Fire Considerations in High-Rack Storage

Baled materials such as scrap paper or paper pulp can be deadly. Six firefighters died when piles of tissues that had soaked up sprinkler water collapsed. Some stored materials are packed with combustible strapping so that the bundles will collapse in a fire and aid in extinguishing the fire by smothering. Additional contents of high-racking storage could include flammables, flammable plastics, aerosols, and toxic chemicals. 

Ensure that fire hoses are not blocked in the warehouse. 

Fire protection in warehouses is a necessity. Data show that there are many warehouse fires each year that cost many millions of dollars. These losses do not have to occur if fire safety is taken seriously by management. 

Fire systems have to be properly designed by professionals, installation of fire systems must be completed according to NFPA codes, and storage and handling of flammables and combustibles must be given the proper attention. Emergency planning, facility inspection, and an adherence to OSHA codes and practices will help to protect the property. 

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