Warehouses are difficult from a fire protection standpoint. Many facilities have a wide variety and classes of material goods. Their inventory frequently changes in size and scope. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the top causes of warehouse fires are:
- Arson
- Electrical equipment
- Improperly discarded smoking materials
- Exposure to fires from an adjacent property
- Heating equipment failures
These causes provide a serious challenge to warehouse managers. Even though sprinkler systems may not be legally required in some properties, they should be installed in every warehouse. Sprinkler systems combined with fire alarm systems and systems monitoring by a UL Listed Central Station are the best way to ensure that any fire remains small and can be controlled before it becomes a major catastrophe.
Many warehouses have what is known as rack storage. Rack storage presents a particularly difficult fire protection problem. The racks block traditional sprinklers from reaching the seat of the fire. To combat this, in-rack sprinkler systems are required. In-rack sprinkler systems are installed on a network of piping within the racks. In-rack sprinkler systems utilize what is known as “Early Suppression Fast Response” (ESFR) sprinklers. ESFR sprinklers have a fast response combined with high velocity to extinguish a fire. Due to the heavy combustible load, small rack storage fires can be become large fires very quickly. ESFR sprinklers are designed to prevent this.
Warehouses, Industrial buildings, and other storage facilities have many other considerations. These may include:
- Propane fuel cylinder used on LP forklifts must be properly stored and handled
- Plastic storage of warehoused materials is a high hazard and must be treated as such
- Aerosol storage is governed by a series of special codes. Depending upon the chemical composition of the aerosols and the amount stored, separation areas, fire walls and enhanced sprinklers may be required
- Hazardous materials have their own series of codes and require expert consultation from a qualified fire protection expert
- Evacuation plans are a must for any fire protection program
- Fire extinguishers must be installed in locations as required by NFPA standards. Every employee must be trained in the proper use of portable fire extinguishers
Solutions for Industrial, Warehouse and Storage Facilities
- Fire Extinguishers & Cabinets
- Fire Sprinkler Systems
- Fire Suppression Systems (FM-200, NOVEC 1230)
- CO2 Gas Suppression Systems
- Foam Suppression Systems
- Fire Alarm Systems
- Gas Detection Systems
- Air Sampling Detection Systems (VESDA)
- Industrial Explosion Suppression Systems
- Chemical Storage Suppression
- Emergency & Exit Lighting
- Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
- Water Mist Suppression
- Central Station Monitoring