plastics or partial Group A plastics, including cellulosics, chlorophrene rubber, fluroplastics, natural rubber, nylon, silicone rubber); and mixed commodities. Special cases include tires, paper file storage, and movable office shelving.
The methods used to store products.
Solid or open shelving, wooden or plastic pallets, reinforced or unreinforced plastic pallets.
The maximum height of product storage.
Less than 12 feet off the ground; 25 feet off the ground or lower; higher than 25 feet off the ground.
Because adding a fire suppression system impacts rack structure design and geometry, it is important to engage an engineer who is also familiar with the products that are available. Depending on the jurisdiction, some racking accessories may be necessary. These devices create smoke and heat barriers, or keep required flue spaces open.
Learn More About Rack Fire Suppression
Want to learn more about fire suppression systems and their impact on rack? Watch the RMI presentation, “Warehouse Fire Sprinkler Codes and Impact on Storage Racks.”