How to Protect Metal Shelves Inside Racks?

5/29/2023

How would you protect metal shelves that are inside single and double row racks? (photo below)

The commodity is Group A plastics, and the ceiling-level is 30-ft and has K17 at 35 psi.

Thanks in advance.

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4 Comments

Glenn Berger

5/29/2023 08:09:22 am

I would establish controls on maximum storage heights per shelf. I would also get linear heat detection in the shelving unit to provide some means of early detection. I would also investigate a video smoke detection down each aisle, if possible, as another means of early detection.

This is just my opinion on recommendations to achieve desired fire protection goals..

Franck

5/29/2023 11:58:25 am

You can’t
This is like solid shelves that would require sprinklers under each level, which is not feasible.
It is too wide to be considered as metallic shelves per NFPA 13 (not to mention that you have additional goods stored above the metallic shelves in the rack arrangement).
These shelving arrangement needs to be put out of the racks in a back to back metallic shelves arrangement (as per NFPA requirements) and keep the rack storage for… storage in racks.
Final design density from the ceiling level should then be the most demanding one between the rack storage and metallic shelf storage, depending on the height and commodity.

Jesse

5/30/2023 07:47:01 am

I've seen this before, and had the same questions when doing a risk assessment. How deep are the shelves?

Peter Howard

5/30/2023 02:36:32 pm

You build a completely solid mezzanine (that extends at least 15'-0" beyond any storage) or ideally an entire floor at the rack level.

And then you protect the back to back solid shelf storage as a separate floor.

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How to Protect Metal Shelves Inside Racks?

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