Adherence to warehouse safety codes is fundamental. These codes are designed to prevent hazardous conditions that could spark a fire in the warehouse. They also ensure that system designs and suppression measures are in place to enable personnel evacuation if a fire starts. As it should be, the primary function is ensuring the safety of the people in the warehouse.
However, compliance should not be mistaken with the notion that as long as your facility is compliant and a fire starts, you have the systems to extinguish it. That responsibility falls to the firefighters. Nevertheless, additional safety products can assist firefighters, significantly reduce inventory and structural damage, and, of course, enhance the safety of your personnel.
At Trimet Storage Solutions, we aim to highlight these concepts and practices so you can ask the right questions when equipping your facility or auditing your overall warehouse safety preparedness.
Fire Safety Components
Required Compliance Features:
- Emergency Lighting: battery-operated lighting illuminates evacuation pathways.
- Means of Egress: walls, floors, doors, etc., that safeguard the exit path for personnel in an emergency.
- Fire & Smoke Alarm Systems: alert staff to evacuate amid the noise of the warehouse.
- Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems: Available in many forms, these systems must be specified based on state codes, building size and type, and stored inventory criteria.
Additional Safety Measures to Consider:
- In-rack Sprinkler Systems: The need for these should be determined by a Fire Protection Engineer.
- Fire Baffles: steel decking fixed under rack bays or along the rack to provide a fire/heat barrier, helpful in focusing heat for effective sprinkler use.
- Suppression Systems: help slow down the fire’s progression; the type of system must be matched to the individual facility.
- Clear Signage: Exits, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers should be well-marked and easily located.
- Regular Safety Drills: Ensure personnel are familiar with evacuation paths and alternatives, how to use fire extinguishers, and how to report a fire.
- Inventory Changes: The flammability of the inventory directly impacts risk levels. Safety measures must be updated for new inventory that could increase fire hazards.
The funds invested in additional prevention, detection, and suppression measures directly impact safety. Most importantly, they protect your personnel. They also help avoid costly damage if a fire occurs in your facility.
The team at Trimet Storage Solutions is here to guide you through the process and ensure all code regulations relating to your facility and inventory are met. We can also recommend any additional components that best fit your needs. Contact us today!Â
To learn more about Alberta’s fire codes, check this link.
