What is the proper approach to classify a storage container that could be filled with any handful of miscellaneous materials?
We have a project and can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone, including the local plan reviewer. These are basically 8-foot tall steel shipping containers that are pod-type portable storage units, where people can load their belongings into them and these pods get collected inside this warehouse until the original owners need them. The existing warehouse building has a CMDA system, designed at 0.38 gpm over 2,000 sqft. Has anyone here had experience going about classifying these shielded hazards with non-defined storage inside? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
10 Comments
Paul Pinigis
1/7/2022 08:08:49 am
So, what the sprinklers will see is a metal box with a fire inside. Since the contents are any mix of household goods, I would consider it a Class IV commodity.
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Franck
1/7/2022 08:33:00 am
What you describe is part of the "grey area", where no straightforward solution exists. And is out of the scope of NFPA 13.
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Alex
1/7/2022 10:30:44 am
To add onto Franks comment regarding the limited to no fire ignition, if you have lithium batteries, ensure you have thermal runaway measures. This is off topic but key when it comes to limiting hazards.
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Dave
1/7/2022 11:15:02 am
For all we know, Schrödinger's cat could be in the box.
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Casey Milhorn
1/7/2022 02:43:04 pm
And to make it worse, the storage classification for live cats is completely different than dead ones.... Dave, you just added a whole other level of complication to his issue.... lol
NK
1/7/2022 08:52:45 am
We wound up turning down a project like, but the plan we were proposing was to establish a floor plan with predetermined layouts of the pods, paint the layout on the floor, run a dropdown system with flex drops with sprinklers located in the places where you would be able to protect the pods if they were there. You would have to drill holes for pendents or sidewalls into the pods that can be used for sprinklers while inside, but can also be plugged while the pod is being used. Most pods I've seen are metal and be protected by 2 sprinklers. It's not covered by NFPA 13 or FM Global that I am aware of so I would talk to the AHJ and propose a calculation of 1 or 2 pods flowing at a time for storage up to 18" down from the deflector. In our area this would need to be signed and sealed by an FPE as well so their input would be needed. The best bet for a tenant like this is to lease space in a building that does not require sprinklers. I'm interested in hearing the results.
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Glenn Berger
1/7/2022 08:55:59 am
Congrats - You are getting the same run-a-round that has become a standard practice. While there should be no ignition sources within the POD, AHJs do not accept this scenario.
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Jesse
1/7/2022 08:59:54 am
This has been the bane of many of our existence for a long time.
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Brian Gerdwagen FPE
1/7/2022 09:44:11 am
I have always used Factory Mutual Data Sheet 3-26 when I have had to design for something like this. "Highway trailers, trucks, boxcars, or similar metal vehicles with combustible materials with the potential for a shielded fire." It uses HC-3, 0.3/2500 if the ceiling is up to 30', and 0.5/3000 if over 30' to the roof. Last time I used this was for indoor RV storage, but it may be appropriate for your scenario if the containers are one level high.
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