When warehouse operators change the way they store materials, they may find that their existing fire sprinkler system is no longer adequate for the new setup. Warehouse storage changes involving products, storage height, or rack configuration can alter the fire hazard inside a facility. In some cases, these changes can lead to an order from the local authority to upgrade the warehouse fire sprinkler system.
NFPA 13, the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, requires sprinkler systems to account for the specific hazards present in a building. When new storage conditions exceed what the original system was designed to handle, the existing protection may no longer meet applicable code requirements or provide the fire control the facility needs.
Key Takeaways
- Warehouse storage changes can affect a facility’s overall fire hazard and sprinkler requirements.
- Rack configuration, commodity classification, and storage height can all influence sprinkler system design.
- A fire sprinkler system designed for the original storage conditions may not provide adequate protection after significant changes.
- Evaluating proposed storage changes before implementation can help warehouse operators identify potential upgrade requirements early.
How Warehouse Storage Changes Affect Rack Storage
Moving from floor-level storage to rack storage can significantly change how a fire develops and spreads. Rack configurations can allow flames and heat to travel vertically through stored materials, potentially creating a faster and more challenging fire scenario.
The type of rack system also matters. Adding solid shelves, increasing rack depth, or changing aisle configurations can affect the requirements for fire sprinkler protection. A system designed for one storage arrangement may need modifications when a warehouse adopts a different rack configuration.
How Commodity Classification Affects Warehouse Fire Protection
Not all warehouse contents present the same fire risk. NFPA 13 classifies commodities based on factors such as the materials themselves, their packaging, and how they burn.
For example, replacing lower-hazard products with plastics, expanded foam, or other materials that produce more heat can change the required sprinkler design. Even when storage heights remain the same, changing the commodities stored can increase the level of fire protection the facility needs.
This makes commodity classification an important consideration whenever warehouse operators plan to change the products stored in a facility.
How Storage Height Changes Affect Sprinkler Requirements
Increasing storage height is another common reason warehouse storage changes can trigger fire protection upgrades. The higher materials are stacked, the greater the potential for a fire to generate intense heat and spread before sprinklers can control it.
A warehouse that originally stored products at 12 feet, for example, may require a different sprinkler design after increasing storage to 20 feet. Operators should evaluate sprinkler capacity before making significant changes to storage heights rather than waiting until a fire inspection identifies a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warehouse Storage Changes
Do all warehouse storage changes require a sprinkler upgrade?
No. It depends on what changed and whether the new conditions fall within the existing sprinkler system’s design parameters. A fire protection professional can evaluate the proposed changes to determine whether modifications are necessary.
Can warehouse storage changes affect commodity classification?
Yes. Changing the materials or packaging stored in a facility can change its commodity classification. Different commodities can produce very different fire characteristics and may require a different level of sprinkler protection.
Can warehouse storage changes involving height affect sprinkler requirements?
Yes. Increasing storage height can change the fire hazard and may require a different sprinkler design. The existing fire sprinkler system should be evaluated before significantly increasing storage height.
When should I evaluate my sprinkler system for warehouse storage changes?
Ideally, evaluate the system before making significant changes to rack storage, commodities, or storage height. Early review can identify potential code or design issues before they become an inspection or compliance problem.
Need Help Evaluating Your Warehouse?
Before making significant warehouse storage changes, have your fire protection system evaluated. Fire Systems can help warehouse owners and facility managers determine whether proposed changes could affect their existing sprinkler system and what upgrades may be necessary.
Contact Fire Systems to discuss your facility and determine whether your current fire sprinkler system is designed for your new storage conditions. Visit our website or call 770-333-7979 for more information.
