Large-Scale Fire Testing-A Valuable Validation Tool for Storage Facility Protection
The design and construction of storage facilities have changed in recent years as a result of the availability of innovative concepts and configurations used to store and distribute products. The wide variety of storage systems available today is intended to provide for a safe and cost-effective means to store and move products or materials within a facility. Many storage configurations create unique and formidable challenges related to conducting a fire risk assessment and determining the appropriate fire protection design for the facilities.
To make the most efficient use of space, products and materials are being stored higher and in closer proximity to each other, which can increase the fire challenge significantly. Furthermore, to reduce labor expenses, automated storage systems are becoming increasingly popular. These systems have the ability to move and store a large quantity of products within a facility with a relatively small number of employees. Many warehouses are constructed to accommodate storage over 25 feet high, with some systems designed to store products and materials over 100 feet high.